“Where simple pleasures come to life”
Right in the financial center of Bangkok we discovered an elegant place and very luxurious. Its name? Intercontinental Bangkok.
The location could not be better, in the heart of the city, in Ratchaprasong, in the financial district where everything happens, where the skyscrapers compete among each other to see which is the most astonishing! This hotel belongs to the iconic and luxurious Intercontinental Hotels chain that dates from 1946, back when it still belonged to its founder, the aviation company Pan Am.
Coming from a completely amazing hotel, The Peninsula, of course the demands commanded our thought.
But, they’re completely different hotels, each one with its own style and essence.
First impressions:
As soon as we entered the hotel I realized its dimension, very bright, very luxurious and much gold to the mix! The lobby is wonderful, the sensation we get is that we’re in a great ball room, prepared for a gala.
As expected, we were very well welcomed (it’s not easy to beat the Eastern in this field) and quickly forwarded to our room.
Bedrooms:
The modern style is dominant among the hotel, with a quite imposing oriental touch, which certainly pleases the many Chinese visitors. The rooms follow the same pattern, but with a more European touch. Every time I think about Intercontinental, luxury and greatness come to mind. The rooms are just like this, wide, huge beds, all the luxury and sophistication needed to make our stay a true meeting of two with comfort!
Of course while being at the commercial center of town, as soon as I entered the room I stumbled with a huge neon peaking at the window from the other side of the street!
The hotel has 381 rooms of 10 different types, but all with luxury in common.
Summer Palace
Restaurants/Bars:
Not only of rooms a hotel is made and because the gastronomy is becoming a priority in our lives, there’s a growing concern from the hotels to assure their guests have the best gastronomic offer. The Intercontinental presents various options accordingly, more precisely 7. The Fireplace Grill, distinguished in Bangkok by the quality of its grilled meats (in particular the wagyu) and the fresh seafood. Grossi Trattoria & Wine Bar, a fusion between the Italian tradition and the Australian spirit (the chef’s origin).
Fireplace Grill
Espresso, where we delighted ourselves with a breakfast with options from the four corners of the world, and where we can also opt for the wonderful Jazz Sunday Brunch, or simply have lunch or have some international cuisine for dinner. The Summer Palace, where we were awarded with a traditional Cantonese gastronomy lunch, in an environment that took us to China.
The Balcony Lounge & Humidor Cigar Bar, a place that breaths sophistication while enjoying a good wine or an elegant cocktail, in combination with a refined choice of the world’s best cigars. The Deli, for the coffee lovers or to simply enjoy a snack during the day. And the Oasis Pool Bar, to taste an excellent cocktail with an astonishing view over the city (the pool is located on the top of the hotel!).
At our lunch in Summer Palace we chose the Dim sum menu, with one or another appointment from the traditional menu of the restaurant. We are confessed fans of this type of Chinese cuisine and as expected (the hotel as a lot of Chinese clients) it did not disappoint. Some brilliant combinations, like the prawn and spinach dumplings, the almond and spicy prawn rolls or the sautéed pork belly were a memorable meal, well accompanied by an amazing and traditional yellow tea. A restaurant not to miss by those who visit Intercontinental Bangkok.
Services:
The Intercontinental Bangkok is by excellence a Business Hotel dedicated to assure a range of events and congresses, and during our stay that was possible to verify. It has a capacity of 22 functional rooms for every type of event, including an elegant and big room for 1000 people. This hotel becomes, for sure, the most versatile and spaceful hotel of its type in Bangkok.
Rooftop Swimming Pool & Oasis Pool Bar
For the most active, Infinity Fitness offers the gym technology news or classes for every taste, associated with an amazing panoramic view of the city.
On its turn, for those like me that just want to rest and enjoy a nice cocktail, we have the Rooftop Swimming Pool & Oasis Bar.
But the highlight of the Hotel is the spa.
The Intercontinental Spa was my first experience with massages in Thailand (from which I’ll speak in a later post), and I tell you I completely fell in love with the Thai massage culture. The environment is relaxing and invades all our senses meeting perfection. Excellent experience, excellent moment.
The hotel also offers all the usual commodities to its guests, like the concierge service, limousine service and also the possibility of shopping through the direct connection to Gaysorn mall.
To the frequent guests, Intercontinental Bangkok presents the Intercontinental Club, where luxury meets privilege and there’s a celebration between the customized service and the elegance of the Thai hospitality, this place is located on the top of the hotel, which allows once again glimpsing the magnificent views over the city.
Service:
Careful with our needs, constant follow-up of the client, hospitable and very polite.
Of course being a huge hotel and with a more business environment, at the time of our stay was happening an event/meeting with many people and agitation, obviously the hotel seemed to lose a bit of its identity, however, the efforts were compensated and I assure you they had employees able to accompany a full house!
Whether for business or pleasure, Intercontinental Bangkok scores its points in the hospitality business and assures its guests an elegant stay, luxurious, imposing and relaxing, no wonder that it was awarded with two important titles at the World Travel Awards, the Thailand’s Leading Hotel and the Thailand’s Leading Business Hotel.
No doubt, an experience to repeat in a next trip to Bangkok (I can only think about returning!).
Intercontinental Bangkok
Rooms from 135€
973 Phloen Chit road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok
intercon@ihgbangkok.com
Flavors & Senses in Thailand with the support of Emirates
Text: Cíntia Oliveira | Photos: Flavors & Senses and Intercontinental Bangkok.
