Thursday, July 31, 2014

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, Thailand

The Four Seasons Bangkok was for a longer time on our list of hotels we always wanted to stay and finally the chance came to do so. We used their offer of every third night free, so we stayed 6 nights and paid for 4.

We had chosen an Executive Club Room.

We took a taxi from the Banyan Tree - see review -, which cost around 60 THB (ca. 1.40 Euro or 1.90 USD).

We were welcomed friendly and as a returning guest - we have never stayed there before, but visited each time we were in Bangkok - and accompanied to the Executive Lounge on the 7th floor, where all the check in formalities were taken care of.

We were also offered a welcome drink of our choice. When we were ready we were given our keys and brought to our room on the same floor. We were located at the Parichart Court and our room overlooked the pool and the neighboring apartments.

The room was large. The furniture was dark and a mix of Colonial style and contemporary. There were some green splashes as well and the wallpaper was yellow.

A small hallway led off to the bathroom and the bed room.

The art work was traditional Thai.

The bed was comfortable and large. Beside it were two chairs and a coffee table with a fruit plate and welcome note.

Unusual for a Four Seasons the writing desk had only one chair instead of two. 

There was also a wardrobe, luggage rack and credenza with a large TV and about 65 channels, which covered everything from Indian TV to CNN and Bloomberg. We liked watching Channel News Asia, LI Living Inspired and Channel 4.

On the credenza were the Four Seasons Magazine and others. There were also two books, one about Thailand, the other was the autobiography of the King of Thailand.

The minibar contained local juices and international beverages. There were also free bottles of Singha water. The company is more famous for their beer.

During our stay we received more and more water, depending how humid it was.

The granite bath room was large with a separate bath tub and shower, sink and toilet. The amenities were by L'Occitaine and generously supplied. 

We enjoyed spending time on our room, relaxing and talking. We also liked that the art work above the bed was a continuation of the stunning lobby murals.

The wakeup call was always on time and personalized.

One morning we managed to oversleep, even with the wakeup call and morning coffee and we missed breakfast.

On our first day we explored the hotel and found out that beside the lobby lounge, there are a few meeting rooms, Biscotti Restaurant for Italian cuisine, Shintaro for Japanese, the reception and the concierge.

There are more meeting rooms on the first floor. We had a closer look at the murals on the wall and ceiling, which was created by a Thai master, but he unfortunately died before the work was finished, so it was completed by his apprentices and family members. 

The spa and swimming pool are located on the first floor too. The pool is romantic with sun loungers and greenery.

The fitness center is located in a different building.

Other restaurants and lounges are the Pop up wine and charcuterie, Madison for steaks, Spice Market (Thai), Mocha and Muffins, Aqua and the Terrace.

We went to Mocha and Muffins in one of the courtyards, one of our favorite places in the hotel. There was a koi pond, shops, including an art gallery, a book shop and a Jim Thompson's outlet.

Mocha and Muffins has fantastic bakery goods, sandwiches, chocolate, coffee, teas and wine.

After choosing our drinks and a smoked salmon bagel, we took a seat at the back, overlooking Rajadamri Road and the BTS Sky train. We could watch the comings and goings. The staff was attentive, the cappuccinos creamy and strong and the salmon bagel very delicious. We paid 1.107 THB (ca. 25.90 Euro or 34.80 USD).

We really loved the nooks and crannies of the hotel and every corner seemed to reveal something new, like elephant statues at the entrance of the hotel, ponds with little sculptures and other art work.

During the day we were out exploring, but we used the executive club lounge nearly every day.

It is a very nice space, large with a reception at the entrance and lounge and restaurant style seating with a small library and internet corner. 

Breakfast is served daily until 10.30 hours. The buffet selection was not the largest, but of the finest quality. There was also an egg station with a chef, making all dishes to order.

Some of the choices were sausages, a local noodle or rice dish, congee with condiments, fruits, vegetables, yogurt, milk drinks including shakes, bread and much more.

Happy Hour had a small selection of alcoholic beverages. We tried the red (New Zealand) and sparkling wine (France, but not from the Champagne region).  Every evening we were there a different themed buffet was available from Italian to Japanese. 

It contained mostly seafood and mushrooms (one of us has an allergy of both), but there were enough other choices to satisfy us. The desserts were a hit, especially the coconut panna cotta.

Unlike other club lounges the Four Season's was never over run. When there were other guests they were quiet and considerate.

The club lounge staff was always welcoming, asked about our day and knew our preferred drinks and seating arrangements.

When we didn't arrive one day at all - the one we over slept - the staff was already missing us and relieved to see us again the next morning.

The location of the Four Seasons is ideal. The Erawan Shrine and Central World Shopping Mall, Gaysorn Plaza and the Centara Grand Hotel are just a short walk away.

The nearest BTS Sky train Station is Rajadamri Road. It's maybe five minutes walk away and gives you / us affordable access to the city. On the other side Bangkok is very walkable and we went one evening to Wireless Road within twenty minutes.

Check out approached way too fast. It was done very efficient and with a smile. A taxi to Phaya Thai Airport Link Station was organized as well.

All staff encountered from the back of house to the door lady and gentlemen were warm, hospitable and efficient.

The Four Seasons is very romantic, the location ideal, the rooms luxurious and spacious, the food great and the staff exemplary. We would love to return soon and recommend it highly.

©2014

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