I recently stayed at three Bangkok hotels that truly exceeded expectations.
One connects directly to the Skytrain and Airport Rail Link, another sits between luxury malls with Michelin dining on-site, while the third offers tranquil park views in a prestigious neighborhood.
Each surprised me with stunning rooftop pools, memorable dining experiences, and perfect locations that make exploring Bangkok effortless.
Let me show you what makes them special. 😊
1. Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai
a. Overview
Eastin Grand Hotel Phayathai sits within a modern mixed-use complex with a covered skybridge connecting directly to Phaya Thai BTS Station, making it Bangkok’s most transit-integrated luxury hotel.
This 494-room property occupies a modern mixed-use complex and provides the rare convenience of direct access to both the BTS Skytrain and Airport Rail Link.
b. Why It’s Special
The hotel transforms into a vertical urban resort with two outdoor infinity pools on the 22nd and 37th floors, where you can swim while gazing at panoramic city views.
You step off the airport train, walk through an air-conditioned passage, and check into your room without ever touching street level.
The combination of unmatched connectivity and resort-style amenities creates a uniquely efficient yet relaxing Bangkok base.
c. Room & Experience Design
Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase sweeping Bangkok skylines, with contemporary Thai touches adding warmth to the modern design.
The spacious layouts include rain showers, smart TVs with ample USB ports, and remarkably effective soundproofing that ensures peaceful sleep despite the bustling transit hub below.
d. Location & Access
The hotel connects directly to Phaya Thai BTS Station via skybridge and sits just a 5-minute indoor walk from the Airport Rail Link station.
Siam’s shopping district is only 2 BTS stops away, while Chatuchak Weekend Market is 5 stops north.
The surrounding Phayathai area functions as a business and transit hub rather than a neighborhood to explore, but that’s the point, you’re perfectly positioned to reach anywhere in Bangkok quickly.
e. Dining Highlights
The Market@5 spans over 1,000 square meters with a vibrant street food market concept, featuring live cooking stations serving Thai, Asian, and Western dishes.
The casual, family-friendly space buzzes with energy as chefs prepare everything from pad thai to pasta right before your eyes.
Trattoria@22 brings Mediterranean cuisine poolside on the 22nd floor, serving wood-fired pizzas and modern Italian dishes with city views.
The alfresco setting beside the pool creates a relaxed atmosphere perfect for long lunches after swimming.
Sky Lounge @38 occupies the 38th floor as both an executive lounge by day and sophisticated cocktail bar by evening.
Daily happy hour from 5 to 8 PM offers half-price drinks while you watch sunset colors paint the Bangkok skyline.
Lobby Lounge serves premium coffee, fresh pastries, and evening cocktails in an elegant ground-floor setting.
The airy space works equally well for morning meetings over Thai iced tea or unwinding with craft cocktails after exploring the city.
f. Breakfast Experience
The international buffet at The Market@5 runs from 6:00 to 11:30 AM with an impressive spread across 20 food stations, featuring made-to-order Thai noodle soups, Western egg stations, and fresh tropical fruits that guests consistently describe as “incredible”.
2. Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit
a. Overview
Carlton Hotel Bangkok Sukhumvit occupies a prime position on Sukhumvit Road between Asok and Phrom Phong BTS stations, placing guests in Bangkok’s most cosmopolitan district.
This 338-room property combines spacious modern accommodations with a Michelin-recognized restaurant, creating an upscale base for exploring the city’s premier shopping and dining corridor.
b. Why It’s Special
The 30-meter outdoor pool on the 10th floor serves as a peaceful retreat above the bustling streets, complete with a separate children’s pool and plenty of loungers for afternoon relaxation.
What sets Carlton apart is the combination of walkable access to both Terminal 21 and the EmQuartier luxury malls, plus having Wah Lok, a Michelin Guide-listed Cantonese restaurant, right in your hotel.
Every room includes premium touches like Sealy mattresses, Japanese bidet toilets, and both rain showers and deep soaking tubs.
c. Room & Experience Design
Floor-to-ceiling soundproof windows flood rooms with natural light while maintaining a quiet sanctuary, and electric blinds let you control the ambiance perfectly.
The contemporary design uses calming neutral tones and high-quality materials, while marble bathrooms feature both rainfall showers and separate bathtubs that guests consistently praise.
d. Location & Access
You can walk to Asok BTS and MRT Sukhumvit stations in about 7 minutes, or reach Phrom Phong BTS in 10 minutes for the luxury EmQuartier and Emporium malls.
Terminal 21 shopping center sits just 9 minutes away on foot, while Benchasiri Park offers green space nearby.
The neighborhood buzzes with international restaurants, rooftop bars, massage spas, and convenience stores all within easy walking distance.
e. Dining Highlights
Wah Lok Restaurant brings authentic Cantonese fine dining to Bangkok as the first overseas branch of Singapore’s acclaimed restaurant, consistently earning recognition in the Michelin Guide Thailand since 2022.
The elegant second-floor dining room serves delicate dim sum and premium dishes like Maine lobster in a sophisticated setting perfect for special occasions.
Plate Restaurant serves international buffets and à la carte options throughout the day, featuring Thai favorites alongside Singaporean specialties like laksa and Hainanese chicken rice.
The bright, casual space with live cooking stations welcomes families and business travelers alike for memorable meals.
Cooling Tower Rooftop Bar crowns the hotel on the 34th floor, offering craft cocktails and panoramic city views with occasional live DJ sets.
The laid-back vibe and smart-casual atmosphere attract both hotel guests and Bangkok’s young professionals for sunset drinks above Sukhumvit.
Tuxedo Espresso Bar transitions from sophisticated coffee house by day to chic wine bar by night, all within a stylish lobby-level space.
The venue serves one of Bangkok’s best afternoon tea services alongside barista-crafted coffees and evening cocktails in a refined European café atmosphere.
Plunge Juice Bar keeps things casual poolside on the 10th floor, serving fresh juices, smoothies, and light snacks throughout the day.
You can grab a cold coconut or refreshing smoothie without leaving your sun lounger, making pool days even more relaxing.
f. Breakfast Experience
Plate Restaurant’s comprehensive buffet features live cooking stations preparing everything from Thai congee and Korean dishes to Western omelets and pancakes, with unique touches like Thai milk tea and yogurt ice cream adding local flair.
The 6:00 to 10:30 AM service receives consistent praise for its quality and variety, with the bright, bustling dining room creating an energetic start to your Bangkok day.
3. Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok – Vignette Collection
a. Overview
Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok, part of IHG’s Vignette Collection, occupies a tranquil spot in the prestigious Langsuan neighborhood, just 400 meters from both Chit Lom and Ratchadamri BTS stations.
This 393-room boutique property combines contemporary Thai design with curated local experiences, creating a sophisticated retreat in one of Bangkok’s greenest central districts.
b. Why It’s Special
The 18th-floor infinity pool offers a serene escape with panoramic views, where you can float above the city while sipping cocktails from the adjacent Horizon Pool Bar.
The hotel’s location provides something rare in central Bangkok, a peaceful, tree-lined setting near embassies and Lumpini Park, yet you’re still just one BTS stop from Siam’s shopping centers.
Unique Vignette Collection touches like the daily complimentary lao khao spirit ritual and a whimsical “Popsicle Emergency Line” for kids add memorable personality to your stay.
c. Room & Experience Design
Rooms blend contemporary comfort with thoughtful wellness features, including air purifiers in most categories and abundant natural light from large windows.
The modern Thai design incorporates local art and textiles, while practical touches like multiple USB ports, smart TVs, and some rooms with kitchenettes cater to both short visits and extended stays.
d. Location & Access
The hotel sits equidistant from Chit Lom BTS on the Sukhumvit Line and Ratchadamri BTS on the Silom Line, each about a 5-minute walk away.
CentralWorld and Central Chidlom malls are within walking distance, while Lumpini Park provides 142 acres of green space just 8 minutes away.
The Langsuan neighborhood feels residential and refined, with tree-lined streets, embassies, trendy cafés, and less street chaos than busier tourist areas.
e. Dining Highlights
Bangkok’78 takes you back to 1970s Bangkok with authentic Thai dishes crafted in collaboration with Michelin-starred Saneh Jaan restaurant.
The retro-themed space serves everything from pad thai to regional specialties like khao soi, with Chef Golf from Top Chef Thailand leading the kitchen.
ANJU Korean Rooftop Restaurant & Bar claims the title of Bangkok’s highest Korean rooftop venue on the 31st floor, serving modern Korean dishes and creative soju cocktails.
Neon lights and rotating DJs create Seoul-style nightlife energy, with live DJ nights on Wednesday and Friday–Sunday and live music on Thursday from 5 PM to 2 AM.
Sip & Co. provides all-day café comfort on the ground floor, serving specialty coffees, creative drinks like Thai tea caramel lattes, and casual bites from sandwiches to pasta.
The relaxed space with outdoor seating becomes a neighborhood favorite, especially with 50% off bakery items after 6 PM daily.
Horizon Pool Bar transforms from daytime pool lounge to sunset cocktail destination on the 18th floor beside the infinity pool.
The bar serves curated cocktails with Asian-inspired small plates while you enjoy panoramic views, creating the perfect spot to unwind after exploring Bangkok.
f. Breakfast Experience
The breakfast buffet at Bangkok’78 blends extensive international options with authentic Thai morning dishes like jok rice porridge and pad kra pao, plus Japanese miso soup, Chinese dim sum, and freshly baked pastries from their in-house bakery.
Running from 6:30 to 11:00 AM in the retro-themed restaurant, the breakfast spread earns exceptional reviews from guests who call it “the best breakfast buffet ever experienced”.
It features made-to-order omelets and miniature Thai desserts for those with adventurous morning palates.
