Luxurious, sophisticated, and technologically savvy, these hotels in the heart of Thai capital offer the perfect bases from which discerning corporate travellers can wheel and deal in the City of Angels.
Knowing where to stay in Bangkok can make or break your next business trip. A city that runs at a frantic pace, Bangkok is defined by its geography, by its river and by the network of canals which crisscross the metropolis. Consequently many of the city’s best options for business travellers can be found on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, as can many event spaces and some of Bangkok’s best restaurants.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Perched on the banks of the Chao Phraya River for over a century, the iconic Mandarin Oriental Bangkok seamlessly blends its old world charm with seductive modern amenities. Look out for the newly reopened Authors and Garden Wings, with their sumptuous guest rooms dedicated to literary greats. For extra work space, head to the fully equipped business centre, which has four workstations and two boardrooms fitted with the latest audio-visual technology. Whatever your schedule, leave time for a drink in the acclaimed Bamboo Bar, one of Bangkok’s top watering holes; for authentic Thai cuisine and a local dance show at Sala Rim Naam; or an indulgent treatment at the famed The Oriental Spa. 48 Oriental Avenue; +66 2659 9000; www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok
The Tower Club at Lebua
Soaring above the Bang Rak business district, The Tower Club at Lebua is one of the world’s leading luxury all-suite hotels. Occupying the 51st through 59th floors of the State Tower, the hotel’s 221 spacious suites feature high-speed wifi, kitchenettes with mini bars, and generous work desks. High above, on the 67th floor is The State Room, a unique events space with 360 degree panoramic views of the city, dedicated to making your gala dinners or cocktail events more impressive than ever. Celebrate boardroom victories at The Domes, which houses the highest restaurants in the city, including the award-winning Mezzaluna and the celebrated Skybar. 1055 Silom Road, Bangrak; +66 2624 9555; www.lebua.com/tower-club
Swissotel Nai Lert Park
Wreathed by verdant tropical gardens, the Swissotel Nai Lert Park offers a soothing retreat in the heart of the capital. Book the Swiss Business Advantage room, which features a spacious working area with an expansive work desk, an ergonomic chair, an IDD telephone, and free wifi; or an Executive Suite to enjoy Swiss Executive Club Lounge privileges, including evening cocktails and snacks. Meet your clients at Syn Bar for innovative cocktails and an extensive wine list, or feast on dim sum at Noble House for an evening of Chinese delight. The hotel also boasts extensive meeting facilities includes a spacious ballroom with natural lighting. 2 Wireless Road; +66 2 253 0123; www.swissotel.com
The Peninsula Bangkok
Home to one of the most diverse collections of Asian contemporary art, The Peninsula Bangkok is a luxury gem on the River of Kings. All intelligently-designed rooms feature a spacious sitting area with a coffee table and an executive work desk, as well as a luxury marble bathroom with hands-free telephone and TV and radio systems. Remember to take advantage of the shoe shine service the night before your important meeting and make an entrance with impact with the hotel’s elegant fleet of Rolls-Royce Silver Spurs. The Peninsula is one of the city’s most sought after event spaces and offers intimate spaces for up to 30 guests, including the striking Paribatra Aviation Lounge, and a ballroom that caters up to 800. Leave time to feast on authentic Thai delicacies at Thyatira before sipping a signature Thaijito cocktail at The River Bar. 333 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan; +66 2 020 2888; http://bangkok.peninsula.com
Banyan Tree Bangkok
One of the most innovative spa hotels in the capital, Banyan Tree Bangkok allows business travellers the chance to soak in urban tranquility. In addition to a sizable list of modern conveniences, each lavishly-appointed room also provides an aromatherapy burner with essential oils for guests to relax their mind after a day of tension and manipulation. If that’s not enough to exercise the work spirits, spoil yourself with the signature Tropical Rainmist experience at the spa or and enjoy a cocktail at the hotel’s famous rooftop bar Vertigo. The hotel also boasts 12 meeting venues and a cutting edge business centre, with secretarial service, internet access, and a library. 21/100 South Sathon Road, Sathon; +66 0 2679 1200; www.banyantree.com
Oriental Residence Bangkok
Ideal for business travellers staying a little longer, the Oriental Residence Bangkok offers 145 top-notch serviced residences in the heart of the city’s shopping and embassy district. A combination of traditional elegance and crisp services, the residences offer one to three bedrooms options with feature fully-equipped kitchens, marble bathrooms, custom mattresses, and complimentary wifi. A range of services is also available, including suit pressing, valet parking, and Jaguar limousine transfers. While the state-of-the-art Boardroom is ideal for intimate meetings, the 172.5sqm Play Room is a perfect choice for launch parties and cocktail events. 110 Wireless Road, Lumpini Pathumwan; +66 0 2125 9000; www.oriental-residence.com
Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel
Located on the edge of Bangkok’s business district, Anantara Sathorn Bangkok Hotel is an urban sanctuary, with a range of stylish rooms that balance work and play to perfection; ideal for business travellers on the go, the Kasara Premier Room comes with daily complimentary laundering or pressing. Arrange to gather in one of four beautifully appointed meeting rooms, complete with high-speed wifi and audio-visual and video-conferencing facilities, or host on the private balcony at the Kasara Lounge, which boasts a selection of Thai or Western fine-dining menus. Wind down with a delicious cocktail underneath vaulted ceilings at the sleek Zin bar. 36 Narathiwat-Ratchanakarin Road; +66 2 210 9000; www.bangkok-sathorn.anantara.com
The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Elegant yet unpretentious, The Okura Prestige Bangkok injects Japanese touches into the Park Ventures Ecoplex in the city’s business district. Designed with corporate guests in mind, each Okura Club room features a large work desk with multimedia panels, unlimited local calls, high-speed wifi, meeting room usage of up to two hours, express check-in and check-out service, and exclusive access to the prestigious Club Lounge. The Japanese haute cuisine of Yamazato is ideal for casual work meals, while the famed Okura High Tea at Up & Above Restaurant and Bar is a great occasion for ice breaking. If time allows, pamper yourself at The Okura Spa and take a dip in the swimming pool to wash away stress. Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan; +66 2687 9000; www.okurabangkok.com
Centara Grand at CentralWorld
If you’re seeking a fully-integrated world-class venue for your conferences or corporate events, Centara Grand at CentralWorld has the answer for you thanks to its World Ballroom, which has a maximum capacity of 1,000 guests in seated theatre-style. Enhance your stay by choosing Club accommodations; each room features a generous living space, abundant sunlight, a work station, and complimentary use of meeting rooms for up to six hours at the World Executive Lounge. Don’t forget to try chef Hugo Coudurier’s signature truffle-infused Wagyu Beef Tenderloin Rossini at Red Sky or embark on a round the world culinary journey at The World. 999/99 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan; +66 0 2100 1234; www.centarahotelsresorts.com
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
An attractive landmark set along the vibrant Chao Phraya River, the Shangri-La Hotel creates a luxurious home away from home for business travellers. Spread across two adjacent towers, the 802 lavishly-appointed rooms offer full-size executive writing desks, international direct dial telephones and complimentary wifi, as well as feather duvet and pillows dedicated to a restful slumber. Get an authentic taste of Italian dishes at Volti Ristorante & Bar, or host an intimate meal on the Horizon Cruise, the hotel’s private river cruise ship, which is guaranteed to impress your clients. The hotel also boasts a magnificent Grand Ballroom with a capacity of 1,000 and 19 cutting-edge function rooms for smaller gatherings. 89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak; +66 2 2367 777; www.shangri-la.com
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