The best hotel in Bangkok

Whether it’s for a special occasion or simply somewhere to enjoy the finer things in life, sometimes only five-star luxury will suffice. But, in today’s economic climate, hotels have to go a lot further in order to entice holidaymakers to part with their hard-earned money.

When paying top dollar for a suite or villa, travellers want to know that they’re getting VIP treatment. It’s all about the experience. With this in mind, Carol Driver reviews the best hotels in Thailand for travelbite.co.uk, starting with the five-star Lebua in Bangkok.

Standing, literally, head and shoulders above other hotels in Bangkok, the reputation of Lebua at State Tower precedes it.

I had seen the pictures, so I had expectations as high as the 247-metre tall building even before visiting what has been described as the finest, all-suite hotel in the Thai capital.

But, when I arrive at midnight, I’m tired after two flights to get from Vietnam to Bangkok airport – a 40-minute drive away – and want to relax. The staff are efficient and very friendly and I’m checked in quickly and taken to my 52nd-floor room.

I want to go straight to sleep, but my two-bedroom executive suite – one of 358 rooms - demands me to explore.

At more than 118 square metres, the word “spacious” doesn’t quite do it justice. There is a separate lounge area with two large sofas and a plasma TV – and there are two other TVs – one each in the generous bedrooms.

The master bedroom also boasts a welcoming king-size bed and an oversized en-suite bathroom.
The design is modern East-meets-West, without being complicated, and it’s very elegant, using calm, earthly colours.

However, the piece du resistance is actually outside of Lebua’s stylish rooms – which also has four large sets of double doors around the suite which lead out on to balconies.

The hotel is in the second tallest tower in Bangkok, and, situated by the Chao Phraya River in Silom Road, the panoramic view of the frenzied city is stunning.



I’m tempted to order a midnight cocktail from the 24-hour room service and take in the majestic sights for longer, but instead I decide to succumb to sleep – and I’m glad I do, as I wake up in the morning completely refreshed.

A buffet breakfast offering every type of cuisine imaginable – from spicy Thai soup to bacon and eggs - is available from the colourfully decorated Middle Eastern-themed Cafe Mozu which is next to the impressive outdoor pool. I fill up on an array of dishes before setting off to explore the city.

Lebua is based in the centre of Bangkok’s financial district – convenient for business travellers and also for tourists – as the main attractions, including the Grand Palace and the Reclining Buddha are within easy reach.

That evening, I have reservations at Breeze – one of State Tower’s four highly acclaimed restaurants. For an aperitif, there are three bars from which to choose including Sky Bar – on the 63rd floor at The Dome, it’s one of the world’s highest open air bars with breathtaking views.

My guest and I make our way to Breeze – which is located high above sea level on the 51st and 52nd floors, with half undercover in case of bad weather. The entrance to the restaurant is dramatic – we walk over the impressive, 25-metre, space-age blue sky bridge which is suspended above a lily pond – overlooking the twinkling lights of the city.



Dubbed as a contemporary Asian seafood restaurant, the menu is extensive – and the chef is happy to create a tasting menu so diners can sample a selection of the dishes on offer.

Ken Ho works his magic and we make our way through delicate, mouth-watering courses – including Shanghai style chilled drunken pork with Japanese edamame beans and jelly fish as well as grilled Chilean seabass with asparagus in Tahiti lemon sauce - accompanied by a selection of wines from the 3,000-strong choice available.

The meal is exquisite – as is my stay at Lebua. With attentive, friendly staff, luxurious rooms, restaurants offering unique dining experiences and views that simply take your breath away, it’s obvious why the award-winning hotel is held in such high regard.

And, if it’s five-star luxury for a special occasion or business trip that you’re looking for, Lebua, which towers – in every sense of the word - over other Bangkok hotels, should be your first choice.

Carol Driver