Le Meridien Bangkok, Thailand

For the past few years, Le Meridien in Bangkok has been our favourite hotel in the land of smiles. We originally selected it because of the handy Patpong location, we soon discovered there's so much more to love about Le Meridien.

Part of the Starwood group, Le Meridien's customer segment is the sophisticated, creative, hip and younger world traveler, they seek to create a unique experience for their guests, helping them to discover and explore our wonderful world.

The 360 experience starts a the front foyer with a visual feast of a giantic photograph/mural by American photographer, Ralph Gibson. For me, it perfectly captures the spirit of the sophisticated world traveler.  Step inside and you're greeted warmly by staff in distinctive and stylish black suits, on your way to the lift you smell a very subtle scent - LM01 created for Le Meridien by Le Labo.

Step into the lift and your ears are greeted by the distinctive and haunting music of Henri Scars Struck, commissioned especially for Le Meridien.  Each of the four lifts play a different Struck composition.

Inside, the room is not large but well organised, with one of the most comfortable bed and pillows I've slept in, as well as a wonderful rain shower and bath.  From our 16th floor the view of a major Bangkok temple was stunning.

I particularly like the 'service' button on the phone system, you don't have to work out what number to ring from a bewildering series of options like laundry, housekeeping, operator etc.  At Le Meridien it's just one button. 

And after a long flight, the fitness centre and pool was a god send.  The pool isn't large but perfect for relaxation and the plunge pool staff were very warm and efficient but unobtrusive.

In the afternoon, after the pool I'm usually checking emails at Latitude 13, the lobby coffee shop.  I alternate between a short black, cappuccino and latte.  The staff always brings out something extra, like a slice of biscotti.

It's the restaurants that's restored my faith in five star hotel eating.  Le Recipe buffet breakfast serves up the best quality food with not a bad choice either.  You have to try the complimentary eye openers as well as signature breakfast dishes created by three Michelin star chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten especially for Le Meridien.

Latest Recipe - eye opener

Bamboo Chic serves up great pan Asian five star fare with a choice of buffet or a-la-carte and also some wonderful cocktails to boot - all in an alluring environment.  Bamboo Crush is a must try cocktail, but be warned, it's strong and very addictive.  And their dessert is not bad either.

Bamboo Chic - dessert

Should you want to discover more art, your room key, a piece of artwork by Michael Lin, also gives you complimentary entry to the Thailand Creative and Design Centre, described as 'theatre of the mind' in Sukhumvit Road.

No wonder the hotel has been at 100% capacity recently.

Le Meridien Bangkok
40/5 Surawong Rd, Bangrak
Bangkok, Thailand
+66 (0) 2232 8888