Heady Heights of Bangkok. Living like a star in the sky. (Lebua Hotel At State Tower (Bangkok, Thailand))

Member Name: garymarsh6

Product:	Lebua Hotel At State Tower (Bangkok, Thailand)
Date:	30/12/08 (127 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Sheer luxury and indulgence.

Disadvantages: Overly Expensive Restaurants.

Lebua at State Tower Bangkok.

Location.


The Lebua Hotel is an all suite hotel which is ideally centrally located on the Silom road in the business district near to the Chao Phraya River. Excellent views of the Chao Phraya River and Central Bangkok can be had from the hotel and the hotels distinctive gold Dome can be seen for miles around.



Getting there:

It is approximately 40 minutes by car from Bangkok's new Suvarnabhumi International Airport. (BKK). It is 30 minutes by car from Bangkok's original airport, Dom Mueang airport (DMK) which mainly handles internal flights.

The nearest sky train station is Saphan Taksin which is approximately ten minute walk away which will whisk you off in air-conditioned comfort all over Bangkok. It is also near the Saphan Taksin pier where an abundance of water buses and water taxis ply the Chao Phraya River.

The hotel is near to the north and south expressways, although I would not recommend driving in Bangkok's notorious traffic.

The hotel.

Lebua is a 5 star all suite hotel offering sumptuous accommodation with 121 one, two, and three bedroom suites. There are also 127 long term residence suites. They range from 66 to 266 Sq metres.

On entering the hotel lobby you are greeted by smiling, waiing doormen and porters who whisk your luggage away. Ice cold towels are offered to help you freshen up. All the staff greet you by giving you a Wai which is a sign of respect and also avoids the necessity of body contact. There are different kinds of wais reserved for different people. The more highly esteemed you are the bigger the Wai. Normally the Wai is composed of clasped hands palms together in front of the chest and accompanied by a slight bow. The more important you are the hands may be placed near the mouth or nose and the bow is more pronounced.

A greeter/ receptionist/hostess meets you and shows you through the ornate and opulent lobby where there is a grand piano with a pianist playing during the evening. Walking straight through to the lifts and up to your suite where you can relax while the booking in formalities are completed in the privacy and comfort of your suite. The hotels are not allowed to unlock the balcony patio doors without you signing a waiver taking responsibility should you have an accident. The hostess tells you about the facilities and how to operate various things in the room

The accommodation.

We stayed in a one bedroom river view suite which was located over looking the Chao Phrayo River. The suites are located on the 51st floor up to the 59th floor. On entering the suite there is a nice relaxing sitting area which is tastefully decorated with arm chairs sofa and coffee table. Some tasteful artwork is on the wall. A wall mounted flat screen television is available in this area.

Along a small hallway area where the kitchen with tea and coffee making facilities a fridge and a stocked mini bar, a small cooker, sink and kitchen units containing pots and pans, tableware, glassware and cutlery.

Opposite is the bathroom which is beautifully decorated in marble. There is a large walk in shower and a lovely deep bath to relax in. Hair drier, shaving socket and mirror. The toiletries provided are by BVLGARI.

Continuing into the bedroom area there is another wall mounted television more cupboards containing a safe and wardrobes. A writing desk arm chairs and then out to the balcony area with fantastic views over the river and Bangkok. The bed was massive and extremely comfortable. The whole suite is tastefully decorated and to a very high standard.

Facilities in the suite.
Ironing board.
Washing machine.
DVD player.
Essential aircondioning.

You are able to arrange for one of the hotels chefs to come to your suite to cook a meal for you. Also available are the usual housekeeping, room service, concierge and newspapers delivered daily. There is an on call doctor should you need one.

Hotel facilities.

Swimming pool.
Business centre.
Fitness centre.
Shops.


The restaurants and bars warrant a special mention as they are fabulous. The standard of cuisine is exceptionally high and are all award winning restaurants.

Sirocco at the Dome. Also the state dining room within the Dome.
Breeze plus a private dining room
Ocean 52, bar.
Mezzaluna italian restaurant.
Distil including an oyster bar.
Café Mozu.
Sky Bar.

Sirocco.

This restaurant is on the 63 floor and is the highest alfresco restaurant in the world. It has fantastic views all over Bangkok. The menu on offer is diversely based on Mediterranean cuisine combined with Asian influences. Some dishes are a bit odd and there is a strict dress code which is applied here. There is an open bar where you can drink pre dinner and come to think of it post dinner cocktails. It is lit up and the colour changes through a spectrum of colours making it look magical. Of course booking is highly recommended as tables are quite sought after. It only seats 150 people but guests usually get priority.

Price wise it is very expensive as it is one of 'THE' places to be seen in Bangkok. In my humble opinion it is well over priced for the menu on offer so essentially what you are paying for is the views of Bangkok.

Views of the golden dome and sweeping staircase are fantastic and can be seen for miles around. It is a truly romantic setting seeing the stars twinkling in the sky just above your head and it certainly is quite a unique place for dinner. A band plays on the terrace which wafts music through the air whilst you are dining. This restaurant has won a cavalcade of awards. Walking down the sweeping staircase you feel as if you are a star yourself because it feels you are on top of the world. It's amazing and absolutely stunning. Have a look at the photos on their web site to get an idea of what it's like, it's breathtaking.

The state dining room is on the 67th floor within the dome itself. We did not visit here as it's strictly corporate bookings only but it looked really beautiful as it has a magnificent panorama windows which overlook the city.


Breeze.

This restaurant's main focus is seafood from around the world all cooked with an Asian influence. It is located on the 51st floor with an inside restaurant and outside terraces. The terraces are reached by walking over a glass lit bridge which changes colours. Underneath the bridge there is a large lotus filled pond housing Koi Carp.
It is phenomenal and has wonderful views. Ocean 52 serves some fantastic cocktails although the night we were there it was illegal to sell alcohol until after midnight as the elections were taking place. On the stroke of midnight we just had to make up for lost time.....

Mezzaluna.

An Italian restaurant on the 65th floor. I did not go into this restaurant so can not comment on it.

Distil bar

Distil bar is on the 64th floor where you can taste a multitude of whisky's and other spirits from around the world. They have an extensive wine list here too. There are great views again over Bangkok from inside or outside on the terrace. Inside there is also an oyster bar.

Things near the hotel.

There are a few restaurants nearby and street vendors.
A shopping centre with various shops.
It is quite close to the Peninsular hotel where you can just pop across the river on a launch for afternoon tea or dinner.
The Lebua is on the Silom road which is one of the main shopping roads in Bangkok.
You are able to reach all areas of Bangkok quite easily and quickly either by foot, the sky train, Tuk Tuk or river bus,


Overall impression.

The staff and facilities at this hotel are definitely 5* and the service is exceptional. I wouldn't hesitate staying here again if and when I return to Bangkok. I absolutely loved it here. The staff in the hotel and restaurants spoke to you as if you were long lost friends and were extremely helpful. Their standards are really very high and communications with the hotel prior to our arrival were prompt and very helpfully answered.

Summary: Absolutely fantastic high class hotel.