Centara Grand & Bangkok Convention Centre at Centralworld

BACKGROUND

You can’t travel far in Thailand without spotting a Centara and this one, spanning 55 floors over central Bangkok – which directly adjoins the Convention Centre – is a mainstay for business travellers. On this trip I tagged on two nights in the Centara Tropicana Resort in Koh Chang, which was relaxing if you can make time for some post-work R&R.

W H AT ’ S IT LIKE?

On entering a welcome lobby you shoot up to reception on the 23rd floor and from there I took another lift to my 49th floor room which offered a dizzy panorama of the city.

Alongside the pivotal MICE allure, this hotel has a strong mix of F&B – particularly as you rise upwards, where you’ll find Uno Mas (Spanish), Red Sky Bar and CRU Champagne Bar gracing the pinnacle, and the abundant flavours in the buffet breakfast at The World will power you up for the day. The room was suitable for a single traveller, attractively designed with the bathroom curving along the side, with room for a shower, tub, sink and toilet. The Smart TV provides another online option and a discreet tea/coffee section is sandwiched next to the desk.

FACILITIES

The pool isn’t large but offers more high-rise views and catches the stiff breeze – this being the rainy season (May to October) – and the stand-out features on this floor are the comprehensive gym and Cenvaree Spa; I had an indulgent two-hour ‘spa ritual’ – and at the resort too – and I actually felt this one had the slight edge (though the resort’s setting is lovely, one of those classic Asian designs with abundant wood and water features); this one is worth taking, and perfect way to round off a convention.

VERDICT

A great base to unwind, with good F&B and leisure facilities, ideal for conventions and suitable for central Bangkok meetings.

Alongside the pivotal MICE allure, this hotel has a strong mix of F&B – particularly as you rise upwards