Breathtaking (Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok)

Member Name: doctordarke2389

Product:	Banyan Tree Hotel Bangkok
Date:	04/08/09 (8 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Everything you need

Disadvantages: A bit high up for those scared of heights

The Banyan Tree in Bangkok ain't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Check out the rooftop 'Vertigo' cocktail bar view from the very top - the view of night-time Bangkok is truly breathtaking, even if you have to dress up a bit to gain access (they don't allow people in shorts and sandals).

It's a bit like the JW Marriott inside; you know you're surrounded by luxury, and endorsed by the top people's mag Conde Nast, no less, as one of the world's truly great places to bide awhile.

I'm lucky enough to be able to visit Bangkok several times a year on business, and I usually make a point of trying different hotels with a view to catching the true flavour of this most exotic and exciting metropolis. For style, luxury, comfort and accessability, the Banyan is situated close to the beating heart of Bangkok off Silom Road, and yet discreet enough to ensure that you enjoy an untroubled and quiet stay.

The Banyan Tree enjoys all the expected accoutrements one expects from a hotel of this class, with a few mandatory extras: the top-rated, award winning Chinese restaurant, and the truly scintillating Saffron Thai restaurant that promises gastronomic delights to rival the best bistros that Paris has to offer.

The rooms are 5 star, without overstating what one expects from that standard; I don't like to dwell on deep tubs, HD TVs, and the usual complimentary stuff, you've read it all before elsewhere. It's about what makes a place different that counts.

Do you suffer from 'Vertigo'? okay, check out the indoor 'Latitude' cocktail bar, ideal for that much needed after-business drinky-poo.If you've brought the offspring with you, let them run and expend their energy in the kids' club, while you wind down.

Whatever your reasons for visiting Bangkok, there isn't much in the way of retreats to rival the Banyan. If you're there in January, you might just see me up in Vertigo, enjoying a chilled glass of Wolf Blass Yellow Label, and gazing out over the skyline. It sure beats the hell out of drinking on the ground floor.

In travellers' ratings, it consistently scores a maximum 5 out of 5. With flights from Birmingham to BKK in January, hotel and flights for 5 nights for one person costs just over £2,000.

Summary: Well, I'm going to be there - again,