SO Sofitel Bangkok is cool, colourful and vibrant. Located right in central Bangkok and across the street from Lumpini Park, it’s a convenient base to access everything in the city with sky train and subway stations close by.
Why stay here?
The hotel has a great positive vibe about it… and it’s five-star and luxurious. It’s a hotel for someone looking for a non-traditional place to stay with a cool, youthful vibe. French fashion designer Christian Lacroix was instrumental in the design and feel of the hotel, so be ready for colour and fun. The SO Suite features Monsieur Lacroix’s touches throughout. Styled for either the earth or water elements, the SO Suites feature a bedroom, ensuite and a living space, and include free WiFi, minibar and iPad for guest use.
Rise and Shine Breakfast Time
Breakfast was served at Red Oven on the hotel’s seventh floor. The restaurant offers a market-style buffet with an array of dining options from various culinary traditions. Light, bright and colourful with high ceilings, it’s hard to have a quick breakfast here – you’ll want to try everything. If you so choose, you can also sit outside on the huge deck overlooking the park and the city.
What’s for Dinner?
Adelaide-born Paul Smart is at the helm as executive chef at SO Sofitel Bangkok. Red Oven is an all-day dining venue, and on the 29th floor is Park Society, the hotel’s rooftop restaurant and bar, featuring modern Western cuisine with city views. The entire 10th floor of the hotel is occupied by The Water Club, a poolside bar that serves cocktails and light meals, and on the 30th floor, the HI-SO rooftop bar is a lively space with skyline views.
Time Out
SO Spa is on the 11th floor and is a wellbeing centre designed with inspiration from the legendary Himmapan Forest from Thai mythology. Think wood furnishings and plants – it is beautiful and amazing. The spa has everything you can think of for healing and nourishing your face and body. If you’re a spa junkie you can stay in a SO Suite Spa room – there are three in the hotel and each features a private ensuite treatment space.
Wow Factor
The wow factor is in the hotel’s interior design. Common areas, like Red Oven, draw inspiration from the fire element, while different rooms display interiors representative of earth, metal, water and wood. Each element was handled by a different Thai designer.
Could Do Better
I loved this hotel. It was very easy to relax and spend not just the day but evenings here too. I enjoyed just exploring the hallways filled with artwork and different lighting effects. I really don’t know where they could improve as I think they are doing it right.
I Would Like an Upgrade
The one-bedroom SO Lofty Suites range from 95 to 120 square metres and have the added luxury of an in-room private bar, while the SO VIP duplex suite is 223 square metres and has views over Lumpini Park, a master bedroom taking up the whole upper floor, and a separate guest bedroom and dining area.
Insider Tip
With the heat of Bangkok, make use of the infinity pool on the 10th floor. It can be a bit of a scene on weekend nights but it is great to have an afternoon dip and drinks at The Water Club. Also, if you’re staying in a suite, you have access to Club Signature located on the 25th floor. Designed by Christian Lacroix and Pongthep Sagulku from August Design, it’s a colourful and luxurious lounge with complimentary breakfast, snacks, refreshments and evening cocktails in a private club-like atmosphere. And one last thing: seek out Chocolab, located on the ground floor in the lower lobby. It’s a chocolate delicatessen – need I say more?