The Metropolitan Bangkok

It is true that Bangkok's sois, bubbling vats of street food and its cheeky people give the city a charm and authenticity hard to replicate.Yet a stay at the Metropolitan Hotel will endear Bangkok to you forever. The hotel somehow captures the serenity of a Thai temple, with contemporary Asian decor in the foyer and rooms and blends an impeccable standard of service with an avant-guard and healthy approach to food all in the surrounds of a lush, inner city plantation. Unlike other huge, impersonal hotels in Bangkok, this one hits the nail on the head in every category. Not quite boutique (it has around 170 rooms) but it certainly feels like it. Every guest is personally accompanied by one of the front desk staff to their room after check in, only to find a tropical fruit platter, a hand signed welcome letter from the Manager and a catalogue of complementary wellness activities. Yoga, anyone? The continental breakfasts in Glow alone are to die for: no less than 5 types of hand made marmelades, confitures and spreads (Belgian chocolate! Watermelon Jam!) presented in delightful, vintage mini saucepans, hand rolled muesli, an array of squeezed juices including virgin coconut juice, fresh baked goodies such as mini-croissants, a cold cuts platter and endless cups of freshly brewed ginger tea. Whether you opt for a massage in the COMO Shambhala spa or simply lounge around the stunning pool,listening to soft balaeric beats in the background with a book in tow,one feels a million miles away from the smog and chaos of Bangkok's streets.The Hotel's website offers packages at certain times of the year, such as for Songkarn and in the low season. While it costs slightly more than for a zero-personality hotel from hotels.com, or a backpacker den on Khao San Road, for two people it is affordable and you will wonder how you never managed to stumble upon this city sanctuary before.

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You can’t help but rubberneck when you first walk in. It's clear—from the ice-white hues of the Cy'an restaurant to the wine-dark depths of the members-only Met bar—that The Metropolitan is where you go to get noticed. This exclusive designer retreat attracts a very discerning brand of guest—fashionistas, film stars, designers and well-heeled, sharp-dressed urbanites ornament the bright, makha-wooded lobby. Sister to its London namesake, this understated outpost exerts a gravitational pull on the champagne and sunglasses set, most likely because of its single-minded devotion to style. It's as though this Bangkok boutique hotel has been constructed just to house the most sophisticated party in the city. And, guess what—you are invited.

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