Everybody loves a surprise
For years, hotels were created and built with a tried and tested three-factor formula: function, convenience and opulence. In recent years, however, design has come into the mix in a big way as hotels try to outdo (and outsmart) one another - all for the sake of grabbing the attention of prospective guests. And it works. One of the latest additions in Bangkok's plethora of luxury hotels, Grand Millennium Sukhumvit, is a prime example of this new breed of mega-hotels that has pulled out all design stops to create an experience with all sorts of surprises lurking around every corner...
A first glimpse of the hotel's futuristic architecture - contoured lines interplaying with steel and glass to create a sail-like facade and atrium that reaches 28 storeys into the sky - offers a vital clue to the hip design elements and ultimate hospitality delights that have formed such a formidable partnership here. It's not just a gorgeous hotel, no - it oozes vibrancy, and everything about it is sensible and functional. Guestrooms and suites have been faultlessly executed to meet hi-tech lifestyle aspirations, whether business or relaxation is on the agenda. Food and beverage outlets serve up something for every taste. Facilities are so encompassing, there's even an 18-hole putting green - the only hotel in Bangkok with such a feature - on the roof of the parking building.
The rise of the 'statement hotel' in a perfect location
Designing a hotel is no easy job. Hotel architecture entails much more than stringing rooms of varying configurations along corridors and around lifts. It's a bizarre struggle between unappetising functional elements and immersing guests in a fantasy. A reliance on function and aesthetics, however, is not enough to provide a memorable stay. That comes courtesy of the Grand Millennium Sukhumvit's staff, with an approach as fresh and new as the hotel itself (it opened in December 2007). Gone is the forced friendliness and stiff approach so common with luxury hotels, replaced by a jovial casualness - driven by efficiency and classic hospitality - that makes everyone feel like your best friend.
It's the rise of the hi-tech 'statement hotel' that takes cognizance of both the physical and emotional aspects that contribute towards the overall guest experience... Grand Millennium Sukhumvit also rings in the arrival of Millennium Hotels in Thailand - part of the global Copthorne and Kingsgate group of hotels - with another property set to open in Phuket in 2008.
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Its Bangkok location in Asok Road is just off Sukhumvit Road, where the building's distinctive architecture has already become a landmark and visibly changed the city skyline. A mere 100 metres away is an underground (MRT) station, which connects with the Skytrain (BTS) close by. Thumbs up for location, too, as guests couldn't be better positioned to explore the many delights of this vast metropolis. As a further bonus point, its position allows for all-round city views, providing an unmistakable sense of having one's finger on the pulse of contemporary Bangkok. During the day, the massive glass atrium that reaches all the way to the top floor invites in an abundance of natural light while, at night, the building is beautifully illuminated externally with intelligent lighting that changes colour.
The rooms: 'New millennium chic' and the epitome of hi-tech
In the rooms, more surprises await... A one-touch keycard is a welcome replacement for the old swipe cards, which often wouldn't work properly. There are four room types: Deluxe (38 square metres), Executive Club (38 square metres), Executive Suite (57 square metres) and a Presidential Suite measuring a palatial 200 square metres. At best the decor can be described as 'new millennium chic' with hushed tones of brown, gold, silver and white, subtly interwoven with contemporary Thai art features - a constant reminder that you're in Thailand after all. Here's a designer who clearly had fun despite a strict brief, using patterns, texture, colour and form to create the kind of abodes that gives you lots of decorating tips and at the same time is a pleasure to get back to after a long day out.
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Guestrooms are also the epitome of hi-tech; LCD flat screen TVs, wireless broadband Internet (at a price), as well as a media hub to connect your laptop to the TV or to play itunes and MP3s on the in-room music system. A streamline glass-top desk is fully-equipped with stationery to get work done - if you're so inclined. The in-room safe is big enough to fit a laptop. Lights and light switches are a pleasure to create the perfect light conditions, from the headboard reading lights to the dimmer switches when the mood calls for, uhm, sexy. Talk about sexy... As inviting and plush as the pure cotton-covered bed is with its choice of more than five pillows, the 'piece d'resistance' must be the glass-walled bathroom (it comes with shutters for privacy), superbly appointed with marble floors, large tub, slab sink, separate shower room and toilet. Bathroom amenities are from Molton Brown in London; divine bathtime bliss like 'heavenly gingerlily' moisturising shower gel, 'radiant lili-pili' shampoo / conditioner, and 'ultrasmooth coco de mer' body lotion.
Cash to spare: A lot of extras for a little more
An upgrade to Executive Club status - especially the Executive Suite with its separate living room - is highly recommended. Along with that comes a range of complimentary services and benefits that are well worth forking out a little extra for. Express check-in and check out is on the 24th floor Club Lounge, a sumptuously appointed space to enjoy all-day refreshments and snacks, cocktails and canapes early evening, and a hearty breakfast to kick-start the day. Oh, and views! On the benefits list are also free local calls, a secretarial service, boardroom usage, international magazines and newspapers, three pieces of laundry / one suit pressing, and a butler service on request.
Leisure and pleasure: You're in for a treat
More than enough attention was also given to provide in the leisure and pleasure needs of guests. The latest LifeFitness equipment in the gym is spaciously arrayed before liberating cityscape views, open for access with key cards around the clock. The outdoor infinity-edge pool and adjoining pool area is small, but big enough to cool off or to catch a bit of sun. It connects with a winding staircase to the spa and fitness centre. Antidote Spa on the 7th floor (seventh heaven?), as its name suggests, provides effective and results-orientated massages, scrubs, wraps, facial and beauty treatments to restore and invigorate - treatments that are designed to reverse and render harmless the ravages of everyday life. At least, temporarily. The spa interior is as inspiring as the treatment menu; the abundant use of marble, wood, flowers, crystal and playful trickle of water immediately soothe the senses and add to a mood of sacred indulgence.
There's no reason to go hungry or thirsty with no less than six outlets to try out the fruits of specialist chefs' labour: 'Terra Roku' (Japanese and Italian), 'Atelier' (international kitchen 'theatre'), 'M.I.T.' / Made in Thailand (Thai), 'Tapas Y Vino' (tapas with a twist), 'FLOURWORX' (bakery, deli and light meals), and 'inBlu Jazz Lounge', a trendy lobby lounge venue with live jazz in the evenings, funky cocktail creations and light bar snacks. The entire 3rd, 4th and 5th floors are dedicated to state-of-the-art meeting and convention facilities.
The verdict
A bigger pool would have been nice, but other than that it's impossible to find fault. Grand Millennium Sukhumvit is one of the finest examples of a cutting-edge, contemporary city hotel that also pays homage to the age-old traditions of hospitality and service. A visionary design philosophy and hi-tech twists have also come into play to raise the bar more than just a few notches. One can't help but wonder what it will take to outdo and outsmart this hotel...
Reviewed by: Francois Oosthuizen
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