There are some things in life, that when done properly, need to be highlighted and commended. Nestled in-between Samyan MRT, Sala Daeng BTS and Chong Nonsi BTS, Amara is a business traveller’s paradise.
You step into the foyer and are greeted immediately by the most convivial of receptionists. She feels like an old friend and you spark up a conversation. You normally wouldn’t be so open to a perfect stranger, but find yourself cowed into conversation by her brilliant smile and open nature. In what feels like no time at all, you’re seamlessly checked in and begin to head to your room.
The whole thing probably took about ten minutes, but judging by the other bouts of friendly banter that are sparking up around you as you leave the reception area, you’ve already joined the tribe. As a business or leisure traveller this is exactly what you need after a long haul flight to a new place.
Even when you’ve travelled a lot, here everything feels personal. Everyone seems open, happy to be there even. As you swipe your key card to climb to your suite on the sixteenth floor, the cynic inside burrows out to ask, “what is this place?”
Outside the rain is falling mercilessly but inside, among the subtle beiges, burnt ochres and flaxen hues of the hotel interior, you’re in your new home - at least for the next two days.
You might be a maudlin creature of days gone by when hotels would have bath-tubs instead of showers, comfortable furniture, and (dare you say it) would deign to allow mere mortals to have the gift of spacious rooms. Amara must have missed the memo because this place was built to impress.
When faced up against the Goliaths of the hotel industry and even by Bangkok standards, this 250-room strong, 26-storey building is somewhat of a boutique hotel. With rooms ranging from 26sqm to 34 sqm, this Singaporean export is still quite new and in virgin territory in the land of smiles.
As you step into your suite, you try to suppress a wide-eyed gasp.
The view is spectacular.
Who knew you could get such an uninterrupted view of Mahanakhon’s ‘Lego’ building? Especially not from the shamelessly large balcony on the sixteenth floor. Separated by slats and floor to ceiling glass divider, the living room-bedroom combo has a very open but cosy feel. All that toward facing glass naturally provides amazing panoramic views of the bustling city, as well as breath-taking views of the sunrise and sunset over the city.
The bathroom is a shocker.
Alone it was bigger than your previous apartment and boasts a tub that is criminal.
After drawing yourself a bath that you still can’t quite find the words to describe, you decided to explore the hotel. Although you weren’t in the mood for a second dip, you just had to see the Jacuzzi on the ninth floor. The receptionist had proudly previously mentioned it and you want to see what the fuss was about. But there they were, two large luxurious bubble dispensers ready to sooth a long day at the office. After taking it all in, you head up to the twenty second floor to have a look around the 24 hour gym. Upon seeing the power plate you might lament your earlier decision to leave your gym clothes at home. The gym itself is very modest but well stocked with ample machines and weights.
The twenty sixth floor surprisingly has an infinity pool that shares the same wonderful, uninterrupted views over Bangkok. Dubbed the ‘Sky Pool’, the combined AkaAza electro pop bar subtly serenaded the beautiful people who saunter to and fro to grab cocktails and lounge. You heard the words happy hour and grabbed yourself a well-made cocktail. Why do business people get to have all of the fun?
All that excitement might make you hungry so you decide to grab dinner at Element restaurant. Slate greys, walnut wood and an open plan kitchen, give this spacious restaurant a wonderfully modern feel. You completely forget that this is located in the central business district, owing to the deceptively placed bamboo that lines the outside seating area. The buffet is complimentary with the stay and you are amazed at what is on offer. In-between the cocktails, bountiful buffet dinner, cosy bed, baths, and club floor with complimentary breakfast and snacks, two days flew by.
As the sun rises on your final day you’d be lying if you said you were happy to be going home again to your own bed. Amara is definitely in a league all of its own.
AMARA BANGOK
180/1 Thanon Surawong. Tel. 02 021 8888 x 5320. Email: fnb.bangkok@amarahotels.com, http://www.bangkok.amarahotels.com.
