The finest residence in Bangkok

I previously stayed at the PH BKK shortly after opening in 2017. It had great promise, but was lacking the fine touches of a luxury hotel.

We visit Thailand once or twice a year and usually book a suite at the St Regis. I now regret not returning to the PH BKK sooner.

I booked a King Deluxe via Prive. The upgrade was confirmed into a King Corner. I saw on the app that we had been upgraded to a Park Deluxe Suite the night before check in.

I reached out to the hotel to mention I had issues with noise on the last stay. I'm a light sleeper and require complete silence. I also booked the hotel S Class for arrival and departure.

We were met at BKK arrivals by an agent and taken to the hotel car equipped with wifi.

 

We pulled into the hotel driveway and a team of five were awaiting our arrival including Diana and Anna from the Guest Experience team. We were warmly welcomed back, our bags were taken and whisked to the room for private, in room check in. We arrived at 9AM and the room was ready which was much appreciated after 4 weeks in Europe and a short EY flight AUH-BKK where we only had four hours sleep.

I somehow forgot how spectacularly designed this property is. The combination of the local Thai elements with Avant Garde, modern design give it a unique ambience. 

As luck would have it, Diana previously worked at the PH VIE where we had just departed. She mentioned they allocated a Park Executive Suite on the Pool side of the building because it was quieter and was indeed very quiet.

The room was large with a dining table for four, living area, bedroom and 1.5 bathrooms.

The room overlooked the city and below we could see the pool and the glittering metallic building that marks the Bangkok skyline.

We were given Champagne, Strawberries and a special Welcome amenity for a special occasion we were celebrating. There were two handwritten cards. While it may sound naff the PH motto of Luxury is Personal is reflected in a personalised, handwritten note. Some PHs have moved to printed notes with absolutely no personalisation and this is acutely noticed on my stays.

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During our brief one night stay, members of the Executive Team continued to check on us and deliver little surprises including a Cake and Mango Sticky Rice at breakfast. It was clear they truly wanted us to enjoy this stay and make an impression.

This stay was our last hotel on our vacation so we had no plans to leave the property.

I asked the Concierge for some Nail Clippers and something from the pharmacy and they were both delivered within 20 mins,.

At night we booked a table at the Rooftop bar which has incredible views over the City of Angels. Fabian, the Assistant F&B Director looked after us as did the entire bar team. We ordered some cocktails and food from the Penthouse Restaurant and Grill while the sun set.

The F&B Director knew the Head Barman at the PH VIE and Fabian said because his Director was on leave if he could take a photos of us to send to him. We obliged. When we returned to the room that night there was the printed photo and another handwritten card referencing how we always end our vacations with One Night in Bangkok. I don't think any gesture a hotel has ever made has had such impact.

It's clear the management here has changed and they are aiming for the highest level of service. 
 

The PH has a large infinity pool that we spent two days lazing by. The pool team equally checked on us and provided cold towels as well as popsicles to guests - something I recall FS properties for doing well.

On our previous stay the foliage was young and the pool was in full view of the Embassy Lounge and Restaurant but now the trees provide privacy from those eating inside.


 

The F&B is of a high quality. On arrival we ordered the Signature Eggs Benedict Croissants which are divine.

Breakfast has a large buffet spread and includes fresh Coconut juice, Asian, Western and even Arab options like Ful Medamas. Fabian again came to check on us at breakfast and it was adorable when being handed the menus one of the team immediately also handed us the Halal menu. Many hotels assume I don't drink or only eat Halal because of my name. Sometimes I'm given a Sparkling Water amenity because of this. I appreciated that the PH BKK staff checked with me before making any assumptions.

Overall, I could not be more impressed with the PH BKK. In my view it stands alongside the PH VIE and PH SYD (when it was under Marc von Amin's leadership) as one of the jewels in the PH crown.

The service at this PH is on par with Rosewood with the attention to detail, anticipation of one's needs and the dedication of the staff.

On departure we were escorted to the hotel car and on arrival at BKK escorted to check in and to immigration despite not having booked Meet & Assist.

I had previously been interested in staying at the Capella, however in February I emailed them some questions about the room types and receieved the most obtuse response. As we all know, first impressions count.

So I follow the many other FTers praising the PH BKK and it will now become our new home in this glorious city so full of welcome and warmth.

My only regret is not staying longer.