SO/ Bangkok

It was a toss-up between The SO Bangkok and The Sofitel Sukhumvit but I plumped for the SO/ due to it’s proximity to Lumphini Park (and use of bikes to enjoy the park) as well as the style of the property. 

Arriving at the ground floor reception you then are escorted into a lift to the 9th floor, where the main reception and bar/lounge areas are. As I was checking-in at The Executive Lounge I was then taken to another bank of lifts to ascend to the 25th floor. This multiple lift procedure took a little getting used to, as the lifts were not adjacent to each other. 

 The lounge and indeed the hotel was designed by Christian Lacroix and his style and influence are everywhere; from the staff uniforms and furnishings to the rooms and common areas. You can’t miss his signature in the lounge. 

 I found some staff to be most friendly and hospitable, while others were rather brusque. As they were preparing my room I was able to enjoy tea and explore, and it is indeed a striking lounge, with great vistas and an outside terrace.

 I politely asked about reserving a bike to ride Lumphini Park during my stay. The staff member said they would check and never got back to me. I did ask again and once more heard nothing. It is this disconnect is a reason I gave my stay a less than a 5* rating. 

The rooms are themed around 4 elements; Earth, Metal, Wood & Water. I had requested an Earth room (The Blue one!) It took until 1530 for my room to be ready, which was not an issue in any way. 

 The room like much of the hotel is dramatic with dark Blue walls, paneling, doors, all stencilled in Lacroix’s signature style. I like it.

 The bathroom has a deep soaking tub and large shower, with Black & White tiling. 

You don’t need to look too closely to see the scuffing and wear & tear in the room; the chair, the wardrobes, the bedside furniture. I am not sure how such a design could be easily ‘fixed” but I am sure it is doable. It definitely needs some TLC. 

 Also and most worrying were the electrics. There are no labels on the numerous switches on either side of the beds so it’s a bit of hit & miss to get the lightning to work. They were also rather tatty and you never knew if they were doing anything. 

This is compounded by the fact that some of the lights would switch on and then switch off. They would sometimes work and other times wouldn’t. The spotlights in the entrance way would flicker menacingly constantly! 

 There was also only 1 USC port and no universal plug sockets n the room. 

The view to the park was spectacular and you could stay in bed all just watching the world go by. Sound proofing was also excellent (I was on 24th floor)

 The much instagrammed pool area wasn’t looking it’s best as it was being renovated, which I am sure will enhance it when finished. Half the area was closed off, the pool bar shut and thus it was always busy and noisy! There was no acknowledgment of this closure either on the site nor on check-in; indeed I was directed to the pool bar for my welcome drink… 

On a more positive note I must mention the outstanding staff. There was Tent, one of the bell hops who was so helpful, friendly and engaged. 

 The Executive Lounge was a super spot to relax and there was always something to enjoy at afternoon tea and cocktail hour, though I am surprised I couldn’t get a Negroni, which is not a terribly complicated cocktail to mix!

 Nick, Georgia and Poy were all great and Thank You again Nick for my late check-out. 

 However the stand-out member of all the hotel’s staff was Kob. Quite simply she was fantastic; engaged, helpful, always smiling and kept your glass topped-up. Nothing was too much trouble for her. If there was a reason to return to the hotel it would be because of Kob. She deserves a HUGE pay rise! In my humble opinion. I hope she also got the little plush Wonder Woman bear I left for her as she truly was. 

Finally I was told I could use the changing rooms to get changed for my flight back to Doha but unfortunately, despite it not being late, they were locked up tight. One of the helpful reception staff arranged for me to use an unoccupied room to change in and this was much appreciated. 

 Would I return? Possibly, as I would like my partner to experience SO/ Bangkok and of course to bring Kob some Scottish goodies. Only if they have their electrical issues sorted of course… 
and learned how to mix a Negroni (I can show them!)

We have had a lovely experience at SO/ in Bangkok. We have had wonderful service from Kob, who has been very caring and attentive (as have the rest of the team). The hotel, service and the team are superb.

Thank you to Eve and her team for making sure my dietary requirements for coeliac were catered for. An amazing stay will definitely be back 🙏✅

Iris & Wild Iris, the best Roof Top at the 29th floor of SO/Bangkok Modern rooftop with panoramic views of Lumpini Park They provide a delicious Italian food

Nice atmosphere, smokers have their outdoor space in club lounge and not affecting non smokers like me. Waiters are proactive, drinks and snacks are refilled regularly. Check-in usually good, usually nice rooms upgrade for Platinum members, been staying here for many occasions over the years, however on this occasion she has given us a less expensive room as an upgrade? She insists it’s an upgrade? I beg to differ? We usually stay in SO/Bangkok or Sofitel Bangkok. Anyway, we will go where are treated Best. An important note, Kob the waitress in the club lounge is very attentive and proactive. Her service has made us, to give another go for our future stay in Bangkok.