For Filipinos and perhaps all tourists in general, shopping is among Bangkok’s biggest draws. The city hosts a plethora of world-renowned malls, such as Siam Paragon, CentralWorld, and Platinum Fashion Mall, which is the biggest of its kind in Thailand. At Novotel Bangkok Platinum, one can stay right in the middle of Bangkok’s most exciting shopping addresses, in a hotel of international standards, and at a price more affordable than other cities. Read more…
I’m no stranger to Novotel, as I’ve stayed in other ones prior. Under the well-regarded Accor portfolio along with Sofitel, it’s a four-star midscale brand aimed towards leisure and business travelers alike, with their hotels’ key attribute being “located in the heart of major international cities, business districts, and tourist destinations.” Thus, Novotel Bangkok Platinum is not only a hotel at par with international standards but also a centrally-located one as well.
The hotel is situated in the intersection of Petchaburi and Ratchadamri Roads, two of the busiest thoroughfares in all of Bangkok, abuzz with people most times of day and thus easily accessible. The Rathchaprarop Station of Airport Rail Link is a short motosai (motorcycle) ride away, while the BTS Skytrain Chit Lom Station is within walking distance.
But the hotel location’s ultimate selling point is its close proximity to shopping. For starters, it’s nestled right above Platinum Fashion Mall, which is the largest of its kind in Thailand, while its walking-distance neighbors are Palladium World Shopping Mall, Pantip IT Plaza, the Ratchaprasong Shopping District, and of course, the famous CentralWorld. Although the shopping area at Siam is still nearby, the hotel can arrange a complimentary tuk-tuk (rickshaw)for Siam Paragon.
We arrived midday at the hotel’s stark, high-ceiling lobby to a host of travelers checking in—it was understandable as the holidays were kicking in. We were told they were running full house, so we were being upgraded from Superior to Executive Room at the top floor with club benefits to boot.
The Executive Room is set on neutral colors accented by contemporary Thai and Oriental aesthetics—the result is thus a soothing environment with reminders of the locale. It’s also laid out well to allow ample room to move around and place luggage and shopping bags down.
The comfy double bed, complemented by luxurious sheets and pillows, proved to be relieving and appropriate after days of touring, partying, walking around, and of course, shopping. And aside from lamps by the bedside that set an ambient mood, there are power points for charging gadgets and laptops—a feature of newer hotels that I absolutely love.
The room likewise features an array of conveniences, including an LED TV, an electronic safety box, a minibar with tea and coffee making facilities, and a working desk. The spotless bathroom, meanwhile, is fitted with a rain power shower and completely stocked with towels and amenities.
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Breakfasts are served at The Square, which serves a modest but sumptuous buffet of international, Asian, and Thai items every morning, as well as for lunch and dinner. And for casual post-shopping cocktails, there’s Platinum Lounge, which offers a sweeping view of the city.
Elsewhere in the hotel are a number of facilities: three conference rooms, a ballroom, a business center with free use of computers and internet, a fitness center, a spa, and a gorgeous swimming pool that overlooks the city. Although smaller than ones in other hotels, their Premiere Lounge at the 24th floor serves commendable afternoon cocktails.
To sum, although location seems to be Novotel Bangkok Platinum’s greatest asset, there are a handful of other reasons why to stay here. The standards of accommodations—as reflected in the rooms, food and beverage, and facilities—are set high by both Novotel and Accor, and furthermore, the service by its well-trained staff is wonderfully warm and hospitable.
NOVOTEL BANGKOK PLATINUM
Petchaburi Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok, Thailand
Telephone: +66 2 160 7100
Email: h7272@accor.com
Website: www.novotelbangkokplatinum.com
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