Gay Times Magazine

SO SOFITEL, BANGKOK.

- Words Stephen Unwin so-sofitel-bangkok.com

Where is it?

Right in the right part of town, within pub/bar/club/strip-club-crawling distance of Silom and Sathon, and overlookin­g the lush of Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s bi¡est green space.

Why so lovely?

It may sound like a premium toilet tissue, but SO Sofitel is Bangkok’s most bobby-dazzling hotel, a towering monument to glamour, glitz and the gayest of good times. As for the latter, ask anyone – if the boys aren’t staying here, they’ll at least be at the notoriousl­y same-sex-oriented pool parties, especially the one every last Saturday... And if we’re getting all punch-heart on your back-bottoms, the hotel is a very committed supporter of the LGBTQ community, for which we commend them.

First impression­s?

The almost pathologic­al friendline­ss of the staff – all kitted out in outthere uniforms designed by Christian Lacroix – and the insane views when you enter the lobby. Seriously, those views.

And the accommodat­ions?

This is where we get all gimmicky, but who cares if the rooms are based on the four (Chinese) elements – water, earth, wood, metal - when they’re all so damn stylish, each boasting (and boy do they boast!) floor-to-ceiling views of the city skyline, and all under the dolly-direction of Lacroix, who isn’t afraid of gorgeous. The spec, throughout, is extraordin­ary, and opt for one of the three suites that comes with its own ensuite spa if you’re feeling spendy and self-induldgent-y.

The food?

We stayed here with three friends, who are still harpin’ on about the breakfast – expletives, exclamatio­n marks, the lot. It really is epic, a slightly mad mix of Thai, Japanese, Italian, Mexican and Indian. Park Society, way up on the 29th floor, is where ‘modern western’ dining comes with pinch-yourself views, then down on the ground floor there’s Chocolab, where your sweet tooth is invited to take a hipster turn.

What is there to do?

Every last Saturday of the month, 10th floor, infinity pool, gays, more gays, hair, even more hair, champagne, champagne, champagne. Oh yeah, and the Spa, which gives Thai massages a very good name.

And the gay bit?

Right there, on your doorstep. Or, if you’re that lazy, get a tuk-tuk over to Silom and jump off at Soi 2 or Soi 4. Or Patpong for your dose of sleaze. This is the gayest patch of Bangkok where DJ Station, The Balcony and GOD remain firm favourites. There’s a pun in there somewhere.

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