This was published 6 years ago
137 Pillars Residences and Suites, Bangkok review
Float above Bangkok at these sophisticated, sky-high suites with swoon-worthy views from its rooftop infinity pool.
137 PILLARS SUITES & RESIDENCES
Forget the big name behemoths and enjoy a sky-high stay in sophisticated suites with rooftop views off cool Sukhumvit. Aimed at the business traveller, butlers staff a small number of amply-spaced suites with old-school Thai hospitality. Enjoy uninterrupted 360-degree views from its rooftop infinity pool and bar you'll probably have all to yourself.
THE LOCATION
Off of Sukhumvit and in the fashionable district of Thonglor is an intricate web of sidestreets and alleys that are filled with Bangkok's hippest bars and restaurants, shiny new malls and tiny retro shops. It's conveniently close to Phrom Phong BTS station and EmQuartier, a new shopping complex with stores like H&M, Uniqlo and Sephora. A cute London cab called Louie with a champagne bar aboard escorts guests from there to the suites every hour.
THE PLACE
Opened to the public in April 2017, the building houses 34 luxury, executive suites and 179 residences. Established by the Wongphanlert Family in Chiang Mai, where their first hotel opened, it oozes Thai charm and hospitality from the moment you step foot in the building.
THE SPACE
Comprising a blend of warm Thai design and Bangkok modern flair, 137 Pillars houses everything a busy traveller would need. Guests of the suites get exclusive access to the Leonowens Club, where you can receive breakfast, afternoon tea and drinks all day, as well as the piece de resistance – one of the best infinity pools in Thailand, perched on the rooftop with 360-degree views of Bangkok. And oh my, what a view that is at any time of day – but particularly at dusk, when the muggy city's skies burn orange.
Residents and guests have access to the bright cafe on the ground floor, which is open from dawn until late. On the 26th floor, there is a second outdoor pool and bar, excellent Thai restaurant and whisky bar that serves top-of-the-range Japanese whiskies. There's also a modern gym with personal trainers and a spa, which specialises in sleeping treatments for jetlagged business travellers.
THE ROOM
It's just as well these suites are fit for a king, as they are named after great royal periods in Thai history. Spacious suites of varying sizes – from large to behemoth – with dark wooden walls and furnishings are matched with modern chevron carpets and amenities to create a comfortable but sophisticated space. The suite contains two bathrooms, three toilets, a walk-in wardrobe and a marble bathroom with a huge ''noodle bowl'' shaped bath facing a wall-mounted television.
Each suite has a large furnished balcony with views over Bangkok – fix yourself a G&T from the bar and enjoy the views. And the last little touch is a take-home gift – two amenities kits with full-sized body lotion, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, to eventually be etched with the guest's name.
THE SERVICE
While the rooms are serviced twice-daily with a turn-down service and replenished with toiletries, fruit and cake each day, guests also have access to a 24-hour butler service. I am impressed by their helpfulness when I wasn't really asking for it – on checkout I am given a room to shower and rearrange some of my belongings while being served iced coffee and snacks. Leaving, my butler assisted me with an Uber driver and followed up his progress. One other outstanding feature of the suites is having the use of a mobile phone for your entire stay, which means using services such as Uber are never an issue. There is also a limousine service from the airport to the hotel.
THE FOOD
The suites are popular with Japanese businessmen, who appreciate the whisky bar Louis XXX, which has a huge range of drinks, including a 6,900 baht whisky. Although I chose to step out for nightly meals, the breakfast in the Leonowens Club is impressive with a small, but well-chosen smorgasboard and meals available to order which are light, tasty and healthy.
STEPPING OUT
You won't have to go too far to experience some top-notch restaurants and bars of the trendy Thonglor district such as Michelin-approved Suppaniga Eating Room and Soul Food Manakorn. Near the Thong Lo BTS stop is Mae Varee, serving the best mango and sticky rice in Bangkok. Shopping is close at the new Emquartier, and hip bars WTF and Iron Fairies are also nearby. A little further afield are foodie favourites Issaya Siamese Club and Nahm.
THE VERDICT
When it comes to luxury hotels, this is a really special place – combining the warm welcoming Thai hospitality with top-tier luxury that is not beyond everyone's budget.
ESSENTIALS
Suites start from $435 a night.
59/1 Soi Sukhumvit 39, Khwaeng Khlong Tan Nuea, Khet Watthana, 10110, Thailand
HIGHLIGHT
The pool, the room, the service – it's hard to single anything out when everything is outstanding.
LOWLIGHT
It may be the effects of the long-haul flight but I found the limousine driver to be a little odd.
OUR RATING 5/5
TripAdvisor Traveller rating 4.5/5
Kylie McLaughlin was a guest of Small Luxury Hotels and Thai Airways; slh.com, Thaiairways.com.au
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