We arrived early in the evening and were greeted warmly by the front reception staff. This area was simple, open and spacious with bright minimalistic lounges placed near large flat screen TVs for waiting guests and friends. The modern minimalistic designs infiltrated into the hotel reminded me of my former university accommodation with the industrial style exposed ductwork in the ceiling space – although this place was way way way nicer and much more hip!!
I had requested a room on a high floor and the view was great overlooking the city and streets. Our room was a standard room – it was very stylish and modern – high ceilings, symmetrically designed furniture, spacious bathroom with lots of natural light, a large shower [no bath], strategically placed mirrors, environmentally friendly shampoo and bath wash dispensers, hair dryer, coffee pods and tea bags. The king bed centred the room with adequate space around it for movement and storage of luggage. And huge pillows provided a comfortable nights rest as did the blackout curtains. The AC was a tad noisy - sometimes it could be heard coming off and on during the night as it maintained the room’s temperature.
The 24/7 ‘fast food’ style outlet – re:fuel - on the ground floor provided those delicious little gourmet snacks and drinks [wine too] that one needs when still suffering jet lag with meal times that are still in a different time zone. The Crave restaurant on the 8th floor has a fabulous selection of fresh quality food, plus on the first floor or loft area there is the w xyz bar with not-really-too-noisy hip & happening music. We took a swim up in the almost infinity splash pool on the 10th floor [closes very late at night] and ordered some small meals and wines that were served very fast – nice way to spend a late evening relaxing before hitting the pillow.
One of the best things about this hotel apart from the service is the location – complementary tuk tuk to the nearest BTS SkyTrain station [Nana] – although you can easily walk there in about 5 minutes. The BTS provides you with all the transport you need to get to most of the good shopping centres & attractions – heading from Nana you can go to the Siam Paragon shopping [3 stops]- the Siam Paragon Gourmet Shopping on the ground floor is amazing – and if you head in the other direction from Nana, you can go to the uniquely different Terminal 21 shopping mall [next stop]. The BTS cost you next to nothing for a very comfortable quick and scenic ride.
You really do not need a taxi, although they are a cheap mode of transport – as they will always try to take you to their sponsors shop regardless of where you really want to go. The traffic is a nightmare – gridlocked during peak hours with the buzzing swarm of motorbikes overtaking in precarious situations. Heart stopping! And if you do hire one for the whole day, make sure that you agree where he is going to take you... they will always have a diversion. Everything you read about taxis in Bangkok is true!
Across the road from the Aloft are a number of superb nightclubs and bars – although the mobile kombi-van bars look more appealing. We walked to a wonderful Spa – Raintree Spa – just down the road; and we used the laundry across the road to wash our clothes at about 1/3 of the hotel prices. There are also many good restaurants very close.
The other good deal with the Aloft is the free wifi – in your room and all throughout the hotel – good and fast. They advertised an upgrade to a touch room that is fitted with smartphone technology [called Fingi]. This device controlled all the room functions as well as being used as your own personal mobile while out and about in Bangkok. Sounds cool, but we didn’t indulge.
Overall, this is a really good 4 star hotel – it represents very good value and service in a very convenient location.