Rising pristine from the calm green lane of Soi Tonson, Bliston Suwan Park View is stately without being grandiose. Shielded from the city chaos, nightlife and noise, the tree-lined area is home to many embassies. The location balances privacy with easy city access - Chidlom Skytrain (BTS) station is a mere 100 metres away, it's a short walk to Central Chidlom Department Store, and the Ratchaprasong shopping district with its smattering of prestigious malls is within easy reach too.
Flanked on all sides by embassies, half of the rooms overlook the British Embassy, while others have views over the American ambassador's impressive estate. Immediately below, there are trees - lots of them - forming a soft layer of velvet green, a rare and soothing sight in Bangkok, and befitting the 'park view' part of its name. Straight ahead, cityscapes adorn the sky, reflecting different moods as the light changes
Old-world elegance with contemporary streaks
With 152 serviced apartments in all, the smallest, the One-bedroom Executive, comes at a very spacious 70 square metres. The One-bedroom Premier Suite is an impressive 98 square metres - its extra study making it ideal for business travellers - while the two-bedroom and three-bedroom units are a roomy 125 and 233 square metres, respectively. Rooms are comfortable, with parquet floors and wooden panelling, seamlessly blending an old-world elegance with contemporary streaks.
Heavy wooden furniture is offset against glass and mirror shelves that are illuminated by snazzy mood lighting. A cosy three-seater couch faces the monumental home theatre system (CD, DVD, VCD and MP3) with surround sound. A velour wing chair and foot stool stands near the window in contemplative poise, the perfect space to admire the view - and a fine reading spot, as it is lit from behind. The room opens onto a small balcony.
Technology and home conveniences
In the open plan dining area, adjoining a lounge and kitchen, stands a wooden breakfast table with a complimentary tray of tropical fruit. As for modern amenities, there are no shortages. Free LAN Internet is available at two points in each residence, the lounge and bedroom, and there are two IDD telephone sets. The self-service kitchenette is well equipped with a fridge, stove plates, toaster oven and microwave, along with cutlery, crockery and glassware - should you wish to whip up something.
The rooms: Wake up to the smell of sunshine
Bedrooms are spacious, with a king-sized bed and fat pillows that resemble puffy white clouds. Another television forms the centrepiece. To its left are wood, glass and mirror shelves, and the right side is fitted with cupboards of vast dimensions. One corner has a spacious desk with LAN port. The other has a make-up area with mirror. The many mirrors lend a clean and spacious look to the bedroom. It is sleek and practical, nothing over the top. All bedrooms in the two- and three-bedroom suites have an suite bathrooms with a shower-tub combination, except the main bedroom (and One-Bedroom suites) that have a separate shower and bathtub in their bathrooms. Two- and three-bedroom suites also have washing machines and dryers, as well as proper ovens. A coin laundrette on the fifth floor services the other rooms.
A whole floor packed with added services
The fifth floor is a hub of services with a gym, an open-air pool, steam-baths, dry sauna, a lavishly inviting spa, Thalasa, and a children's playroom. Many guests are long-stay residents, some of whom have been there since its opening in 2004. A lot of leisure tourists also whiz in for a weekend of power-shopping, because of its convenient location, and it is also popular with families and business travellers on longer stays. It seems to appeal to more mature travellers who prefer a private retreat with all the conveniences of home at their disposal. There is ample undercover parking space, and an agreement with Hertz has rental cars delivered for guests at half-price rates.
Convenient facilities include a business centre with two computers and LAN access, a small private meeting room and a U-shaped boardroom seating 26. All short-stay guests have daily newspaper delivered to their room free of charge, and residents have a range of international television channels to choose from - which makes keeping abreast of international affairs while on business, holiday or when living abroad as easy as pie. The desk staff is always eager to assist with information or services required.
Evolution: Keeping up with the future
The restaurant downstairs, Mediterraneo, framed by foliage seen through its glass walls, is spacious and elegant with a relaxed atmosphere. During breakfast it is bright and cheerful and serves up a buffet providing for Eastern and Western tastes. At night, however, the restaurant transforms into a quiet and candlelit romantic dining spot - popular also with outside customers.
A big bonus is that free Wi-Fi is available to all guests at Mediterraneo and at the poolside. What a pleasure to check your emails while having breakfast or at the same time as lounging in the shade near the pool! In the other wing, which is now an empty space, a Japanese restaurant is set to open around July 2007. Other transformations on the agenda include creating entire non-smoking floors, which requires that whole levels be stripped, re-carpeted and furniture upholstered. The air-conditioning systems will also be replaced, which - though very effective - make a low humming sound.
Peace of mind and ease of living
Considering its location in a quiet tree-lined lane - yet, just around the corner from a Skytrain station, great malls, a world-class department store and Lumpini Park closeby - makes for a sensible choice for travellers who require peace of mind and ease of living.
Reviewed by: Donna Corns
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