“What? We’re here already?” I quipped, after hardly warming-up my seat in the hotel’s transport from the airport.

In less than 20 minutes, we went from the stresses of clearing immigration, collecting our baggage, negotiating the human traffic to arriving at the foyer of our 5-star luxury resort in Bangkok, in air-conditioned comfort, being greeted by warm, friendly faces – something that always draw us back to this Land of Smiles. Looks like our well-deserved holiday is off to a good start! Yes!

The Arrival:

A fuss-free, prompt arrival from the airport is rather unheard of, considering that we were arriving at one of the busiest cities in the world associated with massive traffic jams. If it’s a quieter and serene experience of Bangkok you’re after, then you need not look any further than the Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi Hotel.

Situated close to the city’s Suvarnabumi International Airport, the hotel is a mere minutes’ drive from the airport. It is set amongst lush natural greenery right next to the large 18-hole world-class Summit Windmill Golf Course. Stepping into the lobby of this majestic 5-star resort hotel, one would feel as if you’re entering a traditional Thai residence fit for royalty. Natural elements of flowing water and fine wood were set against plush bespoke furniture in a lobby that envelopes guests against its high wood-beam ceiling.

Take a virtual tour with us:

Perhaps what was truly captivating was the exceptionally hospitable reception given by the staff. “ This is what holidays should be like.” My mind kept telling me! Even before we checked in, the kids were given a set of Lego toys courtesy of the hotel. What a pleasant surprise! The Lego toy is part of the welcome gift from the hotel’s spanking new Kids’ Club. Immediately, Dana asked to check-out the Kids’ Club, which we will do the following day.

Exiting from the lobby en-route to our room, we were amazed by how spacious this hotel is. Open air corridors that overlook the large central atrium features the hotel’s pond. Interestingly, the interplay of natural elements in and around the hotel gives this large 250-odd room hotel an intimate sense of closeness with nature that is so unique for a Bangkok hotel.

The Room:

Our hotel room was everything you’d expect from a 5-star hotel…plus more. It has a stunning view of the golf course, a much welcomed change from the cluttered city skyline most Bangkok hotels would offer. Furthermore, being out from the city, there are no traffic sounds, human or vehicular to contend with. Just quietness and serenity with the occasional bird songs coming from the nearby trees, a rarity in Bangkok!

Our Grande Deluxe room was huge. Not only was there a large, comfortable King-sized bed, it even allowed space for a spare bed and a cot for our two kids, with sufficient room for us to mill around and for our inquisitive 2-year old Buddy to wander around safely.

The bathroom is stylish and spacious too and we loved it! Well-appointed in every sense and complete with a large bathtub. The bathroom is separated by a wooden sliding door which can be opened up to reveal the wide expanse of the room or be closed-off for privacy. Either way, it certainly ‘wowed’ us!

But that is not all. The room comes complete with a large balcony overlooking the golf course. Being out there enjoying the greenery is really something quite special – tranquility, serenity and fresh air,  who would have expected all these in Bangkok!  The kids enjoyed plane spotting every morning at the balcony.

Room Tour:

The ‘Kids Club’:

The hotel’s kids’ club is situated on level one just right below the pool level. Like the hotel itself, it faces the beautifully manicured lawn of the golf course. Right outside, the large ‘Lego-like’ blocks fronts the façade. If kids think these are like Lego bricks, then they are absolutely right! These oversized bricks are part of the hotel’s partnership with Lego to offer the kids a unique creative experience that is Lego’s.

The interior of the kids club is bright, cheerful and clean. Kids have a host of activities to do regardless of age. From watching the latest animation, playing X-box games to just frolicking in the ball pit. Every we turn, there is something to engage the children.  No wonder our kids refuse to leave even at the end of the day!

We particularly love some of the feature walls. First off is the ‘instrument’ wall where musical instruments ranging from little guitars to maracas are ‘stuck’ there for kids to just pick and play. This was clearly Buddy’s favourite pick! Pun intended!

Then there’s the magnetic world map wall where flags of the world are stuck on this huge wall. Kids can learn more about the geographical locations of their country and also learn a bit more about countries’ flags. How ingenious.

There are just way too numerous toys, games and items to occupy the kids, which is good! So, we left the 2 kids under the good care of their staff there as we headed for some couple time within the hotel – taking a lazy stroll and enjoying a cup of coffee complimentary of the hotel. Once a month, the kids club offers some unique experiential activity for the kids. Do check their website for more info.

While you’re there, sign up for ‘SPG Kids’ programme so that your kids can received some interesting premiums and gifts as part of the membership!

Kids Club Tour:

The Breakfast:

Breakfast is served at the hotel’s restaurant. The breakfast buffet menu is largely Asian in variety but does serve the elements of continental breakfast such as sausages, pastry and salads. The staff are friendly and attentive to our needs, able to respond promptly to our request for cutlery as well as food choices for the kids. We were impressed.

The Concierge:

The concierge service we received here is commendable. Just as we checked into the hotel, we realized that we had left a bag of souvenirs on board our plane! The hotel concierge wasted no time in helping us contact the airport and airline. It was no mean feat as it was already evening and staffing was scarce. The staff then took their own initiative and helped us continued calling the next day. Despite their attempts, our items were not found. While we felt sad, we are grateful for the indomitable attitude of the concierge staff in trying to help us recover our lost belongings.

We were planning to visit some attractions that required taxi transport. The concierge staff took note of our itinerary during the evening and by the next morning had all the detailed information of these attractions on hand. Their pro-active assistance helped us made some very good decisions in planning our jaunt around this part of Bangkok. It was truly one of the best concierge experiences we have had throughout our travels.

The Pool & Spa:

To enhance your stay, you may perhaps consider soaking in the hotel’s infinity pool or indulge in the hotel’s signature spa experience in their newly opened ‘Explore Spa’ that is set in, what seems like, a traditional Thai bungalow with overhanging Thai lanterns. Having a relaxing spa while overlooking the greenery is sure to move your experience up multiple notches!

Out and About:

A stay at the Le Meridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Hotel will truly give travellers a wonderfully different experience of Bangkok. Its service and spaciousness are a much-welcomed respite from the busy-ness of everyday city living. Location wise, the hotel is near the airport but yet not extremely remote (i.e. an hour by car) from some of these outskirt attractions which we visited this trip. Read our travelogues here:

The Bangkok Safari and Marine Park

The ‘Airplane Graveyard’

The Bangkok True Love Husky Cafe

Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi, Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa

789 Moo 14, Bangna-Trad Road, Km 10.5 Bangpleeyai, Bangplee • Samut Prakan, 10540 • Thailand • Map
Phone: (66)(2) 118 7777
Website: http://www.lemeridiensuvarnabhumi.com