The new Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 matches superb facilities and luxuries with impeccable service and perks!
By Percy Roxas.
Short, indeed, but sweet. On thing we regret about checking in at the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 recently was that it was a really short stay. We booked an overnight stay, thinking that would be enough to get a good sampler of what this two-month old hotel offers. We couldn’t have been more wrong.
Getting to the hotel is easy. Located on Sukhumvit 20, one Bangkok’s most vibrant districts and only 30 minutes’ drive from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, it is surrounded by all the life, excitement, and energy that the city is famed for. You don’t have to go far for shopping, dining, entertainment, and other fun options with many attractions such as EmQuartier, Emporium, the Dinosaur Planet Theme Park, and other so close by or accessible via BTS Asoke, MRT Sukhumvit, and the Airport Rail Link.
But there’s much of the hotel to stay for. Each of hotel’s 244 rooms blends clean modern lines and traditional Thai style perfectly, allowing you to unwind in an atmosphere of unmatched calm and relaxation. All rooms feature the fullest range of contemporary comforts, including complimentary Wi-Fi, modern furnishings, large LCD TVs and bright, stylish bathrooms.
My room, an Executive Deluxe Room, was just opened for guests, and the 33sqm-room on the 24th floor offers stunning, dazzling view of the Bangkok skyline. A thoughtful selection of Thai artworks adorn the room; adding a touch of Thai elegance to its sleek modern style. The Executive Deluxe Room also grants access to the Executive Sky Lounge on the 25th floor – which unfortunately we didn’t have enough time for.
But we made sure we had time for dinner at the Food Exchange, one of the three main F&B outlets at the hotel. The Food Exchange, located on the 7th floor, is a modern interpretation of traditional food markets around the world, where diners can interact with professional chefs to see how their meals are specifically created (A separate review later). We selected some of the house’s signature dishes, and we were amply rewarded with a satisfying fulfilling dinner indeed. Other dining options are available at the Gourmet Bar and Sky on 20, the soon to open rooftop bar on the 26th floor.
Since it was too late to check out even the Pool Bar and we were too tired in fact, we decided to retire early and enjoy the many amenities in the room. We had a great sleep indeed.
That morning after a sumptuous breakfast at Food Exchange, we checked out the other facilities: The swimming pool on the 9th floor includes a large children’s swimming area, and we can imagine ourselves sunbathing here or relaxing with a good book, or sipping on a cocktail from the poolside bar while admiring the view of the city. There’s a spa and a fitness center — In Balance Fitness Center – and we wanted to burn off a few calories but we need to go to our office still.
With what very little time left, we checked out the hotel’s meeting facilities, and as can be expected from a Novotel, they are perfect for every type of occasion: cutting edge technical equipment, professional planning and catering service, and all. There’s a Large Ballroom with natural daylight for up to 1,000 people, six additional Meeting Rooms, and three private Dining Rooms across three floors of function space.
While we were not able to enjoy every bit we were supposed to enjoy during this stay, we were at least able to enjoy the friendliness of staff every step of the way. From the doorman and front office receptionist who took us to the Executive Lounge for check-in, to the team at Food Exchange who was so very attentive of us during dinner, to the shuttle driver who brought to Asoke on the way out, we felt genuine, consistent, warmth.
With such service and comfort that we have experienced during our very short stay, we wanted to be back again soon – and this time, stay longer!
