The So Sofitel Bangkok is a truly exceptional hotel. Very few hotels can invoke in us that longing to return so strongly.  In fact, that feeling is growing more acutely now even as I pen this post. Just what is so unique about the this hotel?

Sanctuary
Imagine a hotel that invigorates every aspect of your senses – your sight, hearing, smell, touch, taste. Imagine being invigorated from the intense sensory assaults of the Bangkok streets the moment you step back into the sanctuary of experiences the hotel offers.

Sight
Perhaps it’s the attractive designs around the hotel’s interior and staff uniforms which are inspired by the iconic French hauteur-couture designer, Christian Lacroix which incorporates patterns, colours and designs representative of earth’s natural elements, making what we see around us pleasing and balanced.

Sense
Perhaps it’s the themes of natural elements of water, fire, earth and wood that are seamlessly infused into the designs of the hotel. From its 9th floor lobby, we see these earthy elements juxtaposed against the steely metal skyscrapers, overlooking the greenery of Lumphini Park (Bangkok’s very own lush Central Park).

The hotel rooms are decorated to resonate with each floor’s natural elements theme. Our Club Signature Room had a water element theme with furnishings and interior in refreshing blue and white combined with the unmistakable patterns inspired by Monsieur Christian Lacroix. The windows shield us from the harsh elements of this modern metropolis but yet provide a portal for our eyes, reminding us that true luxury exists in the balance between the timeless characteristics of nature and the fluidity of time, between what we desire and what we need.

In the other water-themed rooms, wavy lines from specially selected granite tiles enhance the gentle flow of water. Rooms on the metal-themed floor had a calming minimalist interior while the rooms in the wood-themed floor emanate the warmth glow of the local timber. Whichever theme it is, these elements play a significant role in rejuvenating our senses.  The rooms exude a perfect harmony between luxury and practicality. Guests can look forward to modern amenities right at their fingertips. Prompt and personable service co-existing with the balancing nature of the elements are what truly sets this So Sofitel hotel stay apart from the rest.

Scent
Perhaps it’s the unique scent of the hotel. From the lobby to the rooms; from the gym to the Executive Lounge. Scent created from natural elements like lemongrass, citric fruits and local spices mixed in a harmonious blend that immediately re-calibrate one’s senses and lures us into relaxation. 

Sound
Perhaps its what we hear. A blend of music specially mixed by renowned (French) DJ Ravi, that perpetuates a subtle playful yet restorative energy around the hotel premise. The music is audible even INSIDE the infinity pool, promising guests the revitalizing influence of music harmonised with nature.

Socialise
Perched on the 10th floor is a fitness level dedicated to the fun, family and friends. The hotel’s iconic infinity pool offers a stunningly unobstructed view of the Bangkok city, one can truly relax, unwind . Here, we swam and engaged in unhurried conversations as we watched the frazzled Bangkok traffic whizzed past below us.

Solitude
The 10th floor also offers that rare retreat where we can reconnect with our inner-self. Yoga instructors and personal trainers are on hand at your disposal should you want a more active vacation. The hotel provides free loan of bicycles and baby strollers to guests who wish to explore the nearby Lumphini Park.

Savour
Perhaps it’s from the culinary delight we experienced. At Red Oven – the hotel’s main restaurant, which boasts an international array of food, the fiery elements draws out the essential essence of taste and texture of the fresh ingredients. Guests are not only spoilt for choice, they can choose to have a grand view of the skyline and Lumphini Park as they dine.

Style
For Club Signature guests, there’s the plush Club Signature Lounge on the 25th level to experience the elements at a different level of exclusivity and intimacy as we did. The Club offers a selection of exquisite ala-carte menu for breakfast, canapés for afternoon tea and free flow evening cocktails. Being surrounded by fine intricate haute-couture design overlooking Bangkok’s skyline is truly inspiring but what really made a significance difference to us was the impeccable service, and attentiveness that the Lounge Manager, Wendy and her team provided each time we visited the Lounge. They even offered to deliver some snacks and cocktails to our room when we couldn’t make it for tea as it clashed with Buddy’s nap time. 

As seasoned travellers, we are familiar with the standards of luxurious hotels. So Sofitel Bangkok however is not just any luxurious hotel, it’s an oasis for the senses, an oasis for the discerning travellers and an oasis for those who seek the balance of elements which metropolitan Bangkok offers.  

Simply put, So Sofitel must be experienced.  We will return.

2 North Sathorn Road, BangrakBangkok, Thailand

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