Hotel review: A taste of french luxury at the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit

Evoking sensibilities of joie de vivre, the lavish lobby of Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit enjoys fresh, crisp scent of Essence de Sofitel interlaced with the buttery aroma of viennoiseries from cafe Le Macaron. A couple, fresh from their invigorating adventure at Le SPA With L'Occitane further cements what a sumptuous stay I'm about to have at my new abode in Bangkok, albeit temporary.

LOCATION

Location is prime, in the buzzy Asoke district, making it a fantastic base to explore the city's major attractions and destinations. Nana and Asoke Skytrain stations are within walking distance to see other parts of Bangkok, but chances are you'll be working your way through the long list of eateries and bars in the area.

ROOMS

What was impressive about the rooms wasn't so much how opulent it was (it's Sofitel after all) but the butler-style service that came with it. Each guest is welcomed with a MyBed Experience Sleep Menu for their pick of amenities, hypo-allergenically-treated duck down pillows and even an indulgent bubble bath. Best of all, most of it is complimentary and will be delivered speedily to your room no matter what hour of the night it is.

Those having trouble getting into dreamland will enjoy the combination of the Soothing Bath, where a warm tub is filled with therapeutic bath salts and essential oils, and the Ergo Comfort. The latter is a pillow that naturally adjusts to the body's contours and will feel like a cooling hug that's much needed after a day of sightseeing in the scorching heat.

FOOD & DRINK

Sunlit mornings are best accompanied by the smorgasbord of international favourites at the award-winning buffet restaurant Voila!. Get a vitamin boost over at the smoothie corner where a rotating freezer showcases the fruits and vegetables available for your very own mix, or create your own pancake (or waffle, I won't judge) stack topped with jams in every flavour under the sun. There's also a live station, whipping up Thai noodles a la minute, and an Arab corner teeming with flatbreads and hummus. I could go on forever, and this is only the first stop.

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Five other F&B concepts exist within the hotel, with the Belga Rooftop Bar & Brasserie being my top choice come evening. Its long list of Belgian beers (from THB250 (S$11)), draft and bottled, aside, they dole out a rather extensive menu of Belgian fare to go along with a panoramic city view. Tip: the Cheese Croquettes (THB290) are a must-have.

And if you're there on a Thursday or Friday, count your lucky stars and make a beeline for the Wine Boutique. Free-flow wines, artisan cheese and the hotel's ever-popular truffle risotto (from 7-9pm) at just THB945, what's not to love?

AMENITIES

Of the many hotel gyms I've had the honour of working off my Pad Thai in, nothing quite impressed like the SoFit Fitness centre. Not only is the capacious gym stocked with well-maintained TechnoGym equipment, an amiable personal trainer is also on-site for customised sessions. They've even fitted the space with floor-to-ceiling windows so you'd get a banging view of Bangkok while you get your cardio on.

After which, you'll probably want to cool off at the rooftop pool. Grab a seat underneath the cabana and fill up on a smoothie from the Liquide Pool Bar as you while the afternoon away in this luxe oasis.

Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit is located at 189 Sukhumvit Soi 13-15, Bangkok, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon, Bangkok 10110, Thailand, p.+886 238 4218.

This article was first published in City Nomads.