Sofitel So Bangkok, So Club Room: a nearly flawless experience

During my last stay in Bangkok I opted for the Sofitel So Bangkok. I was indeed interested by the positioning of this new brand of the Accor group: the luxury of a Sofitel but without its cold and impersonal side, with a “boutique hotel” side, each hotel of the brand having a personality, a design, a theme of its own. Reassured by the numerous positive feedbacks from friends who stayed there I decided to try it.

For the “personality” side of the hotel, Christian Lacroix was commissionedto design, among other things, the lobby, the signature club and the staff outfits. Each Sofitel So has mobilized different designers so that, unlike other Sofitel, no two look alike.

I chose a “So Club” room which is 7-8 square meters larger than a normal room. Beyond that there is a range of different suite sizes.

The hotel is conveniently located in the center of Bangkok, right across from Lumphini Park, which is sure to appeal to those looking for a place to run near their resort. The view on the city and the park is really worth it.

As soon as you arrive you feel the “boutique hotel” aspect. No big, cold and impersonal lobby, but a small counter in a minimalist hall. It feels more like an artist’s store.

The Club Room provides a number of benefits detailed here. From a very practical point of view I really appreciate being able to give two clothes to be cleaned daily for free.

My check in will take place at the club where I am welcomed with a welcome cocktail. Olivier (the other TravelGuy) who was in Bangkok and was going back to Paris the next day will be more inspired than me and will take the preparation of the cocktail on video because, just like the hotel, creativity and experience are everywhere.

The view is also worth it.

When you walk through the corridors, you can see how well thought out and sophisticated everything is.

The omnipresent musical atmosphere is discreet and elaborate. A perfect blend and balance that delights the senses.

It is time to take possession of my room. The rooms are decorated according to themes based on 4 elements: wood, water, metal and earth. Not all room and suite sizes are available in each element. For me it will be metal.

The room:

The bathroom has a large bathtub and rain shower that can accommodate 4 or 5 people. As in more and more recent hotels, it opens directly onto the room through a glass wall that accentuates the impression of space. Automatic curtains can of course occult it

The day view is really worth it.

The room is spacious, especially for a single person, and the fact that it is angled only adds to the feeling of space…and the view.

Panoramic view:

And video to finish the visit:

Oh yes…I forgot. the view of the pool below.

The rooms are also full of technology. The TV hides a media center controlled by a Mac mini that allows you to adjust everything in the room, to go on the Internet, to read the international press, to broadcast the contents of your own devices on the screen etc. And the entire hotel is impeccably covered by fast, reliable wifi that I’ve never been able to fault.

Of course there are things that can be improved. Like the “airplane style” reading lights on both sides of the bed which, in my opinion, do not provide sufficient reading comfort, the “master” of the electrical installation which does not turn off everything and forces you to go around the room again to turn off the desk lamp and the halogen. Or the electric curtain that is only half controlled. One corner is controlled from a button but for the part facing the desk you have to stand up…and it is not easy to access. I would add the minibar reduced to its most basic form (not even a Coke…and no alcohol) and the limited storage space for belongings (but this is becoming commonplace in all recent hotels).

I had my breakfasts at the signature club. The menu is the same as elsewhere but we are in a private area and they are included in the price of the room. Here is the club, a “So Nippon” breakfast and the view of the club.

The hotel has several restaurants. I tried two: the one on the 29th, more “premium” and the one on the 7th, with a choice of buffet or à la carte. The first one is not cheap but will please the gourmets.

And the view on Bangkok at night is superb.

The second one, buffet or a la carte, was also good without leaving me an unforgettable impression. Maybe the ” rail station hall ” side of the room or the mix ” à la carte / buffet ” which made it not very readable a priori.

In my opinion there is room for something “in between” which I missed. Something more Asian, more “fusion” without necessarily being gastro or buffet.

Several bars as well. The first one is also on the 29th floor, outside on the roof and obviously offers a first class view of the city. Smart thing (the devil is in the details), the menus are in backlit card holders: easier to decipher them at night.

The cocktails are good without being exceptional but that’s a recurring criticism of hotel bars unless you reach a certain level, above this one. It is good but often flat, something is missing despite the creativity of the menu. Very few have so far made me forget the best cocktail bars in Paris. In fact, the Sofitel So menu mentions the “French 75″ and specifies that it was created at Harry’s Bar in Paris. Try the original, it has nothing to do with it.

But there is the view and the atmosphere and in the end that’s what you pay for. And it’s worth it.

Another point that makes the reputation of the establishment: its pool, considered one of the most beautiful in the city. I must admit that my first contact with the place did not convince me. Too much noise, music too loud, deafening bass. Forget the class and creativity, here we are in the ” ordinary ” and the levelling down. No more charm and discreet comfort, this is the place to parade and to be seen.

In the long run I changed my mind: it was a Sunday afternoon with a clientele and an animation that are obviously its own. By the way, everything became quiet again around 5pm and the rest of the days were more like what you would expect from such an hotel.

The infinity pool is large and offers an unparalleled view of Lumphini Park and Bangkok.

On the other hand, half of the length is taken up by the bar terrace, which only leaves room for about ten deckchairs. If you want to bask in the sun, be aware that places are rare and hard to get.

A jacuzzi is also present.

A very pleasant place to rest or come to relax after a long day of visits under an overwhelming heat.

My conclusion, the balance between luxury and an offbeat and creative side is totally successful. The Sofitel So Bangkok is a place where one feels good and I have no doubt that it manages to capture this younger clientele (30-45) who want high-end services without finding themselves in the cold and impersonal universe of the usual 5 stars. This is where the difference between a stay and an experience lies. You experience something special here, from the decoration to the staff’s attire, the services and the intelligent use of technology to serve the customer.

After, as I said, some details remain perfectible in the room as the curtain which is only half electric or the general control of lights…which is only partial.

On the restaurant side, something is missing between the two restaurants I tried, an intermediate range.

As for the staff and the service, they were irreproachable.

This hotel is more than a product or a service: it has a personality and delivers a unique experience of its own. With the “Sofitel So” concept, I think Accor has hit the nail on the head with regard to new customer behaviors that can no longer stand hotels that all look the same and want to experience something unique while being certain of the quality of service. All Sofitels look the same, each “SO” is unique while having the standards of a large group and this is what I believe is the strength of this brand.

But overall it’ s close to being flawless. The various details I’ve mentioned are quickly forgotten before the overall experience provided. I will have a hard time going anywhere else on my next trip to Bangkok.

The entire photo album is available here.