Banyan Tree Bangkok
21/100 S. Sathorn Rd., Bangkok, 10120, Thailand
Why We Like It
The service is sublime, the spa is to-die-for, the restaurants are savory, and the bar scene is epic. Views from rooms span the whole city as do the vistas from the restaurants, bars, and pool. Rooms are spacious, filled with great amenities, and incredibly comfortable. The location isn’t the best, but the hotel does everything in their power to alleviate that issue. An urban oasis, as the hotel calls itself, is a perfectly appropriate descriptor.
The Banyan Tree describes itself as a sanctuary of the senses and an oasis in the city. We’d be hard-pressed to disagree as this 61-story five-star complex has everything from award-winning bars and restaurants to a stunning spa and incredible pool. Service is a premium here and no want or need is too great for the ultra-friendly staff to handle.
room
Rooms have muted colors, grays, beiges, soft reds, and carpets with circular patterns that are a bit hypnotic. All accommodations come with fresh fruit daily, water, coffee and tea, and a daily scent that burns from incense with different descriptors.
Pick your own pillow from a menu of options for the optimal sleep experience.
bathroom
Depending on room type, bathrooms have large sunken or standalone tubs and separate showers and are decked out in gray, spotted marble with raised black sinks.
lobby
An enormous lobby greets guests upon arrival with ample seating options, its own bar, and usually a lady playing a khim or hammered dulcimer in the corner. Throughout the week you’ll also find lounge singers and piano players keeping guests entertained as they check in or wait for a taxi outside.
pool
On the 21st floor, the outdoor pool has stunning views of the city and is great for lap swimmers and sun-bathers alike. At the pool is also a juice bar with refreshing beverages and snacks in addition to great locker rooms with steam and sauna facilities for men and women.
Want a massage by the pool? Look for the massage tables and indulge in a 15-minute freebie!
spa
Entering the Banyan Tree Spa feels like another world as you pass the lit bamboo art display and head down narrow, black-stone corridors towards one of the 16 treatment rooms. Guests can indulge in any number of signature treatments with massages, facials, scrubs, and wraps.
gym
The decent-sized workout facility has a number of cardio machines and free weights. Apples and water are readily available as well. If you want to take classes, the hotel offers a variety from yoga and Thai boxing to Pilates and step.
dining
One of the reason to stay at the hotel is for the food. The crown jewel is the rooftop Vertigo and Moon Bar with endless views of the city and an incredible Asian fusion menu. Other dining outlets include Japanese, Chinese, and an all-day dining buffet set against a glorious koi pond.
A unique dining experience can be found at Apsara. Or rather, on the river where Apsara serves dinner and drinks while cruising along the Chao Phraya in a converted rice barge.
drinking
Moon Bar is on top of the world and has incredible cocktails. But just below, guests can find more drinking options at Latitude Lounge & Bar and Vertigo II where live music and classic cocktails are on tap.
The first and second Thursday of the month features Queen B Girls Night Out. Along with live music, a DJ, and fashion photo set, there is also a two-hour free flow of sparkling wine. Yes, two hours of free drinks.
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LOCATION
Getting Around
You can walk to Lumphini Park as well as the entertainment and nightlife district of Silom – but you’re better off taking the hotel’s shuttle if it’s really hot outside. There’s an MRT Subway station only five-minutes away at the park and the nearest BTS Skytrain is in Silom where the shuttle will drop you. Don’t get into a taxi here, this street is always bumper to bumper.
The Banyan Tree is located directly on Sathorn Road, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the city. Not exactly next door to restaurants and bars or shopping, it is still close enough to walk or catch the hotel’s free shuttle every hour. The street itself mostly consists of tall office buildings and other hotels, but it’s perfectly safe and close enough to walk to Lumphini Park.
Restaurants
Walk next door to the COMO Metropolitan for Nahm (2-minute walk), a Thai food joint which is consistently rated one of the best 50 restaurants in Asia. For a sleek and chic modern and international menu, check out Eat Me (10-minute walk).
