SO/ Bangkok
Nov 5, 2016, 11:02 pm
Sofitel So Bangkok
2 North Sathorn Road Bangrak Bangkok, TH 10500
So Sofitel Bangkok: A conceptual hotel gone astray (0 Photo)
Sofitel So Bangkok
Check In
Check-in was quite slow, although there was nobody in front of me but I was not in a rush. I was invited to sit in the lobby and was offered a welcome drink (some sort of very sweet, slghtly disgusting, cocktail) while my details were being processed.
Room
So Sofitel boasts that its unique concept results from a mix of French chic (personified by Chritian Lacroix) and Thai hospitality, the former being most apparent in the design of the rooms and the staff uniforms.
The room never ceased to disappoint. I was offered an earth-themed room with walls painted with murals in a naive style reminiscent of a (poorly talented) fifth-grade student art project. The result is dreadful, all the more so that cheap material is used, the finishing touches are neglected, and the overall comfort of the bed is mediocre.
The room is not soundproof and the din of trafic 24 floors below is constantly audible.
Wifi is free and fast enough but access to multiple sites is blocked (by law allegedly).
Service
Service is fine, as is usually the fact in Thailand.
The staff's uniforms are a mixed bag and I am being polite. The Christian Lacroix's touch does not exactly enhance the sartorial style of those poors employees and sometimes borders on the ridiculous: not everyone can wear a jodhpur with elegance.
Dining
This is the nadir of the whole experience at this hotel.
Room service is served promptly but is properly disgusting. They even manage to botch staples like pasta of hamburgers. And the food is served barely warm even cold.
Breakfast at the restaurand is a beehive of activity. The choice is large but the quality of the food is sub-par. Service is so-so at that time of the day.
Location
Close to a garden.
But this is Bangkok and it is quite hard to find a quiet, relaxing place.
As noted previously, the hotel is literally at the base of a very busy expressway and the noise from traffic is permanent.
Pool
The outdoor infinity pool is approximately 20m long and allows laps. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of sunloungers compared to the number of guests and those loungers are taken by storm early in the morning by greedy customers.
Bathroom
The room set-up is quite bizarre and the bathroom is barely separed from the bedroom. Soap & shampoo are offered in large containers, like those found in supermarket, and are of low quality.
Gym
Small gym clearly not geared for the number of guests at this hotel.
Flights
Transfers from and to the airport (in a BMW series 5) were arranged via the concierge at a very reasonnable price. No complaint on that front. There was no wait either at the airport or the hotel.
Overall
Overall, this conceptual hotel mixing French & Thai influences is a flop and should be carefully avoided due to the plethora of luxury hotels in Bangkok with verified, outstanding reputations.
Nov 7, 2016, 12:44 pm
Some points you mention are a stark contrast with my experience, but then, I always carefully add that Sofitel So caters to a specific audience and some public may not appreciate it, at all - which is clearly your case.
Next time consider Sofitel Sukhumvit a total different much more traditional experience.
Nov 7, 2016, 1:05 pm
Some points you mention are a stark contrast with my experience, but then, I always carefully add that Sofitel So caters to a specific audience and some public may not appreciate it, at all - which is clearly your case.
Next time consider Sofitel Sukhumvit a total different much more traditional experience.
Nov 7, 2016, 1:35 pm
Some points you mention are a stark contrast with my experience, but then, I always carefully add that Sofitel So caters to a specific audience and some public may not appreciate it, at all - which is clearly your case.
Next time consider Sofitel Sukhumvit a total different much more traditional experience.
And what makes the Sofitel Sukhumvit so different from the So Sofitel?
I am much interested in your reply to the last question as I am a captive Accor Club member.
Thank you.
Nov 7, 2016, 1:39 pm
And what is your take on the food/dining/pool/gym shortcomings I mentioned in my original post?
Nov 7, 2016, 1:55 pm
And what makes the Sofitel Sukhumvit so different from the So Sofitel?
I am much interested in your reply to the last question as I am a captive Accor Club member.
Thank you.
Sofitel So is, in my opinion, not the best property to get a first impression from Bangkok as it may be considered to be in the middle of no where, due to no BTS within sight. And it may very well frighten an unseasoned traveller.
Sofitel Sukhumvit on the other hand is steps from BTS - a so much better introduction to Bangkok and those trying to get a grasp of the city. Shoppings are within walking distance or BTS a few stops away. Also, Sukhumvit seems to have a flow of families and their offspring. Their traditional French style is also much more inviting for any new comer. Anyway, it is Bangkok, and I clearly remember at midnight checking in and a... I daresay Drag Queen, checking in ahead of me. But all natural and, later out, I believed it was Bangkok's way of saying " welcome " .
This property sits at Sukhumvit, steps away from Soi Cowboy, an area geared to the best moments any traditional movie depicts of Bangkok by night. All in all, this later property allows a newcomer to feel the city without being intimidated either by BTS or simply walking the Avenue all the way to the plush malls, simply following the BTS. There is people on the street 24 hours thus one just comes downstairs and feels the warmth and safety of the city, with stalls selling from souvenirs to whatever one might imagine.
My first impression of So was mixed due to location. Later on I learned the easiness of riding MRT, cabbing on their own tuk-tuk, walking all the way to SiLom - Three years ago those buildings that face the park were being built and in the wee hours of the night I would dare walk only with other people - not due to burglars but families of rats on the street. Nowadays those pavements have been cleared out of those nasty families.
All in all, Sofitel So is NOT the best property to experience Bangkok for the first time; Eventually not even on a second visit. I also consider So to be best enjoyed when the lounge is included on one's rate due to their varanda outside on the last floor and the highly proficient staff that inhabit that oasis, along with guests that clearly enjoy talking with other guests.
Fully appreciate your frustration, also with room you have been given, thus my only remark was " Not your cup of tea".
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Nov 7, 2016, 2:30 pm
Nov 7, 2016, 6:17 pm
I consider my stay here as a highlight of all my Accor experiences. About the only point I agree on is about Earth theme room - I don't like it at all! I got them show me all the room types - Water looks best for me. I ended up in a Wood theme room because unfortunately no Water theme room was available. Metal is also alright.
Also, as pb9997 mentioned, one gets to enjoy So Bangkok much more with access to their Club Signature. Great spreads for breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktail.
I still have to try out Sofitel Sukhumvit and Hotel Muse. But Sofitel So Bangkok is by far my best experience in Bangkok and beyond. The Vie hotel is my second favorite (the Vie would be great choice for Accor Gold - upgrade to a huge suite). Pullman Grande Sukhumvit is a very good Pullman, Pullman King Power is also very good but location is not so favorable. Pullman Hotel G is... interesting
- but it can be very good value during sale especially if you're Platinum and get executive lounge access. Will try the Conrad too soon for comparisons.
Nov 21, 2016, 2:04 am
the pool was also good as it gets direct sunlight and i was able to do laps, but come on the facilities in the locker room were not working since the last time i went there 6 months ago.
i will switch to either sofitel sukh or w next time i go to bangkok next month
Dec 12, 2016, 10:10 am
I got upgraded to the So Lofty suite which was gorgeous and as it was a corner room I had a lovely view both into the Lumphini park and the city.
As I arrived to the hotel I was escorted to the Club Signature where check-in took place and the Club Signature manager introduced himself to me. They were really making sure I had a comfortable stay and even the 5 pm checkout was of no problem. The manager also invited me to stay for the cocktail hour after checking out.
I was really happy choosing the SO Sofitel Bangkok again.
Dec 14, 2016, 8:15 am
As I arrived to the hotel I was escorted to the Club Signature where check-in took place and the Club Signature manager introduced himself to me.
Dec 14, 2016, 9:37 am
Jan 10, 2017, 12:20 pm
Breakfast downstairs, however, is an absolute different animal... quite a feast; Worth it if you have well above one hour to spend, enjoy and choose from the myriad of options available. You think of it, they should have it, that diversified.