Banyan Tree Bangkok

When Westin Banyan Tree opened the owning company Thai Wah Griup gave Westin Hotels, part of the Starwood Group a five year management contract for the hotel. Then Banyan Tree, also owned by Thai Wah, had only experience of managing resort properties, never a city hotel.

Since then the Banyan Tree brand has expanded and been consolidated. On 1st January 2002, the hotel officially opened its doors as Banyan Tree Bangkok, an all-suites hotel, with 162 de-luxe suites, 50 Club suites, 3 Spa suites and 1 Presidential suite. Plus the six floors of Spa treatment rooms, makes it the largest Spa in Thailand.

The joy of staying at Banyan Tree Bangkok is the spectacular views of either the city or the Chao Phraya River. The de-luxe suites have a very homely feel with a spacious bedroom, en-suite bathroom, separate living room with a fully equipped work station. An instant home and office for a businessman visiting Bangkok.

Banyan Tree Club is hotel with a hotel, with its own Club Lounge and exclusive spa facilities. The emphasis is on pampering the senses, a welcome footbath as part of the en-suite registration and complimentary neck & shoulder massage.

Moving up to the next level of pampering are the three Spa Suites (Champaka, Lavander & Sandalwood) with not only the bedroom with en-suite bathroom, a living room with a workstation, but a private spa treatment room within the privacy of the suite. On arrival a welcome footbath, herbal tea, a choice of bath salts, scrubs and essential oils, complimentary spa canaps and a juice mixer with a daily selection of fresh local fruits.

It’s the fusion of a rejuvenating spa with comfortable accommodation to be enjoyed in privacy. After a hard day in the city the sweet relief from stress of being able to relax with an invigorating spa massage.

Saffron on the 59th floor is the signature restaurant, open for lunch 11.30am – 2.30pm and dinner 5.30-11pm, serving Traditional Thai cuisine with a contemporary twist. I recently tasted Indulging Snowfish in Red Curry Sauce – a filet of Snowfish dressed in a light yet tangy red curry sauce with saffron rice an incredible taste combination.

On the floor above Bai Yun open for lunch 11.30am (Sunday 11am) – 2.30pm and dinner 6-10.30pm serving Nouvelle Cantonese Cuisine. Their Truffle Bai Yum Roll – spring rolls stuffed with truffle left a lasting impression.

An on the roof Vertigo, where it literally did feel as if I were standing on top of the world with the best 360 degree view of Bangkok. Open 5pm – midnight (subject to weather as its open to the elements) with a stylish and sophisticated open-air grill and bar.

If this is a sign of what we have to look forward to in 2002, it’s sure going to be a fun and exciting year.

Banyan Tree Bangkok,
21/100 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120
Tel (66) 0 –2679-1200, fax (66) 0 – 2679- 1199.