Stay | Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit: East Meets West in Luxurious Fusion

The luxury king room at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
The luxury king room at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
The luxury king room at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

I turned up the volume of the Bose speaker connected via bluetooth to my smartphone. The acoustic harmony of the Hollow Cove’s “The Woods” filled my large Luxury Room. I split the curtains wide and see the Sukhumvit street below early in it’s early morning bustle. “We’re all falling and we all need a place… to hide!” I somehow echo the lyrics of the song. After a week of exploring Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I welcome a little indulgence to cap my last few days in Thailand. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit welcomed me with their 5-star comfort and warmth. My birthday was just five days ago but it felt this was the time to celebrate.

Hotel lobby
Hotel lobby

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Settled alongside the longest and one of the liveliest roads in Thailand, Sukhumvit, Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit enjoys convenience at its location. I came to the hotel walking from the Sukhumvit MRT station since I just came from an overnight train from Chiang Mai. It was an easy walk passing by the Asoke BTS Station connected to the Terminal 21 Mall.

The hotel staff at the entrance gave a warm greeting as I enter the high-ceiling spacious lobby. Immediately, a staff carefully took my luggage as I head to the reception. Sofitel is a worldwide brand of a chain hotel. In each country where they are located, they like to integrate with the character of the country. Hence, their logo which looks like a link of two chains. I noticed this when I stayed at Sofitel Ponte 16 Macau and visited Sofitel Manila. Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit is no exception.

Exhibit area
Exhibit area

East Meets West

From the lobby, the fusion of French and Thai elements can be seen from a resemblance of Arc de Triomphe structure adorned with traditional Thai patterns. Look closely into the global patterns found at the ledges in between floors and marvel at the world in 360 degree photos. Visitors at the lobby may visit the in-house gallery where exhibits rotate. At the time of my visit, Magnifique Art Exhibition was on display with compelling artworks from Jirasak Anoujohn and Sak Yant documentary photos from Jessie Lie. It may seem that there’s so much happening at the lobby but there is enough space to breath and brightness that the modern elements harmoniously blend together.

View of Bangkok skyline from my room
View of Bangkok skyline from my room

Luxury for a King

It was a long travel to Chiang Mai so I was excited to retire to my room. The fluently spoken staff, Rianna led me to my room and helped me get familiar with the amenities (especially the Bose speaker). Once settled, I tinkered with the lights, checked out the mini-bar, explored the huge bathroom with a separate tub and glass divided shower and toilet. The two-sided closet opens up at the bathroom as well.

Aside from the personalized greeting on the LCD TV screen, I got a bit giddy with the personal gift from the chef, a basket of colorful bean-paste goodies with a personal printed photos as a welcome gift. It looked so delectable like candy it’s almost too good to touch.

I took some sweet time to just relax but had to prepare for midday lunch with my recently Bangkok-based Adah, of PinayWanderess. I got to use the steam iron and board at the closet to prim-up my polo shirt. Cleaned up a bit of my scruff. Love the L’Occitane bath amenities by the way. And ready for a day in Bangkok.

Impressive wall decor at the Millesime Club lounge
Impressive wall decor at the Millesime Club lounge

Top Notch Facilities

Coming from lunch, we met up with Mr Vinod Kumar of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit who gave us a little tour of the hotel. From the lobby we went up to the fully equipped SOFit gym and calm-inducing wellness Le Spa. The contemporary-designed pool was inviting but I just had my Sak Yant tattoo so I couldn’t swim nor do workout in the gym. The hotel also have exclusive club rooms called Millesime. Guest staying at the upscale Millesime rooms have access to Club Millesime executive lounge at the 31st floor. Millesime guest can have breakfast treats, cocktails and access to business center. Looking around, what also caught my attention are the impressive miniature human sculptures found throughout the hotel. I was told it was the work of the late French sculpture, Valerie Goutard.

Chef Nicholad Basset working his magic in the kitchen
Chef Nicholad Basset working his magic in the kitchen

L’Appart Rooftop Dining

I guess the highlight of my stay at Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit is the L’Appart dining experience. After a quick run at Chatuchak, Ada and I made sure we got back at the hotel before sunset. There’s an open air view deck at the 32nd floor boasting views of the Bangkok skyline. It was relaxing to be out in the open and watch as twilight unfolds as city lights begin to glow.

We met with Mr Kumar and his wife and sat a dining table looking directly at the open kitchen. When I say open, no walls or glass dividers that I can simply walk in. It’s an entertaining spectacle to witness how the talented head chef, Nicholas Basset and his crew meticulously craft the dishes lined up for our dinner. L’Appart recently made some exciting changes to the menu incorporating the vast experience Chef Nicholas has gathered from his travels around the globe.

L'Appart stamp of quality on the Coconut Scallop
L’Appart stamp of quality on the Coconut Scallop

An Array of Flavors

When dining in a new restaurant or a new place, I always look for something that would titillate my taste buds. Something new and refreshing that I would remember. Head Chef Nicholas did an excellent job here. From the pleasant blend of the Coco Scallop, truffle-rich Ribbon Wagyu and Foi Gras, balanced saltiness and texture from the Seared Patagonian Fish and the tingly smoky flavor of the Octopus. The dishes were not only photogenic but taste good as it looks. The new menu also encourages sharing. For the four of us, the servings were more than enough for its highly competitive pricing. (Full review at HappyFoodies.com)

Bangkok night viewed from L'Appart
Bangkok night viewed from L’Appart

Sink Into Bliss

Retreated back to my room and requested for a warm bubble bath before retiring. It was more than relaxing to melt away the day’s exhaustion. I surrendered to the call of my bed. I can’t believe how soft yet firm the pillows were that no sooner I sank deep into sleep. It was my last night in Thailand and oh what a great night it was.

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit (Book Online)
89 Sukhumvit Road Soi 13-15, Klongtoey Nua, Wattana,
10110 Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2126 9999
Fax: +66 (0) 2126 9998
Email: [email protected]

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One of the many Valerie Goutard works found in the hotel
One of the many Valerie Goutard works found in the hotel
MyBed by Sofitel
MyBed by Sofitel
Way to the pool
Way to the pool
Cardio area at the SOFit gym
Cardio area at the SOFit gym
The Voila all day dining restaurant
The Voila all day dining restaurant
Sofitel pool area
Sofitel pool area
Enjoying the rooftop view at L'Appart
Enjoying the rooftop view at L’Appart