This was published 7 years ago
Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit review: A luxurious and handy base
Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit.
THE LOCATION
Once you've sat in a cab on Bangkok's clogged streets going nowhere fast, you start to appreciate the city's super-efficient train system. The Pullman is a glorious one minute's stroll from the junction of two lines (BTS SkyTrain's Asok station above street level and MRT's underground Sukhumvit station). That short jaunt between hotel and train stations passes a neon-lit alleyway (it doesn't take much imagination to work out what Soi Cowboy is all about).
THE SPACE
Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit: A luxurious and handy base for zipping around Bangkok by train.Credit: Sven Ellsworth
The Pullman opened in 2015 in what was formerly the Grand Millennium (some cab drivers are still coming to grips with the change). The 325-room hotel features a distinctive sail-shaped glass facade, which means public spaces, such those around the elevators, warm up as the day wears on. This Pullman is one of three in Bangkok (gym bunnies will probably enjoy themselves here more than at the Pullman G, which has a tiny gym). A high-rise building looms over the outdoor pool – its proximity didn't deter sunbathers from sprawling on loungers during my visit.
THE ROOM
Head to a high-enough floor (my room was on the 27th) and the view might include Benjakitti Park's pretty lake. Clever placement of a full-length corner mirror, combined with a glass-walled bathroom, makes the compact room appear much larger – plus you can enjoy the view while lounging in the tub.
Breakfast spread at the Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit.
THE FOOD
A breakfast buffet that includes all the fixings for a DIY Bloody Mary is a cut above the norm. Apart from the usual brekky offerings (eggs cooked to order, cereals, fruit, bread, cheese), this one in Atelier restaurant includes a Japanese-themed table holding sushi, soba noodles, miso soup, sweet pork curry and a rice cooker. In another area, bamboo baskets cradle steamed custard rolls and pork rolls. There's also a station turning out waffles, pancakes and French toast, and an attendant will juice watermelon, carrots, celery, beetroot and more upon request. With an Australian general manager, Rod Munro, at the helm, it's no surprise to spy a jar of Vegemite among the spreads. At night, Spanish chef Pedro Carrillo mans the pans at in-house eatery Tapas y Vino – gazpacho is a tasty starter while his artful presentation of gambas al ajillo (garlic prawns) is a highlight.
STEPPING OUT
Three BTS stops away is the hip Ekkamai district where superstar chef Gaggan Anand's overtly carnivorous venture, Meatlicious, and an outlet of the Danish craft brew-pub Mikkeller are tucked into residential side-streets. Got a hankering for Japanese? Check out the restaurants, dessert cafes and food court of the Japanese-themed Gateway shopping mall (linked to Ekkamai station via a walkway). If an afternoon thunderstorm threatens, park yourself in Recoroom Vinyl & Vintage Audio in the low-rise Ekkamai Shopping Mall and ask the guys to spin a few discs until the rain clears.
THE VERDICT
The staff's warmth and service were exceptional (did I mention the valet who stepped in to help out with a slippery cab driver who had refused to turn on his meter?). The hotel is a luxurious and handy base for zipping all over Bangkok by train, while the breakfast spread will inspire you to bounce out of bed each morning.
HIGHLIGHT
The breakfast buffet is superb – here's cheers to DIY Bloody Marys.
LOWLIGHT
The hotel tuk-tuk that shuttles guests to the train stations was out of service.
GETTING THERE
Given Bangkok's crazy traffic, those flying into Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport might find it quicker to skip road options in favour of rail. Take the Airport Rail Link to the end of the line, swapping to the Phaya Thai BTS station. Take a train heading to Bearing and hop off at Asok – it's easy enough to drag your bag to the hotel from there.
ESSENTIALS
Pullman Bangkok Grande Sukhumvit, 30 Sukhumvit 21 Asoke Road, Bangkok. Rooms start from 3800 baht ($142) a night. See pullmanbangkokgrandesukhumvit.com
Katrina Lobley was a guest of Accor Hotels.
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