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Asia, Thailand, Bangkok, Staying in style at the Four Seasons hotel Bangkok

Laura Byers 12 Oct 2013 Read 4656 times

I find I have a love/hate relationship with Bangkok.  It’s a city that catapults you to somewhere entirely unique, yet after a few days you get the sense you have overstayed your welcome.  After a gruelling long haul flight from the UK to Thailand, overtired hot and moany visitors arrive in their throngs but in reality once past security moods lighten and it’s time to throw yourself into the culture and infectious magic of the city. 

Having previously slummed it in a hostel just off the Koh San Road the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok has to be at the opposite end of the scale from this!  Located in the heart of Bangkok close to the night markets and malls, this luxury five star resort is the perfect antidote to combat any jet lag. Despite being another high rise property in the Lumphini district, it has less of a corporate business feel and a more relaxed ambience with manicured lawns, ponds and courtyards.

First impressions count for a lot in my book and guests are welcomed to the hotel by a gorgeous lobby adorned with hand painted high ceilings, soft lighting, intricate detail in the decor and Thai murals.  This definitely sets the tone for the hotel and level of excellence throughout.

Unlike many five star hotels in the city I have experienced, the Four Seasons Bangkok isn’t overly corporate and full of business men and women; it balances a nice mix of leisure and business travellers so if you walk down to breakfast in your flip flops you don’t feel out of place!

The bedrooms are aged enough to show charm while being very spacious and light with a lot of traditional Thai features such as teak furnishings, local art and the customary silk additions.  The sprawling marble bathrooms are a delight and you can lose yourself in the deep bathtub.

The category of rooms range from a Deluxe Room up to a Rajadamri Suite with something to tick off a box throughout.  However in saying that I found the entry level Deluxe easily meet more than the most basic of needs with space akin to some of the largest for a hotel room in the city, a comfortable king or two double beds, all your mod cons and a beautiful decor.

As a five star hotel it really lives up to its quality with a lot of little extras you don’t always receive – wi-fi, fresh fruit, cake, bottled water, cool towels upon arrival, twice daily maid service – its these bonus features that separate the good from the great and they didn’t go amiss with us.

The concierge staff are super helpful – if you want to know where’s the best shopping mall, or market to grab a bargain they know it.  And try to be adventurous, public transport is great fun (and the skytrain station is very close by) and an excellent way to immerse yourself in local life.  Alternatively if you prefer private transportation you cannot leave Bangkok without the wind bellowing through your body on the back of a tuk tuk.

You will also find sincere smiles and pleasantries from the rest of the staff - from the cleaners to waitresses to the porters, which is so welcoming and I find it immediately puts me at ease and catapults me into holiday mode.

Unfortunately time was not on our side and we didn’t get chance to experience all the restaurants and bars at the hotel, but on the plus side this is only testament to the choice on offer.  For a gourmet meal there is Madison serving up steaks and seafood, Shintaro sushi restaurant, Biscotti Italian eatery or the casual Spice Market or for a lighter snack the Terrace, Lobby or Mocha and Muffins.

For leisure activities, the hotel has an outdoor pool nestled within its gardens which is perfect for refreshing during the midday sun.  To burn up a sweat, the Health Club has an excellent selection of cardio machines and free weights, training courts and classes available.  For those like me that prefer to relax and indulge on holiday the Health Club offers a Steam Room and whirlpool, however I would recommend heading straight to the spa.  It not only looks like an Aladdin’s Cave of exquisite relaxation, it lives up to its appearance with a great menu of wonderful relaxing and targeted treatments for the whole body.

Prices at the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok start from £145 per room per night on a B&B basis.

For further information visit www.fourseasons.com/bangkok.

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