Location
The 22-storey hotel towers over its other diminutive Thonglor neighbours, and is a glittering beacon that warmly welcomes guests home in the evenings. It stands a few minutes’ walk from the BTS Skytrain Thonglor station, which is a huge plus for traffic-clogged Bangkok.
Thonglor is also one of Bangkok’s trendiest neighbourhoods, packed with chic bars, upmarket restaurants like Supanniga Eating Room, designer shops and snazzy community malls. It is also home to the Mae Varee Fruit Shop, which is a two-minute stroll from the hotel, where you can find arguably the best mango sticky rice in town.
Rooms
Our Superior room was bright, spacious and sported Muji-like aesthetics such as wooden accents and furnishings. There was also a circular work desk, and a sofa near the window that allowed in an abundance of natural light.
Having spent considerable time on the road this year, I found Hotel Nikko Bangkok’s beds firm yet soothing and comfortable. Each morning, I woke up feeling completely rested. It also helped that I could choose from a variety of options on the pillow menu, avoiding the generally soft ones.
As Hotel Nikko Bangkok is a Japanese brand, the loo – which is fitted with a Toto Washlet – is separated from the glass-walled shower and bathtub, meaning that I didn’t have to jostle for the toilet with my roomie. Toiletries here are from Panpuri, a homegrown Thai luxury lifestyle spa brand.
We did however, find it strange that we could hear the shower from the next room every night. I mentioned this to the front desk staff and she apologised for the inconvenience, saying she would have it checked.
F&B
There are four F&B options here: Hishou and Curve 55 on the ground floor, as well as The Oasis and Pool Bar, on the sixth. For breakfast, hotel guests can opt for an international buffet at The Oasis, or head to Hishou for a Japanese spread.
After having been on the road for a week for work, having a traditional Japanese breakfast at Hishou was a welcome change, as this cuisine is something that other hotels do not offer. Over the next two days, we slurped up warm bowls of udon, drank comforting cups of green tea, and chose from an extensive spread that comprised grilled saba and salmon chunks, fluffy tamago pieces, and cold salads.
Facilities
Hotel Nikko Bangkok also features over 1,800m2 of space in 10 function rooms spread throughout the building. The largest venue is the Fuji Grand Ballroom which can hold a maximum of 1,250 people in a standing-cocktail setting, and can be further divided into two 400m2 rooms.
On the sixth floor, there is a free-form swimming pool, gym and sauna.
Service
As the property was at full occupancy during my weekend of stay, I was surprised that Pleum May, our waitress at breakfast, remembered us when we returned to Hishou the next day. She even went the extra mile to make us a salmon ochazuke (a green tea soup with rice) when we casually mentioned our appreciation for the light Japanese breakfasts over another day of bacon and eggs.
The doormen too were all extremely helpful when it came to giving us directions, or helping us translate our destinations in Thai to taxi drivers.
Verdict
Aesthetically-pleasing confines, a separate toilet with a bidet, traditional Japanese breakfasts, and service that is a cut above the rest. The Thais’ trademark of hospitality and warmth, coupled with the Japanese spirit of omotenashi, elevates the entire experience. The price, for a five-star luxury property, is also a plus point.
Number of rooms 301
Rates From 3,888 baht (US$126)
Contact details
Tel: 66 (2) 080 2111
Email: info@nikkobangkok.com
