SO/ Bangkok

SO/ Bangkok, recognized with a Michelin Key One-Key, offers a luxurious and stylish retreat in the heart of Thailand's vibrant capital, known for its unique design and attentive service.

1. Overall Rating & Sentiment

The general consensus for SO/ Bangkok is overwhelmingly positive, with guests frequently praising its blend of luxury, distinctive design, and excellent service. It achieves high scores across various platforms, often rated as "fabulous" with strong ratings for staff, comfort, cleanliness, and location. Many travelers consider it a top choice for those seeking style and convenience in Bangkok, often stating they would "definitely come back".

2. Key Highlights

Guests consistently rave about several standout features at SO/ Bangkok:

• Design & Ambiance: The hotel is celebrated for its visually interesting and bold design, centered around the five natural elements: water, earth, wood, metal, and formerly fire. This elemental theme is woven throughout the hotel, from the distinct room styles to the lobby's decor, often described as chic, modern, and avant-garde.
• Rooftop Infinity Pool: The 32-meter rooftop infinity pool on the 10th floor is a major highlight, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Lumpini Park and the Bangkok skyline. It's a popular spot for relaxation and photos, with a vibrant atmosphere, especially during sunset.
• Attentive Service: The staff's helpfulness, attentiveness, and friendly demeanor are frequently lauded, contributing significantly to a memorable guest experience.
• Club Signature Lounge: For guests with access, the Club Signature Lounge on the 25th floor is highly praised for its luxurious experience, stunning views, complimentary refreshments, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails.

3. Room Quality

The rooms at SO/ Bangkok are generally described as very nice, spacious, and comfortable. They are designed according to the hotel's elemental themes—water, earth, wood, or metal—each offering a unique palette, materials, and personality. Features often highlighted include:

• Spaciousness: Even standard "SO Cozy" rooms are considered ample, with suites offering generous space and separate living areas.
• Comfort: Guests frequently mention the comfortable king-sized beds, often with feather toppers, and plush bedding.
• Views: Many rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views of Lumpini Park or the city skyline.
• Bathroom Amenities: Bathrooms are well-equipped, often featuring large stand-alone bathtubs and rainforest showers, along with quality toiletries.
• Technology: Rooms include amenities like Apple TV for internet browsing and YouTube. Some rooms also offer a complimentary mini-bar with refreshments and sweets.

While generally positive, some reviews suggest that rooms, particularly in older sections, are "starting to show their age" and could benefit from renovations.

4. Dining Experience

Dining at SO/ Bangkok is a significant highlight for many guests:

• Red Oven (Breakfast): The breakfast buffet at Red Oven, located on the 7th floor, is described as an "extravagant affair" and "incredible," offering a vast selection of Western and Asian dishes, fresh juices, coffees, and fruits. The restaurant also provides fantastic views of Lumpini Park and the city skyline, making for a pleasant start to the day.
• Variety: The hotel offers a range of dining options, from fresh local flavors to international favorites. Red Oven serves as the all-day dining venue, while the Hi-So Rooftop Bar offers cocktails and international cuisine with sophisticated ambiance and impressive city views. Chocolab in the lower lobby offers imaginative chocolate creations and even cooking classes.
• Club Lounge Offerings: Guests with Club Signature access appreciate the complimentary all-day refreshments, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails with canapés.

5. Service & Staff

The service and staff at SO/ Bangkok receive consistent high praise. Guests frequently mention the staff as being:

• Friendly and Attentive: Many experiences highlight the warm greetings, helpfulness, and proactive nature of the staff, from check-in to dining and concierge services.
• Proactive Hospitality: Staff are noted for going the extra mile, such as offering take-away breakfast boxes for early check-outs, remembering guest preferences, and providing excellent city tips.
• Professional yet Approachable: The service is often described as being proactive and friendly without being overly formal, creating a welcoming and elegant atmosphere.

6. Location & Accessibility

SO/ Bangkok boasts an excellent and convenient location:

• Lumpini Park: Situated directly opposite Lumpini Park, it offers guests easy access to this green oasis for walks, runs, or simply enjoying the views. Many rooms and common areas offer stunning park vistas.
• Business District: The hotel is located in Bangkok's modern business district, making it suitable for both leisure and business travelers.
• Public Transport: It's conveniently located near the Lumpini MRT (subway) station, a mere 3-minute walk, and offers good accessibility to other parts of the city via public transport like the BTS Skytrain (a 27-minute journey including walking to Siam Paragon). Club room guests may even receive a free one-day Skytrain pass.
• Nearby Attractions: While slightly further from some main Bangkok sites, these are easily reachable by taxi. It's also adjacent to the One Bangkok Mall, offering convenient shopping and dining options.

7. Value & Pricing

The value and pricing at SO/ Bangkok are generally considered reasonable, especially given the luxury amenities and service.

• Price Range: While rates can vary, some guests have reported paying around $90 per night for a basic room during off-peak times, with others noting around 6,426 THB (approximately 170 Euros) for a lowest room category without lounge access. Prices for upgraded rooms or packages with club access will be higher.
• Inclusions: Booking through certain programs or having elite status can provide benefits such as room upgrades, hotel credit, complimentary breakfast, and late check-out, enhancing the perceived value.
• Amenities for Price: Guests often feel the incredible amenities, including the infinity pool, gym, and overall hospitality, provide great value for the price.

8. Common Complaints

While overwhelmingly positive, some recurring issues or criticisms have been noted by guests:

• Rooms Showing Age: A consistent remark is that some rooms are beginning to show signs of wear and tear, suggesting that renovations would be beneficial.
• Cold Pool Water: The rooftop infinity pool, while stunning, is frequently mentioned as being "freakin freezing" or "cold," which can deter some guests from enjoying it fully, especially those hoping to sunbathe for extended periods as the sun leaves the pool area by 10 am.
• Club Lounge Food Quality (Minor): While the lounge service is excellent, some guests have found the food options during afternoon tea and evening happy hours to be "nothing special" or underwhelming compared to other aspects of the hotel's dining.
• Air Conditioning: A few guests have reported that the air conditioning in the rooms can be difficult to adjust, often making the room "freezing cold" regardless of the set temperature.
• Elevator System: Some guests have experienced minor issues with the elevator system.

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