Ok, so the W is a brand we know (mostly) what to expect of – bright colours, reflective surfaces, interesting art, rooms named after superlatives. The W Bangkok doesn’t disappoint on any of those fronts. The colour du jour at W BKK is royal purple, and the theme is Muay-Thai-gone-clubbing. Think giant sequined boxing gloves adorning the beds (which read appropriately, ‘Lights’ and ‘Out’) and fighting dragons on the bedspread. In true W style, you can purchase anything you like from the room – or perhaps pick up a snazzy new pair of boxing shorts from the lobby boutique.
It has all the usual amenities from a city hotel – pool, in-house spa (sadly booked out when I visited), fitness centre and large breakfast restaurant. There’s a lobby bar – the ‘Woo Bar’ and also a nice outdoor courtyard – but why would you stick to the W itself when it’s located adjacent to the fabulous House on Sathorn? It’s not just one of Bangkok’s hottest new entries into the Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list, but also boasts a gorgeous courtyard hidden out behind the elegant building, encapsulated within it’s majestic colonial walls. If you’re staying at the W, you simply must book dinner at Chef Fatih’s The Dining Room at The House on Sathorn, or at the very least pop in for a drink. They have a happy hour 5-8pm on weekdays (25% off) at the time I visited – but best to check for up to date details when you stay.
Mini bar prices are very reasonable (it is Thailand, after all) but there are also multiple 7-Elevens, Starbucks and Boots outlets within 200m of the hotel which is fabulously convenient. Toiletries are ‘Bliss’ – I can’t say the packaging really appealed, but my travel companion raves about their products so she clearly knows more than me when it comes to the brand. Bottled water is provided but it’s not really enough to get you through a day in a city where you can’t even use the water to brush your teeth.
There’s a moderate injection of tech into the W experience (strangely, I expected more from a W) – a tablet resting bedside that controls the lights, a JBL bluetooth speaker (no instructions but we figured it out eventually) and a card informing you that should you need anything you can WhatsApp the hotel. How very Gen-Y. Service wise, rooms weren’t always made up on time (even by 4pm) but should you need anything, it was happily delivered.
Bathrooms are very spacious, equipped with a shower, bath and double sinks. The shower was a little frustrating in that it switches between conventional and rain shower, and I could never seem to stop it dripping relentlessly in between the two. It’s also, well, a tad reflective. The only type of reflection I like in the shower is pondering the day ahead, not being reminded of why I perhaps shouldn’t be having another degustation today. Neither my travel companion nor I enjoyed being enclosed in a mirrored box to shower. No thank you. Robes are provided, but they are your run of the mill hard-towelling type and not soft and squishy (which is how my robe preferences run, natch).
Now that I’ve covered off most of the features of these modern, quiet rooms, it’s time to get on to the real highlight of the W suites – the beds. Oh my. I haven’t slept that well in, well, long enough that I can’t remember. They are absolute heaven for the weary traveller, whether you’ve been on a long flight, had a hectic schedule of meetings or pounded the pavements exploring the city. Simply the perfect level of softness, and the pillows match the bed experience perfectly too. The beds are so good that I’m investigating whether I can actually buy the mattress in the UAE – after ripping up the sheet in search of what magical mattress they used, I discovered that they are actually W’s own brand, and purchasable on their online store. Maybe W Dubai has one to spare?
The W hotel is a great choice if you want to stay city side in BKK. It’s central, modern, quiet and well appointed. Staff are friendly and helpful, the decor is fun, and all that aside – just go there for the best night’s sleep you’ve ever had. Trust me.
Style: Psychedelic Muay Thai
Would I return? One cannot resist those W beds!
Suitable for: Couples, friends
Room Type Reviewed: Wonderful room
Room Size: 41sqm, Two Queen beds or one King
Room Amenities: JBL Bluetooth Audio, Bliss toiletries, plunger coffee, minibar, robes, slippers, bottled water, air conditioning, fridge, safe, iron.
On request services: Pet bed, pillow menu
Hotel Facilities: Spa, pool, fitness centre
Price Guide: from around 5,300THB ++ (10% and 7% tax)