Its oasis-like presence and modern, honeycombed building makes Unico Grande Sathorn Boutique Serviced Residence stand out noticeably from surrounding buildings. Despite its secluded location behind the Belgium Embassy, the twelve-storey haven is only a few minutes' walk from Chong Nonsi Skytrain (BTS) station. An interesting hybrid between a serviced apartment and a boutique hotel, it combines the best of two worlds by offering an enhanced level of service, contemporary d-cor and all the comforts of home - cleverly infused with genuine Thai hospitality - at great value for money.
A hidden gem in the heart of the city
Like an undiscovered precious stone, the four-star Unico Grande Sathorn, which opened its doors in 2006, is nestled in a quiet lane and easily accessible from Silom and Sathorn Roads. Virtually everything you need is within easy reach, as neighboring areas are strewn throughout with banks, hospitals, shopping malls, parks, gyms, convenience stores, restaurants and bustling nightlife. Flanked by the city's most efficient transport systems (the BTS and underground), getting around to other prime city areas is entirely void of headache and having to endure traffic jams.
With its clean-cut layout and an open balcony - further complementing the spacious interior of each room - Unico Grande Sathorn represents the pinnacle of modern city living. The check-in process is swift (complete with a refreshing welcome drink served by friendly and attentive staff). In fact, it only takes as long as it takes to fill in a guest card. The hotel does an amazing job in keeping within the earth-tones d-cor style, complemented by occasional dark teakwood furniture and eye-pleasing lighting.
Make yourself at home: The Rooms
Whether you plan to stay for a night, weeks, or months, Unico Grande Sathorn makes for the perfect abode. The hotel's 103 rooms consist of Superior (36 square metres), Deluxe (45 square metres), Corner Rooms (55 square metres), Junior Suites (66 square metres), One-bedroom (75 square metres) and Two-bedroom Suites (95 square meters). The cost of upgrading to a bigger room can be as little as 400 baht, and is certainly worth splashing a little extra out for. All rooms are equipped with modern-day necessities like flatscreen TV, DVD player, stereo system, 14-channel cable TV, wireless Internet, in-room safe, mini-bar, and a kitchenette complete with cooking utensils.
In addition to Unico Grande's chic urban d-cor, rooms welcome guests with the wafting aroma of essential oil and warm parquet flooring. For those who want to experience the ultimate comfort, Corner Rooms (on four of the floors) come highly recommended. They offer extra space, a separate bedroom and exceptional views. Found on every floor is a 'coffee corner', where you can concoct your own creation of cappuccino. And yes, the cookies and other refreshments are also free for the taking!
Keeping fit, dining and keeping up with the world
Need a little stretching? At the Fitness Centre on the third floor, a qualified fitness instructor is at your service. There's also a yoga studio next to the lobby if you want to practice your daily sun salutation pose. Or you can choose to sweat it all out in the sauna, and have a relaxing dip in the tropical Jacuzzi swimming pool afterwards. Finally, end your relaxation spree with an in-room massage, and you'll be floating on cloud nine.
At L'Avenue The Restaurant, international cuisine - from Thai to Italian - are on offer. It may be tough to force yourself out of the comfy bed, but try not to miss the buffet breakfast (from 06:00 to 10:00). Delight in all the traditional breakfast favourites, or enjoy a more local start with Thai 'khao tom' (boiled rice soup). Food can be ordered to the outdoor garden area too, where you can simultaneously listen to the sound of water trickling down the rocks. Alternatively, explore around the hotel, where many restaurants and little eateries can be found (the well-known Lek Seafood is only a five-minute walk away).
Wireless Internet access is available free of charge in all rooms and, if you're travelling without a laptop, there's a work station at the Computer Corner in the lobby. Just punch in your three-digit room number, and you're good to go. Daily English and Japanese newspapers are also available in the lobby and restaurant.
The 'grande' conclusion
If you want to stay somewhere quiet and peaceful, but also want to be able to reach all the city's major destinations in a heartbeat, Unico Grande Sathorn is just the place you're looking for. Shoppers are in for a big treat as the city's 'shopping street' - a long stretch of nothing else but world-class shopping malls - is a mere three stops away on the Skytrain. Night owls are also well-catered for as Bangkok's raunchy nightlife is just around the corner.
Merging the excellent services provided by a serviced apartment with the contemporary and sophisticated flair of a boutique hotel, Unico Grande Sathorn offers a unique experience that can be appreciated by anyone from busy executives and single travellers, to couples and families.
Reviewed by: Chanun Poomsawai
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