A Review: Le Meridien Bangkok

My first visit to the Le Meridien Bangkok was in December of 2010. I instantly fell in love with the modern, edgy and sophisticated hotel. I’m always worried that when I return to a hotel, years later, things won’t be as I remembered. Worry not, the Le Meridien Bangkok lives up to the memories.

Located on the outskirts of the city’s Silom district, the Le Meridien’s composed and contemporary interior is a stark contrast to the hectic scene on the street. Just steps from the hotel is the famous or infamous Patpong night market jam packed with stalls full of Goach hand bags Polio by Ralph Lauren (there are not typos, everything is a knock off and some are better knock offs than others!), fake Rolex, t-shirts with cliché images and sayings and so much more. The crowded street is alight with the neon glow of bars and club offering up scantily clad women much, much more. Once you’ve had enough of the market, you can retreat back to the comfort of the hotel.

The hotel entrance makes an immediate impact on guests boasting a larger than life James Dean look-alike portrait etched onto the doors.

The lobby is large and provides ample seating, a bar featuring Illy coffee and a great list of cocktails, computers for guest use and access to Bamboo Chic bar and Latest Recipe, the hotel’s restaurant. The hotel also features an outdoor pool and bar high atop the city along with a gym and spa.

At the Le Meridien Bangkok, hospitality is key. The staff is well trained and understands how to make a guest feel at home. From the first welcome you receive at the doors to the genuine care and concern from the front desk staff to the impeccable service from the hotel staff, the guest is priority one. You’re greeted with a welcome drink – mine was an iced mocha or iced frappe or something similar and it was delicious – and cold towels, a standard in Bangkok luxury hotels.

I had two different stays at the hotel – separated by a short weekend in Phuket – and both were exceptional. On the first stay I was upgraded to a suite that had a large bedroom, even larger bathroom (someone could have moved into the shower) and an equally big living room area. Floor to ceiling windows provide great views of the city. The bathroom had an oversized tub next to a sliding door that, when open, provided a view of the TV and city. The shower was a double shower – two shower traditional shower heads, two rainfall shower heads. The room had a great looking coffee maker – or maybe it was a cappuccino machine, I didn’t try it out and a drawer stocked full of teas.

The pool is small, but never seemed full. There’s a small bar and a good drink and snack menu. Compared to other hotel pool bars, the Le Meridien is not extremely overpriced. At the pool you’re again provided a cold towel, lavender scented facial spray and cold water to drink. Great service and nice amenities. Unlike the pool bar, the spa prices were a bit on the high side and they don’t offer manicure/pedicure services.

The breakfast at the Le Meridien is awesome (have I used that word too many times yet?) well, it is. The choices are endless and every day the buffet features one of the Jean-Georges signature breakfast items that are exclusive to Le Meridien’s world-wide. I loved the buckwheat crepe with feta and spinach and the oatmeal soufflé with fresh berries.

During my second stay – after a weekend in Phuket – I was upgraded to one of the Circular Suites. I was so excited because I really had wanted to see the suite. The room was similar to the suite I had on my first stay, but the king sized bed was – you guessed it, circular. There were also other circle touches around the room including decorative pillows. It was a fun experience for sure.

I would highly recommend the Le Meridien Bangkok to anyone – it’s a great hotel and a very good value for Bangkok. I will be back to the Le Meridien Bangkok very soon (January in fact) and I’m looking forward to another experience.