Grande Centre Point Terminal 21

From the outside, the hotel is urban and modern, and makes use of plenty of triangular and rectangular sheets of glass that reflect the sun and add to the modern and futuristic feel of the property. Thailand's pink taxis whizz past the glass front in a blur, and guests can watch the mayhem from the comfort and calm of the lobby. The lobby is well-lit during the day and is more sultry and atmospheric at night. It’s decorated by mixtures of local and western artifacts and designs, and has a huge oval-shaped modern chandelier hanging from the heigh ceilings and an oval rug underneath The color scheme is muted, with grays and a light pink glow coming from the lights. Guests are struck not only by the sheer size of the hotel but also by the elegance of it, too. It feels glamorous without being gaudy or unnecessarily flash. Chairs are velvet and soft, and the walls are a cool marble, which is welcome in the stickier months. Outside, gardens are well-maintained and have manicured lawns and wooden Japanese-style gazebos.

The hotel sits right in the middle of the BST sky train and the MRT metro station, so guests have fast and direct access to all the best landmarks and tourist attractions of Bangkok, such as Siam Paragon, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho.

For those travelers who have come to Bangkok to do some shopping, the Terminal 21 shopping mall that is attached to the hotel is enormous and themes its floors on different parts of the world, so you can find yourself in a maze of shops in Tokyo City one minute and saunter down London’s Carnaby Street the next. 

Although the property is in the center of the city, getting around is quite simple. Taxi services are available 24/7 and every taxi driver in the city knows where Grande Centre Point Hotel is. Make sure you flag down one with a meter -- otherwise you'll end up paying more. Coming from the airport or train station is relatively easy, especially if guests use the Airport link and MRT. 

The infamous Khao San Road is a 30-minute bus ride away, and is where all the backpackers hang out coming in and out of Bangkok. It's worth visiting for its cheap souvenir stalls and bars. For foodies, Sukhumvit Soi 38 is 30 minutes away on the sky train, and has every local delicacy you could hope to try in one bustling night market. For culture vultures, The Grand Palace is a must-see and takes about 30 minutes to reach by bus. Crammed with glittering temples that shine in the sun, it is a breathtaking sight.

Rooms are smart and contemporary, and flooded with natural light, thanks to the huge glass walls that also provide panoramic views of the city (or lake -- depending on which you get). The rooms are generally spacious, and apartment-like one-bedroom units have added square footage. Minimalist and futuristic, they have air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, and bathrooms with separate tubs for soaking. The open-plan layout is impressive and the modern bathrooms include electronic Japanese toilets that dry the seats and self-wash. Toiletries are from the luxury Aigner brand. 

Each room layout feels spacious and open, with every inch being utilized for some practical purpose. Suites have amenities such as kitchenettes, cutlery, and microwaves. Other perks include four free bottles of mineral water. Separate living and working areas in these rooms make them ideal settings for families. Furnishings are modern and muted. If you want to have a little privacy or avoid the sunlight, electric curtains cover the glass windows.

The large outdoor infinity swimming pool has a panoramic view of Asoke Montri Road and sun loungers that are built into the pool, so guests can soak up the sun whilst cooling off. There is also a smaller circular pool for kids. The restaurants are definitely a must-try here. Bluespice has one of the best buffets in the city, while the Executive Lounge has a delicious breakfast and tea time spread -- but it can get pricey. For relaxation, Lets Relax Spa offers brilliant Thai massages and foot rubs, with imported spa products from Israel's Dead Sea. The Executive club, entertainment room, putting green, and tennis courts are nice perks as well, but some are only available to corporate travelers and visitors on extended stays.

The fully-equipped fitness centre has a comprehensive exercise area including Star Trac cardiovascular machines and free weights. The gym has three distinctive sections. The first is the cardio section, where guests and members can burn off unwanted pounds with state-of-the-art cardio machines, while also being entertained by individual TV monitors. The middle section is reserved exclusively for specific body-part training, and the final area is the free-weight zone. The whole area is spacious so guests don’t feel elbowed-in, even during peak hours. The hotel also provides group classes in the yoga room.

The Entertainment room features a 70-inch home theater -- but some guests may be put off by the "padded cell" feel to the room. Alternatively, guests can borrow DVDs to watch in the comfort of their own rooms. The children's room is a good place for tots to play. It is fully stocked with toys and a TV with learning materials. The hotel also provides two tennis courts and racquets for their guests.