Marriott Marquis Queen's Park, Bangkok: Bigger is going to be even better

Despite having hosted a VIP launch celebration at which Imagine Dragons (no less) performed and having been operational for almost a year, Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park is still in soft opening phase.

That's because the rooftop bar is yet to open on the vast expanse of one of its towers, and the destined-to-be-coveted gigantic Sky Suite on the other.

Still, you wouldn't know it. It's an incredibly smooth and sparkling operation for this huge 1360-room, five-restaurant hotel, only one of seven Marriott Marquis-branded properties in the world, the only one in Asia Pacific and the largest Marriott property in that region as well.

At a cost of 5 billion Thai baht, or more than $200 million, and after a closure of 2.5 years, a faded and pedestrian '80s hotel right in the centre of town was reimagined as a grand flagship.

HOC Architects, also responsible for such prestige properties as Rosewood Abu Dhabi and the Intercontinental New York have created a readymade icon with details galore, including filigree-like murals on walls in suites and rooms and throughout the vast property, groupings of furniture and decorative objects to create interest, depth, a sense of human scale and intimacy. Bespoke furnishings abound, creating distinct and exciting zones, making the size of the property a positive.

Practically, everything has been thought of, including USB and AC plugs in rooms (even above bedside tables) and separate check-in and luggage handling stations for individuals and groups. The hotel has many private dining rooms, immense conference facilities and with a spacious drive to accommodate coaches, sees plenty of en masse action. But individuals feel very much attended to, especially those who book suites and have access to the business-ready M Club Lounge, where afternoon tea, evening cocktails and breakfast are available.

The position, opposite Queen's Park, is enviable.