One of the joys of revisiting a gorgeous city like Bangkok for a second time is to take in the sights you missed, reconnect with places you loved and maybe find the time to venture a little further from the obvious paths. When we arrived at W Bangkok on this trip, I had to think very hard about how many times I’ve been to the city. As an easily accessible transport hub, with a perfectly pleasant airport, I’ve stopped over for a few nights on many occasions, each time exploring something slightly different (you can read about some of my adventures in Bangkok elsewhere on BBB) and now, free from the pressure of Seeing The Sights, I like to go out out, make like Cyndi Lauper and have fun…
What are the rooms like at W Bangkok?
The W Bangkok is the ideal place for fun. It’s got that sleek, funky decor that only a good W can really achieve, with hot pink as an accent colour and quirky little art pieces. In the middle of the spiral staircase is a mobile of hanging bags with straws in, a reference to this vessel for roadside beverages and by the lifts is a blinking display of 800 different tuktuk lights. Everything else is in black or glitter. Dahling. Just throw me in already.
We were welcomed by Katie at reception, who made checking in a very smooth process and showed us to our room, which was in the category called Spectacular, with a panoramic view of the Bangkok skyline including a right-next-door view of the glitchy Makanakhon building, a personal architectural favourite of mine!
The window stretches across the whole of the wall, with the bed on a wall at an angle to it and, facing that, a glossy black entertainment unit with a TV and the minibar. A coffee table (with just one chair) and a print with the requisite boxing glove theme were the additions that lift this from the lower category of room. It is, however, spacious, convenient and light. More than that; this is where the fun starts!
When we were shown to our room, there were balloons on the bed, a welcome drink and snack and Katie pulled out a polaroid camera to take some photos of us that we could keep. I am usually the first to be cynical about fun that feels contrived, but it was well thought out – I immediately got swept up in bouncing balloons around and the childish joy of receiving a photo within seconds of us destroying the carefully set up space!
The room also contains a bathroom separated from the living space by a heavy stage curtain on one side and a wall of coloured glass on the other. Glossy black marble and lots of reflections give the bathroom and toilet a lacquer box sort of vibe, but the rain shower is vigorous and the bath is deep (and fills very quickly). Our only criticism was that there is a dearth of hooks for robes and towels, which meant that we ended up trying to decide whether to put damp robes on backs of chairs, in the cupboard with our dry clothes or just to sling them over the edge of the bath. Easy enough for me, but less comfortable for my very particular companion.
What else is there at W Bangkok?
The sixth floor of the hotel contains the fitness centre and a gym, decorated with images of the monkey god Hanuman, looking swole with his barbells. Most impressive is the pool, which features a sweeping architectural wave that reminded me of the Cite du Vin in Bordeaux, but also creates a nifty bit of in-pool shade. Around this, there are loungers, cabanas and a bar, but the view is the key feature. It was utterly divine to warm up for an evening of mischief with quick dip and then a glass of something bubbly while overlooking the city as the light came on.
The main restaurant is Paii, where modern Thai seafood is served. It is based in the historical building, The House on Sathorn, which was the home of Luang Sathorn Rajayutka, the pioneer who created the Sathorn Canal and who gives his name to the road and neighbourhood in which W Bangkok stands. With many period features, the restaurant and the adjoining bar, as well as three function rooms and a patio for afternoon tea, are all part of a state-owned heritage property, which is under the guardianship of W Bangkok.
When we visited, we were served by Gotji and Opal, who were quick to make recommendations and help us choose dishes that accounted for allergies and preferences. Under Chef Joe Weeraket Nilayon, the restaurant is focusing on the best local and imported seafood, celebrating the ingredients with the warmth and freshness of Thai flavours.
Our favourite dishes were definitely the Po Piah Pu, crispy crab spring rolls with jicama, Ajard pineapple sauce, and the Kaeng Leuang Nuea Pu Bai Cha Plu, also crab but this time with yellow curry and betel leaves. Portion sizes were substantial and we had to sidestep dessert to leave room for a couple of drinks at the W Lounge.
W Bangkok, as Ws everywhere, is strong on concepts. The W Lounge, just off the reception area, is based around cabaret and is Bangkok’s first vermouth bar. There is a draped ceiling decoration the colour of lapis lazuli, which really pops against the beige walls, which makes you notice that even the walls are on message with corset lacing between the panels. In this seductive space, the cocktail menu is inspired by exotic nights and drag performances, while there is a regular live music slot for soulful vocalists, including popular stars from The Voice Thailand.
We tried two of the signature cocktails and, as we were watching them being made, were served some roasted chickpeas and – for the first time as a bar snack – a little ball of ice cream flavoured with sparking wine and lychee. I chose a Siam Sparkle, served short with Mekhong rum, Mancino Secco vermouth and tropical flavours like banana and pandan. It was, as many things are in Thailand, slightly sweet for my palate, but delicious nonetheless. Similarly, Charlotte was very impressed with the Tokyo Twilight, which seemed an appropriate drink on our return from Japan.
The W Bangkok also has an American BBQ inspired restaurant called Tipsy Cow, where you can enjoy a Discovery Set in a private room to share with your friends and family. In another design statement, the walls are covered in giant crocodile skin print, in reference to a famous Thai folk story. The final food option is the Kitchen Table on the first floor of the hotel, where Thai and international favourites are served from the impressive buffet at breakfast to the last night snack.
There is also the Away Spa, which has the same seductive approach to lighting as the rest of the property. As well as a full hammam, there are treatment rooms in which you select the glowing light of your bed in sync with your mood – or rather your desired mood. We opted for green for relaxation and, with the combination of gentle music and skilled Thai massage from Quan and Nida, we found ourself blissfully calm and ready to, once more, optimistically attempt the Bangkok traffic.
Tips for fun in Bangkok?
There isn’t a single answer to the question of how to have a wild weekend in Bangkok, but if you do find yourself passing through, there are lots of good places to have a few artisan cocktails and help you adjust to the time zone before you move on. Of course, you should visit the W Bangkok for some of the aforementioned cocktails and a tasty bite to eat.
If you like a speakeasy, head over to Vesper, recently voted 13th best bar in Asia. They have a cool cocktail menu based on the guest who have visited the bar over many years, as well as a very nice little retro interior and some very inventive and knowledgeable cocktail wizards. For something more five-star, the bars at the Kimpton, overseen by bar and beverage manager Stan, are a great place to start. As well as a ground floor hotel-style bar, there is a lively bar with DJ. You might also, if you ask the right person, get to see the other, secret, bar. But I’ve said too much. Go see for yourself.
The W Bangkok is a destination in itself; the sultry bar with its live music and the delectable dining mean you won’t need to leave. But located right beside the BTS station, the W Bangkok can also be your gateway to the city even if you don’t have the patience for the hideous traffic. Whether it’s your first time in Bangkok or your fiftieth, make time for some fun and let the city sweep you off on an unexpected adventure! You know that when you return, the W Bangkok will have turned down your sheets, closed your curtains and will be ready for whatever you do tomorrow.
W Bangkok
106 North Sathorn Road
Silom, Bangrak
Bangkok
TH-10 10500
Thailand
