Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Sofitel's Thailand flagship, the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit is a sleek, modern tower of a hotel. The lobby, with its three-story-high ceiling, is bright and chic, with polished granite floors, an ornate chandelier, and a carved metal, copper-colored arch welcoming guests. The copper- and light-green color scheme echo throughout. There are a number of sitting areas, filled with plush, clean-lined chairs and fresh flowers, where guests can relax, order snacks and drinks, and get work done. Modern artwork can be found throughout the hotel, in both the lobby and the hallways. The rest of the hotel's common areas -- the Club Millesime, the fitness center, the business facilities, the restaurants -- are similarly contemporary and muted in tone, except for the rooftop L'Appart lounge and restaurant, whose trendy, shabby-chic decor feels more distinctive and less traditionally luxurious. Considering the wide range of facilities and central location, the hotel caters to a wide range of luxury-loving guests, from business travelers to families to couples.

If the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit has a downside, it's the location. While it's central, in the heart of Bangkok's major shopping district, and there's a skytrain stop within a few minutes' walk, the street itself is filled with nonstop traffic at all hours. Windows are soundproofed, but it doesn't make for the most pleasant experience upon emerging from the hotel. Also, at night, the street can become a bit sketchy, as the red-light district is nearby, so families may want to take a cab back at later hours. The hotel is less than a half-hour drive from the airport, and there is free on-site parking.

Rooms at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit are large and luxurious, with king (or twin) beds, soaking tubs, iPod docks, and views of the city. The rooms have hardwood floors, large mirrors, sleek modern furnishings, and the same copper- and sea-foam green color scheme found throughout the hotel. Suites have a separate living area as well. The limestone-and-marble bathrooms have walk-in rainfall showers, in addition to soaking tubs, as well as bathrobes and L'Occitane toiletries. All rooms also have flat-screen TVs, stocked minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and famously comfortable MyBed beds. Club Millesime rooms and suites have access to the Club Millesime lounge, with free breakfast, drinks, and snacks, as well as butler service and other amenities. Some suites also have private balconies.

As a luxury hotel, the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit has a full complement of features. Its eating places include the main Voila restaurant, open throughout the day; Le Macaron, a classic French bakery with sandwiches, tea, coffee, and snacks; the lounge-like Le Bar de L'Hotel, with its elegant cocktails and international blend of gourmet cuisine served throughout the day; the poolside bar, where drinks and snacks can be ordered from your umbrella-shaded lounger; and the acclaimed L'Appart rooftop bar and restaurant, touted as one of the city's top French restaurants. There's also a full-service spa by L'Occitane, as well as a modern and fully outfitted fitness center with windows that look out on the city, and a beauty salon. The ninth-floor outdoor swimming pool is a lush retreat in the midst of the city. There are also meeting rooms, computers for guests' use, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. The Club Millesime lounge, on the 31st floor, gives those guests free breakfast and drinks throughout the day, as well as a welcome drink, private butler, and late check-out privileges.