Citadines Bangkok Review

Sensible location and a unique take on city living

Spaces that pack in all you expect

Spread over eight floors, Citadines has 79 rooms, each with a modest size that is greatly outweighed by its interior ambition and harmonious style. The 67 studios are 30 square metres, the 12 one-bedroom apartments 36 square metres, making these by no means the roomiest serviced apartments in town. However, bold architecture brings to mind the 'it's not size that matters, but what you do with it' adage. Designers have done a fantastic job with available space, combining chic minimalism with structural ingenuity to create interiors with a modern glow, spaces that pack in all guests have come to expect. Living area, bedroom with storage space, private bathroom, home office facilities and kitchenette - they're all here, and yet nothing about rooms is cramped or cluttered.

The clean, unfussy aesthetic helps: the palette of creams and whites lending rooms a clean, vibrant quality that's complemented by attractive wooden floors and orange-toned decor, fittings and abstract art. Simple, chic furnishings drive home the modish feel, each item having a striking form that is matched by its versatility. The trendy orange sofa in the living area, for example, is cozy enough for kicking back in while flicking channels on cable TV, but also suited to working from while resting notes on the handy working table. As are both the sleek steel desk and funky ergonomic chair that mark the borders of your home office, an 'area' that includes all the hi-tech appendages needed to stay plugged into the modern world, including broadband internet (not wireless, so bring a laptop cable), direct dial phone and international multi-plug port.

All the extras that make a big difference

A compact bedroom area (separated from the rest of the studio by an elegant sliding partition) comes with generous wardrobe with full-length mirror and safety deposit box, deep cabinets for storage and, of course, comfy double bed. There's also a diminutive but well-stocked kitchenette; its gleaming arsenal of utensils perfect for knocking up a late-night snack or whipping up a culinary storm for visiting friends. In addition to electric kettle, coffee maker, microwave, grill oven, cooking hob, refrigerator and toaster, an efficient air extractor keeps wayward smells well away from the bedroom. Tucked away in the cupboards are a hairdryer, steam iron and ironing board.

Factor in things like daily cleaning services, or the sliding flatscreen TV and DVD player that enables you to watch the latest new or listen to music in either living area or bedroom, and they make perfect and practical abodes for single travellers, busy business execs, or couples. If you'd like a bit more space, for only slightly more you can upgrade to a one-bedroom apartment with a more ample 36 square metres. These come with private bedroom, bath and shower, separate toilet and enclosed kitchen. If with little people or friends in toe there's the option of adding an extra bed in both types of room (although this will cost extra).

Facilities you need, not needless frills

Citadines embraces stylish simplicity; the focus on giving guests a modern living space above extras or facilities you pay for but never use. That said, a small but inspiring array of external features are by no means wasted. The stylish 'City Xpress' restaurant on the second floor, for example, is where to receive your tasty continental breakfast (included). As if echoing the intelligent design of the rooms, this also functions as convenience store (drinks, basic toiletriesn and snacks) and sports TV lounge. Up on the eighth floor is a small fitness room, and in the lobby a business corner with wireless internet (costs extra). What really dazzles in this alluringly modern establishment, however, is the seriously chic style and spaces found up in the brand new rooms. That, and ease of access to brilliantly boisterous downtown Bangkok. 

Reviewed by: Max Crosbie Jones