ANGELS’ HAVEN

When she opened back in 1991, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok set the city’s jetset abuzz thanks to its crisp service, elegant restaurants, and cavernous lobby. It quickly became one of the city’s most esteemed houses of slumber, and one that has stood the test of time, in part thanks to several renovations over the years, many at the hands of acclaimed New York designer Tony Chi. The hotel’s location, in one of Bangkok’s key commercial and diplomatic precincts, is also brilliant; steps from the iconic Erawan Shrine, the hotel is adjacent to major shopping malls and even has its own connection to the Skytrain network.

First Impressions

Initial impressions of the hotel are impressive. Guests enter a muted forecourt into a cavernous lobby filled with trees, gardens and water features. I was quickly guided by a cheerful front desk staff member up to the fifth-floor pool deck where I was escorted around the hotel’s extensive swimming pool to a series of standalone villas, unique additions to the hotel’s 380 guest rooms and 44 suites.

The Room

My Garden Villa King is not your average city hotel room. Instead, it’s more like a villa that you’d find at a tropical resort –in fact, in the past these glorious spaces have doubled as private spa suites. Each of these single-level villas features separate, spacious living rooms, dedicated spa suites, a master bedroom — with signature Hyatt Grand Bed and pillow menu — that opens onto a private courtyard garden (a great spot for some morning contemplation over a strong coffee), and a sumptuous bathroom with twin-vanities, a steam-enabled rain shower, a stand-alone bathtub, and Balmain bath products. There is also a pair of 55-inch smart TVs, a coffee machine, a Bluetooth-enabled JBL sound system, and ample storage. The one thing you’ll notice is how serene the space is, how residential it feels, and how well appointed every aspect is. But if you do need a change of scenery, villa guests also get access to the hotel’s exclusive executive lounge.

Facilities

In addition to the expansive swimming pool and whirlpool adjacent to the villas is the hotel’s i.sawan Residental Spa & Club, which offers a menu of contemporary treatments ranging from Thai pressure-point massages to Swedish aromatherapy, conducted in intimate spa suites by a highly trained team of therapists. Next to the spa is a comprehensive fitness centre with views to the swimming pool.

Dining

Like many Grand Dame hotels, the Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok takes dining very seriously, making it as much a culinary destination for locals and travellers as it is a hotel. With its eight distinctive bars and restaurants, the hotel has a little something for everyone, from Italian osteria Salvia, with its Piedmontese and Sardinian-inspired menu and comprehensive wine list; to Spasso, a Parisian-styled bistro. The Dining Room, located in the lobby and famed for its live cooking stations, is the place for lingering breakfasts and all-day dining; while You&Mee is a casual noodle house with Art Deco-inspired interiors and a range of delicious Asian-crafted sodas.

Other popular spots include the Erawan Bakery, where AOP Isigny butter croissants and Chef Frederic’s classic pastries are always popular; the Erawan Tea Room, which pairs an extensive tea selection with Western and Thai desserts and views of the Erawan Shrine; the poolside Breezeway, an informal eatery offering accessible cuisine and drinks throughout the day; and Bar @ 494, an award-winning wine bar that’s also popular among cocktail lovers for its list of exotic concoctions from around the world.

494 Rajdamri Road, Bangkok, Thailand; Tel: +66 2 254 1234; hyatt.com