Banyan Tree Bangkok

Overview

We don't mean to brag, but this hotel has seriously thought of everything. Not only is it the city's only five-star all-suite hotel, but it's got world-class dining, an award-winning spa and a rooftop pool to dunk into. And that's before we even get onto the Moon Bar - a swanky cocktail bar 61 floors high. If you swing by for sunset, you'll be just in time to catch the city lights come into action. And if that wasn't enough, the hotel even offers little trinkets and gifts to take home - like essential oils and candles actually used at the resort - so you can relive your holiday experience even when you're back on (wet) British soil.

Location

• Lumphini Park (think Central Park...Thai-style) - a 10-minute walk away, or 8-minute taxi ride

• The Grand Palace - a 30-minute taxi ride away

• Khaosan Road (the place with the infamous, colourful street parties) - a 30-minute taxi ride away

• Suvarnabhumi Airport is a 45-minute car ride away

Rooms

• Whether you go for a Horizon Room, an Oasis Retreat, a Serenity Club or a One-Bedroom Suite, you can be sure that you'll be in for a comfy stay, with a big ol' bed and some cracking views of the city

• Standard room facilities include...

  • FREE Wi-Fi (ideal for sharing all those snaps in an instant)

  • Safety deposit box

  • Tea and coffee facilities

  • TV

  • Minibar

  • Your own aromatherapy burner with essential oils

Food & Drink

• Vertigo - no, not that dizzy feeling you get when you stand up too fast. This is Asia's first rooftop restaurant and bar overlooking the skyline, serving everything from melt-in-the-mouth seafood platters to kimchi burgers on charcoal buns

• Moon Bar - right next to Vertigo, this swanky bar is open until as late (or early) as 1am, serving fruity cocktails 61 floors up, right amongst the city lights

• Vertigo TOO - if 61 floors is a bit too high for you, try this place on the 60th. It's got an arched roof dotted with twinkly lights like stars, live music to keep you entertained, and an on-site mixologist who'll be sure to whip you up a lip-smackingly good cocktail from his trolley

• Bai Yun - not quite as high up as the other venues, this Chinese restaurant specialises in classic Cantonese food, with a tea list as long as your arm, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city

• Saffron Sky Garden - exactly what it sounds like, this is Bangkok's highest sky garden, with daybeds and loungers so you can kick back and relax with a G&T and some modern Thai street food (we're still dreaming of the crispy pork-belly bites with tamarind dip)

• Romsai - all-day dining, with buffet spreads and a la carte menus serving up traditional Thai curries and tempting desserts, like the coconut panna cotta

• Saffron - classic Thai food (obvs) with some epic views of the Bangkok skyline

• Lobby lounge - a cosy spot with big, comfy sofas and a menu of small plates, cocktails, beers and Thailand's take on 'afternoon tea'

• Juice bar - right next to the rooftop pool, so you can treat yourself to a post-swim sandwich, salad, juice or milkshake

• 24-hour private dining - this is basically room service, but next-level room service. Order what you fancy (including samosas and spring rolls at 3am if you want, you do you), and then it'll get delivered straight to your door

• Dinner cruises - if eating on rooftops and in sky-high restaurants is getting a bit dull (we can't relate, but fair), then dinner on a boat might be more up your street. Or, y'know, river.  Apsara and Saffron are both cruises that sail along Chao Phraya River, for first-class service and dinner with an ever-changing view. Just make sure to book.

Sports & Entertainment

• Rooftop pool - hit the sundeck on the 21st floor to find this bad boy, with a juice bar by your side and the Bangkok skyline as your backdrop. There's an exposed deck for sun-seekers, and some shady spots if you'd rather stay cool

• Health Club - a gym and wellness centre wrapped into one, with steam and sauna rooms, yoga and Pilates classes, and kick-boxing

• Club Lounge - this one's a VIP spot, just for those of you lot staying in Serenity Club rooms, One or Two Bedroom Suites,  Spa Sanctuary Suites or the Presidential Suite. You'll have exclusive access to this lounge, with:

  • Welcome herbal drinks

  • Express check-out

  • Exclusive buffet breakfast served at Romsai

  • Drinks, snacks and free-flow local beer

  • Happy hour with canapés

  • Complimentary laundry or pressing service (two items per day)

• Banyan Tree Spa - a super-relaxing spa with views of the skyline, where you can choose from a range of 'ahhhh'-worthy treatments, all with natural ingredients

• Spa gifts to take home - treat yourself to a little souvenir from the hotel, including essential oils and candles actually used on site, so you can get the Banyan Tree experience in your own home