Lebua at State Tower Bangkok

In Bangkok, being on top of the world has long been associated with the trendy and award-winning Dome venues like Sirocco, Mezzaluna, Distil and Sky Bar at the landmark 67-storey State Tower building close to the Riverside area. The new all-suite lebua hotel in the building offers the same sweeping, awe-inspiring city skyline and river vistas from each of its 198 luxuriously appointed suites, and takes hospitality literally to new heights.

Officially Bangkok's second-tallest building, State Tower do justice to its name. The building towers majestically above other skyscrapers in the area; its gleaming, golden dome a fitting crown and testament to the excellence that can be found within the confines of the impressive structure. The latest addition of the luxurious lebua hotel is simply the cherry on the cake...

At the heart of the lebua concept lies a philosophy to excel and exceed. The spacious suites, ranging from 66 to 266 square metres, count among the largest in their categories (in the city), and are decorated in a plush, contemporary style with state-of-the-art fixtures and fittings.

The one-bedroom suite comes complete with premium appliances like a DVD player, full-sized fridge and microwave oven, while the two- and three-bedroom suites have spacious, open-plan kitchens that are even equipped with a washing machine and tumble dryer (on request, celebrated chefs can cook up a storm in the two- and three-bedroom suites to wow guests).

The stylish elegance throughout is extended to the separate living areas and luxury bathrooms. For good measure and pure bath-time bliss, Bvlgari amenities have been thrown in.

Belonging to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World stable, lebua at State Tower goes a step beyond the ordinary at every level, and defines distinction in the truest sense of the word. The same philosophy applies to the Business Centre on the 51st floor - equipped with every conceivable facility - and the Fitness Centre and swimming pool on the mezzanine level.

Its prime location overlooking (and within walking distance to) Bangkok's 'River of Kings', and close proximity to the hustle and bustle of Silom, as well as prime shopping and business districts, is a major plus.

Amari Atrium Bangkok

Since opening its doors over a decade ago, Amari Atrium Bangkok has been recognised as a provider of not only continuing expectation-exceeding services and exceptional hospitality, but also for constantly improving its accommodation and facilities. Nestled off the bustling commercial and retail centre of New Petchburi, one of the city's longest roads, Amari Atrium stands 23 storeys tall - with a sky-reaching atrium ceiling half of the hotel's height.

The lobby is spacious with a unique illuminating centerpiece that cleverly accents the open space of the atrium). With friendly and accommodating staff, smooth and swift check-in is guaranteed. Attached to the lobby is the impressive 24-hour Cascade Restaurant and Lobby Bar, where guests can relax and rendezvous amidst the sound of water gentle trickling into a small pond.

Located in the Atrium Wing and Tower Wing, the hotel's 568 well-appointed guestrooms come in five different types (466 Superior Rooms, 29 Executive Rooms, 50 Deluxe Rooms, 14 Deluxe and Corner Rooms and nine suites), and are decked out in a contemporary style with all kinds of conveniences neatly incorporated, giving them a minimalist edge. All rooms feature modern amenities like DVD player, 'plug and play' broadband Internet access, all-in-one bedside control panel, individually-controlled air conditioning system, toiletries, work station, TV set with a great variety of international channels and pay-per-view.

Situated on the top two levels of the hotel with a separate check-in counter, Executive Rooms are ideal for those who seek extra comfort and convenience. Enjoy exclusive privileges like access to the 24-hour Executive Lounge, where unlimited alcoholic beverages, snacks and canap-s can be delighted in (from 17:00 to 20:00) together with a host of great amenities from DVD player (an extensive DVD collection is available at the reception), direct fax number in rooms, personal stereo to in-room trouser press. Business travellers will love the well-equipped mini business centre, complete with high-speed Internet connection and a small conference room.

Perfect for honeymooners, Corner Rooms feature a high ceiling, large bathtub (fit for two!) and spectacular panoramic views of the city. Excellent for families, Deluxe Suites, the largest of all (129 square metres), consist of one bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows affording good city views, a living room and dining room with its own bar counter. A choice of wooden or carpeted flooring is also available. It's also noteworthy that this hotel is one of the few hotels in Bangkok that offers rooms designed specially for handicapped guests. In addition, a superior level of safety is ensured as all elevators are key card-activated and there are three fire exits on every floor.

Besides the hotel's fine accommodation, its facilities are also of high standards. The Clark Hatch Fitness Centre features an outdoor whirlpool, complete with terraced sundecks, sauna and steam facilities, aerobic studio and a wide range of massage services from traditional Thai to Swedish. Conference and banquet facilities come in different shapes and sizes from 24 to 304 square metres, and are well-suited for any kind of function. If you have a laptop, Internet wireless hot zones are available free of charge in the lobby area and Cascade Lobby Lounge. Furthermore, attached to the hotel is a shopping arcade offering an assortment of shops and tailors.

Dining options abound at Amari Atrium. Cascade Restaurant on the lobby floor serves international and Asian specialties around the clock (a la carte) and buffets. For a laidback and fun atmosphere, head to Mingles Pub and Restaurant on the second floor, home to the city's only 'Vodka Bar', where a great variety of flavoured and spiced vodkas, spirits and draught beers are served. Guests are also welcome to smash vodka glasses in the designated area after drinking - a fun way to let off some steam! With international cuisine from Spanish, Chinese to Lebanese and an in-house live band, Mingles makes for a perfect venue to eat, meet and, well... mingle! Italian food aficionados shouldn't miss the tasty selection of pastas, pizzas and salads at Vivaldi Italian Restaurant, where guests can choose to dine al fresco beside the pool or in the air-conditioning comfort. For relaxing moments, chill at the Poolside Snack Bar and enjoy light dishes, healthy drinks and simple snacks.

Located in an area perhaps not so well-known to tourists, this city hotel enjoys absolute peace and privacy, and since there are no tall buildings surrounding the hotel, unobstructed views of the city can be delighted in from all guestrooms. The hotel's close proximity to the business, shopping and entertainment areas of Asoke, Sukhumvit, RCA, Ratchada, Siam as well as the city's many convention venues like BITEC and IMPACT Arena Muang Thong Thani makes it an ideal 'base' for all your purposes.

Getting around the city is convenient as the hotel provides a complimentary one-way shuttle bus service every hour, starting from 10:30 until 22:00, to major shopping destinations (a schedule is available at the hotel's Concierge Counter). Alternatively, take a short walk to the nearest MRT underground Petchburi station or Airport Rail Link (currently under construction and expected to be completed in 2008). The hotel is also close to the expressways for both Don Muang Airport and Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

With the hotel's continuous strife for guests' optimum satisfaction reflected through its large, comfortable rooms, accompanied with latest amenities, fantastic city views, a wonderful myriad of facilities and well-trained staff, Amari Atrium Hotel is a great value-for-money choice for anyone - be it singles, couples, families or business travellers.

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Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok

The recently re-branded Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok (previously Sofitel Central Plaza) is located in North Bangkok: on the bustling Lad Prao intersection, near an MRT subway station (Phahon Yothin). Part of the Centara Hotels & Resorts Group, it comes surrounded by great shopping malls, markets and entertainment venues (among them Central Lad Prao Department Store, world-famous Chatuchak Weekend Market and the Major Ratchayothin Cineplex and Bowling complex).

Despite its aged appearance, the hotel's spacious lobby is clean and well-maintained. Gracious staff in traditional Thai attire are readily on hand. The large reception counter is well-staffed, so quick check-in and check-out is ensured. The hotel exudes a unique retro feel rarely found in most hotels nowadays - a reminder of a bygone era, coupled with modern-day facilities.

This 26-storey V-shaped tower houses 607 classic guest rooms, consisting of 99 suites and 508 standard rooms. There are seven different room types: Superior Room (35.5 square metres), Deluxe Room (33.5 square metres), Petite Suite (43.8 square metres), Junior Suite (52 square metres), Executive Suite (64 square metres), Plaza Suite (89.2 square metres) and a massive Presidential Suite (168.5 square metres). All are equipped with full amenities including Centara's signature bed, Sofitel's full toiletries, satellite TV with pay-per-view channels, broadband Internet and an all-in-one bedside control panel.

Guests' peaceful slumber is ensured courtesy of a pillow menu. Choices vary from non-allergenic Dacron pillows with options like 'Sleep Easy' and 'Sleepy Head', to feather ones like 'Sleep Dreams' and 'Sleep-Inn' as well as contour and foam pillows. To top it all off, revel in spectacular views of Chatuchak Park and Bangkok's impressive skyline from the rooms in the Vibhavadee Wing.

For those who love extra convenience and comfort, an upgrade to Deluxe or Suites with Dynasty Club access comes highly recommended. A stay in one of these includes access to the swanky Dynasty Lounge and its privileges: complimentary continental breakfast, mid-day snacks, afternoon tea, cocktail happy hour, free Internet usage, a personal butler service and other all-day services.

If shopping ranks high on your agenda, Sofitel Centara Grand is the hotel for you. Connected to the six-storey Central Lad Prao, one of the city's major department stores, the hotel makes an excellent shopping base. Guests can walk through the car park on the mezzanine level to the shopping mall. Opposite the hotel (only a few minutes' by shuttle bus) is world-famous Chatuchak Weekend Market, with its over 15,000 stalls selling everything from Croc sandals to fighting roosters. The hotel also has a shopping arcade with a few small shops, including a tailor and wedding studio.

More shopping can be had in nearby areas Victory Monument, Siam, Ratchaprasong, Ploenchit and Silom - all conveniently reached by either Skytrain or subway, the city's two efficient transport systems. Alternatively, take advantage of the hotel's complimentary shuttle bus to Central Department Stores (Silom and Chidlom branches), Sumitomo Mitsui (SMBC) Bank, Patpong as well as Skytrain Morchit station and Chatuchak Weekend Market (on weekends).

Best known for its meeting and conference facilities, the hotel boasts the Bangkok Convention Centre (BCC): a 2,500 square-metre auditorium which plays host to various national events like the Miss Thailand pageants. Smaller meeting rooms are located on the Mezzanine Level, and can accommodate up to 200 people. Sofitel Centara also has a myriad of eateries featuring the world's most cherished cuisines like Thai (Chatuchak Caf- and Suan Bua Restaurant), Italian (Don Giovanni), Chinese (Dynasty), Japanese (Hagi) and Vietnamese (Le Danang). Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese cooking classes are also offered for those who want to master the art of Asian cuisine.

In addition to the Cineplex at the nearby Central Lad Prao shopping mall, the hotel also offers entertainment at the Lobby Lounge and Cencio Karaoke, which has state-of-the-art sound systems and private rooms ideal for get-togethers. Other fine facilities and services include 24-hour room service (including a wide range of Sofitel ciabatta sandwiches and 'The Chef Recommends' menus, all served with a complimentary glass of wine or beer), SPA Cenvaree (12 treatment rooms, an exclusive manicure and pedicure suite and private herbal steam room), a fully-equipped Business Centre, fitness centre, outdoor pool, 24-hour medical centre, barber shop and beauty salon.

Although quite removed from the centre of Bangkok, the hotel's close proximity to the Skytrain, subway and expressways, makes for convenient access to major business and shopping districts as well as the two airports (Don Muang and Suvarnabhumi). With its location and a host of great services and facilities, this hotel is an ideal choice for both business and leisure visitors. Be it shopping, comfort or world-class meeting facilities, Sofitel Centara Grand caters to every need and whim.

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Navalai River Resort Bangkok

A new addition to Phra Athit Road and the Chao Phraya riverbank, Navalai River Resort offers 74 luxury rooms with the design concept of ‘no rooms are the same’.

Situated in a prime location, this Oriental-chic boutique hotel is surrounded by many of Bangkok’s leading historical attractions while the famous Khao San Road is mere minutes away.

Standing out from the rest of its surroundings, the Navalai is starkly noticeable as latest contemporary architectural creation on the arty Phra Athit Road. The modern facade of this five-storey white building is an eye pleaser.

Then again, the hotel lobby is well-hidden in the charming alley next to the pier entrance. Although the decidedly compact lobby is simple, once in your guestroom you will be transported into a totally different environment.

Riverside by the Chao Phraya and Phra Athit Road, the area is home to a number of famous sites such as Wat Chana Songkram, the National Art Gallery, Santiphap Park, Phra Sumen Fort, and the stunning Rama VIII Bridge while lively Khao San Road is just a ten-minute stroll away.

The Navalai ferry stop is right at the door (Phra Athit Pier – S13). Both local and tourist boat taxis can take you to numerous riverside attractions while Saphan Thaksin BTS station (Sathorn Pier – CEN) is less than 20 minutes away. Boats are certainly the best way to explore the city – especially during Bangkok’s notorious rush hours.

Featuring 74 luxury rooms with four different types: Serene Corner (30sqm), is located at a quiet corner of the hotel with a decent view. Scenic City (34.7sqm.) offers immediate surrounding views of the Phra Athit neighborhood and the Chao Phraya can be seen from the River Breeze (38.5sqm) and River Serenade (45.5sqm) rooms. These rooms, complete with a sexy see-through bathroom partition and a generous balcony, provide the perfect spot to observe the sunset over the river

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The interior cleverly combines a modern feel with traditional Thai decor. Each guestroom is well-appointed in four different themes: Artist theme, Thai Lifestyle theme, Colonial Influenced theme, and the Rattanakosin Heritage theme that uses elegant design with gold-and-white decoration familiar to lovers of Royal Thai art.

All rooms are fully equipped with modern facilities like television 26" LCD TV with popular cable channels, DVD player, IDD telephone, luxurious sofa, safety box, along with wireless internet access throughout the entire hotel.

Restaurant & Bar

Aquatini, the riverfront drinking and dining location, is popular with both hotel residents and passers-by. Serving a wide selection of Thai delights and European dishes at reasonable prices, it is complemented by a bar offering an admirable choice of drinks. Indoor seats are set in a funky atmosphere and the river terrace area is also highly recommended.

On the hotel’s roof is the state-of-the-art swimming pool and Jacuzzi with ample space for sunbathing. The pool offers spectacular panoramic view of the Chao Phraya River and surrounding buildings as well as the stunning Rama VIII Bridge.

Brand new and luxurious, the Navalai is an ideal choice for visitors who want to stay on Bangkok’s Riverside area at comfortable prices. The big pull of this accommodation is the convenient location, whether for nearby attractions, nightlife venues, shopping, or just for relaxation.