I WOKE up with the sun streaming through the large picture window that framed the blue sky over the hotel’s north tower, the cool shade of azure of the pool below and the verdant foliage of the Benjasiri Park on the neighboring lot. Good morning, Bangkok!
The day before was spent entirely on traveling. Arriving late in the evening at the grand lobby of the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, this weary soul was immediately ushered to Quan Spa for a therapy. It prepped me for a dream-filled night ahead.
I slept through the night comfortably on a queen-sized bed beside a fluffy teddy bear dressed in Thai silk. Rested, the details of the 32-square meter room in greige were more prominent— fresh flowers and fruits with a typewritten welcome note on the table, Thai detail subtly imprinted on the wall, a bathroom that gets exposed when the mirrored partition is opened, and appointments every modern, discerning traveler will enjoy. The space exuded privacy but I was surprised to find out it was just one of the 1,388 rooms and suites of the 37-floor, two-tower hotel.
The hospitality establishment is inspired by the Thai Queen’s passion that “the cultural heritage of Thailand resides within its people”, thus Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park merged the legendary Thai hospitality with Marriott’s “Travel Brilliantly” philosophy. The result: a grand, modern “Thai home” in the prominent neighborhood along Sukhumvit Road, right in the beating heart of the capital.
To “Travel Brilliantly”, the hotel makes its address one of its prime considerations. The Benjasiri Park next door is a cool, green oasis to escape to, the EM District beside is a shopper’s and foodie’s paradise, and the Phrom Phong’s BTS Skytrain Station can take the adventurer to the rest of the city’s hot spots and attractions.
But the hotel is a destination in itself. Beyond the banqueting facilities that can cater to over a thousand people, which makes it an ideal MICE venue, and recreational facilities to rejuvenate, refresh and engage the “residents”, there is an array of diverse dining facility that can keep anyone nourished within its posh confines from the break of dawn to the wee hours of the next morning—the Goji Kitchen + Bar, an all-day dining restaurant, serves international restaurant in its truest sense; the Siam Tea Room presents “Grandma’s Recipe” dishes, Thai cuisine prepared using methods passed down through generations; the Soba Factory takes you to Japan and recreates a classical “izakaya” and serves traditional recipes using authentic ingredients, like buckwheat flour sourced from Hokkaido; Pagoda Chinese Restaurant not only welcomes diners with good fortune but with great, authentic Cantonese cuisine as well; The first Akira Back Restaurant in Thailand will take diners on a culinary and sensory journey with its modern style of gastronomy that blends Japanese and Korean elements with other international influences; and the décor, the panoramic view and specialty cocktails make ABar and ABar Rooftop the coolest joints to escape to at moonrise.
“Since we opened in 2016, we have provided exceptional hospitality and service to thousands of local and international guests, all of whom come with different travel purposes, from solo business travelers to large family groups,” said Bob Fabiano, the hotel’s general manager, adding, “Our aspiration for us is to personalize every guest experience and make sure that all of our guests feel special – whatever the purpose of their stay. We put a lot of effort into ensuring that everyone is satisfied.”
To gain the loyalty of their clients, Mr. Fabiano says, “We abide by my Mr. Marriott words: If you take care of your associates, they will take care of the customer, and the customer will keep coming back.”
“We strive to provide the best possible service to all our guests and deliver experiences that exceed our clients’ expectations. At Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park, we have everything we need to keep our guests happy.”
And happy I was at my “haunt”, the South Tower’s M Club Lounge. Here, breakfast, light lunch, afternoon tea, evening cocktails as well as all-day coffee and snacks are extended to the guests of the Club Floors. The vast area has private spaces for the businessmen to gather, and for the leisure traveler, an outdoor garden with a spectacular view of the city to enjoy while sipping a cappuccino at sunrise and red wine at sunset.
My 48 hours was too short a stay at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. There is truth to what the luxurious yet charming hotel claims—it is a destination in itself. So when you plan to stay here on your next trip to Bangkok, allot enough time to enjoy “your home in Bangkok”. It’s a brilliant way of traveling.
Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in 199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, Klong Ton, Klong Toey, Bangkok, Thailand.
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