Elevator pitch
Bangkok is the most visited city in the world. It is an understandable feat; for most, the capital of Thailand is considered a haven in all respects, be it in its shopping, food scene or cultural landscape. Alongside its rapid development, new and contemporary frontiers are being established—whilst knowingly keeping in step with the cultural thread that makes the Land of Smiles so special in the first place.
One such establishment would be the build of the city’s newest lifestyle destination: One Bangkok, which combines retail zones, luxury residences, entertainment as well as spaces for art and culture to thrive. Located on the historic Wireless Road, it is the site where Thailand’s first radio telegraph station once was. With a strategic location that sits just opposite the verdant green expanse that is Lumphini Park, the locale invites an unparalleled sense of tranquillity that comes much appreciated for any city dweller overwhelmed by the qualms of everyday life. It is precisely here that Hyatt’s stylish and playful counterpart Andaz, finds its new home.
The design
Anywhere I go, what always speaks most to me is how ingrained an address is in its locale. In this respect, Andaz One Bangkok, the second Andaz branded hotel in Thailand, follows its sister address in Pattaya. Whilst the Jomtien Beach property teems with the seclusion and tropical resort mood of its surroundings, the Bangkok-based hotel instead takes on the liveliness and vibrancy of the capital it resides in.
The idea of the “vertical neighbourhood” sits at the core of its design philosophy; its warm and inviting mid-century interiors draw inspiration from the natural landscape and landmark buildings of the area—like the former residence of Prince Rangsit of Chainat, Witthayu Palace. Whilst the Lobby Lounge on the ground floor is designed to cut through the noise, offering an instant moment of calm to its residents, the actual lobby takes on another shape up in the sky. Adorned like an art lover’s home, there is an indescribable warmth that ensconces you once you are within, as various textures, colours and sounds of Bangkok are woven throughout with exuberance.
But it is its invaluable work done with four Thai female artists that truly seals the deal. One favourite would be Pinaree Sanpitak’s ‘Pocket of Nature’, which beautifully melds the historical and contemporary qualities of Wireless Road in one, using a coalition of paintings, sculptures, found objects as well as photographs to form the installation that first greets you in the Lobby Lounge. Yet the crown jewel of Andaz One Bangkok might just be ‘Blockwilt’ by Ploenchan Vinyaratn, a mammoth carpet mural bursting with brilliant colour and organised chaos. Dreamed up using hand-woven carpets, upcycled yarn, beads and scraps of fabric, it is an abstract imaging of the various sights and sounds of the surrounding neighbourhood, from the clock tower in Lumphini Park to masses of power lines and the distinctive cylindrical curves of Siri Apartment.
The stay
Occasionally clad in splashes of colour, I found my room to be a comfortable balance between modern functionality and pleasing aesthetics. Beyond its tasteful, contemporary furnishings, Byredo bathroom amenities (Eleventh Hour, to be precise) and lush bedding, the view of Lumphini Park certainly kept my senses invigorated—making me more inclined to step out for some fresh air in the sun, and step away from the notifications pinging away in my inbox. There was also always the shopping route, with direct access to the whopping retail complex that is One Bangkok. For those less inclined to leave the hotel however, the infinity pool also grants you a top class seat to the view of the park and the city behind it.
As expected, Thai hospitality is hard to beat. I found myself constantly being taken care of during my stay—with my comfort and safety their number one priority. As it was the Islamic month of Ramadan, the team was made aware that I would be fasting during my time here, and made arrangements to take my room service order the night before, so that I could do my sahur (the meal consumed in the early morning) in the comfort of my room. On one particular night, I was struck by a bout of painful stomach cramps, and the staff was extra attentive in helping me to arrange for medicine to be delivered to my doorstep. As always, it was these little moments of care that mattered most.
The dining
Located on the main lobby floor, you’ll find both the hotel’s social space, Andaz Lounge, as well as casual dining joint Jing, serving up authentic Chinese cuisine and is also where breakfast is served. With access to its open kitchen, this is where you can expect to enjoy delicious plates of dim sum and fiery Cantonese-style dishes, and even enjoy some gorgeous sunset views whilst you’re at it.
Nonetheless, it is its sky-high restaurant Piscari that deserves a special mention. Housed on the 23rd floor, the view of Bangkok’s nightscape is unparalleled from up here. Add to that the refined flavours of French chef Marc Vasseur’s immaculate Mediterranean spread, and you’ve got yourself a Euro summer escape on a platter. From delectable dips to dig into with some pita to succulent-sweet prawns and some tender plates of wagyu and octopus, the zestful dishes make for a wonderful evening spent: defying gravity, with the kaleidoscopic streets of Bangkok splayed out before you.
