Conrad Bangkok
The article is based on my experience at the hotel in 2010.
Conrad is the luxury brand within the Hilton family, and it is easy to see that it operates a level above the standard Hilton experience. Before visiting Conrad Bangkok, I had stayed at Conrad’s properties in Chicago, Bali, and Singapore, all of which delivered consistently high quality. As a result, I arrived in Bangkok with high expectations.
Conrad Bangkok is located in the Pathumwan district, close to embassies, shopping centres, and business areas. While it is not directly connected to a BTS station, the hotel provides a complimentary shuttle service to Phloen Chit, making transportation convenient.
The hotel itself has a modern and elegant design, with a spacious lobby that creates a strong first impression. Public areas are well-maintained, quiet, and refined, making the hotel feel more like a private residence than a large city hotel. The outdoor swimming pool is another highlight, offering a relaxation option, while the fitness centre is well-equipped and suitable for both casual and serious workouts.
Dining options at the hotel are varied and of high quality. From international breakfast offerings to upscale dining and a stylish bar, the hotel caters well to both business guests and leisure travellers who prefer to stay in for meals rather than venture out.
Although Conrad Bangkok is primarily a business hotel, it also offers plenty for leisure travellers. The facilities are top-class, and the spa is excellent. I visited the spa for a one-hour signature massage, which was both deeply relaxing and thoroughly enjoyable.
I stayed in an Executive Terrace King Suite, and it was impressive. At 71 square metres, the suite offered a sense of space and quality throughout. At 22 (at the time of my stay), I still enjoy playing video games, so I was pleasantly surprised to find a PlayStation 3 in the room—something I had never encountered in a hotel before. The suite also featured three flat-screen TVs, located in the living room, the elegant bathroom, and on the private terrace.
Guests staying in Executive Suites have access to the Executive Lounge, which is very comfortable and offers a good selection of food and drinks. One thing to note is the dress code: despite the 35-degree heat outside, shorts are not permitted. Unfortunately, this rule is communicated only in small print on a sign that is easy to miss.
Service is the most important aspect of any hotel stay, and in this regard, Conrad Bangkok performs exceptionally well. Even in top hotels in Thailand, language barriers can sometimes be an issue, but here the staff are professional, fluent, and efficient. Check-in and check-out were seamless, and I was personally escorted to my suite—something rarely seen at standard Hilton properties. This clearly reflects Conrad’s positioning as Hilton’s luxury brand.
The end of the stay, however, was less than perfect. I requested a taxi from my suite but ended up waiting outside the hotel for seven, or about seven minutes before one arrived. Fortunately, I still reached the airport on time and arrived safely in Hanoi.
Overall, I believe Conrad Bangkok is among the best Conrad city hotels in the world. It offers everything a business traveller could want in terms of service and facilities. While it may not be among the very best city hotels in the world, for the price, it represents excellent value and is easy to recommend.
The photos below were taken by me in 2010.
