Hotel SO/ Bangkok in Thailand, the expert opinion of Figaro -

SW / Bangkok – Lumphini Park, one of Bangkok’s rare green lungs, is visible from the swimming pool and half of the 237 rooms and suites of the 5-star hotel. DAVID DINH

Bordering Bangkok’s “Central Park”, this 5-star pioneer of the Accor lifestyle brand offers a bubble of relaxation and elegance in the heart of the sprawling Thai capital. We tested.

SW / Bangkok

Category :

5 stars

Place :

Thailand

2 N Sathon Rd, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500, Thailand

Price :
from 190 € / night – double room basis

The opinion of Le Figaro

9/10

This is where it all started for SO/. The lifestyle brand of the Accor group, now present in Vienna or Paris, chose the Thai capital in 2011 to impose its mark, a mix of urban luxury and relaxed chic. The traveler who has crossed the world finds here the change of scenery he came looking for. From the catering offer to the decoration, designed by fashion designer Christian Lacroix and Thai artists, everything contributes to immersing us in the local culture. We particularly appreciate the theme of the “five elements” which immerses us, as desired, in a universe evoking water, wood or fire.

The situation

9/10

Crossing Rama IV Road brings us to Lumphini Park, one of Bangkok’s few green lungs, visible from north-facing rooms. The nearby metro allows you to reach Chinatown, the Royal Palace and the banks of the Chao Phraya River in about ten minutes. Suvarnabhumi International Airport can be reached in 1 hour and 15 minutes by public transport or 35 minutes by car (without traffic jams).

SO/ Bangkok, 2 North Sathorn Road, Bangrak, 10500 Bangkok, Thailand. Such. : +66 2 624 0000.

The decor

9/10

Christian Lacroix has teamed up with Thai designers to bring a french touch to a decoration inspired by the ancestral motifs of the Kingdom of Siam. The couturier also designed the staff uniforms, which are sublimely elegant. The hotel is divided into five parts taking up the “five elements” of the Feng Shui philosophy: water, earth, wood, metal and fire. Thus, no room or floor are alike. Particular care is also given to the olfactory atmosphere: a subtle smell of ginger permeates the common areas and every day a sprig of flowers is placed on the bed.

The Signature Club, designed by Christian Lacroix, is reserved for guests in SO Club rooms and higher categories. SW / Bangkok

The rooms

9/10

The 237 rooms and suites take up the theme of the five elements. Would you rather have a “water” room on the city side or a “wood” suite on the park side? The All.Accor.com site allows you to precisely select the desired room and element. All have separate showers and tubs plus free minibars. The smallest (SO Cosy) have a generous surface area of 38 m². You can count on perfect soundproofing, rather simple home automation and abundant natural light.

SO/ Bangkok in pictures

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Service and equipment

8/10

A warm and professional welcome at all levels. Customers who have booked certain categories of rooms (SO Club and above) or a suite benefit from a privileged welcome and a dedicated reception located on the 25th floor, the Club Signature. This entitles you to benefits that make all the difference: two clothes at the dry cleaners offered per day, early check-in, late check-out, buffet throughout the day… At the SO/Spa, we won’t miss the “Five Elements” signature treatment, a complete head-to-toe massage using a wooden hammer, warm compresses and ginger oil. 90 minutes of pure relaxation particularly pleasant in the middle of the urban jungle. On the 10th floor, you can enjoy the swimming pool with bar and view of Lumphini Park. The water is likely to be chilly, as Thai law prohibits heating outdoor pools.

Spa
Bar
Gym
rooftop
Handicap access
Car park
Restaurant
Pool

At the table and at the bar

8/10

We do not expect the presence of an all-you-can-eat buffet in an establishment of this standard! To adapt to the local culture, the restaurant space takes the form of a food court, very popular in Asia, where the Red Oven (international specialties) and the SoShi (sushi bar) are located on the 7th floor. If some dishes are arranged as a buffet, most can be ordered à la carte or as part of an “All you can eat” formula (around €40). A real luxury in the country, chocolate can be enjoyed pure, in the form of ice cream or hot drinks in a dedicated shop, the Chocolab, located on the ground floor. As for bars, you have a choice of atmospheres: festive at Hi-So, on the 28th and last floor, or more calm and refined at MIXO, located opposite the reception on the 9th floor. This is where a buffet of cheeses imported from France and Italy is held once a month (€26).

The Red Oven has a buffet where international specialties are served throughout the day. SW / Bangkok

Value for money

9/10

While remaining higher than the cost of living in Thailand, the prices seem particularly attractive to us for a 5-star hotel in such a good location. For two people, count at least €190 per night in a SO Cozy room or €220 in a SO Comfy (costs and taxes included), with very flexible conditions (cancellation free of charge until 6 p.m. on the day of arrival). Add €15 per person for breakfast. To enjoy the advantages of the Privilege Club, opt for an SO Club (from €310) or a higher room category. Members of the ALL – Accor Live Limitless program benefit from a 5% discount on the stay.

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