Oriental Residence Bangkok
"How did it strike you on arrival?This elegant hotel is set back from the road and the entrance tucked away from sight. It feels private and exclusive; more like an apartment block. Indeed, there are two towers here: one a residence, the other the hotel. Both share a lobby, tastefully decorated in soft grey and robin’s egg blue—it wouldn’t look out of place in a Tiffany & Co. store. To the left there is a chic Parisian-style café where hotel guests are given breakfast; the right is a cosy seating area that leads into an outdoor smoking garden. Nice. What’s the crowd like?Couples and young families, many of them well-heeled Thais. The good stuff: Tell us about your room.In a one bedroom suite, the door opened up to a small kitchenette and a dining-cum-lounge area with dark wood floors, a table for two, and a sofa so huge, a small family could curl up here. The king-size bed was parked next to a picture window; the TV embedded in a cabinet designed to resemble 20th century travel trunks. One section was monogrammed O.R.B—fun! We’re craving some deep, restorative sleep. They got us?The sheets were fine and the large pillows super comfy, but the bed was a little soft. How about the little things, like mini bar, or shower goodies. Any of that find its way into your suitcase?The sectioned tray for knick-knacks in the wardrobe was a thoughtful touch. Nothing special about the mini-bar selection. Please tell us the bathroom won’t let us down.I liked the fact that the bathroom was connected to the wardrobe area—no need to think about which clothes I wanted to take into the bathroom with me every time I took a shower (there was a bathtub, too). Water temperature was slightly inconsistent but pressure was good and the shower area was spacious. Loved the pastel green and silver packaging of the house-brand products. Maybe the most important topic of all: Wi-Fi. What’s the word?Not the fastest and I had some trouble signing on with a MacBook (something to do with syncing with Macs), but at least it was free. Anything stand out about other services and features? Whether it’s childcare, gyms, spas, even parking—whatever stuck with you.Best spot in the house: The fourth floor pool, with chic cabanas and a lovely, airy bar area with a foosball table. What was most memorable—or heartbreaking—about your stay?Chilling out with a cocktail in one of the cabanas next to the pool bar—you get a pretty good view of downtown Bangkok to boot. Bottom line: worth it, and why?For a rather reasonable price, you get understated luxury in a quiet, exclusive area near the U.S. embassy. Most importantly in traffic-choked Bangkok, it’s convenient by train—about 10 minutes’ walk to Ploen Chit." - Audrey Phoon
