Monday 30 April 2012

Stylish Bangkok, with Views


I’m a huge fan of hotels offering serviced apartments, particularly when I’m staying more than a few days in a city and want to spread out and make myself comfortable. My favourite in Bangkok is the Anantara Sathorn Hotel, a glitzy urban sanctuary which raises the bar somewhat in terms of scale, style and convenience.

Located in the business district of Silom, yet close enough to public transport, shops and restaurants for leisure visitors, Anantara Satorn looms 37 stories above bustling Narathiwat-Ratchanakarin Rd, its twin towers a distinctive landmark in a sea of skyscrapers. While there are studio-style premier rooms available, guests who book before December 31, 2012 automatically receive a complimentary upgrade to a suite, along with other incentives like a Skytrain pass, daily breakfast and free wi-fi.

And it’s a great deal - the one- and two-bedroom suites are lovely, beautifully appointed with sleek contemporary furniture and of course having all the modern technology you’d expect in a five-star property.

We’ve lucked out with a two-bedroom Kasara suite - and as we enter the front door, our jaws drop. The apartment is enormous, certainly bigger than our own pokey abode in Sydney, with a huge kitchen and central dining area, a handy office space, massive lounge and a balcony offering expansive city views. Turn right and we discover two big bedrooms, the master suite with its own en suite complete with rainshower and bathtub. We plonk ourselves down in the cozy lounge, put our feet up and let out a big ahhhh of satisfaction.



Scale and comfort aside, Anantara Sathorn has plenty of other features to lure discerning punters. On the ground level is a fabulous infinity-edge lap pool which, at 32 metres long, appears to go forever. There’s a fitness centre, tennis court with coaching available on request, a spa and plenty of dining options in three restaurants.

But we’re in for a treat - we’re headed up to the 37th floor to the Kasara Lounge where complimentary sunset cocktails and canapes await for the Kasara clientele. An open-air deck makes the most of the glittering Bangkok skyline ... seriously, no city does open-air like Bangkok, there’s just something about soaking in those views in the balmy weather that makes it an exemplary experience. The lounge is also open in the morning for breakfast if you just can’t get enough.



This is city living at its best, a hotel which is good enough to live in. Which you can if you like, as the apartments are also available for long-term stays!

www.bangkok-sathorn.anantara.com

(pics: Julie Miller 2012)

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