Banyan Tree Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand

July 2014, 2 nights, 3 days

After booking our flight, the discussion which hotel(s) to take in Bangkok started. There were a lot to choose from. We whistled our list down after spending a lot of thought what would be suitable and what our expectations were.

At first I had my doubts I would like the Banyan Tree. My fiancé brought a lot of positive arguments forward and in the end we decided to take it. I’m glad he convinced me.

There was a good offer at the Banyan Tree website, which included two dinners (one at Vertigo, one at Bai Yun), club lounge access, two pieces of laundry per day for free, free internet access and a discount when using the spa.

Before we even travelled we also requested a BMW 7 pickup from the airport, made appointments for a spa treatment and haircuts for both of us. All requests were replied to in a quick, warm and friendly manner. We felt already welcomed.

After dealing with immigration and customs and collecting our luggage, we went to Exit Gate B, Door 5, where a representative from the Banyan Tree was already waiting with a sign. We confirmed our name and were brought to our limousine.

The journey took about 40 minutes and the cost was 2900 THB (ca. 67 Euro or 90 USD). In the limousine refreshing towels and water was waiting for us. The driver was friendly.

We were greeted at the front of the hotel with a Lei, a flower garland, and our luggage was taken. We were brought up immediately to the club lounge on the 19th floor, where all formalities were taken care off and we received also a herbal welcome drink and more refreshing towels.

To our delight our room was ready long before check in time. We were brought to it on the 28th floor. Unlike at other hotels we were left to find out about our room by ourselves. My fear had been that the room was too dark, but it was unfounded. The photographs on the website don’t do it justice. Since there are so many textures, it might be difficult to capture it correctly. The colors are muted beside the wall above the bed, which is red with an interesting piece of art.

Our room overlooked Sathorn Road and the city.

The room was large. We had a huge king bed, kangaroo sized. It was comfortable and we had a good night’s rest.

There was a large credenza with storage space for clothing, the mini bar (stocked with half bottles of whiskey, cognac, gin and vodka, a large selection of healthy snacks, local juices and international beverages) and a flat screen TV above it.

There were about 30 channels, 20 were international, like HBO, Bloomberg, CNN, CNBC and BBC; the rest was regional.

We had a seating area with Thai silk cushions and a writing desk. The international outlets were easy to reach.

There were also the “Under the Banyan Tree” book, which describes the history of the hotel chain, international and local magazines and newspapers.

We received every day a fresh fruit platter with explanations about the different fruits delivered, a different scent, incense stick and at turn down a gift, like a toy turtle, called Felly, or Jasmin scent to help you sleep. We found Felly cute and the other gift practical. We use it still every day, even at home.

The carpet depicted the circle of life.

The bathroom was large too with double sinks, separate bath tub and shower and a toilet.

The bath tub had great views over Sathorn Road.

The shower was huge and the shower head had the same size as the one at the Villa Samadhi in Kuala Lumpur, where we stayed last year (see also review).

The safe and wardrobe was integrated in the bath room.

The materials used were marble, tiles and granite.

We also had a loofa, shaving kit and toothbrushes and tooth paste.

The nail file, cotton wool and other amenities were in a nice bag for him and her.

The bathroom amenities were stored in beautiful dispensers and made in Thailand. The scent was jasmine.

The Vertigo Grill and Moon Bar are located on the roof top, the 61st floor. It’s difficult to access – a lot of stairs to climb up and down -, so if you have walking difficulties I wouldn’t recommend it.

During our two night stay we went twice to the Moon Bar. We loved the atmosphere, the friendly staff, the gorgeous views over the city and the delicious cocktails. We had the Chao-Pra-Ya, the Vertigo Sunset, the Catalyst and Saffron Sunrise. Snacks served with it was a nut and dried fruit mix, kale chips and spicy nuts. Cost was 1280 THB (ca. 29.50 Euro or ca. 40 USD) for two cocktails.

It was romantic to see the sunset and afterwards the twinkling lights of Bangkok and the moon.

Our dinner at Vertigo consisted of a three course. We had a bottle of water, mango juice, apple spritzer, tuna ceviche, wild salmon trout with Moroccan salsa, spiced aubergine with saffron rice and mango cheese cake.

We had to pay only for the drinks, which was 880 THB (ca. 20.25 Euro or ca. 27.40 USD). The dinner was very enjoyable and in my opinion especially memorable was the ceviche. The textures of the aubergine dish were interesting and flavorful.
The quality at Vertigo is very high and it is priced accordingly. I would guess to calculate in per person around 100 Euro or 140 USD for a three course meal.

The staff was attentive. Food allergies can also be accommodated.

Our fellow diners were couples or small groups. One of the groups had a celebration, the other was business related.

During our dinner the hotel’s photographer took pictures of us and by the end of the meal we had a framed memento, all complimentary.

Our dinner at Bai Yun, the Chinese restaurant, the next evening was tailor made, because the set menu was based mostly on seafood. One of us can’t eat shellfish and mushrooms, so it was completely changed. Bai Yun is located a floor below Vertigo.

There are two huge windows overlooking the city.

Our fellow diners were couples and a family.

The meal we were served was duck, corn soup with chicken, beef, cod, egg fried rice and
sago, vanilla ice cream and cantaloupe melon as dessert. A gorgeous six course affair.

It was sumptuous and delicious. I liked the duck especially. The dessert was his favorite. We both liked the cold ice cream, the sago and the sweetness of the melon, setting it up nicely.

Vertigo won in 2013 best restaurant in Thailand, while this year’s [2014] winner is Bai Yun.

Beside those two restaurants are Apsara, the dinner cruise, Taihai (Teppanyaki), Saffron for Thai, Latitude Lounge and Bar, Romsai (international), the Lobby Lounge, the Juice Bar, Pier 59 for modern seafood and 24 hours in room dining.

We had a sneak peek at Pier 59. We liked the ultra-modern design with blue and white color scheme.

Every morning we went for breakfast to the Executive Lounge. The buffet was huge with so many items to choose from it would take at least a week to try them all. There was a Chinese, Thai, Japanese and European section. All hot items, like Eggs Benedicts could be ordered and were freshly prepared.

The lounge had restaurant and lounge style seating. There were more magazines and newspapers, books and games available.
Part of a photo exhibition, called Memories, was also displayed at the club lounge. It was created to commemorate 20 years of Banyan Tree around the World.

More of the exhibition was in the lobby and we really liked it. Sometimes the art depicted the members of staff of a certain Banyan Tree or guests celebrating their wedding, Christmas or other occasions. It was inspiring, and at least I felt like immediately booking another Banyan Tree.

In the lobby we could see the florist create leis and other flower arrangements.

The Lobby Lounge also overlooks the koi pond and waterfall. There is also some outdoor seating.

There is a pedestrian connecting walkway through an office building to Sathorn Road. There are two BTS Sky train stations within walking distance. We went a bit exploring and found ourselves at Chong Nonsi station. On the way, which took about twenty minutes, we passed the Met Apartment block, the Australian, Malaysian and Singaporean Embassies. There is also a hospital, the Evergreen Laurel Hotel and a few famous restaurants.

Of course the Metropolitan Hotel and Sukhothai are only a stone throw away and we could, depending on the view, spot both of them.

We liked the location, but had chosen the Banyan Tree because we looked for relaxation before getting more active. The hotel fulfilled our needs and some more.

The 20th and 21st floor are dedicated to the spa, fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, the Banyan Tree Gallery and the Juice Bar.

Treatment rooms are located on the 20th floor and have an interesting art installation, depicting bamboos.

When the time was due for our haircuts we were asked to take a seat and were served cold tea.

When our hair dressers were ready we were taken downstairs and our shoes were removed and replaced with slippers. The haircuts were done expertly and we enjoyed it. Afterwards our slippers were replaced with our shoes again and we were brought upstairs, where natural yogurt, fruit salad and hot tea were waiting for us.

My massage “The Asian Touch” was very good and I received tea, yogurt and fruit salad again.

The haircuts were together 3.811 THB (ca. 88.35 Euro or 119.50 USD), while the massage was 2900 THB (ca. 67.25 Euro or 90.95 USD).

The swimming pool overlooks Sathorn Road and the Metropolitan.

The Banyan Tree Gallery offers souvenirs, Angsana and Banyan Tree shampoos, soaps and other nice amenities. There was a discount if you bought three items and also one if you didn’t take a plastic bag.

The time flew by and before we knew it was time to check out and take a taxi to the Four Seasons Hotel. Review to follow soon.

I was a bit sad, but also happy, because we had our memories, a photograph, “Felly” and the Jasmin scent.

Check out was done quickly, warm and efficient.

The Banyan Tree has grown to our hearts. We can only say positive things about the friendly and caring staff. They are trying really hard to make you comfortable and the stay a memorable one.

By the way the hotel was built on Feng Shui principles and is only 16 m wide.

So, there’s no doubt at some stage we are going back and would recommend to stay there to anyone for a relaxing stay in Bangkok.

Would we recommend this hotel to a friend? YES!
Would we stay again at this hotel in the future? YES!