TRIED & TESTED HOTELS

Dusit Thani, Bangkok; Monument Hotel, Barcelona

The Dusit Thani has an old-world charm without being faded– they don’t make hotels like this anymore

BACKGROUND The Dusit Thani will close on April 16, 2018, to be knocked down and redeveloped. A new Dusit Thani hotel will reopen in 2022 on the same site, but as part of a mixed-use development. When it first opened in 1970 it was the tallest building in Bangkok – 100 metres to the tip of the spire, which was inspired by the landmark Wat Arun temple.

W H AT ’ S ITLIKE? In its final months but still going strong, the Dusit Thani has an old-world charm without being faded. Both the exterior and interior are beautiful. There is plenty of greenery around the entrance and the gardens (the developers say that many of the trees will be conserved). The hotel’s aesthetic benefits from its history, too, with teakwood furnishings and lots of marble giving the interior a classic feel.

WHERE IS IT? Opposite Lumphini Park close to the Skytrain (BTS) Sala Daeng station and also Silom metro station (on the National Stadium – Bang Wa line). A few minutes’ walk around the corner is the Silom shopping complex.

ROOMS The 517 rooms have exterior views and wood detailing, with mirrors making them feel light and airy. The entry level Deluxe rooms are 30 sqm, while the Dusit Club rooms are 60 sqm and allow access to the full range of Dusit Club privileges, including the use of a business centre and late check out. All rooms have free wifi, bottled water, balconies, a mini bar and coffee/tea making facilities, a work desk and satellite TV.

FOODANDDRINK Close to reception is Library 1918, which looks like a bar from the outside but is in fact a tearoom. On the top floor, The 22 Kitchen & Bar has great views and serves seafood, and was once Tiara – Thailand’s first supper club, where everyone from Rod Stewart to Stevie Wonder played. Other options include Thai restaurant Benjarong; Hamilton’s Steak House; The Mayflower (Cantonese); The Pavilion (international); Thien Duong (Vietnamese); and also a coffee shop in the downstairs arcade for pastries and cakes.

MEETINGS The Napalai Ballroom can host up to 1,500 people and there are several other large function rooms.

LEISURE As well as the outdoor swimming pool there is a good size gym with aerobics studio, squash court and the Devarana Spa.

VERDICT They don’t make hotels like this anymore, and more’s the shame. It’s on a human scale, yet big enough for 48 years of memories. What will (hopefully) remain after the redevelopment is the tradition of service, which throughout our stay was exemplary. Tom Otley