Savouring 'grande' impressions
Today's style-conscious hotel guests take pleasure from savouring the very latest discoveries ahead of the crowd - just as much as they aspire to be in vogue through fashion and high-end lifestyle brands. In line with these consumer aspirations, contemporary designer hotels are testament to all things hip, cool and positively trendy. Bangkok's Majestic Grande has embraced this philosophy with a design edge and equally enlightened hospitality credo that is decidedly different. Like a glass of good wine, 'savouring' is as much part of the experience as 'enjoyment'.
Gone are the garish, opulent extravagance so typical of old-school luxury hotels, replaced by a tasteful take on contemporary d-cor trends, and fused cleverly with Thai undertones. But there's much more at work here than visual aesthetics and good design principles...
Tucked away quietly in Soi 2 just off bustling Sukhumvit Road, halfway between Ploencit and Nana Skytrain (BTS) stations, The Majestic Grande has great location working in its favour too. Sukhumvit Road's concoction of shopping, nightlife and entertainment offerings are close enough to reach in a jiffy, yet nothing's all over you like a cheap suit. To be greeted on arrival by a cheerful bloke with a big, broad (sincere) smile and casual manner, is as refreshing as the freshly-squeezed orange juice offered at the check-in counter. Here, too, the service is swift and efficient, with an approach that can be called casual courteousness rather than formal politeness. Hmmm, nice... I feel right at home already.
Functional design that inspires
The warm earthtones and abundant use of dark wood and natural materials in the lobby and Lobby Lounge - where drinks, snacks and cakes are served throughout the day (accompanied by live piano sounds at night) - makes for a cosy ambiance. A perfect example of good and functional design that complements and inspire, rather than intimidate or make a pretentious statement.
The same contemporary Thai-inspired d-cor are mirrored by the 251 spacious guest rooms and suites, which are sumptuously furnished and equipped with absolute comfort in mind. The lavish use of tropical hardwood, rich fabrics, multi-coloured marble and granite in the luxurious bathrooms, combined with hi-tech amenities and attention to the smallest detail, makes it the kind of hotel room that you wish you had more time to spend in. It goes beyond just providing the basic comforts and requirements, by being a peaceful sanctuary rather than just a functional living space. Decent glimpses of the city skyline even greets me from the large window. Indeed, it's a great hotel room to spend leisurely time in, recuperating and catching your breath before your next exploration of Bangkok's many attractions.
The full squadron at your beck and call
High-speed wireless Internet access? Check. In-room safe? Check. Bedside master control panel with sensor touch operation? Check. In fact, it's all there. From the 28 square meter (standard) Grande Superior room to the lavishly-appointed 240 square meter Majestic Grande Suite, the full squadron of little extras are at your beck and call. Worth considering is an upgrade to the 35 square meter Grande Premier guest suites on the executive floor, which not only offers more space, but access to an Executive Lounge that overlooks a small balcony garden, and where complimentary refreshments and cocktails are served early evening. Other exclusive privileges include discounts on the impressive Business Centre facilities, and three hours of free high-speed Internet.
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If you can draw yourself away from the tranquil elegance of your room, the delightful pool and sun terrace with its manicured city-style garden is where you should be heading to. Flanked by the trendy Dine@7 restaurant and coffee shop on the one side and a modern gym on the other, the pool is equipped with waterfall showers, jacuzzi and whirlpool baths. On the same level are also steam room facilities and, to complete the wellness experience, Thai-style massage therapies are offered. Talking about Dine@7, the 350 baht per person (all inclusive) lunchtime buffet must be one of the best value-for-money lunches you can have in Bangkok. The buffet includes a selection of Western, Thai and Asian cuisine - not to forget a variety of sweet temptations. A sumptuous buffet-style breakfast is also served here. Good thing the gym is so close by...
Another eating experience that comes highly praised for dinner is Sacz on the ground floor. The elegant Meditteranean-themed d-cor provides the perfect backdrop for the delectable cuisine served here; predominantly Italian but influenced by culinary elements from other Latin countries. Start the evening with an aperitif in the stylish lounge area, and for dinner you could sit either at the outdoor garden terrace - part of which is set on a see-through pond with fish swimming below - or in the main dining hall with its impressive double-volume ceilings. Cool, live jazz sounds fill the air, always a good 'condiment' to great food.
Anybody can be somebody after all
Indeed, I did savour every moment of my stay. The same broad smile greeted me at the door on departure, somewhat perturbed this time by the fact that I only stayed one night. I am still undecided by the fact that he even remembered me, not sure whether I should feel flattered or impressed. I guess that's what outstanding hospitality is about. Good hotels are after all places where anybody can be made to feel like they are somebody.
It's only been a year or so since the Majestic Grande opened its doors. A year in which, undoubtedly, it has built up a long list of loyal guests who have only good things to say. Like me.
Reviewed by: Francois Oosthuizen
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