Affluent and upmarket, this predominantly business, retail and diplomatic area offers a central location very close to main shopping and entertainment areas Siam Square, Ratchaprasong, Sukhumvit and Silom. Some of the city's most luxurious hotels and serviced apartment are assembled here. The easiest way to tackle it is by breaking it down by road. Choose Ploenchit road for direct access to the Skytrain, department stores like Central Chidlom and malls such as Emporium. For mildly more natural, less chaotic surroundings try Lang Suan Road or Wireless road. The former is home to hip world class restaurants, the latter several major embassies. Both give ease of access to the delights of Lumpini Park.
Ploenchit Road
This busy road stretches east to west from Siam Square, past Ratchaprasong intersection (where malls like Emporium, Gaysorn and CentralWorld are located) to the start of Sukhumvit road. It is well known for its upmarket shopping malls, restaurants, offices and embassies. The elevated BTS skytrain covers its length (its served by Chidlom and Ploenchit station) making this a perfect place to stay for those wanting to traverse the city quickly and conveniently.
Somerset Suwan Park View 4-star | Luxury Serviced Apartment | Leisure, Family or Business | Internet in Rooms Guests have a choice of one, two or three bedroom serviced apartments (from 70 square metres up to 233 square metres) at this well located serviced residence on Soi Tonson, just off Ploenchit Road and near Chidlom BTS station. Each of the 152 residences is contemporary in style and comes fitted with fully equipped kitchen, home entertainment system and broadband Internet access. Amenities include a gym, aerobics room, children's play area, sauna and steam rooms, outdoor swimming pool and spa. Restaurants, convenience store and business centre round off its long list of facilities. (Bliston Suwan Park View Bangkok has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 2,700 THB)
Holiday Inn Bangkok 4-star | Leisure, Family or Business | Internet in Rooms | Fitness Centre Conveniently located on Ploenchit Road, just a stone's throw from Chidlom Skytrain (BTS) station and world-class shopping malls like Gaysorn and the newly-revamped CentralWorld, this contemporary hotel evokes a welcoming sense of 'home' with all the creature comforts one would expect from a fine inner-city hotel. It offers modern amenities, state-of-the-art facilities and attention to the smallest detail. Guests will find relaxation in the expansive Lobby Bar, while enjoying all-day eating experiences at Caf- G, or at the speciality Thai restaurant, Charm Thai. Rooms are modern and bright, designed to be the perfect blend of comfort and traditional accents.
Lang Suan Road
This endearing, tree-lined boulevard is where great central location meets cosmopolitan neighbourhood. It's populated with lots of trendy restaurants, luxury serviced apartments and top-end hotels. At its southern end, is the largest slice of nature in the city, Lumpini Park, and at the other, Ploenchit Road, with its luxury malls like Emporium, and access to the BTS Skytrain.
Natural Ville 4-star | Luxury Serviced Apartment | Internet in Rooms | Spa A small kitchenette, home entertainment system and roomy living area come as standard in Natural Ville's 150 cool, contemporary residences. Defined by clean lines and fresh, stylized interiors, rooms range in size from 31 square metres studios to the 146 square metre penthouse. Recreational facilities include a well equipped fitness centre, outdoor pool with jacuzzi and a sumptuous spa. There is also a small business centre for up to 30 people, and the Caf- Le Notre serves wonderful fusion and Thai cuisine alongside decadent cakes. Lumpini Park is a ten minute walk, and Ratchadamri (BTS) Skytrain station even less. (Natural Ville Executive Residences has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 2,970 THB)
Mayfair Marriot 5-star | Luxury Serviced Apartment | Business or Family | Internet in Rooms The 162 executive residences in this elegant cream-coloured tower consist of spacious one to three bedroom apartments ranging from 54 to 186 square metres. Decorated in contemporary Thai style, furnishings are elegant and comfortable, each suite coming with fully equipped kitchen (including dishwasher and microwave), in-room safe, high-speed Internet and DVD player. Other services include daily maid service and grocery delivery. Two and three bedroom suites feature a separate dining area. Health conscious guests will love The Kandara Spa, 24-hour Health Club and pool with unobstructed views of Bangkok, executives likewise the 24-hour Business Centre with fully equipped meeting room. Enjoy the restaurant and cocktail lounge, Bar M, while the children play under the watchful eye of qualified nannies. (Mayfair Bangkok Marriott Executive Apartments has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 6,003 THB)
Wireless Road
This wide, tree-lined road traverses Ploenchit Road and lies parallel to Lang Suan road to its West. Set amidst Bangkok's central business and diplomatic quarter, this is prime embassy territory. It begins at Rama IV road in the South, up past Lumpini Park and north all the way to Petchaburi Road. Its nearest BTS Skytrain station is Ploenchit.
Plaza Athenee Bangkok City Views | Internet in Rooms | Spa It's approximately a five-minute walk from this hotel's spot on Wireless road, to the skytrain (BTS) Ploenchit station and nearby high-class shopping malls. There are 354 guest rooms and 28 suites, each spacious, luxurious affairs boasting views over the city's skyline. Traditional Thai artworks and handicrafts dazzle alongside 21st century amenities like high-speed Internet and flat-screen TVs, among others. A traditional Thai spa, outdoor pool and expansive gardens make this a tranquil haven for those looking to relax. The fitness centre, squash courts, five restaurants, two cocktail lounges and meeting facilities make it equally suited to those wanting to keep busy. Free wireless internet access in the Club Lounge.
Swissotel Nai Lert Park 5-star hotel | Supreme Luxury | Internet in Rooms | Great Restaurants Set amidst a luscious, sprawling garden estate, this 5-star hotel on Wireless Road is around 10 minutes walk from Ploenchit (BTS) Skytrain station. Each of its 338 rooms was designed with understated elegance by renowned architect Calvin Tsao, and comes with private balcony teeming with blossoms, so echoing the natural setting. Views look out onto the lush tropical garden or the city skyline. Room facilities include cable TV and high-speed Internet access. Guests staying on the Executive Club floor can use the swanky Executive Club Lounge. Culinary choices include separate French, Japanese and Cantonese restaurants, as well as a Caf- and Pool Bar. For chic cocktails, check out the stylishly constructed Syn Bar. There's also a fully equipped Business Service centre (3 private meeting rooms), seven banqueting rooms, Spa zone, fitness centre and large swimming pool. (Swissotel Nai Lert Park has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 3,950 THB)
