A hotel like no other home – Bangkok’s Hyatt Regency throws in some wonderful surprises.
Text by Jan Yong | Photography by Jan Yong and courtesy of Bangkok Hyatt Regency Hotel
Staying at the Hyatt Regency Bangkok is like coming home – warm embraces, home cooked meals and home comforts are found at every turn. The accent on a loving home permeates the entire spaces of the 273-room hotel.
From the head-turning sculptures of couples embracing, the traditional folds on the walls, the wall paintings depicting village life to the mouth-watering street food and authentic kitchen utensils on display at Market Café, and antique home decorations at the side entrance, you are reminded that this is a loving Thai home.
This particular Hyatt Regency has taken the meaning of homestay to the next level by perfectly blending the homestay concept with a luxurious feel which is complemented by the legendary Thai hospitality.
Its underlying design philosophy is understated elegance and humility defined by black and gold colours; and copper in many instances to accentuate its down-to-earth style. Every floor has framed photos of a wooden motif of a particular design of a Thai house and a framed sketch of a section of a typical Thai house. A home indeed although on a scale that appeals to the business travellers and tourists.
HAVEN OF CHOICE
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”1,2,3,4,5,9″ ihc_mb_template=”1″]
When in Bangkok for business, this would be my haven of choice, not only because I feel very at home here but because of its concept of unstinting space. A large bathroom complete with a bathtub overlooking the busy Bangkok skyline, and a large shower cubicle are features that business travellers appreciate at the end of a long day.
Retreating to your very own private oasis is what makes the stay so gratifying. The comfortable bed and chill vibe add to the relaxed mood and is the perfect antidote to Bangkok’s slightly chaotic atmosphere.
And if you still have time after that, hop over to the outdoor swimming pool area for a Jacuzzi soak after which a cocktail by the pool as you gaze out at the darkening sky.
My cocktail that night – the very local Giant Pandan –consisting of Ketel One, Midori, grapefruit juice, pandan, lime, egg white, and Angostura Bitter was shaken to perfection. Indeed, this is home yet on another level.
IT’S IN THE FOOD
Breakfast can be a very healthy affair if you stick with the healthy food – you can order an unlimited number of fruit juices – all prepared on the spot. Try the noodles, also cooked on the spot by the daughter of one of the best street noodle stalls in Bangkok.
In fact, that is what Market Café aspires to do – to engage the real street food people to prepare their specialities in the hotel kitchen. This is to guarantee the authentic taste of the local food, right down to the ingredients used and the person preparing it, explains Sammy Carolus, the General Manager.
The other dishes we tried on the menu were all equally tasty – tom yam soup, pad thai, pomelo salad, roasted duck red curry, and deep fried grouper. The ingredients had been sourced from the farmers market very early in the morning.
For dessert, I tried the pandan cendol for a change instead of the usual mango sticky rice or red ruby chestnut. It came with palm sugar, coconut milk and melon. Definitely a refreshing change from the Malaysian cendol.
ATYPICAL FACILITIES
From the Market Café, there is a hidden escalator that goes up to the 5th floor which houses conference rooms. Even though the hotel was just recently officially launched, the rooms were already very popular while the main hall was already booked up for wedding events.
Other facilities that the business traveller appreciates would be the conference room on the ground floor which has a long teak table and specially customised chairs. The lobby lounge which serves a good selection of drinks is also a favourite conversation space.
Just recently opened is the Spectrum Lounge & Bar occupying two floors including the rooftop. Judging from its opening reception, it is expected to be one of Bangkok’s hippest rooftop bars overlooking the busy Nana area. Expect some tantalising craft cocktails, grilled seafood and meats, and live music throughout the night.
Designed by leading Japanese design firm Super Potato, it is quite a spectacular setting at night with the wind blowing and a giant-sized screen perched across the width of the rooftop and surrounded by a mesmerizing bird’s eye view of Bangkok.
Last but not least, is the soon to be opened Nana Gallery which is a small museum detailing the history of the Nana neighbourhood. No spoilers here, you have got to go there to see for yourself how this part of Bangkok, once a notorious district, is now one of its finest addresses.
The hotel is directly connected with Nana BTS station by a skybridge, making this one of the rare hotels that is so accessible to the rest of Bangkok. Walk outside and you are at one of the busiest pedestrians walkways in Bangkok filled with throngs of tourists and locals along the famed Sukhumvit Road.
And by the way, I am letting out a little secret, somewhere among all the antique pieces that you see in the hotel is one that’s the genuine article. If you do find it, let me know.
[/ihc-hide-content]