Hotel Review

Le Meridien, Bangkok, Thailand

www.lemeridien.com/bangkoksurawong

 

THE BACKGROUND: One of Bangkok’s newest hotels, the 282-room/suite Le Méridien Bangkok launched the group’s new core values of Chic, Cultured and Discovery. It’s been open for just under two years, long enough for its operating systems to be well established but short enough to look brand new.

 

WHERE IS IT? In the city's Silom district on Surawong Road close to Patpong for night market shopping and Bangkok’s legendary entertainment. It’s an area which mixes peaceful temple grounds with international restaurants, street-side noodle carts and vendors and department stores. It’s also close to Lumpini Park where early risers can watch or join in the tai-chi exercises.

 

THE HOTEL: Very stylish with lots of black marble and a huge image of a James Dean lookalike on the several storeys high glass frontage. The lobby is very spacious but with a couple of separate seating areas, a lobby lounge serving coffee and pastries and some computer terminals. It’s a very welcome cool retreat from the hot and hectic Bangkok streets outside.

 

THE ROOM: The Vista Room (the first of six categories) was spacious and comfortable with every modern convenience including a coffee cafetiere and, for those in a rush, take-away containers for coffee to go. Wall-high windows provide fabulous city views. There are king (or twin) beds and a marble bathroom which includes an over-sized tub, and separate rain shower. Bathrobes and all the expected accoutrements of a top-class five-star hotel are standard and for the techies, there's an in-room digital system for laptops, Cisco touch screen IP phone, iPod charger, video on demand, broadband and wi-fi access and a 32-inch Sony LCD television.

 

THE RESTAURANT: Bamboo, which serves traditional Chinese and Japanese cuisine which transforms into a lively nightspot with DJs as the evening progresses. All-day dining is available in Latest Recipe offering recipes from around the world. Continental breakfast is available in Tempo with snacks and drinks later in the day. Latitude 13° in the lobby serves coffee and pastries from 08.00 until 20.00. Snacks and lunches are available in Plunge outdoors by the pool.

 

THE FACILITIES: The SPA fitness centre offers the latest Technogym equipment and there's an outdoor swimming pool.

 

THE COST: Rates are currently available from THB 4,400 ++ (approximately £91++) room only in the Vista category.

 

THE DETAILS: 405 Surawong Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand. T: 0066 02 232 8888 F: 0066 02 232 8999

 

www.lemeridien.com/bangkoksurawong