WHAT’S IT LIKE? Opened in January and operated by Accor, this tech-savvy, upmarket business hotel exudes a contemporary, minimalist feel. Earning the distinction as the first Pullman to open in Asia-Pacific, the hotel is a template for all the upcoming 18 Pullman hotels in the region by 2009.
WHERE IS IT? Located in central Bangkok, along Rangnam Road, close to Victory Monument and within walking distance of an emerging shopping, dining and entertainment precinct. The hotel has easy access to two BTS skytrain stations, and is only a 30-minute car ride to and from the Suvarnabhumi airport.
HOW MANY ROOMS? 386 spacious rooms and suites are predominantly done in the classic two-tone combination of brown and ecru, which goes well with the minimalist interiors. Room accents like bright throw pillows in yellow, orange and gold, as well as contemporary paintings liven up the room.
ROOM FACILITIES: All rooms (as well as public areas) are online with free Wi-Fi internet. Guests without a laptop can surf the web from the flat-screen interactive TV using a wireless keyboard. A mobile workstation is also available with a docking system for charging laptop, MP3 player, mobile phone and digital camera. For any tech assistance, a 24-hour communications specialist is on call.
All rooms also feature a marble bathroom with separate shower and bath and the usual perks such as a minibar with complimentary daily two cans of soda, tea-and-coffee-making facilities and evening turndown amenities.
RESTAURANTS: Cuisine Unplugged is all-day dining with live cooking stations and interactive buffet; @Chaan serves authentic Thai; and Déjà Vu is an upmarket brasserie featuring Mediterranean, Californian and Asian cuisines.
BAR: Unwind to live piano music and vocals at Glen Bar that has a wide range of cocktails, beers, wines and an impressive selection of single malts. Or enjoy assorted antipasti and tapa dishes at the Hip Wine Pub; its finest blends from vineyards worldwide are sold at cost.
BUSINESS FACILITIES: A fully equipped business centre caters to business travellers’ every need. As an upscale business hotel, Pullman features “smart venues” that use up-to-the-minute technology for 21st-century corporate meetings and events – dedicated control rooms, digital signage, retractable LCD and motorised screen among others. The elegant Grand Ballroom with its seven-metre high ceiling can seat up to 400 guests or more depending on the setup. An additional five meeting rooms are available for breakout seminars and conferences.
For special events, the adjacent 573-seat theatre is available to conference organisers using the hotel. The hotel works on acknowledging all meetings and events inquiries in 45 minutes and on providing tailor-made packages within 24 hours.
LEISURE FACILITIES: Le Spa on the fourth floor offers every kind of pampering with a range of treatments and massage techniques to choose from. Therapists use exclusive Decleor products from France for the ultimate in aromatherapy. For active leisure, a vast outdoor swimming pool and a fitness centre await. Guests need not venture far for shopping with the King Power Duty Free complex standing adjacent to the hotel, offering extensive range of shopping and dining options.
PRICE: Internet Best Unrestricted Rate in mid-June starts from 3,600 baht (US$113).
VERDICT: A hotel totally geared for the needs and comforts of business travellers.
CONTACT: 8/2 Rangnam Road, Thanon-Phayathai, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand, tel 66 2 680 9999, www.pullmanbangkokkingpower.com
Gigi Onag
