Amari Watergate Bangkok
When you first enter into the spacious foyer of the Amari
Watergate Hotel in Bangkok, it makes a welcome relief from the crazed masses of
shoppers in the Prutunam shopping precinct. It’s simply elegant and slick. If
you’d made a faux pas and said
Armani then you may be forgiven as the Amari also exudes style in its own right.
When I checked in, the staff were having some banter
amongst themselves which was refreshing to see. As my room wasn’t quite ready, I
was quickly offered a coffee voucher to make use at the lovely café whilst
waiting. Not too long after connecting to the free wifi, a room key was brought
over and I was pleasantly surprised to have a room which was spacious and ‘a la
naturale’ light which meant no walking around turning on lights during daylight
hours. I was able to find easily which switch operates which light as there were
no fancy electronics to figure out here. Blonde-coloured furnishings may not be
to everyone’s taste, but it added extra brightness to the room which in turn
felt incredibly cool – even when the air conditioner wasn’t turned on. Huge
bathroom and separate rain shower makes women very happy
indeed.
The deluxe room is the lead-in category and it’s easy to
see why Australians are fond of the Amari as the colours are deep earthy tones
and warm - just like the outback. Sufficient bench space and free wifi in the
rooms add significance to those who need internet access.
I
noticed the casing of the window in my room was about 12 inches in from the
walls, floor and ceiling. Why is that important you might ask? It means the
curtains actually hide out the light from above the pelmet and below the hem,
allowing it to be totally devil dark which in turn is heaven sent to anyone with
light-sensitive eyes. Cabin crew friends talk about curtains that never close
properly and we know what odd hours they must try to sleep. At least this
property ‘got it right’ – and that was almost 20 years ago … shame a few more
properties didn’t take notice.
I
had the chance to view the conference rooms and banqueting facilities capable of
seating up to 1,200 guests. Again large light rooms with huge communal tables in
the break-out areas gave an impression of professionalism throughout whilst
retaining an air of informality.
The pool area is on level 8 where you can relax away from
the buzz of Bangkok, however I might have thought during peak season it would be
a frantic dash to secure your spot by the water.
Throughout my stay, the staff members certainly ensured
the service standards were above what’s expected and they strived hard to keep
it that way I felt. I had the opportunity to experience the Executive Lounge for
breakfast and again the evening’s delectable cuisine. All prepared by the Head
Chef who also carved the mouth-watering roast for guests who circled around him
like a hyena. The desserts were just lip smacking and beautifully prepared. And
again, the staff members could not have been more helpful and chatty.
I
was sad to leave the Amari Watergate and looking back from the Sky Train, I tend
to think the stand-alone property may have been the first built in the area. I
figure they must have thought ‘build it
and they will come’ and tourists certainly have been for years now. There’s
a plethora of shopping plazas and street stalls around and doesn’t matter which
direction you walk.
The nearest Sky Train stop is Ratchaparok and the taxi
from the hotel was approximately Baht 40 (negotiated regardless of traffic) and
the fare then by train to the international airport Suvarnabhumi was Baht 40 -
so much faster and cheaper than a taxi. (Baht 40 = A$1.40 on today’s exchange
rate.)
Speaking of the Amari group, there is a property at Hua
Hin of which I’ve earmarked for my next trip … if Hua Hin is good enough for the
King to take up residence then I feel it’s worthy a visit. Not to mention this
weekend there is an annual elephant polo event coming up and sounds like
fun!
Hint: Upgrade to the Executive room as you’ll have access
to the Lounge and truly worth the extra dollars.
When you first enter into the spacious foyer of the Amari
Watergate Hotel in Bangkok, it makes a welcome relief from the crazed masses of
shoppers in the Prutunam shopping precinct. It’s simply elegant and slick. If
you’d made a faux pas and said
Armani then you may be forgiven as the Amari also exudes style in its own right.
When I checked in, the staff were having some banter
amongst themselves which was refreshing to see. As my room wasn’t quite ready, I
was quickly offered a coffee voucher to make use at the lovely café whilst
waiting. Not too long after connecting to the free wifi, a room key was brought
over and I was pleasantly surprised to have a room which was spacious and ‘a la
naturale’ light which meant no walking around turning on lights during daylight
hours. I was able to find easily which switch operates which light as there were
no fancy electronics to figure out here. Blonde-coloured furnishings may not be
to everyone’s taste, but it added extra brightness to the room which in turn
felt incredibly cool – even when the air conditioner wasn’t turned on. Huge
bathroom and separate rain shower makes women very happy
indeed.
The deluxe room is the lead-in category and it’s easy to
see why Australians are fond of the Amari as the colours are deep earthy tones
and warm - just like the outback. Sufficient bench space and free wifi in the
rooms add significance to those who need internet access.
I
noticed the casing of the window in my room was about 12 inches in from the
walls, floor and ceiling. Why is that important you might ask? It means the
curtains actually hide out the light from above the pelmet and below the hem,
allowing it to be totally devil dark which in turn is heaven sent to anyone with
light-sensitive eyes. Cabin crew friends talk about curtains that never close
properly and we know what odd hours they must try to sleep. At least this
property ‘got it right’ – and that was almost 20 years ago … shame a few more
properties didn’t take notice.
I
had the chance to view the conference rooms and banqueting facilities capable of
seating up to 1,200 guests. Again large light rooms with huge communal tables in
the break-out areas gave an impression of professionalism throughout whilst
retaining an air of informality.
The pool area is on level 8 where you can relax away from
the buzz of Bangkok, however I might have thought during peak season it would be
a frantic dash to secure your spot by the water.
Throughout my stay, the staff members certainly ensured
the service standards were above what’s expected and they strived hard to keep
it that way I felt. I had the opportunity to experience the Executive Lounge for
breakfast and again the evening’s delectable cuisine. All prepared by the Head
Chef who also carved the mouth-watering roast for guests who circled around him
like a hyena. The desserts were just lip smacking and beautifully prepared. And
again, the staff members could not have been more helpful and chatty.
I
was sad to leave the Amari Watergate and looking back from the Sky Train, I tend
to think the stand-alone property may have been the first built in the area. I
figure they must have thought ‘build it
and they will come’ and tourists certainly have been for years now. There’s
a plethora of shopping plazas and street stalls around and doesn’t matter which
direction you walk.
The nearest Sky Train stop is Ratchaparok and the taxi
from the hotel was approximately Baht 40 (negotiated regardless of traffic) and
the fare then by train to the international airport Suvarnabhumi was Baht 40 -
so much faster and cheaper than a taxi. (Baht 40 = A$1.40 on today’s exchange
rate.)
Speaking of the Amari group, there is a property at Hua
Hin of which I’ve earmarked for my next trip … if Hua Hin is good enough for the
King to take up residence then I feel it’s worthy a visit. Not to mention this
weekend there is an annual elephant polo event coming up and sounds like
fun!
Hint: Upgrade to the Executive room as you’ll have access
to the Lounge and truly worth the extra dollars.
