This hotel should have been amazing. But - like so many other reviewers have said - there are a litany of issues that leave you terribly disappointed.||Upon arrival we were upgraded to a suite - amazing! ||However, the bathroom in the suite has a thin blind, so whilst the bedroom is totally blacked out, the bathroom floods the room with light at sunrise. Not that it mattered, the world's firmest bed and thinnest pillows (along with scratchy sheets) are not conducive to a good night's sleep. We were moved to a new room for the rest of our stay; the AC was faulty and one of the blinds was also broken (but at least I could close the bedroom door so it was dark to sleep - albeit very warm).||The main issue was the food & beverage, however.||A 5 star hotel breakfast in Bangkok should be AMAZING. Despite the variety on the buffet, most of the food is cold and/or stale. In order to resolve the issue I asked to speak to the manager, and was told they don't arrive before 9am. So I asked for the chef, and was told the same thing again! It clearly shows that the management are not present when most of the guests are here. The staff clearly don't want to be there either.||The made to order station team are intransigent; despite having the ingredients they will not prepare something that is not on their list for the day. Same with the smoothie / fruit station. No amendments or adjustments are allowed. So many rules!||The Japanese restaurant is dreadful; most of the food was precooked and then re-heated and served to us. And it's actually just part of the buffet restaurant so your meal has a procession of people parading past ... hardly the ambience of a 5 star hotel restaurant (and I booked it specifically as I did not want to dine at a buffer restaurant).||The bar at reception was DEAD - we were the only two customers. We ordered a martini and a margarita. The margarita was served in a martini glass and the martini was served in some strange vessel. At least the martini was drinkable - the margarita was not. And despite being the only two in the bar, it took over 20 minutes to make 2 drinks. The bar-tender came over to apologise that the margarita wasn't in the correct glass (didnt notice the martini wasn't??!!) but never inquired if the drinks were to our liking.||The club lounge food is cold and stale. The hot selection is under a light globe so doesn't stay warm. And even though you are in Thailand, you will get served mini burgers, pizza and other such snacks. What a missed opportunity to serve Thai snacks! The staff are friendly here, however.||I went to try the spa and was told it was fully booked for the duration of my stay, and then the receptionist rudely rolled down the garage door! Despite walking past for the pool, I strangely never saw anyone in there.||I cannot think of a positive thing to say about the SO Bangkok. There is clearly a management issue - I'd be surprised if the hotel even has a General Manager. ||And despite it being an ACCOR requirement to send a feedback survey after a stay, I never...
Read moreA decade of unmatched hospitality and memorable stays and spa experiences
I’ve just had another wonderful stay at SO/ Bangkok, a place that has been my go-to destination for over 11 years. I’ve already booked my next stay, and it’s safe to say this hotel continues to exceed my expectations. At the forefront of its charm is the incredible staff—warm, attentive, and always ready to cater to your needs. Their genuine Thai hospitality shines from every corner, making you feel truly cared for from the moment you arrive.
SO/ Bangkok’s unique touches continue to impress: from the delightful scent of the shampoo and shower gel to the cozy and stylish dark hallways of the Water Element. The views from the large window fronts in every room are stunning, especially in my favorite Earth Element corner rooms with a breathtaking view of Lumpini Park. While I was initially placed in a Water Element room with a city view, I was kindly offered a mid-stay room change to my preferred Earth Element corner room, which I truly appreciated. The calming ambiance and stylish design of Water Element remain favorites, but nothing compares to the views from Earth Element, with its expansive windows and calming park vista.
I’m also delighted to report that the breakfast service at Red Oven, which had disappointed me back in 2022, has returned to the high standard I expect. The staff have regained their warmth and attentiveness, ensuring a wonderful dining experience each morning.
The hotel has aged gracefully, maintaining its modern, stylish appeal, but I feel that some areas, like the sauna in the male changing room at So/Fit, could use a refresh. It’s disappointing that the sauna and the shower experience haven’t been maintained—the shower was broken in 2022 and remains in the same state during my 2024 stay. I hope this gets addressed soon, as these details are key to SO/'s otherwise impeccable reputation.
Despite these small concerns, the thoughtful details at SO/ Bangkok continue to make every stay special. The welcome treats, from the beautifully arranged chocolates and cookies to the refreshing lemongrass drink, and the drink vouchers for Hi-So, KOF, or Chocolate Lab, add that extra touch of care that keeps me coming back.
As for So/ Spa, it remains my favorite spa in Thailand. I’ve been a loyal guest since 2013, and the level of service is consistently outstanding. Although I initially missed the organic music and Balinese massage options, my recent visit was incredibly touching. The team surprised me with a personal gesture that made me feel truly special and appreciated. This thoughtful act, along with a memorable gift, reminded me why So/ Spa holds a special place in my heart—it’s not just about the exceptional treatments but the genuine care they show to each guest.
In conclusion, despite a few areas needing attention, SO/ Bangkok continues to be a beacon of excellence. The warm hospitality, attention to detail, and stylish ambiance ensure that each stay is memorable, and I look forward to...
Read moreFor this trip, I chose SO/ Bangkok, a hotel where nature-inspired design meets modern luxury. I stayed in a Wood Element Room, which offers a tranquil view of Lumphini Park, often called Bangkok’s Central Park.
The expansive greenery and peaceful atmosphere were breathtaking. The room itself was a work of art—stylish, modern, and incredibly relaxing.
The bed! Bigger than a super king-size, it felt like sleeping on a cloud. Every detail in the room, from its elegant furniture to the warm earthy tones, is thoughtfully designed to create a calming, rejuvenating experience.
Club Access at SO/ Bangkok (25th Floor): Staying on the Club Floor is a must! This exclusive access elevates your stay with: Private Check-In: Enjoy a seamless check-in process with welcome drinks and panoramic views of the city. Gourmet Breakfast: Indulge in dishes like Angus Breakfast Steak, Pan-Seared Salmon, or Smoked Salmon Benny, all while overlooking the sparkling Bangkok skyline in a serene, elegant setting. Afternoon Tea: Savor a variety of beautifully crafted pastries and snacks, perfect for a mid-day treat. Sunset Canapés & Drinks: As the sun sets over Lumphini Park, unwind with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails. The golden hour view is nothing short of magical.
Infinity Pool & Rooftop Bar: The 10th-floor infinity pool overlooks Lumphini Park, offering a stunning view as you swim or lounge by the water..
Unmatched Convenience: Morning Fitness: Whether it’s a jog in Lumphini Park or a workout at the 24-hour SO/ FIT gym, staying active has never been this refreshing. The gym also features sauna facilities for post-workout relaxation. Prime Location: Just a 3-minute walk to the MRT (Lumphini Station), with nearby landmarks like One Bangkok mall and the famous Northeast Thai Restaurant, all within walking distance.
SO Sunday Brunch at Red Oven: A culinary highlight of the stay was the SO Sunday Brunch at Red Oven. The buffet features a wide selection, from fresh seafood to Japanese dishes, Thai classics, and indulgent desserts. Their signature ice creams are the perfect ending to a satisfying meal!
Why I choose SO/ Bangkok ? Michelin Star Recognition: One-star Michelin Key 🌟 Designer Rooms: Four nature-inspired themes—Wood, Water, Metal, and Earth—each meticulously crafted by renowned designers. Stunning Views: Every space in the hotel is thoughtfully oriented to showcase the lush greenery of Lumphini Park or the dazzling Bangkok skyline. Luxury Amenities: From the infinity pool and SO/ SPA to the exclusive Club Lounge, the facilities provide the ultimate in relaxation and indulgence. Thai Hospitality: Warm, attentive, and thoughtful service that makes you feel truly pampered.
Thanks SO/ Bangkok for a memorable...
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