Last updated: April 17, 2024
No matter which part of Bangkok you choose to stay in, the buzz is unavoidable! But if you want to experience it from both the ground and from above, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit which opened in July offers the full experience. Situated in the city’s lively and upcoming are of On Nut, the hotel offers the perfect base from which to explore, as well as some of the best panoramic views from its restaurants, and the rooftop infinity pool complete with a transparent floor.
Unlike INNSiDE hotels in the UK, the lift in the lobby takes you up for a vertical check in which already feels rooftop-esque. With an ‘in the clouds’ feel thanks to INNSiDE’s floor-to-ceiling glass windows, we’re given our room key and we back to the lift and up to our room. Less ‘room’, and more ‘suite’, our townhouse is spacious and luxurious and oh so white – it reminds me of a luxurious beach club. Light grey oak flooring against white walls and furnishings make this space feel very luxe indeed. There’s what you could describe as a double chez longue in the lounge area of our room which is perfect for relaxing and watching TV, while taking in the views and bright lights of the city. Similar to INNSiDE’s townhouse suites in the UK, there’s an open dressing room area with hanging wardrobe space, a big vanity area and separate toilet and standalone bath.
I’m pleased to see that the standard ‘features to make you smile’ have been carried across the continents like the quirky monster design on the slippers in the room and the little notes here and there which make you feel like you’ve been invited to stay by a friend!
Our super king size double bed is mega comfortable and also benefits from those amazing open views of the crazy city below. You might be inside the walls of a peaceful sanctuary, but it’s also impossible to forget that you’re smack bang in the middle of Bangkok.
With a cool coffee machine, ample toiletries, very swish Dyson hairdryer and an abundance of complimentary water (in glass bottles – one of the hotels commitments to sustainability), you really have everything you need for a comfortable stay – totally practical with added luxury.
Making our way up to the 34th floor, the two story infinity pool and terrace area for sunbathing and relaxing is nothing short of incredible. The views from here are something else and the design is extraordinary with the area itself inspired by Brahmin’s The Great Swing which is a contemporary and Insta-worthy interpretation of the iconic Thai landmark ‘Sao Ching Cha’. Sun loungers are the size of double beds and so comfortable that once you’ve relaxed into one, you’ll find it hard to get back off, although the aesthetic lure of the swimming pool coupled with the blistering heat of the Bangkok sun made it an easy choice.
Retaining the brand’s Spanish influences, breezy rooftop bar and terrace, LUZ offers a range of delicious tapas style cuisine, served sky-high against the backdrop of those insane views from the 33rd floor. Drawing more influence from Thailand’s famous landmarks, the tapas bars angled lines and cabling have been inspired by the Rama VIII Bridge – it really is beautiful.
The food is excellent and we enjoy beautifully fresh tuna tartare in a zingy orange tomato sauce, decorated with cherry tomatoes and cucumber and a drizzle of green basil oil. feer short rib falls away from the bone as soon as it’s touched by the fork, and the creamy truffle mash is rich and smooth.
A huge seafood paella is served sizzling in the pan – dollops of melty garlic butter sauce circle three chunky langoustines which pop out of their shells, full of juicy seafood goodness. And dessert, even though we’re stuffed, is a lovely light deconstructed cheesecake with chunky biscuit bits, cheese ice cream, and decorative gelatin rose discs which are lovely and sweet against the sharpness of a refreshing pastel pink ball of sorbet.
The cocktail list at LUZ is varied and well thought out. The Lucien Gaudin offered up a twist on the classic Negroni with gin, cointreau, Campari and dry vermouth, while The INNSiDER – a smooth blend of Old Pulteney Scotch 12 year old, cinnamon, lime, cranberry, honey and egg white was a great twist on a sours, decorated with pretty edible red flowers and a good amount of froth.
The wine – reasonably priced at around seven English pounds was served chilled (which I’m a huge fan of in hot countries) – a nice juicy Tempranillo with plum and blackberry.
With local cuisine served in the all-day dining restaurant Kites Thai Eatery on the 31st floor, breakfast is also served here at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit – a plentiful spread celebrating local food and using quality ingredients sourced from local farms and businesses. There’s an incredible amount of choice from dim sum, to fried rice, stir fries, eggs every which way, cereals, sausages, tomatoes and super crispy bacon. Not forgetting the fresh fruit, yoghurts, cheeses and meats! We pile up our plates and again enjoy those stunning views of the city as it stirs to life against the back drop of graphic glass walls depicting Bangkok’s state park Sanam Luang.
The gym is open 24 hours and has a good range of equipment including three two running machines, and a range of weights. Despite the jet lag, we visited twice, taking the weights and mats onto the gym’s outdoor terrace and watching the city wake up at 6am as the Sukhumvit Road prepared for Monday morning rush hour.
Whether you’re in Bangkok for work (there’s an amazing co-working space on the 32nd floor), or for a holiday, INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit have created the perfect sanctuary to meet all your needs. Grab more info and book your stay right here.
