BACKGROUND
Earlier this year, Accor opened the first two-in-one hotel in Thailand, unveiling a mid-scale Mercure property and a budget Ibis under one roof. The building looks a little like one of those autobots in Transformers.
WHAT’S IT LIKE?
Arrive at the driveway, and you’ll find one entrance for Ibis and another for Mercure. The lobby of the latter is located on the ninth floor, accessible via two elevators. The colour tones of the interior are very soft – off-white, light grey and a yellow back-lit wall – and during the day, the full-length windows between the lobby and the balcony allow a lot of natural light in. In line with the Mercure brand, the décor is kept subtle and understated, but it is very pleasant and comfortable.
WHERE IS IT?
Right next to the National Stadium BTS station, this hotel is a short walk away from popular retail hubs such as MBK, Siam Center, Siam Paragon, Centralworld and Siam Square.
ROOM FACILITIES
Other than the 38 sqm, one-bedroom executive suites, all the other rooms are very much the same at 25 sqm, except that deluxe privilege club rooms located on the 24th to 27th floors offer better views.
The décor is very modern – white, grey, and a groove light above the headboard – with squares of colourfully striped carpets and a simple placement of flowers giving the overall feel a cheerful lift.
The desk surface, mounted onto the wall near the window, is simple but functional, complete with universal sockets. The daybed in the other corner provides a good space to relax.
Every room comes with free wifi, in-room safe, minibar and an LCD TV. The club lounge, which has its own outdoor terrace, serves complimentary snacks and beverages all day.
RESTAURANTS AND BARS
The Eight Restaurant is an all-day dining venue where breakfast is served. Mercure guests can either get the morning meal included with their room for THB140/US$4.5 or pay THB350/US$11 each time.
A buffet and à la carte dishes are available for the rest of the day. Mercure Lobby Bar is located right next to reception, and spreads out onto the outdoor terrace. Happy hour here is especially good value at THB99/US$3 per beer.
The menu includes international wines, tea and coffee choices and light meal offerings. There is also a Pool Bar on the rooftop serving cocktails and refreshments.
BUSINESS AND MEETING FACILITIES
There are three meeting rooms for up to 126 delegates; the poolside and the Pool Bar on the rooftop are also popular event venues for up to 70 guests.
LEISURE FACILITIES
The outdoor pool is flanked by a textural wall on one side and a chaise longue area on the other; the Pool Bar is at one end, while the other boasts an infinity wall looking out to Bangkok.
The small gym is located in a “glass box” above the Pool Bar, and it offers nice views to the city on one side and the pool on the other, but you have to access it through a rather unattractive staircase. Equipment is rather simple, with a bench with weights, exercise balls, treadmills and a few workout machines. These facilities can also be used by Ibis guests, but for THB350/US$11 per day.
VERDICT
In the mid-scale arena, this is a high-quality product. Service is prompt and friendly, and the location is simply unbeatable.
