Stepping into the majestic lobby of the InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit, guests are immediately enveloped in an ambience that seamlessly blends the rich cultural heritage of Bangkok with contemporary elegance. Designed for the modern luxury traveller seeking culturally rich experiences, you will appreciate the careful details that draw profound inspiration from the city’s vibrant history, encapsulating memories from the past and infusing them into the present.
Located at the intersection of Sukhumvit Road and Soi 59, the 37-storey hotel with 241 guest rooms and suites has an enviable address in Thong Lo (“Thonglor”) one of Bangkok’s trendiest neighbourhood with easy access to some of the best dining and upscale bars in the city. It is also just a short walk 450 from BTS Skytrain Thong Lo station. And the hotel probably has the most stunning indoor infinity edge pool on Level 32 that provides impressive views of the Sukhumvit skyline and beyond.
Exquisite Service and Timeless Elegance
Craftsmanship is celebrated at the hotel, where elaborate cultural artistry is evident across different touchpoints, from the textured wall coverings and bespoke furnishings to the delicate accents and decorative elements that adorn the space, enhancing the atmosphere of refined luxury and cultural sophistication throughout the lobby and beyond.
I love the storytelling aspect of the hotel – where the stories are interwoven into the design and overall guest experience. For example, even the backdrop of the check-in reception is a stunning artwork that reflects an attention to detail that demonstrates the IHG quality of service.
The copper-toned artwork is muted yet distinctive. Crafted to convey the elegance of Tor-mue, a traditional intricate hand-weaving technique, where Thai artisans typically use of a wooden loom to create intricate designs by interlacing silk threads in complex patterns, the design feature is a masterful centerpiece welcoming guests when they check-in, and depicts the grandeur of modern luxury that can be experienced throughout your stay at the hotel.
The attention to detail extends to specially blended coffee by Sarnies and a special Thonglor Tea Blend by Char Flower Tea just for InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit guests served at The Lobby, located beside the hotel entrance. The special Sarnies coffee blend consists of beans from Honduras Whiskey Barrel-aged, Thailand, and Myanmar, great for black coffee lovers, while roasted specifically for espresso, and also pairs well with milk-based drinks.
The special blends are part of the hotel’s local collaboration series and can be enjoyed with a selection of Thai craft chocolates from KanVeLa. The Lobby is an all-day open from 7am to 9pm and in addition to pastry and Thonglor desserts, one can also indulge in afternoon tea at The Lobby. Check with the hotel for special, but the website says there is a Happy Hour promotion (buy one get one free) from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for local beers, wines and classic cocktails.
Matcha lovers alert- for those seeking to discover unique flavours in a luxurious setting, head over to The Lobby where you can find ‘Kawane Matcha’ served with green mochi, or their signature “Matcha Latte” served with honey syrup and has a dash of coconut milk. The matcha tea leaves served at Lobby Bar come from the renowned Kawane farm, one of oldest tea farm in Shizuoka and premier producers of high-grade sencha, famous for their top-quality tea since the Edo periodprefecture.
I tasted the ‘Thonglor Blend’, a blend of black tea leaves infused with strawberry, cocoa beans, rose petals and lavender crafted to captivate the senses and vibrant of Thonglor. The aromatic infusion was light and flora, and is such a great way to enhance my lingering memories of my stay.
And up in the Executive Lounge, where we did our check-in , we were introduced to ‘Thonglor Secret‘, a special non-alcoholic mocktail, our welcome drink that had a refreshing blend of pineapple and ginger and brown sugarcane. I loved how there was a QR code that I could scan to learn more about the “origin” story that details how the drink was created with pineapples from Sriracha.
Regrettably, I was not able to explore the vibrant coffee scene of the neighbourhood, mainly because there was just so many spaces at the hotel that kept me indoors, that we chose to enjoy dinner for the two evenings that we stayed there.
Rogues
Find the stylish great Gatsby-ish Rogues on Level 2, a lounge with a vintage jukebox that plays jazz and on certain evenings offers live performances. Paying homage to the jetsetting lifestyle of founder of InterContinental, Juan Trippe, who also founded Pam Am, one can enjoy signature craft cocktails named after metropolitan capitals around the world. For movie-fans and matcha lovers, I have been told that there is a unique ‘Samurai Angel‘ smoky cocktail, inspired by Hollywood cult movie “Kill Bill” by Tarantino (blend of Bourbon, Mezcal, matcha tea and chocolate bitters), and there are also unique bar bites including sausages from Chiangmai and ‘Night at the Dock’ batter sea bass served with Thai Chilli Sauce mayo. These are just a few. There are so many to explore, but keep in mind, along with the cool vibe and trendsetting style are some higher prices.
AVA Brasserie
AVA Brasserie, the hotel’s main dining venue has an international a-la-carte menu that is inspired by Pan Am’s key destinations including London, New York, Tokyo, Miami, Frankfurt and Bangkok. Breakfast for hotel guests is also served there, with the option for Club Intercontinental members to opt for a more private setting at the exclusive Club Lounge on Level 37.
Breakfast at AVA Brasserie was an impressive buffet spread. There was a sumptuous option of Thai flavours and a unique “Jet Lag Breakfast Menu” area. Here, one can enjoy protein balls or cleverly named “Bliss Balls” with mixed nuts and dry fruits and a “Rice and Kimchi Sushi Wrap”.
Rooms and Suites
Guests have an option to stay at a variety of suites, including the impressive 200 sqm Presidential Suite that has an outdoor terrace complete with plunge pool and Jacuzzi overlooking the stunning Chaophraya River. Thoughtful luxury extends to a state-of-the-art entertainment system that inludes a 55-inch Smart TV, Chromecast, Bluetooth audio, soundbar, and motion sensors to prevent energy wastage. Bathroom amenities are from luxury European brand, Byredo.
I stayed in the Premium room (42 sqm) which has freestanding bath and walk-in shower. The room also had USB charging ports both by the bedside and by the desk, and they ensured that there were international power points for added convenience. I loved the additional commitment to offer a Sleep Well Program, curated to induce relaxation and promote sound sleep. This includes a pillow and pillow spray menu, calming ambient lighting, a bedtime tea set and an iHome PowerClock Glow in each room further promotes healthy sleeping rituals by creating a calming environment using a combination of light and sound therapy.
There is even a complimentary access to the Timeshifter, a jet lag app which enables travellers to use the latest circadian science to adjust quickly to new time zones.
The Spa by HARNN
An unmissable treat is a visit to the hotel spa on the 32nd Floor, on the same floor as the pool and the 24-hour gym. Open from 12pm to 8pm, The Spa by HARNN offers unique Japanese-Thai therapeutic and pampering treatments using natural botanical selections. Try their signature massages, like the Origami, inspired by the essence of Asian arts — traditional Japanese folding paper and Thai garland knitting, where their therapists combine massage techniques: Japanese Shiatsu with Thai soothing massage enhance with the HARNN signature aromatherapy oil, designed to untangle emotional and physical tension while making you feel instantly refreshed and awakened.
As I was travelling with my mother, we opted for the 60-min Soulful Thai-Aroma Oil Massage treatment, which combines traditional Thai and aromatherapy massage with the stimulating movements of palm pressure and stretching, which is great for relaxation and helped to loosen tight muscles. This treatment is a great stress reliever and the couple treatment room was really impressive – bright and spacious with a nice spacious tub for bath soaks.
A stay at the InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit offers an exceptional blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience, making it an ideal choice for both business and leisure travellers. Its prime location in the heart of Bangkok provides easy access to top attractions, dining, and shopping venues. Beyond the elegantly appointed rooms, the outstanding service and amenities truly enhances the overall guest experience.
The dedicated and attentive staff go above and beyond to ensure a memorable stay, and we deeply impressed by Banky (Pirachat), the concierge that was such a friendly face who made sure we were well-taken care off.
Whether you’re indulging in the culinary delights of their restaurants, unwinding at the spa, or simply enjoying the hotel as a city retreat, InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit stands out as a premier destination that epitomizes the best of Thai hospitality.
InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit 10 Soi Sukhumvit 59, Sukhumvit Road Bangkok 10110 Thailand. For reservations or enquiries, please visit the hotel’s website, email [email protected] or call +66 2 760 5999.
