TL/DR: Flawless service from Grape and Yun. They were the most hospitable and friendly staff that I’ve ever met in my entire life. Put it this way, I’m considering to switch from Marriott to IHG because of them.
Kimpton Maa-Lai was the first IHG property that I’ve ever stayed at, which means I’m basically a nobody to them (at least, in a way). However, I was caught off guard when I saw the upgrades given by the hotel and the incredible pre-arrival communications with Suchada. I booked the premium room but was proactively upgraded to the Maa-Lai Suite without me even asking for it. On the other hand, I was rarely upgraded at a Marriott property despite my status and the rate that I’ve booked under. Similarly, I also did not have to request a late check-out as it was automatically granted for my stay (as opposed to the “subject to availability” at some other hotels). Initially, the reservation was made for 3 nights only and I planned to move to the Athenee after that. I immediately cancelled my reservation at the Athenee and extended my stay at the Kimpton when I was aware of the upgrades.
Yun assisted me with the check-in process when I arrived from the Madi Paidi. She was very friendly (like 1000x kind of friendly) and I felt more welcomed to this hotel than most of the so-called luxury properties that I’ve stayed at. Very very efficient and very very friendly.
The room was enormous and I really really loved the bathroom overlooking the park next to the hotel. The aesthetic and the design of the room were calm, chill, and pleasant (which fits the urban oasis narrative perfectly). Loved the Harnn amenities as well (tho this could be biased as I’ve been using Harnn for quite some time). Turn-down service was great and they usually leave a traditional snack on the bedside table for you to enjoy.
The Maa-Lai Library provides a great view of the golf course and the skyline of its immediate vicinity. Bar.Yard on level 40 has some great cocktails on offer and the view was comparable to other rooftop bars such as the Loft.
The pool area was quite nice as well, though it could get busy depending on the time of day. Each day (from 5 to 6pm), guests are able to enjoy some complimentary drinks and snacks at the pool bar. One other thing that I like about the hotel is that the staff would usually hang around the pool during this time, which provides a “channel” for guests to provide some feedback about their stay. Grape and Yun are usually there during the social hour. To date, they are the best (like best, best) hospitality staff that I’ve met in Thailand (scratch that, in the world). Their attention to detail is beyond anything you can ever imagine. Their warmth and hospitality made me feel like I was meeting some old friends. They were very very helpful with the questions that I had.
The breakfast spread was massive, with tons of selections to choose from. The egg Benedict is really delicious. When compared to the Sindhorn Kempinski (hotel next door), their Ala carte menu is abit limited and they can get very, very busy starting from 9pm.
I also had the opportunity to try the Amaranth Spa. The environment was very calm and relaxing. The rain shower in the treatment room was quite unique and again, love the Harnn amenities.
Overall, I’m in love with Kimpton Maa-Lai and IHG definitely left a great first impression. Unlike some other hotels where you tend to get bored after the first few nights, I never had this feeling during my stay. And I’m pretty sure my experience would not be this incredible and memorable, if not for Yun and Grape. At this stage, I would be disappointed if they are not commended by the hotel management. Thank you so much for such an amazing stay and I’ll definitely return in the future (in fact, I’m finalising my travel plans for Feb and I’m definitely thinking of dropping some of my Marriott...
Read moreBangkok has no shortage of luxury hotels but Kimpton Maa-Lai isn’t just a hotel. It’s a mood, a vibe, and quite honestly, a lifestyle.
From the moment I walked into the lush, art-filled lobby to the time I (reluctantly) checked out, this stay felt like the perfect blend of laidback luxury and urban energy, with a distinctive personality all its own.
I stayed in the Maa-Lai Suite with Green Lung View, a spacious 87 sqm sanctuary that overlooked the verdant canopy of Lumphini Park, Bangkok’s famed “green lung.” With floor-to-ceiling windows, the suite was constantly bathed in golden natural light, which made lounging in the Christian Develter robes or soaking in the bathtub with a view even more indulgent. There's also a sleek rain shower, double vanity, and beautiful touches like custom HARNN amenities and a Vifa sound system to create your own soundscape. Every inch of the suite is considered—from the Nespresso machine and yoga mat to the stylish office area, in case you need to mix a bit of work with all the pampering.
The service? Flawless. Every team member I interacted with was friendly, attentive, and effortlessly cool—not stiff, but still totally professional. And speaking of cool: Kimpton is pet-friendly, which made the experience all the more joyful. I saw adorable pups trotting through the lobby and lounging with their humans at breakfast, adding to the warm, lived-in feel of the hotel.
The pool is a standout. Framed by tropical greenery and stylish loungers, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day in the city. The gym is spacious and state-of-the-art, and the Amaranth Spa was pure magic. A full body reset in the middle of the city.
Dining at Kimpton Maa-Lai is an experience in itself. I had an amazing Italian lunch at Ms. Jigger—truffle arancini, pillowy gnocchi, and hearty pizza diavola. In the evening, I headed up to Bar.Yard, their rooftop social space with jaw-dropping city views and playful cocktails. It’s the place to see and be seen, but never felt pretentious. The hotel hosts a daily social hour with complimentary cocktails and wines from 5–6pm, which is such a fun and generous touch. And breakfast at Stock.Room was another highlight—everything from Thai specialties to classic eggs and avo toast, with both buffet and à la carte options.
There’s a reason why this hotel draws in a younger, stylish crowd—locals and travelers alike. It’s effortlessly chic but never cold, luxe without being uptight. From the curated minibar (with Thai rum and clean treats) to the “Forgot It? We Got It” service that literally anticipates anything you might leave at home, it’s clear that Kimpton understands the modern traveler.
The location is also perfect—tucked in Langsuan, close to Lumphini Park, the BTS Skytrain, and just a quick zip to Siam, Silom, or Sathorn. Central, but peaceful.
In short, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok is where thoughtful design, playful soul, and intuitive service meet. Whether you’re here to work, rest, celebrate, or do it all at once—this hotel just gets it. Can’t...
Read moreI have never been so disappointed in a hotel. We booked our room a year ago and specifically requested a higher floor. The hotel seemed perfect for us—we are traveling with two small children and needed a kitchenette, a dining table, a small kitchen area, and two separate bedrooms.
However, upon arrival, we discovered that major renovation work is taking place in the neighboring rooms. And I’m talking about a full renovation—there’s a jackhammer in use. The noise from 10 AM to 5 PM is unbearable, making it impossible to stay in the room. Our youngest child can’t take his nap due to the extreme noise levels, which significantly impacts our stay.
We complained to the hotel, as this is absolutely unacceptable for the price we paid. Why would they place guests on a floor where major construction is happening? Their only offered solution was a different room on the 7th floor, but it doesn’t have the essential facilities we booked for—a kitchen and a washing machine. On top of that, we were told we had to wait three hours before even seeing the new room, meaning we were stuck in a construction zone all day.
To make matters worse, we now have to pack everything up and move rooms in the middle of our vacation. And with all the stuff we have for two small children, packing alone will take us at least three hours of our vacation time—of course, without any form of compensation. We specifically booked this room because it had exactly what we needed: a washing machine, a kitchen, and a dining table.
The hotel’s response? That we could just go sightseeing from 10 AM to 5 PM so we wouldn’t hear the noise. I find that suggestion completely outrageous. A hotel room should be a place of comfort and relaxation, especially for families with young children.
Other than that, the hotel itself is beautiful, well-furnished, and the staff is very friendly. The breakfast is also delicious, though extremely overcrowded—we had to wait 30 minutes for a table one morning with two hungry, jet-lagged toddlers. The outdoor area, including the park, is truly unique and a highlight of the hotel.
While the hotel has potential, the lack of transparency about the renovations and the complete disregard for guest comfort make it impossible for me to recommend. If you’re considering staying here, I strongly suggest confirming in advance whether construction work is ongoing—otherwise, you may find yourself paying premium prices to stay in the middle of a...
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