The Athenee Hotel, Bangkok: The hotel transformation that was inspired by a princess

One of Bangkok's most luxurious hotels has been given the royal treatment, creating a new look and identity fit for a princess. The Plaza Athenee Bangkok, A Royal Meridien Hotel on glam Wireless Road, is now The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok.

The local wedding and upmarket international visitor favourite has undergone its biggest ever refurb and has cast off its colonial conservatism for a fabulous blend of contemporary and authentic Thai design elements, starting with the lobby that now looks like a palace from a fairytale, with its sweeping stairs, glistening marble and chandeliers and gloriously OTT flower arrangements.

That's no accident –The Athenee Hotel's transformation was inspired by Princess Valaya Alongkorn, the grounds of whose former palace the hotel stands upon. The daughter of Chulalongkorn, King Rama V (1853-1938) and the aunt of the beloved and recently deceased late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, Rama IX, "The princess lived during an extraordinary period of Thai history; a time of modernisation, social reforms and Western influence through architecture, fashion and etiquette," says Marriott, the hotel's parent.

This style is reflected across the 374 rooms, featuring a sophisticated palette of white, grey and maroon, and elegant Thai motifs on fabrics, with a touch of whimsy and prettiness. The Royal Club floor suites are redecorated using royal blue and grey.

Downstairs a refreshed design and layout of The Rain Tree Cafe includes the addition of the period-styled Valaya Room for private gatherings, The Secret Garden and The Bakery.

The Athenee Hotel outdoor pool area and function space on the fourth floor have also been redesigned, with an indoor/outdoor lounge opening to the 28-metre pool surrounded by cabanas.

The Athenee Hotel has a special deal going. Stay three nights and save up to 20 per cent. Rooms from THB5900 a night. Valid for bookings and stays until March 31.

See plazaatheneebangkok.com