Housed in a cupola topped building. Hotel Muse has become one of the city’s luxe-boutique retreats. Thai design firm PIA references a blend of fin de siecle France and Thailand’s Rama V era, styling the darkened lobby with wrought-iron lattice walls and arching ceilings. The 174 rooms and suites-named after the Buddhist cosmic levels of Jatu, Dowadueng, Yama, Dusid, Nimman and Paranim-have stuccoed ceilings and faux vintage suitcase drawers. Basement-level eatery Medici features solid Italian fare in a space that feels like a renovated wine cellar. T+L TIP The Jatu Deluxe and Dowadeung Corner Deluxe rooms have our favourite bathroom design: claw-foot bath, hand painted basins and mirrors etched with scenes from old-time Siam.
LIT HOTEL
Just 300 metres away from the discount shopper-thronged MBK, the aluminum wrapped façade of Lit Hotel was the brainchild of Bangkok-based VaSLab, which has filled the L-shaped seven-storey edifice with fluid composition throughout: grass-clad concrete steps lead up to the alfresco tapas har; a spiral stairwell connects the amber-swathed Kiriya Spa to the sleek lounge pool and bistro. The Different Degree rooms feature elongated bathrooms running parallel to the bedrooms, and in the Extra Radiance rooms the soaking tub is the is the piece de resistance, with soft indigo and red rays beaming down from the rain shower. T+L TIP Travelling as a trio? Opt for the Triple Luxe Suite, which has amenities for three.
SOFITEL SO
In the frenetic financial district, Sofitel SO is for artsy types as much as business travelers with check-ins via iPads and in room tech amenities powered by Apple Mac mini. The 30 storey, curvy exterior was designed by Smith Obayawat, and the country’s top creative brains were hired to do the interiors based on the five elements. Among the 238 guestrooms, the Metal rooms stand out with minimalist, stark white interiors, while the Earth rooms juxtapose Thai primeval murals and cobalt blue tones with black-and-white-tiled bathrooms. Plus, fashion maverick Christian Lacroix put his flamboyant touches on the Tree of Life hotel emblem. T+L TIP Partially contilevered on the 29th floor, Park Society & Hi-So is the perfect roost to take in 360 degree views of the adjacent LumpiniPark.
AETAS LUMPINI
A glass-and-concrete outpost on busy Rama IV Road, the 27 storey Aetas Lumpini has an earnest, understated charm. In its 203 guestrooms and suites, neutral earth tones are offset by Mondrian-inspired paintings and sketches of Bangkok’s historic landmarks. Common areas play up the quirky-chic appeal-teal-green sofas accent brown corduroy seats in the lobby and an all white ceramic chandelier hangs near the entryway. Launched in February, the One 80 Wine Bar on the 27th floor has great views. T+L TIP if you’re looking for romance, opt for the 70 square metre Premier Suite-the bathroom door slides open to a sunken bathtub enclosed by Bangkok vistas.
ALOFT BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT 11
The younger but equally style-conscious sister of the W brand. Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11 has an energetic vibe, as benefits its location in the buzzing Nana precinet. Aloft’s penchant for linear prints and bright accents are found throughout the property, with whimsical accents dreamed up by leading design firm Hassell. The 296 rom hotel features only two room types – Chic and Urban-but both have high ceilinged interiors with enormous windows and cushions in eye popping colours, alongside more modern trappings such as free Wi-Fi, an iPod dock and a 42 inch TV. T+L TIP don’t miss a visit to the neighbouring Bed Supperclub, one of the city’s hippest hangouts, as access is free for Aloft guests.
