The French mathematician and writer, Blaise Pascal, said that man is “so frivolous that, though full of a thousand reasons for weariness, the least thing, such as playing billiards or hitting a ball, is sufficient enough to amuse him,” which of course is adaptive and necessary in highly stressful environments. Here are five hotels where you can unwind over a skillful game of billiards or pool after a hectic day.
Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit 11, Bangkok
This newly opened property targets the growing number of Generation Y travellers by shaking up the usual hotel practices and incorporating funky elements ranging from iPad menus to exclusive access to the city’s hottest club (see story here). The dedicated game area in the re:mix lounge is another example of the hotel’s unique touches - it is where guests will find a foosball table, Playstation 3 and a pool table, allowing guests to feel fully entertained without going out.
Opening hours: The re:mix lounge is open around the clock
London Syon Park, Waldorf=Astoria Hotel, London
This new luxurious property, which opened last year, shares its address with one of the Duke of Northumberland’s residences and thus brings guests a glamorous yet traditional English aristocratic experience. The pool tables are located in The Duke’s Parlour, which is one of the three leisure areas found around the property. The Parlour also consists of a 3D TV, video game console and foosball table to play over some Cognac.
Opening hours: The Parlous is open around the clock
Raffles Hotel, Singapore
This iconic hotel in the Lion City is home to the aptly named Bar and Billiard Room, which opened in 1896. Of the two billiard tables in the facility, one was originally housed within the Istana (meaning palace in Malay), Singapore’s official residence of the President. All guests who are either dining and/or drinking at the Bar and Billiard Room are welcome to make use of the tables.
Opening hours: From Mondays to Saturdays, the bar is open from 1100 to midnight and on Sundays, the bar is open from 1130 until 1500.
The Ritz-Carlton Mega Kuningan, Jakarta
This large and glitzy hotel, located in the heart of Jakarta within the Mega Kuningan district, has an exclusive and very stylish billiards room in their club lounge on the 26th floor. The facility, which is decked out in plush dark leathers and dim lighting, and complimented by sweeping views of the city, is only available for guests staying in club level rooms or above.
Opening hours: The club lounge and the game room are open from 0600 until 2300.
Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Manila
This hotel, located along the Manila Bay, added the new Snaps Sports Bar to its selection of food and beverage outlets in June last year. The laidback bar, located on the hotel’s lobby level, has a typical sports pub decor with black and white checkered floors, walls lined with images of famous athletes and jerseys of famous teams, and large LCD TVs to show live games around the world - alongside pool tables and foosball tables.
Opening hours: This bar is open 24 hours, while happy hour falls between 1800 and 2200 everyday.
Alisha Haridasani
