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| The Lobby of the Metropolitan has floor-to-ceiling windows, white textures and gleaming dark woods. |
Cool is not a word one would normally associate with Bangkok, one of Asia’s most exciting and steamy hot cities. But when you step off Sathorn Road, in the heart of the financial district, into COMO’s Metropolitan, cool is what you get. The lobby, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, white textures, Oriental antiques and gleaming dark woods, is the epitome of designer understatement; the bright red carpet being the only dramatic splash of color.
The reception desk is minimalist and the staff—dressed in casual yet chic Comme des Garcons uniforms—have the gift of being invisible, but are always there with a smile when you need them. Chief Concierge Chanchai Techamanewat ([email protected]; 011-662-625-3327) says all guests are treated as VIPs, and that he arranges city and country tours, airport transfers and personal shoppers to take guests to the exclusive, nearby Siam Paragon, Gaysorn and CentralWorld shopping centers. He also books kids into the Fun-arium where there are activities geared for toddlers (up to four years old) and juniors (four to 13 years old). Top Tip: This is a great way to keep children entertained while moms and dads see the sights and enjoy some together time. Bangkok, with its noisy traffic and oppressive heat, can be exhausting for young children.
Of the simple-yet-sophisticated 171 rooms and suites (all of which have nice touches like Asian antiques and Thai silk cushions and curtains), we say the top digs are the 122 Metropolitan Rooms, the largest deluxe king or twin-bedded rooms in Bangkok. We loved the fine Egyptian bed linen, and the goose-down duvet was just the perfect weight. The slightly smaller Studio Rooms also have a comfortable seating area, while the City Rooms have a queen-sized bed and a combined shower and bathtub.
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| The Como Suite’s master bedroom has exceptional views and personal butler services. |
For families traveling together, we suggest the Executive Suites, which have a separate bedroom and living room and a guest bathroom. They also have extra-large bathrooms with separate showers and bathtubs, while the four Penthouse Suites and the COMO Suite have Jacuzzis in their two bathrooms. These five premium suites, on an 11th–floor private corridor with heritage furniture, are flooded with light. The duplex Penthouse Suites have the living area below and the bedrooms and bathrooms upstairs. The COMO Suite—where the likes of Mariah Carey, Cindy Crawford and Alicia Keys have all stayed—has butler service, two bedrooms, a dining room, a living room and a large working area.
Travel advisors with special requests can contact General Manager James Low ([email protected]) or Hotel Manager Laurent Sola ([email protected]). Umarin Pumpunwong (umarin. [email protected]; 011-662-625-3333) also deals with queries.
The COMO Shambhala Urban Escape spa specializes in Asian-inspired holistic therapies that can be also arranged in-room. We had the COMO Shambhala Massage—which uses oils to calm the mind and rejuvenate the body—and it really did help with our jet lag. There are 10 treatment rooms, but it is wise to book ahead through the concierge or the spa (011-662-625-3355).
We had heard so much about David Thompson’s Michelin-starred nahm restaurant in London that we were excited to be dining in its new Bangkok venue. The atmosphere was relaxed and the food very different from the typical, albeit usually excellent, Thai fare. Our waiter explained that the food was more genuine and more intensely flavored. And our starter was indeed intense. The spicy pork with mint, peanuts and crunchy rice was delicious but had too much chili for us. Note: If you like milder dishes, just ask your waiter. We did, and the signature dish, a coconut and turmeric curry of mud crab with southern limes, was delicious and had just the right amount of heat.
Dining at nahm, which is also open for lunch, is an extraordinary culinary experience and booking ahead is an absolute must ([email protected]; 011-662-625-3388), as it is the “in” place to be seen in Bangkok and very popular with locals (as is the members- and guests-only Met Bar for before- and after-dinner drinks).
We asked Chanchai Techamanewat what he would suggest for out-of-house dining. He said guests like the Mediterranean cuisine at Vertigo and Moon Bar (a nearby 61st-floor bar-cum-seafood grill) and the Secret Garden Restaurant which has a Thai menu. Again, reservations are necessary, so as soon as you have confirmed dates you should contact Chanchai to secure clients’ dining options.