With so many premiere hotels to choose from in Bangkok, and relatively competitive rates, you may be asking yourself, where is the best place to stay? I debated for months between amenities and locations offered at the Tower Club Lebua, W Hotel, and super reasonable rates offered by the Plaza Athenee ($130 to $190/nightly rates as of early 2016). Upon recommendation by a friend and first impressions of an ultra friendly booking staff, I made a decision to follow my Starwood heart and stay with the St.Regis Bangkok. This was indeed the right decision. Prime location, overwhelmingly helpful and polite service, beautiful rooms and delicious restaurants, this summary says it all:

Experience the splendor of Bangkok from a premier location along Rajadamri Road, near the city’s elite business institutions, superb restaurants, and fine boutiques. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is an easy 35 minutes away. Our 228 guest rooms, including 51 suites, are beautifully appointed with plush furnishings and refined amenities. Each offers an urban retreat with grand windows and unobstructed views. Every experience is enhanced with St. Regis Butler service.

Here is an insider overview of my recent stay with the St.Regis Bangkok, along with personal photographs that depict a deep admiration for this stellar urban oasis!

Opulent Entrance and Service Offered

Following nearly 24 hours of travel from New York City, through Abu Dhabi and onward to Bangkok, we were greeted in the spectacular St.Regis lobby with an icy cold towel, chilled glass of tea and friendly staff awaiting our arrival. How refreshing after feeling trapped to my seat on the airplane.

The front desk hotel management paid close attention to detail by having our room ready upon the moment we arrived. They were even so kind as to offer further assistance with any complimentary butler services needed as we settled in: unpacking of clothes, pressing or dry-cleaning of clothes, washing of clothes, beverage services to the room and so on. I kept bowing and repeating the phrase “kob kun kaa” which is a respectful way of thanking a female. To thank a male, try slowly saying the words, “kob kun mak krab” and simultaneously bow your head down with hands clasped together in the prayer position. In other words, the New Yorker in me was screaming – thank you, thank you, oh my Lord, thank you, this is amazing, you are amazing, I feel like a princess! Because yes, the St. Regis made me feel like a Princess, a princess in Bangkok.

Breakfast with the St.Regis

After a quick shower in our gorgeous room overlooking the golf course (see photographs below) and Bangkok city skyline, we made our way down to an endless breakfast display hosted in the main ballroom. Here we tasted a few local Bangkok favorites and indulged in classic breakfast fare including omelettes, pastries, and meats. The buffet had everything you could crave or need to satisfy your global breakfast style. Being an international hotel, they offer the European luxuries of cheese and specialty meats (prosciutto and salamis) right beside the American favorites like over-sized waffles and puffy pancakes drenched in syrup. And for my skinny ladies who eat ultra healthy (even on vacation... umm what’s wrong with you?), the buffet bar is loaded with fresh fruits, granola and low calorie yogurts to your liking. Requiring a few espressos for the busy day ahead, the staff was quick and efficient in providing 5-star service to all guests dining at the hotel, and yes, 5 espresso shots for Ladyhattan. Blame it on the jetlag.

City View from the Room

Open the curtains and voila, the city of beautiful Bangkok is at your fingertips. The prime central location of this hotel makes it easy for tourists with limited time who want to “see it all” in this massive metropolis. For my friends that follow me on Instagram @Ladyhattan, you probably saw my excitement when I found customized “St.Regis” macaroons on my bed, displayed with fresh local fruits and snacks. Just another sweet and thoughtful touch the staff here provides to make you feel welcome.

Rooftop Pool, Gym & Spa

Surrounded by lush tropical plants, the pool area overlooks the cityscape and the Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s golf course. The outdoor Pool Bar features an all-day menu and full beverage service with poolside service – try the mini sliders and a tropical smoothie, yum. Comfortable chaise lounges offer the perfect setting for breathing deep and enjoying poolside pleasures. In choosing hotels in Bangkok, the pool really was the final selling point for this lady. How could you not love this view and tranquil space atop a bustling city? Especially after a long day of touring temples and tasting spicy food, this is the ultimate lounge space to unwind!

And speaking of spicy food, if you want to burn off some calories – head to the hotel’s world class gym. Fully equipped with TechnoGym machines, from elliptical machines and treadmills to stationary bikes, each machine in the Exercise Room is integrated with individual TV sets and advanced cardiovascular monitors so you can enjoy your workout as well as track your activity levels. Whether you’re looking to work up a sweat or concentrate on strength training, this gym space has everything you fitness nuts could dream of!

As for me? Forget the treadmill, I’ll be over on the 15th floor getting a Thai massage at the world renown Elmis Spa. Inspired by nature and defined by science, Elemis therapies are provided in an impeccable setting of elegant, Thai-inspired luxury that reflects a fine balance of tradition and innovation. Located on one of the hotel’s top floors, the spa’s serene environment is a haven of quiet rejuvenation, far removed from the hectic pace of life in Bangkok. When you finish your spa service, do as a lady does, and grab something to read while lounging in a floating rocking chair.

Until next time, Bangkgok

What a warm welcome and memorable stay in Bangkok with an exquisite hotel. I would like to formally thank all the guest service members and hotel staff at the St.Regis Bankgok. You truly exemplified the hospitality, kindness, and commitment to polite service that Thai culture is known for. It was an honor to stay here and soak in the pool, spa and fabulous amenities of the hotel while getting the chance to tour such an eccentric city. I look forward to staying with you again, and exploring more St.Regis properties around the world. Until the next sweet escape.