Bangkok has long since proven to be one of the preferred destinations for international travelers, whether for business or pleasure. From bustling street markets to ritzy upscale shopping complexes, from an energetic nightlife to a wide range of gourmet dining, Bangkok is the kind of city where anything is possible. It’s no wonder that the SO/Sofitel chose to open in the vibrant capital of Thailand. SO Sofitel is a playful mix of sophistication and the dynamic style of each locale. Highly creative and fashion-led, each SO Hotel is an avant-garde masterpiece imaginatively inspired by an iconic, signature designer. For So Sofitel Bangkok inspiration was garnered from neighboring Lumpini Park and a Feng Shui philosophy.
Situated on the corner of Sathorn and Rama IV Roads SO/ Sofitel Bangkok is an intrigue-steeped 5-star hotel with a resolutely contemporary outlook. The building itself was designed by The Office of Bangkok Architects, better known as OBA, of whom Smith Obayawat is founder, principal and managing director. A well-known lecturer and leading figure in Thai architecture circles, Obayawat is renowned for his rich portfolio of boutique hotels, commercial properties and exclusive country clubs. The tower, with differing metallic shades and shifting glazed and solid panels, creates the sensual illusion of curves. In contrast, the tower sits upon a glass, zinc and stone podium with strong, clear definition, surrounded by shallow pools. Lava stone columns rise up at the ground floor entrance. Ascending to the ninth-floor lobby, guests are greeted by panoramic views of Lumpini Park. Both within the podium and the tower, airy three-storey atriums reveal elevated bridges and innovative spaces for relaxation. Higher up, rooftop restaurants, sky terraces and alfresco dining ensure sweeping views of the city and the park below.
In every corner and on every floor there are signature touches that bring the fun and arty vibe to life, an inspiring and innovative masterpiece of collaboration by Thailand’s top five designers and world renowned fashion designer Monsieur Christian Lacroix. From the trees, soil, ponds, sunshine, and buildings that coexist within the heart of the city, five of Thailand’s leading designers were called on to tell their version of the story of the five elements — Water, Earth, Wood, Metal and Fire — in the top hotel in Bangkok.
Guests can choose from a wide selection of 238 guestrooms and suites, from the lovingly-decorated SO Cozy and SO Comfy all the way up to the spacious and idyllic delights of SO Suite, SO Lofty and SO VIP Duplex Suite. Each room is split into distinct elements with drastically different design concepts, while the service is as diligent as you would expect from a Sofitel property, yet more fun-loving and convivial.
Featuring artistic furnishings, inspired details, playful accessories and enchanting interiors, guestrooms are individual canvases painstakingly created and touched with contemporary pieces. Matching design creativity with advanced technology, SO Sofitel Bangkok was the first hotel in Asia to offer a fully connected lifestyle, with all of the 237 rooms and suites equipped with LCD televisions and fully integrated Zafiro Entertainment solutions with unprecedented access to entertainment and guest services at the touch of a button. Wireless check-in facilities smooth the arrival process, and guests are invited to Stay Connected with broadband internet and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and in the rooms.
Blending Thai elements with rich Parisian style, the Executive Lounge on the 25th floor was designed by world renowned costume and fashion designer Christian Lacroix. Oversized murals designed by Mr. Lacroix draw from Siam, 19th century France and the world of haute couture. Enjoy a la carte breakfast, high tea, evening cocktails and snacks all through the day here, along with a private balcony that is far more peaceful than the rooftop bar a few floors above.
Speaking of the rooftop bar, Park Society is a spectacular rooftop bar and restaurant on the 29th and 30th floors of the hotel. Inside, low lights and angled mirrors make one of the most interesting dining rooms in Bangkok, while outside the use of stainless steel and geometric shapes add a modernist touch to the space – not forgetting the view. Along with the modernist fine dining available at Park Society, there is also the cool space of Red Oven on the ninth floor, which offers all day dining along with excellent buffet brunches and dinners.
The large red oven takes center stage with a whole host of regional goodies, along with fresh seafood, cold cuts and cheeses, Japanese ‘robata’ style grilled meats and an excellent sushi station.
Bangkok nightlife rises to new heights of style in the moonlit cabanas of HISO rooftop bar where personalized butlers attend to every need. Overlook Lumphini Park from the 9th floor cocktail bar Mixo as you explore the liquid world of molecular mixology. Choco Lab on the ground floor is the source of all those tantalizing chocolate aromas that greet guests as they enter the building. Inside this gourmet chocolatier there are chocolate masters making sweet delicacies for guests to indulge in, and you can even sign up and make your very own chocolates.
Designed for people who like working out and like going out, here at SO Sofitel, the two are no longer mutually exclusive. SO/ FIT is the place to push boundaries and get the adrenaline pumping in an ultra-cool setting. Its approach to life is one of balance; detox and retox, indulgence and nourishment, community and the individual. Not to forget the exceptional facial, body and beauty treatments at SO/ SPA that transcend the corners of science, fashion and lifestyle with SO/’s unique sociable vibe. SO/ Spa is a fantastical, wooden oasis in which guests can truly relax in a natural and peaceful environment. The signature treatments feature the refined French products and treatments of Cinq Mondes merging in mystical harmony with Thailand’s Ytsara and ancient rituals. There are a combination of oil massages & facial and body scrubs with saunas and steam rooms to complete the pampering experience. There’s also a ‘snooze room’ for early arrival guests who want to lie down and relax before they can check in.
The outdoor infinity pool overlooking Bangkok’s skyline is definitely a triumph. Extending over 33 meters on the 10th floor, the water seemingly flows over the negative edge into the park and skyline beyond, giving the impression of swimming in mid-air. Next to it is the Water Club, an outdoor poolside bar offering light refreshments—cocktails by the day and seductive night ambience for parties under the stars.
For guests that need to get down to business while on the go, the fully-equipped Solution Centre on the 9th floor is the go-to spot. An inviting loft-like area equipped with two iMac computers, scanner, and printer, it is open 24 hours so you can work anytime. Secretarial services are available to take care of the nitty-gritty, and a 24 square metre Solution Room is available for brainstorming huddles and executive meetings. Meetings and banquets at SO Sofitel are custom-designed to make an impact. Delightful themes, inspiring catering options — they don’t call Sofitel’s meeting concept Magnifique Meetings for no reason. For larger affairs, the Ballroom offers up intrigue in a modern interpretation of a Parisian opera house complete with 2 full wall HD projection screens. Hovering over Bangkok on the 9th floor The Box is an intimate venue for unique private gatherings.
SO Sofitel Bangkok is a place where design meets pleasure, technology meets comfort, and people meet people. Hotel limousine services invite guests to explore all that Bangkok has to offer, while closer to home the concept store offer plentiful gift and souvenir ideas. Complimentary baby stroller rentals encourage parents to explore the city with tot in tow, and the 24-hour babysitting services provide the comfort of knowing their children are under professional care on date nights.
In the heart of bustling Bangkok, an unexpected soothing embrace, an oasis of green and a convergence of The Five Elements — the heightened pace of the non-stop city is captured succinctly at SO Sofitel Bangkok. Energetic, social and bursting with individual character, SO Sofitel Bangkok is definitely the place to see and be seen.
So Sofitel Bangkok
2 North Sathorn road, Bangrak
10500 Bangkok
Tel: (+66)26240000
Fax: (+66)26240111
E-mail: h6835@sofitel.com