Tried & Tested

Hotel check: The St Regis

30 Sep 2014 by Tamsin Cocks

BACKGROUND

Starwood’s The St Regis recently celebrated the 110th anniversary of its flagship New York property. Continuing the brand’s distinctive legacy, the luxury St Regis Bangkok opened its doors in 2011 on the prestigious Rajadamri Road. 

What’s it like

The St Regis prides itself on “timeless elegance”, from the classic and sophisticated décor throughout the hotel and guestrooms to the personalised and thoughtful St Regis butler service (each room is assigned to a personal butler who carries out tasks from pressing items of clothing to packing your suitcase). Your butler can be directly accessed 24 hours a day via a button on the in-room phone to bring tea and coffee, or launder your clothes. The land of smiles moniker was certainly apt with staff at the St Regis, where everyone seems to know your name and greet you with genuine warmth. 

Where is it

Located on Rajadamri Road the hotel is a 10-minute walk from the city’s central business district, with plenty of restaurant and shopping options nearby. Bangkok’s newest mall, Central Embassy, is one such destination – a veritable who’s-who of fashion powerhouses, from Gucci to Ralph Lauren (which is currently working with the St Regis on an exclusive package for hotel guests – watch this space). Suvarnabhumi International Airport is about a 40-minute drive, even in fairly heavy Bangkok traffic. Conveniently, the hotel is also connected to the BTS Skytrain, which connects guests to a variety of business and entertainment destinations. 

Room Facilities

There are 227 guestrooms, including 51 suites. My Grand Deluxe room (the second category) was generously sized (47-55sqm) with elegant décor and fabulous floor-to-ceiling views over Royal Bangkok Sports Club. The spacious work desk and comfortable chair are next to a universal power socket, with thoughtful details such as a fully stocked leather pencil case and fresh orchid. High-speed wifi is available and easy to access for up to five devices. The king-size beds are extremely comfortable, with soft 300-count Egyptian linens, and face a 42-inch LCD television, which can be easily linked to a range of personal devices, from iPod to laptop.  There is a master switch control panel by the bed (which is just as well because the light switch system is rather confusing otherwise). Each room has adjustable sliding doors to provide privacy for the large shower and freestanding bathtub. A large sink with two basins is equipped with amenities including toothbrush, hairdryer and more fluffy towels than you can use. All of the rooms are accessed by a private key card, which is also needed to operate the lifts for added security. A fine idea in theory, although it does get a bit annoying after the fourth swipe fails to kick the lift into action.

Restaurants & Bars

The St Regis has a wide range of restaurants and bars, from the international grill Viu, to Italian cuisine at Jojo. Decanter is an elegant wine bar, holding some 300 bins, and a great location to host intimate private dinners or enjoy the exclusive wine-tasting events held at the hotel. The St Regis Bar, located on the 12th floor is also a chic, relaxed venue to wind down. Don’t miss the “Champagne Sabering Ritual” at 6.30pm every evening, where the head butler pops the cork of a bottle of Champagne with… a sabre! Live music is also hosted at the weekend.

Business & Meeting Facilities

The Astor Ballroom and four breakout rooms on the 14th floor offer 1,515sqm of meeting and conference facilities. Floor-to-ceiling windows run the length of the ballroom and meeting rooms, affording natural daylight and a great view of the Bangkok skyline. The stylish lobby with open plan kitchen has also become a popular area for delegates to incorporate into their events. 

Leisure Facilities

Arguably the best floor of the hotel, the 15th is home to the hotel’s infinity pool and pool bar, fully equipped 24-hour gym, and the only Elemis spa in Asia. After a holistic consultation that focuses on lifestyle, a clever machine assesses the condition of your skin to focus the treatment. The signature facial therapy was well worth forgoing a traditional Thai massage, although it would have been nice to have some kind of soothing background music during the one hour and 15 minute session. After the treatment, I was led through to the relaxation area in a dressing gown and slippers (an area all hotel guests are welcome to make use of).  The giant cushioned pods are womb-like and cosy and with the bubble of water from the Jacuzzi below, it was indeed tranquil. 

Verdict

The hotel is in a convenient location, with good transport links (and a private limousine service available). Service is absolutely impeccable and friendly, with particular emphasis on the butler service, and the rooms themselves are well appointed and sophisticated. 


FACT FILE

  • HOW MANY ROOMS? 176 rooms: Deluxe Rooms (45-53sqm), Grand Deluxe Rooms (45-65sqm); plus 51 suites (80-250sqm)
  • HIGHLIGHTS St Regis Butler Service, the view (arguably one of the best in Bangkok) the Elemis Spa and the restaurants. 
  • PRICE Average internet daily rate for a midweek Grand Deluxe stay in mid-October is THB7,125 (US$224)
  • CONTACT 159 Rajadamri Road, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand; +66 (2) 207 7777; starwood.com

Tamsin Cocks
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