Sofitel Silom Bangkok

Description:

• As with most hotels that mix business and leisure guests, this swish venue is pleasantly modern and relatively efficient, though it perhaps offers more functional luxury than the opulence of the city's other well-known brands. The location is not bad, equidistant to the river and Sala Daeng BTS, 10 minutes' stroll away. It has some good (if pricey) wine bars and restaurants, all with fabulous views. Its location avoids the heady chaos of upper Silom Road and the Patpong area, but is not too far if you don't mind what can be a fume-filled walk. Chic, contemporary Thai-style rooms are fitted with dark wood; rich, striped textiles; and clean, minimalist lines. Bathrooms are large, with a separate shower and bath and slick granite counters. The 35th floor recently opened in October 2007 with flashier rooms, executive amenities, and, of course, great views. Executive services are fairly good, and it is one of very few hotels with a foreign-run (French) hair salon on the fifth floor. The adjoining gym and pool are limited in both size and amenities. The small Anne Semonin spa is a bonus for women who love luxury facials. Downstairs is the French bakery chain, Le Nôtre, which tends to tag Paris prices on its all-too-tempting, but nonetheless Bangkok-made, buns.

• © Frommer's 2012

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Highly Recommended 2010