About your stay
By Alexander Basek,Jetsetter Correspondent
Bangkok is renowned mostly for its vibrant street scene and ancient temples -not so much for its luxurious charms and world-class amenities. Yet on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Lebua at State Tower IS a tranquil escape from the heat and chaos of the metropolis below. literally. This all-suite luxury hotel occupies part of the second-tallest tower in all of Bangkok,
so it has impressive views of the city from each suite’s private balcony. With Bulgari amenities,
Petrossian goodies and in-suite cooking by lauded chefs, it’s no wonder Lebua continually lands on “world’s best’” lists.
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For all the modern wizardry of its glass-and-steel exterior. the Lebua at State Tower has the aura of a bygone era in travel. At check-in. smiling Thai women nod to me in the traditional wai gesture to my right. To my left. an entire KLM flight crew. in their distinctive powder blue uniforms. stride through the marble-floored lobby with purpose. I feel as if I flew a Pan Am 707 to get here myself.
suites. which occupy floors 51 -59. for an The One at State Tower.hosts restaurants and bars.The architecture of Lebua is just as impressive as its charms. The tower rises more than 60 stories; all of the 358 suites have balconies overlooking the Chao Phraya River. countless other skyscrapers in progress and the rest of the sparkling cityscape. The suites are sleek. with double-height blond-wood headboards capping the feather beds and Bulgari amenities. Upgrade to the Tower Club
even better birds-eye-view plus access to including the SkyBar on the 63rd floor.
the 52-floor Tower Club Lounge.
Just as one would expect from a luxury property in Thailand. the seiVice is incredibly friendly and accommodating. almost to a fault. If the staff had the option of wheeling me to my room on a handcart. they would do it. Even the turndown seiVice includes a hand-stamped card with the forecast for the next few days. so guests can plan their time and dress accordingly.
Come nightfall, the action moves to the 63rd floor, where the Mediterranean Sirocco restaurant and SkyBar await. A combination of tourists and upscale business types lounge on couches and sip cocktails while taking in the wrap-around view of Bangkok. Sirocco is the world’s highest outdoor restaurant, so don’t overdo the cocktails — it’s a long way down.
Step outside the hotel into the Bang Rak business district, and it’s a short walk to the SkyTrain or the river. That’s the pleasure of Bangkok: You can take an elevator and drink on the 63rd floor, or leave your sleek aerie and eat one of the best meals you’ve ever had at a street cart. It’s a beauty that Lebua shares: The city is right there at your feet, and you can get as close to it as you want.
