Open since October 2007, the five-star Pullman Bangkok King Power is a living embodiment of the ultimate hi-tech city hotel. It's alive with energy and a vibrancy that's a constant reminder of the big city you're in, yet it has created a world all of its own - characterised by slick architecture, design that packs in visual punch, the latest technological advancements, and reams of facilities that impress. The hotel is directly connected to the King Power Duty Free Mall, with boutique-style shopping that mirrors its Suvarnabhumi Departure Hall namesake - complete with duty-free benefits for guests to enjoy.
What's it like?
Best described as sterile and uncluttered minimalism - the work of renowned local firms Architects 49 Ltd and Interior Architects 49 Ltd - it emphasizes the luxury of space, with ceilings in public areas reaching up to dizzying heights and massive windows making for a symphony of glass and steel in disciplined, geometric lines.
Scattered throughout and perfectly juxtaposed are artworks and sculptures in various media by established Thai artists. The exquisite wooden carving above the front desk in the lobby, for example, creates a startling contrast to gleaming modern finishes, symbolizing the travel of time from the past into the future. It's a fitting ode to how the art of hospitality itself has evolved in a hotel that exemplifies that very spirit. More so, it's the kind of hotel that goes out of its way to anticipate the needs of all its guests - with jovial service, unique room benefits (see below) and facilities that are downright thoughtful.
|
Managed by the Accor stable of hotel properties, Pullman Bangkok King Power rings in the arrival of this new-age hotel brand in Asia, poised to meet the needs and aspirations of especially the corporate and business travel sectors. Its appeal, however, is much wider. With its cool design aesthetics, hi-tech advancements and super-efficiency it speaks the same language of a modern urban clientele - leisure travellers seeking an extension of the lifestyle comforts they are accustomed to when they're away from home. At the very least, it's the closest it gets to a lifestyle in touch with the times we live in; connected through technology, comforts galore in a well-designed environment, enough choices to feel spoiled, and a number of little extras that are refreshingly different.
Where is it?
A ten-minute walk from the hotel or short ride with the complimentary shuttle service (until 21:00) is Victory Skytrain (BTS) station and the Century Plaza Mall. Hop on the BTS here and three stops away is Siam station (MBK, Siam Paragon and the interchange with the Silom line), as well as all the city's most popular shopping, nightlife and dining areas further along the Sukhumvit line.
In the opposite direction, four stops away, is Mo Chit station. Walking distance from here is the world-famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. Two entry points for the expressway are close by too, making the hotel easily accessible to both airports. The immediate area is littered with local experiences like small shops, eateries and street food, while the popular Pratunam wholesale shopping area can be easily reached in under ten minutes on foot. A short taxi ride will take you to Southeast Asia's largest lifestyle mall, CentralWorld. Panthip Plaza, the place to do bargain shopping for IT products and electronic paraphernalia, is relatively close too (15 minutes on foot, or a quick tuk-tuk ride).
What are the rooms like?
There are 386 rooms in total, spread out over the 22-storey Glass Tower and six floors of the Garden Wing, in four variations: Superior (100), Deluxe (204), Executive (52) and Suite (29). The Garden Wing is home to the Suites and some Deluxe rooms, with the remainder of rooms located in the Glass Tower. All rooms measure 32 square metres and Suites are 64 square metres.
|
Replacing the clinical and contemporary starkness of public areas, rooms exude a warm and cheerful coziness in a delightful and modern style. Marbled bathrooms have a separate bathtub and shower room with rain shower head. A unique (and useful) feature is the cupboard that opens on two sides - both in the room and bathroom. Inside the cupboard - apart from the expected - is also an iron and ironing board. A plastic Nemo fish is cheekily perched on the bathtub's edge; a reminder that this is a hotel that does a number of things differently. From the bathroom, a panel slides half-way open to offer a peek into the room - or vice-versa (eliminating the claustrophobia factor that often comes with smaller, confined and windowless spaces).
|
Now, 32 square metres by all accounts is a modest room size but, considering how well these rooms have been designed, they appear bigger. In-room facilities include interactive flat-screen TVs offering satellite programmes and fast Internet access (wireless keyboard provided), and an iPod docking station. The work station is of ample size, the chair ergonomically designed. A settee and coffee table make for a cosy corner to read the paper or enjoy the chocolates and fruit salad served in a hollowed-out pineapple that come courtesy with turn-down. The differences between Superior, Deluxe and Executive rooms are some variations in the interior decor but, essentially, benefits that come with the basic room rate.
Superior Room Benefits:
Welcome drink at any outlet, one hour free in-room broadband Internet or WiFi in public areas.
Deluxe Room Benefits:
Welcome drink at any outlet, four hours free in-room broadband Internet or WiFi in public areas, two free soft drinks or juices from minibar per day, 10% discount card for King Power Duty Free Mall, 15% discount at Le Spa, 5% discount at restaurants, E-check in and express check out.
Executive Room Benefits:
Access to the Executive Lounge (breakfast there or at any outlet, cocktail hour with canapes, free soft drinks, coffee, tea throughout the day, one-hour use of meeting room), 24-hour free in-room broadband Internet or WiFi in public areas, two free soft drinks or juices from minibar per day, 15% discount card for King Power Duty Free Mall, 20% discount at Le Spa, 10% discount at restaurants, E-check in and express check out, yoga mat (and dumbbells on request), pillow menu, free pressing of one suit during stay and one piece of laundry per day, complimentary shoe-shining service, free business card service, a pop corn movie service with choice of soft drinks, and exclusive access to King Power Executive Lounge at Suvarnabhumi International Airport.
Guests staying in Suites enjoy all above-mentioned Executive Room benefits, plus the added luxury of a separate, well-appointed living room - totalling double the space of other room types.
Restaurants & Bars
Considering the wide appeal of this type of modern hotel, dining choices are as varied too. 'Cuisine' offers all-day buffet and 'a la carte' dining with open kitchens, featuring soup and noodle hot pot, a sushi counter, specialty corner with pizza over and rotisserie, a large selection of cold seafood and salads, fruit and juice corner, as well as a pastry section.
Authentic Thai cuisine can be indulged in at '@Chaan' (both buffet and 'a la carte'), and Bar Glen is the lobby lounge facility to enjoy a large selection of single malt whiskies or traditional afternoon tea and chocolate fantasia, as well as a selection of special hot chocolates. 'Deja Vu' is a high society brasserie-style evening dining concept with show kitchen and specialising in various kinds of global cuisine like Mediterranean, Californian, Pacific Rim and Italian. Wine Pub (a smoking zone) is a wine, food (tapas-style) and live music venue - ideal for informal and fun get-togethers.
Business Facilities
As can be expected from a hotel of this calibre, meeting and banqueting facilities are world-class. Seven conference rooms of varying sizes cater to all kinds of meetings, with state-of-the-art AV equipment, wireless Internet and a full support service available. The Grand Ballroom is an upscale affair that can also be partitioned to create two separate venues. Ideal for the busy executive though is the fully-equipped business centre at the Executive Lounge (complimentary access with Executive Room).
Leisure Facilities
A botanical garden with fish pond forms a focal point between the Glass Tower, lobby area and garden Wing. From the fourth level is access to a lavish outdoor pool area with loungers and lots of greenery, a fully-equipped fitness centre and Le Spa - a serene sanctuary where guests can indulge in sensuously soothing, pampering and nurturing spa treatments.
The Verdict
The Pullman name is historically tied to the luxury sleeping and dining cars that enabled train travellers to reach remote destinations easily and comfortably. In reviving the Pullman brand, by leveraging its original values to meet the needs of business travellers with a contemporary hotel offering, Accor has outdone itself. C'est magnifique!
About King Power Duty Free Mall
Adjacent to Pullman Bangkok King Power, the King Power Duty Free Mall is a spacious complex offering an exciting shopping experience, a Thai restaurant, and a spectacular theatre featuring the best of traditional Thai performances like a puppet show. The mall consists of two floors of exclusive duty-free shopping. On the first floor, high-quality Thai products like jewelry, fashion, art, crafts, homeware and spa products can be found. The second floor offers an extensive selection of world-renowned luxury brands like Cartier, Chopard, Salvatore Ferragamo, Burberry and Mont Blanc, amongst others.
Reviewed by: Francois Oosthuizen
|
