The Sukhothai Bangkok

The Sukhothai Bangkok radiates elegance. Inspired by the famous ancient temple at Sukothai, the hotel melds art and history in striking ways. Staff are dressed in traditional silk outfits from another era, and artwork graces every nook and cranny of the hotel. A welcome escape from busy Sathorn Road, guests enter the Sukhothai via a long driveway alongside landscaped grounds. The lobby here is palatial, blending teak wood and marble, tall ceilings, and long columns and corridors. There is a long decorative pool, where temple _chedis _(Buddhist monuments) rise from the water. Carvings based on Sukothai temple art line the walls, making the hotel seem more like a living museum or gallery than just an overnight stop. Restaurants throughout continue this art-focused trend, with plush sofas and chairs, fine furniture, and Thai touches such as sala pavilions, triangular ceilings, and plenty of teak wood. Lots of renowned designers and architects have worked on the hotel, and it shows -- guests here include celebrities, couples, families, and business travelers.

The Sukhothai Bangkok is located in Bangkok's business district along Sathorn Road. This is a huge boulevard with non-stop traffic throughout the day, although it does have good sidewalks to use, and the MRT subway station at Lumphini is just a five- to 10-minute walk from here. It's also a short five-minute cab ride to get to Silom Road (or a 15-minute walk), where guests can find the Patpong Night Market and red light area, as well as countless numbers of restaurants, bars, and shopping opportunities. Some of the side streets between the hotel and Silom Road have become trendy hot spots, especially around Sathorn Soi 10 or 12, where chic bars and restaurants are springing up. It's about 60 to 90 minutes by car to the airport depending on traffic, and if it feels a bit too urban here, Lumphini Park, Bangkok's largest downtown green space, is just a seven-minute stroll away.

Even the standard Superior Rooms at the Sukhothai feel fit for a king. Fine teak wood and Thai silks dominate the decor, and bathrooms are outfitted with the luxurious wood as well. There are queen-size beds with silk cushions, a plush easy chair, spacious work desk, and bedside control for the lights, TV, and other functions. There is a warm and welcoming ambience in guest rooms, though decor is kept to a minimum, with much of the look dominated by natural wood patterns in wall panels throughout. Room amenities include Lavazza coffeemakers, safes, stocked minibars, and flat-screen TVs. The bathrooms have large paneled mirrors, oversized bathtubs, separate walk-in showers, and luxury toiletries. About the only thing missing here is a balcony, although the rooms do have views out to the tropical gardens or pools through floor-to-ceiling windows. The suites at the Sukhothai are even fancier. The luxurious Garden Suite has a silk-draped four-poster king-size bed, high ceilings, a separate living area with a sofa, double vanity sinks in the enormous bathroom, and a location overlooking the lotus ponds. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

The Sukhothai Bangkok has some elegant dining options, the most famous of which is Celadon, an authentic upscale Thai venue. The restaurant is set in a gorgeous pavilion that's surrounded by a floating lotus pond. It's especially romantic at night, bathed in soft lights which reflect in the water. Also of note is the fancy Italian fare at La Scala, which has an open kitchen and wood-burning oven. The restaurant serves high-end meats and cheeses as part of its elegant buffets. The hotel's buffet breakfast restaurant, Colonnade, is famed for Sunday brunches, and also does all day dining with cuisine from around the world. Guests should no that breakfast is not included with room rates. For drinking, the Zuk Bar is filled with plush couches, sculptures, photos of celebrities that have visited, and has a piano for live entertainment at night.
The Sukhothai provides health and wellness options, too, with a 24-hour modern fitness center with a sauna, steam room, and hot tub, along with a large 25-meter (82-foot) swimming pool and sun deck. Additionally, the Botanica Spa offers massage and scrub treatments among its packages. The hotel also has tennis and squash courts. There are several meeting and events rooms on site plus a business center. Wi-Fi is free throughout. Airport transfers, private car services, and babysitting services can all be arranged.