Hansar Bangkok Hotel

The hotel makes a singular first impression right away with its polished stone entryway lined by artfully patterned landscaped walls. That effect is only enhanced upon entering the stone and teak lobby, lined with its floor-to-ceiling windows -- and boy, does that ceiling soar. Comfortable, contemporary gray couches sit near a window and surround an oval table topped with bright tropical flowers, all below a massive dragon-like abstract tapestry affixed to the wall. Rouge Bar opens off of the lobby with gray, black, and light wood decor along with plenty of similarly styled seating and a grand piano -- the space frequently hosts live music and has DJs. The front desk is up a set of teak stairs and is warmly lit, with an extremely comfortable business center down the hall. The chic yet welcoming ambience extends to on-site Eve restaurant, which draws locals and hotel guests with its seasonal tasting menus. The space is whimsical and sexy at the same time, combining purple chairs with glittering sculptures dangling from the ceiling, as well as a deck lined with chevron-patterned rattan chairs. Guests here include business travelers, couples, and families.

Nestled among the
towering high-rises of Bangkok’s ritzy Chidlom-Ploenchit, Hansar Bangkok’s
neighbors include the St. Regis Bangkok and plenty of upscale shops and
residences. Central World, one of the world’s largest shopping malls, is just
10 minutes away on foot, while the designer stores at Siam Paragon and Siam
Center are a 15-minute walk from the hotel. The Ratchadamri Skytrain station is
one minute from the hotel and provides access to far-flung areas around the
city, like Chatuchak Weekend Market, 35 minutes away. The vibrant and sometimes
notorious nightlife of Soi Nana and Lower Sukhumvit are only 15 to 20 minutes away by
taxi or skytrain. Trips to Suvarnabhumi Airport take just over
an hour using the skytrain and Airport Rail Link, while a taxi can take 30 to 50
minutes.

Guest rooms are warm and inviting while maintaining the hotel’s overall contemporary elegance. Green-striped rugs provide a cool accent against the warm teak wood floors, while light green silk wall panels give the rooms an understated tropical vibe. Each room is large and includes at least one contemporary sofa or love seat, mini-fridge with limited free minibar options, safe, granite-topped desk, large plasma-screen TV, fresh fruit, and free bottled water; all except Studios have iPod docks. King-size beds are excellent, with duvets, brown silk bed runners, and hand-beaded headboards. Studios, the smallest options, have separate office and seating areas, and full kitchens with granite countertops and washer/dryers; some have balconies. Some Urban and Edge Suites have balconies or terraces and views of a lovely park; each has an interior green wall with tropical plants. Edge Suites have separate offices with large, granite-topped desks. The Vertigo Suite is huge and carved into several different rooms, the most notable being the cantilevered bedroom with windows on three sides. All bathrooms are large, with sleek white granite floors and vanities, teak accents and shelving, and Terrazzo bathtubs with separate standing showers.

The hotel has three venues for eating and drinking, though sadly none offer the rooftop views available at many hotels across the city. Eve restaurant serves excellent French Mediterranean dinners and tasting menus with an emphasis on seasonal cooking. Rouge bar in the lobby has an intimate atmosphere with an extensive cocktail list and an evening menu blending Thai and European flavors. Casual Cafe Boca offers Thai classics and western fare served all day long. The hotel serves an excellent breakfast buffet with la carte options that is included with all rooms, and 24-hour room service is available. Luxsa Spa was ranked one of the top new spas in the world when it opened in 2012, and offers traditional herbal Thai treatments and massages in a gorgeous teak-lined space lined with images of Buddha and tropical plants. The hotel’s business center has private computer areas in leather-lined nooks and there are exceptional on-site meetings rooms with silk walls, hardwood floors, and plenty of natural light. Wi-Fi is free throughout the hotel and in-room newspapers are available on request. The dedicated concierge desk can arrange bookings, excursions, and car services. The wood-floored fitness center is large and attractive, with several cardio machines, free weights, cable machines, yoga mats, and fitness balls. The saltwater infinity pool has poolside drink service and a chic wood terrace, and while the space stays tranquil, the deck isn’t always bathed in sunlight.