Evaluation: Rosewood Bangkok, Thailand (Stable, Second Tier Luxurious Metropolis Lodge)

Throughout my two-part birthday journey to the Golden Triangle, I checked out 4 totally different accommodations in Bangkok, on condition that it’s one of many world’s finest worth cities for luxurious accommodations, and the market retains getting higher.

On this installment, I’d prefer to evaluation the 158-key Rosewood Bangkok, which opened again in 2019. That is the place I spent the primary evening, after which individually, I’ll evaluation the Capella Bangkok, 4 Seasons Bangkok, and Aman Bangkok (which I stayed at in that order).

Rosewood is a stellar lodge model, and I used to be curious to see in precisely what league the Rosewood Bangkok operates, particularly given how top quality the Rosewood Hong Kong is. Properly, I’d say the Rosewood Bangkok is an efficient metropolis lodge, if not a bit generic and company. It’s a stable possibility for the worth, however undoubtedly not a part of the highest tier of Bangkok accommodations. This additionally isn’t the Rosewood Hong Kong by way of design high quality or vibe.

Admittedly it’s priced accordingly, and particularly given the perks I acquired on a one-night keep, I actually can’t argue with the worth, and would advocate the lodge. The property definitely has a central location, with pleasant service, and a great restaurant and bar.

Reserving the Rosewood Bangkok

I paid money for my one-night keep on the Rosewood Bangkok. I booked an entry stage room at a price of round $320. I used an Amex $300 lodge credit score, that means I solely paid $20 out of pocket.

For reserving by Amex FHR, I acquired complimentary breakfast, a room improve, a $150 property credit score (sure, this lodge gives a $150 credit score, reasonably than the usual $100 credit score), and extra. That’s a price you actually can’t argue with. By way of pricing, that is most likely most corresponding to properties just like the Park Hyatt Bangkok and Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, so I used to be wanting ahead to seeing how the Rosewood expertise would evaluate.

Let me point out that apart from some bank card packages when redeeming a credit score, your finest wager for reserving any Rosewood property is to make use of the Rosewood Elite program. That is Rosewood’s program for choose journey advisors, and can also be the easiest way to guide just about any Rosewood keep. These reserving by Rosewood Elite obtain a room improve topic to availability, a property credit score, complimentary breakfast for 2, and many others.

Rosewood Bangkok location

The Rosewood Bangkok is positioned within the metropolis’s central enterprise and embassy district, alongside Ploenchit Street, within the Pathumwan space. The lodge is in a 30-story constructing, which is fairly cool-looking, in the event you ask me.

If arriving by automobile, the lodge has a big driveway off the road, so it’s straightforward to entry.

In the meantime if arriving by public transportation, the lodge is adjoining to the Phloen Chit BTS Skytrain station, and supplies direct entry to it through a walkway, which is helpful.

In terms of the placement of Bangkok luxurious accommodations, they usually fall into one among two classes. You’ve got properties just like the Rosewood, that are proper within the coronary heart of town, in order that they’re handy by way of public transportation and proximity to different places, however they’re not essentially essentially the most serene settings as such.

Then you will have a bunch of accommodations alongside the Chao Phraya River, that are typically most well-liked by way of views and vibes, however aren’t essentially so central. Personally I choose to remain by the river, however in fact I notice there are execs and cons to each places.

Rosewood Bangkok foyer & check-in

In terms of accessing the Rosewood Bangkok, the arrival space is on the primary flooring, the entry to the BTS Skytrain is on the third flooring, after which the principle foyer is on the seventh flooring. So upon arrival on the lodge, I used to be welcomed by a pleasant bellman, and escorted as much as the seventh flooring foyer.

The seventh flooring foyer is visually fascinating, however not terribly “grand,” by way of its dimension. It supplies entry to the three units of elevators (one set resulting in the bottom flooring, one set resulting in visitor rooms, and one other set resulting in meals & beverage shops).

The foyer then additionally has a reception desk over to the facet, with a little bit of seating.

My check-in course of was fast and environment friendly, and I used to be provided water whereas that was processed. I used to be knowledgeable that I had been upgraded from a deluxe room to an govt room, and all of the inclusions with my price had been additionally gone over. I used to be then walked over to the elevator, the place I then headed as much as the twentieth flooring, the place my room was positioned (the lodge has 30 flooring).

Rosewood Bangkok visitor room

Upon exiting the elevator on the twentieth flooring on the Rosewood Bangkok, I walked down the corridor, after which discovered the doorway to room 2001 on the left, the place I’d be staying for the evening.

Government rooms on the Rosewood Bangkok are marketed as being 452 sq. toes, or 42 sq. meters. In order that’s a fantastic dimension for a visitor room, however smaller than a collection (as you’d count on).

Upon opening the door I discovered myself within the entryway, which then flowed into the dwelling space, after which the sleeping space.

The room boasted a king dimension mattress, which was comfy, however not overly so (which is to say that it wasn’t a 4 Seasons mattress by way of consolation). Throughout from the mattress was a wall-mounted TV, in addition to a sliding door resulting in the toilet.

Then the sitting space had a loveseat of kinds, together with a chair, so this might simply double as a eating or working space. I recognize when non-suites even have a spot you may have a meal or an area the place a number of individuals can sit comfortably, as all too usually, that’s not the case.

Ready for me within the room upon arrival was a welcome amenity, consisting of a candy mango tart, in addition to some fruit (longans). Yum. There was additionally a welcome be aware from the final supervisor, which was appreciated, however it will be good if my identify had been spelled proper.

The minibar was proper subsequent to the dwelling space, and had a complimentary number of Nespresso espresso and tea, together with milk within the fridge (a lot appreciated, since so many accommodations don’t present milk with their in-room espresso). Then there have been quite a lot of drinks and snacks for buy.

In terms of the toilet, that was a fantastic dimension, with double sinks, a soaking tub, a walk-in bathe, and a bathroom in a partitioned off house.

Toiletries had been in reusable containers, and had been generically Rosewood branded.

The room additionally had a closet house subsequent to the toilet and towards the doorway, which was a great dimension.

By way of views, the room simply primarily seemed out over town, together with straight going through a freeway. So it wasn’t a nasty view, but in addition wasn’t essentially the most thrilling.

All-in-all, it was a pleasant room. The one factor I’d point out is that the development high quality felt just a little low cost. I’m not making an attempt to be shady right here, however I discover that basically, Bangkok luxurious accommodations fall into two classes.

Some have wonderful development and finishes, whereas others may look good however really feel a bit low cost in relation to finishes. This consists of every part from flimsy doorways, to drawers not fairly closing appropriately. For instance, I additionally lately stayed on the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok, and had an analogous impression. Nonetheless, I didn’t in any respect really feel that means on the Capella, 4 Seasons, or Aman.

Rosewood Bangkok pool & health club

The Rosewood Bangkok pool and health club are positioned on the ninth flooring. The pool is open each day from 6AM till 9PM, and other people will both love or hate it. The lodge has a 20-meter out of doors pool, and it’s virtually solely lined by the remainder of the constructing, so is within the shade all day.

As somebody who typically avoids the solar, I personally love this. Nonetheless, in the event you’re a sun-starved Australian or Brit seeking to lather your self in tanning oil and catch these rays, you won’t love this setup.

On the finish of the pool, you’ll discover an infinity-edge (effectively, type of) scorching tub, looking over town.

The pool space solely has a complete of a dozen loungers, with six being on both sides of the pool and scorching tub, in order that’s not precisely a giant house.

This undoubtedly isn’t a lodge you’re going to wish to guide if one among your major goals is is to lounge on the pool.

The lodge additionally has a 24/7 health club, positioned on the identical stage, proper subsequent to the pool. The health club is on the small facet, however greater than adequate, and has top quality gear. My solely annoyance (and that is so frequent with accommodations) is that I want there have been a couple of bench free of charge weights (since these are most ceaselessly used).

On the identical stage because the pool and health club you’ll additionally discover a sauna, steam room, and showers, so you actually can use all types of spa-like amenities with out truly visiting the spa.

Rosewood Bangkok spa

Rosewood Bangkok has a full service spa on the sixth flooring, branded as Sense Spa (the identify of spas at most Rosewood properties). The spa is open each day from 9AM till 8PM, and has 5 remedy rooms, two of that are for {couples}, along with a salon space. You’ll be able to discover the spa remedy menu right here.

On the morning of check-out, I hadn’t used most of my $150 credit score, so I made a decision to get a therapeutic massage on the final minute. I settled on a 60-minute foot therapeutic massage, which was enjoyable, and price simply over $100.

Whereas the remedy as such was nice, the spa didn’t strike me as being significantly spectacular, by way of the variety of facilities.

Rosewood Bangkok eating places & bars

The Rosewood Bangkok has a stable number of meals & beverage shops:

• Lakorn is the lodge’s all-day eating restaurant, positioned on the foyer stage, and it serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a give attention to Thai dishes
• Nan Bei is the lodge’s signature Chinese language restaurant, positioned on the nineteenth flooring, and it serves lunch and dinner
• Lennon’s is the lodge’s vinyl-themed bar, and it’s open within the evenings and late into the evening
• G&O is the lodge’s poolside cafe, open in the course of the day, serving drinks, snacks, and wholesome meals

Let’s go over every of the venues, beginning with Lakorn. Lakorn serves breakfast from 7AM till 10:30AM, lunch from 11:30AM till 2:30PM, afternoon tea from 2PM till 5PM, dinner from 5PM till 10PM, and drinks and snacks all day. Basically consider this as being the all-day foyer bar and restaurant — you may discover all of the menus right here.

It’s a pleasant sufficient house that feels a bit like a restaurant — I can’t say it’s essentially the most thrilling or inspiring house (no less than in comparison with the opposite venues on the lodge), nevertheless it’s good.

I ended up having dinner right here, since I wished to have Thai meals on my first evening, and I had a credit score to spend. In the beginning of the meal, I used to be introduced some prawn crackers with candy chili sauce.

I requested the server what he really useful, and ended up ordering the roti mataba gai (listed below “chef’s favorites”), in addition to tom yum goong. Each dishes had been wonderful, although the tom yum goong was undoubtedly Thai ranges of spicy (as you’d count on!), which I wasn’t totally ready for.

Within the morning, breakfast can also be served on the restaurant. Southeast Asia is thought for extravagant breakfasts, and as is sort of frequent, there’s a buffet, after which that may be supplemented by some a la carte objects.

The breakfast buffet included all types of freshly baked items, cheese, chilly cuts, yogurt, cereal, veggies, fruit, salad, and many others.

You’ll be able to then discover the a la carte part beneath, which you’ll be able to order as a lot from as you’d like.

To drink, I ordered a cappuccino, which tasted nice.

Then to eat, I had the acai bowl and khao tom pla, with seabass, boiled rice, and Thai celery.

In the end it was a wonderfully satisfying breakfast, although Bangkok is commonly in a distinct league in relation to breakfast high quality, and I’d say my latest keep on the Ritz-Carlton Bangkok provided a a lot larger choice. The one factor that negatively stood out to me was the poor fruit choice, because the buffet simply had two forms of melon (I do know I’m nitpicking right here, however I really feel like Bangkok is a market the place it’s acceptable to nitpick lodge breakfasts, given the excessive requirements.

Whereas I didn’t have the possibility to eat right here, Nan Bei seemed like a beautiful venue, and serves lunch each day from 11:30AM till 2:30PM, and dinner each day from 6PM till 10PM. It serves Chinese language delicacies, and you may discover all of the menus right here. Generally, Rosewood does a extremely job with the theming of its eating places, and this place is not any exception.

Then there’s what’s undoubtedly my favourite venue, which is the rooftop bar, Lennon’s. It’s open each day from 6PM till 12AM, and you may discover all of the menus right here. The theme right here is exclusive — as you enter, you’ll virtually suppose you’re in a file retailer, as there’s a 6,000-vinyl assortment. Visitors may even decide songs and have them performed.

The bar has loads of pure gentle and really cool design.

At the back of the above photos you’ll see a spiral staircase, and that leads up a stage to the cigar bar, which is enclosed, in order that’s an area that many individuals (like my dad!) would recognize.

I made a decision to return right here for a pre-drink right here, and I recognize their dedication to a theme. Along with a typical menu, you may as well view drinks by… effectively, no matter that factor within the high proper of the beneath image is. After which you may swap out the “disks” to have a look at totally different menus. Very, very enjoyable.

I beloved the signature cocktail listing, which included Thai flavors into extra conventional drinks. For instance, I had the sago re-groni (impressed by the negroni) with rum, vermouth, campari, pandas, and sago rainbow. It was as tasty because it was fairly, and I additionally beloved the bar snacks, which included candy potato chips and tom yum flavored nuts.

The one factor I’d say is that the property simply lacked a vibe, however possibly that was a operate of once I stayed. For instance, admittedly I went to the bar shortly after it opened, however I sat there for nearly an hour having fun with the vibe, despite the fact that… I used to be the one visitor. In the meantime once I had dinner, I used to be additionally the one visitor.

Admittedly I used to be visiting within the off season, however I can’t think about that’s regular, because it appears like Bangkok accommodations are sometimes very busy, whatever the time of day.

I believe a part of the difficulty is that the 2 venues which can be truly cool are very insulated (by way of not being included into the opposite public areas of the lodge), and because of this, the lodge has a little bit of a quiet vibe. It’s not an issue, actually, however simply one thing to concentrate on, in the event you’re hoping for a extra energetic ambiance.

Rosewood Bangkok service

I discovered service on the Rosewood Bangkok to be skilled throughout the board. Thailand basically has very excessive service requirements, and repair at this property is polished.

Now, there was nothing astonishingly good or memorable concerning the service, and I’d say of the 4 properties I stayed at within the metropolis, this had the least outstanding service. Then once more, it was additionally essentially the most fairly priced, in order that shouldn’t come as a shock.

Backside line

I had a great keep on the Rosewood Bangkok. I definitely obtained a fantastic deal on my one-night keep, as I paid $20 after my $300 Amex lodge credit score, and likewise acquired FHR perks, together with breakfast and a $150 property credit score.

In the end the Rosewood Bangkok is an efficient metropolis lodge, although it doesn’t essentially have an enormous “wow” issue. It has a pleasant rooftop bar, pleasant service, and a stable health club and pool, although count on this to be extra of a enterprise lodge than some type of an city resort.

Given the lodge’s worth level, I believe it’s very aggressive in its set, with properties just like the Park Hyatt, St. Regis, Waldorf Astoria, and many others. Nonetheless, there’s additionally a cause it’s priced effectively beneath the highest tier of Bangkok accommodations. In order that’s logical, I’m simply confirming “you get what you pay for.”

Rosewood is a superb lodge model, and specifically in Asia, Rosewood properties are sometimes recognized for being among the many finest of their respective markets. I’d say Bangkok most likely isn’t essentially the most outstanding metropolis for the model.

What do you make of the Rosewood Bangkok?