Bangkok - The Sukhothai
Spring 2007
Frank's view 
My first visit to The Sukhothai was at the end of a whistle stop tour of Asia, during which I had stayed at some of the continent’s finest luxury hotels.
First impressions count for so much and The Sukhothai impressed.
The hotel offers an airport concierge service which eliminates the stress and frustrations of clearing Bangkok airport. Their representative meets you at the end of the bridge from the plane (where the airline reps wait) and proceeds to escort you through the airport at lightning speed. He takes your passport, disappears for a few moments and reappears with it stamped. Everything is taken care of and within minutes of touch down, with your bags whisked into the trunk, you are reclining in the back of a limo, mopping your brow with a cool flannel, en route to Bangkok. All that’s missing is the motorcade escort. This really is VIP treatment.
Ironically, as you approach the Sukhothai down South Sathorn Road, your eyes are drawn to the building next door, The Banyan Tree Hotel, which literally towers above everything around with its restaurant and bar on the open air 61st floor.
The approach to the Sukhothai is along a short drive which creates a safe distance between the hotel and the busy main road. The Australian Embassy is a few doors away.
The seamlessly efficient service continues as your bags are removed from the trunk and shortly afterwards appear in your suite. (I know this is how it should be but so often it isn’t).
The rooms are exquisite. Take a look at the hotel web site. It gives a very accurate overview of the rooms and suites. The furnishings, décor and ambience are very Thai; quite different from other hotels we have visited in Bangkok, and indeed, Asia. The bathroom is particularly special. It has been so well thought out, with wash basins opposite each other on facing walls giving two guests their own space. The back wall houses a bath flanked by the shower on one side and the wc on the other. The wardrobe is on the final wall with a large silk covered chaise lounge in the middle. It is as perfect a bathroom layout as one could wish for.
The hotel common areas are once again elegant Thai, with open corridors leading to the rooms. The bar is one hotel bar you will be drawn to, both for pre dinner drinks and a late night digestif. The Thai bar staff are friendly and chatty.
The restaurants are good but not exceptional. On the subject of eating out, the 61st floor of The Banyan Tree Hotel next door is well worth a visit. The bar is extraordinary as there are no real barriers to impede any would-be suicide case. Its worth a visit but we found the restaurant food to be poor.
The Sukhothai swimming pool is a few minutes walk through the hotel to the other side of the entrance area. The pool is large with lots of loungers. The tennis courts sit by the side of the pool.
In excessively hot climates it is obviously crucial to drink lots of water and the Sukhothai ensures you are never without a complimentary chilled bottle. It is amazing how many 5 Star hotels fail to make sufficient water available to guests, never mind, provide it free of charge.
This hotel is pretty close to faultless. Whilst in the hotel you feel at peace and removed from the crazy outside world of Bangkok. When you venture out, a hotel car is inexpensive and almost essential. The driver will stay with you for the duration of your outing which is useful as he is always available should you decide to move on or return to the calm of the hotel.
The Sukhothai
13/3 South Sathon Road
Bangkok
+66 2 344 8888
Be Frank: agree or disagree? What do you think?
