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| Sofitel So Bangkok |
Sofitel So Bangkok
A blend of French and Thai design and warm local graciousness form an intricate lattice composing a chic sanctum of sophistication and congeniality in Sofitel So Bangkok. Add to that park frontage, convenient location and some fashionable food and beverage outlets, and you’ve got an impressive place to stay in the City of Angels.
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| Lobby |
Design
The sum and substance of Bangkok is realized through the collaboration of five leading Thai designers, an award-winning architect and the celebrated Monsieur Christian Lacroix, in the composition of what stands today as one of the city’s most stylish hotels, Sofitel So Bangkok.
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| Reception |
Cornering Sathorn and Rama IV roads, architect Smith Obayawat has fashioned the building to reap the verdant rewards of the edging Lumpini Park, while five local artists have interpreted the elements of water, earth, metal, wood and fire into the chic interiors of the structure. Monsieur Christian Lacroix’s dramatic panache is rendered throughout the hotel, seen in richly coloured and textured uniforms, and art pieces inspired by mythological creations, 19th Century France and subtle touches of local aesthetics.
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| A Magical Colour-Changing Welcome Drink - Creativity from the Onset |
It doesn’t matter where we turn, we find ourselves stimulated and uplifted by the flawless amalgamation of wonderfully inventive minds. The vibrant buzz of the city is never forgotten, yet we feel embraced by an inner calm and serenity as a result of clean smooth lines, a sense of organic flow and a tasteful play between line, colour, texture and form.
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| Stylish Uniforms |
Rooms
With leading design comes state-of-the art technology. All rooms are equipped with 40” flatscreen LCD TVs, fully integrated Apple Mac mini media solutions granting windows to endless entertainment options and guest services, and free Internet access throughout the hotel. Complimentary mini bar with a selection of local goodies, and his and her bath products by YTSARA enhance the rooms even further. Sofitel’s Signature “MyBed” promises a cocooning experience with a pillow menu to match.
Entry-level rooms are offered in the SO Cosy habitats covering 38spm of space with separate shower and free-standing bathtub. The other end of the spectrum culminates in the SO VIP suite: a generous 223sqm duplex with master and guest bedrooms, a living room, dining room, pantry for the butler, Jacuzzi and stunning views over Lumpini Park.
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| Water Element Room |
With our So Comfy room booking, we’re comfortable in a 45sqm room, and are able to pre-select what theme of styling we’d prefer prior to our arrival: Earth, Wood, Metal or Water. Water is our first choice, but if you’re undecided there’s an on-line quiz to guide you.
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| Bathroom Water Element |
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| His and Hers Bath Products |
Designed to showcase panoramic views from every vantage point, Water motif spaces include walk-in closets with transparent panels and floor-to-ceiling windows. Black and grey keep the colour palette cool and soothing, and one touch automated blinds black out light ensuring a sound night’s sleep, or open fully revealing the stunning park and city vistas beyond. Straight lines and hues of dark flooring and mosaic tiles, contrast with the organic curves of white furnishings.
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| Water Element Room |
This category of room includes a personal Illy Espresso machine, of which I make good use, priming myself for the day with a strong cup of java in hand and an eyeful of green vistas gifted by the park frontage below.
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| Not Your Ordinary Fruit Bowl Welcome - local sweets, fruit and various drinks |
Food and Beverage
The fifth element of Fire is accentuated in the hotel’s all-day-dining restaurant, Red Oven. It’s here where most packages include daily breakfast providing a smorgasbord of international cuisines in a contemporary setting. Natural materials of bamboo, marble and mother-of-pearl synthesize to create a home for a Molteni ‘Red Oven’ – a unique piece to Southeast Asia. A fusion of traditional cooking methods and leading cooking technologies, this handcrafted triumph is something many a chef would drool over.
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| Red Oven Outdoor Patio |
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| Red Oven |
We breakfast here both mornings and are more than satisfied with the options. Tropical fruits, nuts, creamy yoghurts and an enormous bakery section keep me happy, while hubby drivels over the multitude of cold cuts, a beautiful leg of honeyed ham, and any number of eggs to his liking. It’s not just the food though, the whole layout is inspiring and we take a more leisurely breakfast than usual, as there’s so much to appreciate.
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| Red Oven |
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| Baked Goodies at Breakfast |
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| Red Oven |
Crowning the property is the rooftop restaurant and bar, Park Society. A mesh of shiny steel, glass and mirrors reflect and distort fibre optic display walls, crystal chandeliers and geometric designs. A menu of contemporary cuisine utilizing western cooking techniques and infusing local flavours provides a well-executed line up of dishes. We spend an unforgettable eveninghere. Follow this link to see the full recount in photos and find our recommendations for best dishes.
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| Park Society |
One floor up from Park Society is Sofitel So Bangkok’s rooftop bar and lounge, HI-SO. Al fresco style cabanas are encircled by a collection of lights and majestic panoramas of the glittery city skyline. It’s a fine perch for a cocktail, but live jazz on a Saturday night, along with Ladies’ and Men’s nights, draw the crowds too.
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| View from HI-SO |
During the day, Mixo, part of the lobby lounge, is the place to head when you’re thirsty. Expert mixologists brew up innovative concoctions, or guide you into crafting your own blend and enable you to immortalize your signature recipe in the logbook kept at the bar.
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| Mixo |
Another place for fun is the entire 10th floor, dedicated to The Water Club. A pool surrounded by lush landscaping furnishes one side, supplying guests with light refreshments and cocktails, and to the other side, a lawn ‘solarium’ with deck chairs aligned to soak up the sun assigns further greenery. As the day cools and the evening heats up DJs mix rhythms worthy of chilling the night away with a group of friends with the lights of the city mirroring the sky of stars. Monthly pool parties have become quite the hit, so be sure to check out if your stay coincides with the action.
On the ground floor, the “sweet shop-cum-chocolate factory,” Chocolab, entices me to spend a few moments inside every time I pass. Drawn in by the luscious chocolate creations and chocolatiers carrying out their delicately delicious job from behind glass windows, I’m sure I leave a trail of dribble upon each walk-by.
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| Chocolab Creation |
Health and Recreation
The appropriately named So FIT health centre takes a comprehensive approach to wellbeing with its provision of a gymnasium, aerobics room, relaxation beds, beauty salon, marble hammams and hot and cold immersion tubs overlooking the terrace garden. Technogym equipment proves the hotel considers fitness of high importance as do an average of five group exercise classes scheduled a day.
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| Technogym Equipment |
A 32 metre lap pool dispenses a cooler way to burn some calories, and with its infinity edges seemingly flowing over the 10thfloor into the park below, gives the illusion of swimming in mid-air. A watery soundtrack is piped into the pool area making a dip somewhat a surreal experience, especially bolstered at night when LED lights illuminate the water with an ever-changing rainbow of colours. Following a good weights session and swim, surely a spa appointment is well deserved?
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| Jacuzzi |
French sophistication and Asian healing practices interweave to form the award winning urban retreat, So Spa. Inclusive of a relaxation area, steam and sauna rooms, a Turkish Hammam, and manicure and pedicure spaces, the spa promises to leave guests relaxed and inspired whether they partake in a quick massage or half day spa experience.
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| So Spa |
I indulge in a 90-minute massage with an expert therapist on the day of departure hoping to hold onto pleasant Thai memories to get me through the journey home. Beginning with a hot ginger tea, followed by a footbath, excellent technique in a Balinese massage, and ending with a rose tea and chocolate pot, the experience is nothing less than heavenly. My only regret is to not have tried the spa sooner – I would have signed up for a daily treatment given a second chance.
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| So Spa |
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| So Spa - Tea and Chocoalte Pot to Finish |
Sofitel So Bangkok has gifted us with not only a comfortable stay, but also a stimulating escape. With so much creativity interwoven into interiors, uniforms, food and beverage, we leave with uplifted spirits and motivation to find ways to incorporate more fun, fashion and quirkiness into our own lives.
Reasons to visit:stylish rooms with choice of element; excellent food and beverage options; chic upbeat vibe; stunning views of Lumpini park and Bangkok’s skyline.
So Sofitel Bangkok
2 North Sathorn Road
Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Thailand
+66 2624 000