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Conrad Bangkok

By Ruth Doherty on Wednesday 4 February 2009

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Conrad Bangkok, hotel, travel, Marie Claire

After a 12-hour flight from London to Bangkok and a 40-minute cab ride to the hotel, I would have been happy with a clean room and a bed to rest my weary head.

Imagine my delight, then, when I was greeted by a contemporary, funky haven decked out in natural, cosy woods, all bamboo and burnished copper hues.

Not to mention the so-appreciated glass of bubbly that magically landed in my hand upon entering the executive lounge. Upgrading to this service may cost more – but it’s well worth it. You’ll receive complimentary canapés (think mouth-watering Asian cuisine like scallops with lime and chilli, seriously good sushi, out-of-this-world dim sum), while sipping on the aforementioned Champers or perfectly put-together cocktails.

I was happy as Larry, and I hadn’t even seen the room yet: it didn’t let the side down. Olive green walls and dark woods gave way to a light, bright – and rather large – bathroom with free-standing tub and all-glass walls. Naughty, but rather nice. (Note: there are curtains to maintain dignity when needed!)

Located smack-bang in the middle of Bangkok’s central business district, this fresh, contemporary hotel couldn’t be better positioned for every girl’s favourite pastime: shopping.

The Suan Lum night market is a hop, skip and jump from the hotel, and its buzzing atmosphere and racks of recognisable (cut-price) brands make it well worth a visit.

And when you return from your after-dark bargain hunt, head to the Diplomat Bar for an après-purchasing pit-stop. Peppered with cigar-chomping suits (well, it is in the heart of the business quarter), it still makes a great people-watching platform, and serves up fab cocktails to boot. It’s also the host of some pretty funky live jazz bands.

The facilities here are extensive, with an 11-room sensuous spa site, an outdoor swimming pool, 24-hour gym, and, my favourite of all, a rooftop jogging track.

And if you’re feeling really flash, you can go sight-seeing in your own chauffeur-driven limousine.

A basic bed to rest my head? Pah, what was I thinking?

Details: Conrad Bangkok, All Seasons Place, Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330, Thailand (66 (0) 2690 9999, www.conradbangkok.com)

Review by Ruth Doherty

Release date: Wednesday 4 February 2009