Okura Prestige Bangkok: breathtaking at every turn

Some hotels claim to be a five-star hotel but the Okura Prestige is the epitome of what one should be. Where nothing is too much trouble and attention to detail is the rule not the exception. From the moment you walk in to the Okura Prestige you will be whisked away to a luxurious and super stylish world by the hospitable Thai staff. Your oasis in the city awaits you.

The reason I chose to stay at this hotel was through consistent reviews and recommendations on various independent websites. I also liked the fact that this hotel had an infinity pool located 25 stories up with a wonderful view over the Bangkok cityscape. The room rates were also very attractive for a five-star experience – you would be hard pressed to find anything that is even in the same league as what the Okura Prestige offers it’s guests.

The Okura Prestige

On arrival you will be greeted by the wonderful doormen who will escort you to the hotel lobby which is located on the 24th floor. The actual hotel itself occupies all floors above level 24 and all offer incredible city views through expansive triple glazed windows.

The first thing you will notice about this hotel is the quietness and it’s not overrun with people. The only time I noticed that there were a fair amount of other people staying at the hotel was during breakfast when the restaurant was full. It felt very private and more like a retreat – something that was very welcome when you have had a busy day out and about in Bangkok.

The styling of the hotel sets the scene with timeless elegance and well thought out use of accessories and design.

The Room

The personal service continued on after I was checked in, with the very same staff member escorting me to my room – he then gave me a run down on the features of the room. My luggage was handled by the bellboys and was delivered to the room within in five minutes.

I was staying in a Deluxe room which was very spacious and had a breathtaking view of the city. The room features two large single beds, a divan, a desk with two chairs, a fully stocked minibar, complimentary bottled water, complimentary tea and coffee, a wide screen TV, and plenty of storage. The beds were very comfortable and the pillows were of good quality with plenty of fill. The room lighting could be controlled at the bedside. The air-conditioning was easily controlled by a touch panel beside the bed.

The important things

The rooms are serviced daily and each day I found an origami crane left on my bed with a card that said “sleep well” which was a lovely touch. There are two choices of bathrobes provided, one being a traditional Japanese robe which is a little lighter in material than the other, along with slippers being placed on mats beside the bed. In the bathroom were complimentary toiletries, more bottled water and a good quality hairdryer for guests to use. The hairdryer was powerful enough for my liking (I am very fussy on this matter), so I was happy to leave my hairdryer in my suitcase. The lighting in the bathroom was fairly good, although I would have liked it a touch brighter for doing my makeup.

The dressing room area had a wardrobe, a safe, an iron and ironing board and a place to store your luggage out of sight of the main room.

The bathroom had a separate shower, spacious bathtub and the toilet had it’s own room with a Japanese style bidet with various functions.

Each day fresh fruit was laid out on a serving tray with a plate, knife and linen napkin.  Newspapers (English) were provided each day in it’s own bag and was hung on the door each morning.

Wifi was provided free of charge and was available right throughout the hotel.

The Pool

Located on the 25th floor is the surreal infinity pool overlooking the skyline of Bangkok. This pool literally floats from the side of the building, so if you suffer vertigo then you may not enjoy the magnificent view! Whether it is day or night the view from the pool is spectacular. I would love to say that the pool is the jewel in this hotels crown but there are many jewels in this crown and the pool is just one of those!

Upon entry to the pool you are given a complimentary bottle of water and towel – the towels are neatly displayed on shelves which you can grab on your way past. There are 12 sun lounges each shaded with large umbrellas and a towel ready to use if you have forgotten to grab one from the wall. Staff are quick to clear away any used towels left by guests, ensuring a neat and tidy area at all times. There is also a window that provides refreshments and snacks if you desire to have so by the pool.

Being mid October (which is considered the low season) the pool was fairly quiet, so there was no problem in getting a sun lounge and at times you may even have the pool to yourself. Being in winter the sun was shining on the pool in the mornings only and by midday the sun had gone behind the building.

Breakfast

The breakfast at the Okura Prestige is truly amazing and would have to be one of the best hotel breakfasts I have ever encountered. The choice and display of food is something to behold. The breakfast is served in the Up and Above restaurant and bar and costs 1000 Baht which works out to be around $35 Aus/US dollars. The emphasis is on an American breakfast but there is also the choice of a Japanese breakfast too. The array and display of food is phenomenal from coconut juice served in coconut shells, the fresh fruit stall-like display, to placing your order for eggs cooked your way and delivered to your table by the chef. Once again the view is always present in the background and you have the choice of either sitting inside or on the balcony soaking up that view.

What’s on offer at Okura Prestige

Apart from the amazing infinity pool there is a state-of-the-art fitness centre located right beside the pool, where you can workout whilst admiring the same view that the pool enjoys.

If you require a little pampering then you will find tranquility in The Okura Spa.

There is also three dining options in the Elements, Yamazato and the Up and above restaurant and bar.

The Verdict

I absolutely loved my stay at the Okura Prestige and I could not fault it. For me it is what a true five-star hotel is all about, the timeless elegance, the luxurious appointments and the attention to detail. It’s like every single aspect has been carefully considered and presented in a visually pleasing manner and the whole place works on this harmony. The hospitality of the staff are both friendly and welcoming. Especially so of the check-in staff who will go out of their way to make sure you are happy and looked after. Anything I needed organised was never any trouble. If I wanted a taxi then they phoned for one and once I reached the bottom floor the door staff ensured with the taxi driver where I was going and then gave me a hotel card with a map for my return back to the hotel so I got back safely. They advised me on how much I should expect to pay for a taxi and explained how to get to tourist attractions with directions.

The proximity to the Skytrain is a huge plus, so getting around Bangkok is easy. It is also near the major shopping district with the Siam Paragon, Siam Central and MBK shopping malls a couple of stops away via the Skytrain.

Stay here if:

• You expect luxury of the highest standard.
• You like infinity pools with a view over the city.
• You enjoy peace and quietness.

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Where

Okura Prestige Bangkok

Park Ventures Ecoplex, 57 Wireless Road, Lumpini,
Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 Thailand
Tel: +66 (0) 2687 9000 Fax: +66 (0) 2687 9001

Website: Okura Prestige Bangkok