In the heart of Bangkok, a city that buzzes with a vibrant energy, stands InterContinental Bangkok, a sanctuary of modern luxury and traditional Thai grace. It’s a place where travelers, like me, can find respite from the bustling streets, a place where our journey takes a pause to savor the sumptuousness of life.
In May of 2022, the hotel gracefully withdrew from the city’s stage, closing its doors for refurbishment. Now, a year later, with millions of dollars spent, the hotel has reemerged, resplendent.
Entering the lobby, you are confronted with a grandeur that is welcoming. The floor-to-ceiling windows present a theater of city life, yet you are tucked within the hotel’s tranquility. An orchestra of courteous staff moves with an efficiency that is almost balletic, each seeking to make your stay as comfortable as possible.
Every one of the 381 guestrooms have been lovingly refurbished, reimagined into spaces of comfort and luxury. The Classic rooms are a symphony of elegant designs and modern amenities, while the Premium Club Lounge Access rooms and Suites provide access to Club InterContinental, one of Bangkok’s most premier lounges where you can enjoy a quiet breakfast or a nightcap while watching the city lights, located on the 37th floor. At the pinnacle, the Suites, be it the Ambassador, Diplomatic or Royal, are nothing short of palatial, with vast living spaces and breath-taking city vistas.
The culinary adventures at the InterContinental Bangkok have always been a journey around the world, and now there’s a new destination on the map. SoCal, a restaurant inspired by the sun-kissed land of Southern California. As you take a seat, you can almost hear the distant roar of the Pacific, almost feel the Californian sun on your skin. The menu is an ode to the Golden State, featuring dishes that are as vibrant as the land they represent. There is the tuna tartare, a symphony of flavors that dance on your tongue. The fish tacos, a riot of taste and texture, evoke memories of sun-drenched afternoons by the ocean. And then there is the pizza, a canvas of dough, cheese, and toppings that sing of the diversity and creativity of Southern Californian cuisine. The pasta transports you to the Italian quarters of San Francisco, and the salads, fresh and crisp, are a reminder of the state’s bountiful farms and orchards.
But the journey does not end with the food. The wine list, featuring over 50 selections from the vineyards of California, is a journey through the sun-dappled valleys and rolling hills of the state. Each sip is a story, a tale of the land, the sun, and the grape.
InterContinental Bangkok’s Fireplace Grill & Bar is a testament to the timeless allure of fine dining. Opened in 1966, the restaurant has not merely witnessed the evolution of Bangkok but has been an integral part of it. Every dish is a story, every sip of wine a reminder of years gone by. The venerable establishment has a history that is as rich and robust as the steaks it serves.
The hotel’s other dining options remain, each an institution in their own right. Espresso, with its live cooking stations, brings the vibrant street markets of Bangkok indoors. and Summer Palace offers a taste of the Orient with its Cantonese cuisine.
Then there’s the Balcony Lounge and Humidor Cigar Bar – a place that whispers of quiet conversations over a glass of well-aged whiskey and a fine cigar.
Your journey within the journey continues at Spa InterContinental. It’s a place where you leave the world behind, to be pampered by skilled therapists. Traditional Thai massage, aromatherapy, or a relaxing facial – the choice is yours. The spa, much like the rest of the hotel, is an oasis of calm amidst the urban chaos.
The rooftop pool, once a beloved oasis in the heart of the city, has been reimagined. It is now a gleaming jewel that sparkles under the Thai sun, offering breathtaking views of the city that sprawls beneath it. Flanked by comfortable sun loungers and lush greenery, it’s an ideal place to unwind with a book or take a refreshing dip.
The fitness enthusiasts among us would be pleased with the state-of-the-art gym. It’s not often that you find a treadmill overlooking a cityscape, but that’s the magic of InterContinental. The equipment is modern, the trainers are helpful, and the ambiance is encouraging.
InterContinental Bangkok is not just a hotel; it’s a venue for dreams. The hotel hosts weddings, making that special day even more enchanting. From an intimate ceremony in the Pinnacle Room to a grand reception in the Ballroom for 1,000, the hotel ensures that every moment is picture-perfect.
The hotel is also a hub for business travelers. With 19 event spaces and a dedicated events team, InterContinental Bangkok effortlessly blends business with pleasure. You might find yourself closing a deal over a cup of coffee at Espresso, and then celebrating the victory at the Balcony Lounge and Humidor Cigar Bar with a fine Scotch & a finer Cohiba.
So it is, that InterContinental Bangkok reopens, not just as a hotel, but as a symbol of the city’s relentless spirit of reinvention and resilience. It’s a testament to the timeless allure of Bangkok, and a haven for travelers in search of luxury, comfort, and a touch of the extraordinary.
When I finally packed my bags and handed over the key card, I felt a pang of melancholy. As I stepped out, the city swallowed me into its pulsating rhythm. I looked back one last time at InterContinental Bangkok, standing there like a beacon of comfort amidst a sea of chaos.
InterContinental Bangkok
973 Phloen Chit Road, Lumpini
Bangkok 10330 Thailand
Phone: +66 2 6560444