If you are coming to
Bangkok on business, chances are you will choose your hotel based on where your
office is located, in large part due to the Thai capital's legendary traffic.
However, if you are going to be entertaining guests or coming on leisure, then
the choices that make sense are varied in a way that's quite different than
many other cities.
In the city there are a
number of new luxury hotels – Park Hyatt, Waldorf Astoria, the first
Orient-Express was just announced, Four Seasons and Ritz-Carlton have plans. First
timers and leisure guests typically want to stay on the Chao Phraya River,
which offers some of the top luxury choices as well as a pleasurable viewing
experience with its local boat traffic, since it serves as a water highway for
locals. The Siam is a small luxury
experience under 50 rooms while at the opposite end the Shangri-la represents
luxury in a large scale hotel, The Peninsula just on the other side of the
river is somewhere in between. The Mandarin Oriental is the city's grand dame
and Capella plans to open a luxury hotel on the river as well.
Two blocks behind the
Shangri-la and looking down on the river from its all-suite accommodations on
the 51st through 59th floors of State Tower is Tower Club at lebua. If you
aren't familiar with lebua, it could be because the group has just six hotels
in the world, two in State Tower, a lodge in New Zealand and two more boutique
heritage hotels in India.
That said, I can pretty
much assure you have seen pictures of and from lebua’s Bangkok version. The Sky
Bar is iconic and its adjacent al fresco restaurant Sirocco launched the trend
or perhaps craze to turn skyscraper rooftops into bars and dining experiences
after it opened in 2003. The New York
Times called Sky Bar, "the most stunning rooftop bar you will ever
see." It was also featured in The Hangover movie series, and it is
plastered all over Instagram, as are pictures from Breeze restaurant on the 52nd
floor with its sky bridge entrance, and now lebua No 3, a trio of bars on that
same level.
Of the two all-suite
hotels in State Tower it operates, Tower Club is the more upscale offering,
with elevated furnishings and amenities, and access to a private lounge that
serves a buffet and a la carte breakfast, light lunch and supper with
complimentary alcoholic drinks until 6 pm (details below). Room sizes are the same, and the
smallest suites are 750 sq. ft., a reflection that the building was originally
supposed to be condominiums, which is a key factor in whether you will like it
and come back again and again. The best rooms in my
opinion however are the 2-and-3 bedroom suites, all of which offer both river
and city views.
One pet peeve I have is
luxury hotels that offer very limited 24 hours menus. Here lebua deserves
particular praise as you can order anything you want at 3 am, from lobster to
curry or a club sandwich, actually the entire menu. If you arriving from the
Americas or Europe, I think you will appreciate.
The Tower Club offers a
residential design approach. Flooring is a combination of light woods, carpet
and marble, and bathrooms are oversize, each with walk-in showers and separate
tubs. There are kitchens with large refrigerators, espresso makers, microwaves
and bars, so if you prefer the idea of being in your own apartment to a hotel
suite, you will feel at home, even though there are all the services you expect
from a full-service luxury hotel. Even the living room areas have plenty of
space, so one person can be watching TV while you are working at the dining
table, desk or other seating area.
You also won't find
high-tech boxes and iPads next to your bed. You turn the lights on and off with
switches, you pull the drapes back yourself and if you want to change the
air-conditioning setting, you turn a dial. There are TV controllers of course,
but my point is that management is not trying to compete with Ian Flemming to
see who can design the best gadgets. As somebody with a cranky back, I find the
beds among the most comfortable I have slept on.
The three biggest
selling points is room size value for money, having the extra bedrooms, amazing
skyscraper views and its signature food and beverage offerings that span the
52nd and 64th through 67th floors. Sirocco and Breeze provide al stunning al
fresco dining experiences while Mezzaluna, its top restaurant (2 Michelin stars
– the most of an Bangkok restaurant) is indoor seating on the 67th floor.
Recent awards include World Travel Awards 2018 – Asia’s Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel 2018; Fodor 208 Best Award “The Best Hotel Rooms in Bangkok”, “Rooms with View” and “Best Hotel Rooftop Bars in Bangkok; World Travel Awards 2017 – World’s Leading Luxury Suites Hotel 2017; and World Travel Awards 2017 – Thailand’s Leading Luxury All Suite Hotel 2017. The hotel gets 4.5 out of 5 stars from Trip Advisor. 87% of reviews are Excellent/Very Good while 5% are Poor/Terrible, with most complaints about the prices at the rooftop restaurants and bars, something that in my experience keeps it from getting overcrowded, which I like.
2. Accommodations
One nice thing about Bankgok if you are used to traveling to places like New York, London and Paris is that the luxury hotels here are a truly an incredible bargain. Checking rates for a mid-week stay in June, the 2-bedroom Signature Suites, which are 1,900 sq. ft. are $434 per night, the slightly larger 2-bedroom Luxury Suites at 2,040 sq. ft. are $467, the 2,320 sq. ft. 3-bedroom suites are $546, and the Hangover Suite, named for version two of the movie shot at the hotel, is $945 per night.
If you are traveling with somebody, take advantage of the rates and book a two or three bedroom suite. The hotel will convert one of the bedrooms to a spa suite, so you can take massages in-room. If you are coming long-haul having the extra bedroom can be helpful if you are on different sleep patterns or need to do middle of the night calls or work.
Hangover Suite
If you want to retrace the footsteps of the guys from the Hangover movie, you can choose this suite,
however, it is identical to the Three Bedroom Tower Club lebua Suite in layout
encompassing 2,863 sq. ft, with four balconies, two king bedrooms, one twin
bedroom, two full baths and a guest bath, plus large living room and dining area.
The differences are the furnishings, artwork as a tribute to the movie, and free
daily re-stocking of the minibar plus as many Hangovertinis as you can you can
imbibe.
Three Bedroom Tower Club
lebua Suite (7) 
There are seven
three-bedroom Tower Club lebua suites, each 2,863 sq. ft, with four balconies,
two king bedrooms, one twin bedroom, two full baths and a guest bath, plus
large living room and dining area.
Views are predominantly of the city.
Two Bedroom Tower Club
Luxury Suite (11 Spa Suites)
There are 11 Two-Bedroom
Tower Club Luxury Suites, each a spacious 1,894 sq. ft with four private
balconies, including one from each bedroom. Each suite has two full baths,
although the second only has a walk-in shower, no tub. They are spacious with
two separate living room areas, a kitchen, bar and dining area with a table for
four. Fresh fruit comes daily, and
if you are a repeat guest you will find your favorite beverages stocked into
the fridge. Furniture is comfortable.
If you are not going to use both bedrooms, I suggest asking to have the
second bedroom converted to a spa suite for in-room treatments.
Two Bedroom Tower Club
Signature Suite (8 in category)
There are eight
Two-Bedroom Tower Club Luxury Suites, each just under 2,100 sq. ft, with four
private balconies, including one from each bedroom. Like the Luxury version,
each suite has two full baths, although the second only has a walk-in shower,
no tub. There is a similar spacious flow with two separate living room areas, a
kitchen, bar and dining area with a table for four. Fresh fruit comes daily.
3. Restaurants & Bars
You can argue
successfully that the restaurants and bars that span the 52nd, and 64th through
67th floors drive the hotel business. While the suites are nice, good value and service is excellent and
attentive, the main show is the dining and drinking, particularly Sirocco, Sky
Bar and Breeze, which are each al fresco and offer dramatic entries and
stunning views. Coming in March will be Chef’s Table at lebua featuring Vincent Thierry who led the 3 star Michelin kitchens at Caprice at the Four Seasons Hong Kong and at George V in Paris before that. Further plans call for two more restaurants helmed by Michelin chefs to open in late 2019.
Mezzaluna
Two star Michelin
restaurant Mezzaluna helmed by chef Ryochi Kawasaki is the top of the food
chain at State Tower in terms of fine dining attracting visiting CEOs and dignitaries,
including members of the Royal Family. It is one floor up from when you get off
the elevators to access the Dome, and it provides spectacular views, but from
all indoor seating.
Michelin writes, “Perched
on the 65th floor of the lebua Hotel, Mezzaluna offers sky-high and
breathtaking views. Toast to the high life at Sky Bar before settling in for a
gastronomic journey. The accomplished chef and his team deliver European
delights with Japanese precision in seven-course set menu, along with some
surprises. The flavours are balanced and sophisticated, and the food is
creative and technically precise. A wine list of substantial proportions and
prices accompanies.”
Below is the most recent tasting menu (A vegetarian option is also available), including wine
pairings:
Notsuke Scallop
“Carpaccio”
Kohlrabi,
Gray Shrimp, Beluga Caviar
*
Perrier-Jouët, Grand Brut N/V
**Charles Heidsieck Brut
Millésimé, 2005
___________________________________
Magaki Oyster
“Confit”
Beetroots,
Red Radish, Banyuls Vinaigrette
*Tilly’
s Vineyard, Henschke, Adelaide’s Hills/Eden Valley, Australia, 2005
**Gavi di Gavi, Valfieri,
Piedmont, Italy, 2015
OR
Veal Sweetbread
“Glazed”
Shiitake
Mushrooms, Ginger, Kyoto Carrots, Caramel Jus
*Château
Baret, Pessac Leognan, Bordeaux, France, 2008
**Chardonnay Carneros,
Silverado Vineyards, Napa Valley, USA, 2011
___________________________________
Maine Lobster
"Poached and Bisque”
Green
Lentils, Shungiku, Morteau Sausage
*
Sauvignon/Semillon Siblings Leeuwin Estate, Margaret River, Australia,
2015
**Planeta, Alastro, Sicily,
Italy, 2012
___________________________________
Madara (Pacific
Cod) “Sake Kasu Marinated and Custard”
Bok
Choy, Squids, Chorizo
*Riesling,
The Lodge Hill, Jim Barry, Clare Valley, Australia, 2017
**Meursault, Chanson, Burgundy,
France, 2015
OR
Kinmedai
(Alfonsino) “Miso Grilled”
Jerusalem
Artichokes, Mirugai, Water Celery
*Sylvaner,
Abbazia di Novacella, Trentino AA, Italy 2012
**Shimeharitsuru “Daiginjo Gold
Label”
___________________________________
Barbary Duck “Roasted
and Consommé”
Foie
Gras, Barley, Yurine, Maitake Mushroom
*
Rioja Reserva, Bodega Santiago, Spain, 2006
**Château Pedesclaux, Bordeaux,
France, 2007
___________________________________
Niigata Murakami
Wagyu Beef A5 “Grilled over Binchō Charcoal”
Endive,
Shallots, Périgord Black Truffle
*Mas
de Daumas Gassac, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2013
**Alter Ego de Château Palmer,
Bordeaux, France, 2014
OR
Yezo Shika Deer
“Blackcurrant Crusted”
Red
Cabbage, Renkon, Radicchio, Poivrade Sauce
*
Shiraz, St.Hugo, lebua release, Barossa Valley, Australia, 2013
**Zinfandel, Heitz Cellar, Napa
Valley, USA, 2012
___________________________________
Koshihikari “Ice
Cream, Meringue and Pudding”
Corsican
Clementine, Fresh, Confit and Smoked
*
Carmes de Rieussec, Sauternes, Bordeaux 2015
**Muscat de Beaumes de Venise,
Delas, Rhone Valley, France, 2015
Sirocco
After taking the
elevator to the 64th floor you are greeted by a bevy of hosts and hostesses
with the Thai greeting, "Sawasdee," essentially a friendly hello.
After a short walk around a curved wall you step outside onto a large balcony,
where to the left is a Champagne Perrier-Jouet bar. From there you can look
down onto the restaurant forward left and Sky Bar at the end, nearly 900 feet
above the sidewalk below. You then descend down a wide staircase in what has
become an Instagram moment akin to standing in front of Big Ben or the leaning
tower at Pisa.
Sirocco offers
Mediterranean fare which is now being overseen by a new chef arrived from The
Ritz in Paris. You dine with the glittering lights of Bangkok below you and a
hip and sexy bar scene at Sky Bar nearby. There is a constant flow of flashing
lights as fellow diners and bar goers take pictures to remember the evening,
although while that behavior might detract from the dining experience, here it
is part of the fun.
Part of the restaurants
success was being able to offer fine dining with a view. Previous to its 2003
opening, skyscraper dining was mainly inside with bad food. The restaurant has received numerous awards
from Thailand Tatler, where it received a perfect 10 score to Travel +
Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. It also made Daily Meal's 101 Best Restaurants
in Asia as well as gaining notoriety from The Telegraph for "world's most
expensive deserts." Which brings me to the point that you do pay for the
experience. Expect to spend $200 per person, including drinks.
Breeze
Perched on the 51st and
52nd floors of Tower Club at lebua, Breeze offers indoor and outdoor seating,
but the experience begins when you walk from the bar across the outdoor dining
area on a multi-color lit bridge and then descend one floor via one of two
palatial staircases.
Taste Asian flavors such as Charcoal Grilled Chilean Sea Bass with Chinese
Chives, Wok-fried Maine Lobster with Curry Leaves in Spicy Yellow Bean Sauce,
Wok-fried Andaman Tiger Prawns with Okra and Coconut in Tamarind Sauce, and his
Signature Jasmine Tea Smoked Wagyu Beef Ribs.
There is a 3,000 bottle
wine cellar, and like Sirocco, Breeze has shelves of awards and notations,
including Hospitality Asia's Restaurant of the Year, Hot Tables from Conde Nast
Traveler, and USA Today, which listed it as one of the top 10
"most cutting-edge restaurants."
Cafe Mozu
Cafe Mozu is located on
the same level as the pool, spa and fitness club, and is open from breakfast,
lunch and dinner, however, it's breakfast buffet is worth the visit. Featuring
Lebanese, Thai and Indian chefs, you have a United Nations of wakeup options.
It is also a good place to grab lunch, but is quiet in the evenings when most
of the action is on the rooftop.
Bars
lebua No. 3
The newest venue opened November 3 of this year is a trio modern and upscale bars themed around gin, caviar and vodka. Lebua No. 3 is located on 52nd floor with views of the Chao Phraya River and city skyline. To celebrate, Absolut has launched an exclusive bottle Absolut Elyx lebua LIMITED EDITION by harvesting winter wheat from one single estate, and distilled by hand in a vintage copper column still from 1921.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by an elegantly lit spiral staircase, leading into three indoor and outdoor spaces with distinct themes. The first bar has a glossy black finish with an illuminated bar and a DJ zone, finished with chic black marble. Moving outside there are two external bars with copper and glowing satin-glass finishes. A P4 digital retina-display dance floor, the first of its kind in the world, connects the two spaces, providing an experiential cocktail journey.
To continue this trend of exclusivity when designing lebua No.3, the team took one step further and will release the brand’s first album, curated in partnership with chart-topping international music producer Andrew Murray (who’s worked with the likes of Jenifer Hudson, John Legend, Gary Barlow, Pixie Lott, etc). This private label album is debuted by DJ Taly Shum, the bar’s latest DJ in residence. The track will also be available for download.
Sky Bar
When it opened in 2003,
Sky Bar's spectacular views and its grand
entrance helped launch the trend to rooftop skyscraper dining and drinking, and
help drive the decade long expansion of fine dining as an experience. With
awards from everywhere you can think of and even mentions in The New York
Times, it's not unusual to hear that Sky Bar was one reason they wanted to
visit Bangkok.
The Flute A Perrier
Jouet Bar
The newest addition, The
Flute A Perrier Jouet champagne bar, is perfectly placed on the terrace where
you step outside into the night atop this Bangkok skyscraper, so you can enjoy
a glass of bubbles, or perhaps a bottle before you descend for an aperitif at
Sky Bar and then dinner at Sirocco, or perhaps the reverse. Either way, with
the nice views it will be hard to resist. You will be in good company in this
case. The hotel sells more Blanc des Blancs at $2,000 per bottle than the
entire city-state of Singapore.
Alfresco 64 - A Chivas Bar
Selected by The Telegraph as one of "17 Incredible Rooftop Bars for 2017" Alfresco 64 - A Chivas Bar is perched 800 feet in the air on the 64th floor, the highest outdoor whisky bar in the world. The design concept draws inspiration from the sleek lines of a luxury yacht. The bar is divided into three parts with the first section, an indoor area set to resemble an opulent yacht cabin, featuring lacquered rosewood flooring and sunken seating. The bar counter is made of large pieces of wood accentuated with curves and silver metal lines which resemble the lines of a luxury vessel. The front of the bar takes its design cues from a yacht’s bridge and showcase Bangkok's best views. The second section is the Heritage Room, created for VVIPs and can be used for a variety of special events ranging from private parties to whisky tastings. The last feature of the bar is the outdoor area. Designed to resemble the prow of a luxury yacht, it juts out over the side of the building. It features comfortable couches and chairs, teak flooring, while a glass railing all along the edge allows for unobstructed views of the Chao Phraya River. In addition to sampling signature blends from Chivas Regal as well as other premium whiskies there is a one-of-a-kind limited edition “Chivas Exclusive lebua blend,” the first time that Chivas Regal has created a blend exclusively for a partner.
Distil
Distil is on the 64th
Floor and offers indoor and outdoor seating, with daybeds outside overlooking
the city and comfortable furniture sets inside. There is a DJ, a bar menu including raw bar, an extensive
list of signature drinks, and cigars in a lounge atmosphere where you can enjoy
the views without the crowds.
Ocean 52 
Ocean 52 is the bar when
you enter Breeze and from 6 am to 6 pm functions as the private lounge for
guests in the Club levels of the hotel.
In the evening the indoor seating offers spectacular views and is
someplace to come if you want to avoid the crowds that flock to the rooftop.
4. Spa and Fitness:
The gym is excellent for
a hotel, with plentiful machines, treadmills and free weights, as well as
stretching areas. The spa has four treatment rooms and the focus is Thai
treatments. My recommendation is to have the hotel set-up an extra bedroom for
in-suite treatments.
5. Meetings and Events:
The State Room on the
67th floor features floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of the
river and city with over 7,000 sq. ft. of space, and can be set-up for events
up to 250 people or sit-down dinners up to 150.
On the lower floors, the
hotel hosts conferences up to 800. The Grand Ballroom can be split into four
separate ballrooms ranging from 2,600 sq. ft. to 11,000 sq. ft.
6. Contact:
