Understated luxury at Park Hyatt Bangkok

Ever since its long overdue (soft) opening in May 2017, the Park Hyatt Bangkok has been luring us for a stay. It might have been the iconic architecture or the seriously chic brand campaigns of its mothership Central Embassy, but something made us long for a staycation.

From the moment we entered the airy lobby it was clear: Hyatt is serious when it comes to relaxation. With its blonde wood paneling, huge floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary art in every corner, the Park Hyatt Bangkok forms a welcome refuge from the bustling city just outside its front doors. This is not the Grand Hyatt, we were assured – so expect cozy corners, and tucked-away seats that are perfect for an intimate tête-à-tête.

As with many Park Hyatt properties around the world, art plays an important role in the hotel design. Featuring over a dozen works by local and international artists, including incredible commissioned installations by Hirotoshi Sawada and pieces by Gao Weigang, the hotel’s art collection rivals some of the best galleries in town. Our favorite work can be found in The Living Room: a stunningly abstract shot by German photographer Andreas Gursky featuring the ripples of the Chao Phraya river.

All in the details

Due to the unique shape of the building, no two rooms are the same. Standard, deluxe and suite rooms come in 87 different layouts, making every stay a unique experience. All rooms, however, follow the same design principles you find in the rest of the hotel: neutral colors and natural materials form a base on which distinctively Thai touches are featured. We loved the mustard-yellow carpet with Thai lotus patterns and the water-carved flower sculpture on the bathroom wall.

The typical Hyatt take on understated luxury can be found in the littlest of details: hand-embroidered wallpaper in the dining room, coffee-table art books in the guest rooms and bergamot scented Le Labo toiletries that were exclusively produced for this hotel are some of the little touches that managed to delight us.

The breakfast is worthy of a special mention, as it was simply one of the best we’ve had in Bangkok. Apart from a small but well-curated menu of a-la-carte offerings (favorites include the eggs benedict, buttermilk pancakes, and pork congee), a wide range of buffet items is available in the pantry area. Take your pick from fresh fruits, cold-pressed juices, breakfast smoothies, homemade granola mixes and a delightful selection of delectable pastries. And (unfortunately) contrary to many hotels, the coffee is absolutely terrific.

Dine & Drink

Even for non-staying guests, the Park Hyatt Bangkok is a dine- and drinking destination on its own. The fun starts in the lobby bar, aptly named ‘The Bar’, with a no-nonsense vibe and a focus on well-executed classic cocktails. Hang out with the chatty staff at the bar, or head outside to the cozy patio for an al fresco sundowner.

The lower floors of the hotel are also home the Living Room and Embassy Room. A mixed-use dining space where guests can enjoy an afternoon tea, Asian- and Western comfort food and a carefully curated list of wines. With its open kitchens and cozy seating booths, the space is welcoming and surprisingly unpretentious. Service is as you’d expect from a 5-star, and prices are absolutely reasonable – a perfect spot to catch up with friends over bites or drinks.

On the top floors, the freestanding Penthouse Bar + Grill brings several more drinking and dining options to the mix. This three-level space, developed by New York-based AvroKO, is designed to resemble the swanky pad of a well-traveled bachelor, and with its chrome fittings, vintage knickknacks, and over-the-top design, it would make The Great Gatsby blush with envy.

Grab dinner at The Grill, a steak- and grill house dishing up seriously good meats and seafood from their open-kitchen charcoal grill. Order whatever tickles your fancy, but be sure to add a dish or two from the ‘sides’ menu. After dinner, head one floor up and snatch a spot in one of the city-view seating booths at The Cocktail Bar, or make your way down to the hidden speakeasy-style Whisky Room for a fine collection of single malts.

Tips

The Cocktail Bar on the 35th floor is a popular hangout for the young, hip and well-dressed, and doesn’t accept reservations. To ensure a table, come early.
Note that photo shoots of all different room types are still in progress (to “manage expectations”), so don’t expect your room to look exactly like the pictures. If you’re eyeing a certain room you’ve seen on Instagram, get in touch with the hotel to make arrangements.
We totally ordered an extra set of the Le Labo toiletries to bring back home (sorry, not sorry), and we won’t judge if you do the same.