Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 – My vibrant funky room!

I was in Thailand again last week for the World Gourmet Festival 2012, a rather grand annual event held at Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok. Over 7 days, 8 chefs as well as food and wine specialists from around the world will be preparing the cuisine that made them famous; and for a taste of their sublime creations, you can choose to book yourself a place in one of the dinners/lunches/teas during the week.

It was rather different affair from the World Gourmet Summit in Singapore, but more on that later. 🙂

I touched down on a Wednesday and was whisked into the trendy, dynamic of the Sukhumvit district where my uniquely funky hotel – Aloft Bangkok awaits.

My ‘should have been”  ecstatic landing at Bangkok, (ecstatic because Bangkok is one of my favourite cities) was marred by a slightly bumpy, delayed flight which had me throwing up the moment I landed. Suvarnabhumi Airport was bustling and it took 2 hours from time of landing to immigration clearance. By the time I got my luggage, I had threw up a 2nd time.

My memory has rusted;  for I certainly didn’t remember such horrendous traffic in Bangkok. Yes, it’s been 2 years since I was last here.

But all was forgotten when I was warmly welcomed at Aloft. The colourful, almost retro interior exudes warmth and cheer. Check-in was quick at the lobby, with the usual checks of passport and credit card guarantee procedure.

Each area in Aloft Bangkok is given a refreshingly hip name, beginning with the go food and beverage area, aptly named “re:fuel“.

Located right at the lobby, re:fuel offers deli food. Take your pick from a sweet treat, java jolt, or something more satisfying. Signature menu items include salads, sandwiches, and snacks. I was raveous so I picked a “lunch box”, which was reheated immediately and a healthy juice washed down the delicious rice and curry down nicely.

Refueled, (pun intended) I headed up to my room.

Aloft guest rooms feature loft-like design with soaring nine-foot ceilings, oversized windows, R&R bed and 300 thread count linen, free WiFi, 42” LCD TVs, iPod/MP3 docking station, mood lighting controls, custom Aloft bathroom amenities by Bliss® Spa, walk-in showers, signature coffee and more.

See my video!

And PICTURES:

Oversized windows. Check.

R & R (Rest and Rejuvenate) bed and 300 thread count sheets. Check.
Such comfort! I was bedridden the first few nights in Bangkok thus I was literally cocooned on this bed ALL the time.

42” LCD TV.

iPod/MP3 docking station.

Mood lighting controls.

WIFI.

A gadget freak? You got to love this plug n’ play connectivity station for charging all electronics and it links to the 42” LCD HDTV too! Work and play maximised as promised!

Walk-in showers.

Custom Aloft bathroom amenities by Bliss® Spa.

And here’s more!

Thick face, hand and body towels, robes, extra pillows, iron, hair dryer, bedroom slippers, mini bar and safe deposit box. Rooms here at Aloft Bangkok covers the essentials and more!

Below: Large wardrobe and wash area is a plus point! 🙂

Next, in addition to the “usual” rooms, Aloft Bangkok has “Touch Rooms“. The “Touch Rooms” has all features of Aloft Bangkok rooms plus a mobile device named “Fingi“.

Basically a Samsung smartphone, Fingi controls all room amenities such as guestroom doors, lights, temperature and all in-room entertainment.

Watch this video! Fingi is cool! 😀

Guests can access to hotel services including the concierge, front desk and in room re:fuel. Fingi also acts as a local phone number and free wireless hotspot, giving you complete internet connectivity anywhere, on and off the property. That means even if you’re kilometres away from your hotel!
So yes, Fingi doubles up as an extra phone if you book a Touch Room here in Aloft Bangkok.

Samsung phone and AppleTV. *snickers* 😛

Below: Sleep mode in action.

No TV remote required with the Fingi!

Below: Several different modes available for room ambiance.

Below: Fingi as an aircon remote.

Below: For lighting.
Man, with the Fingi, you don’t have to get up from the bed! Except when toilet break calls of course.

That means even if you’re hungry. Check out room re:fuel; a 24/7 in-room re:fuel menu that offers guests a selection from Crave’s (Aloft’s restaurant) most popular dishes, complemented by a boutique beverage list.

Details: Available to all 296 rooms.
• Bottled Water
• 24/7 Room Service
• Coffee and Tea Amenities
• Mini Bar
• Refrigerator

If you think Aloft is all play but no work, well, think again. Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 just happens to make work more fun with its urban-inspired design, bright social spaces and a fresh modern angle. The no walls, no limits attitude urges guests to share ideas, explore, and promotes an “anything-goes” mindset.

As you have found out from the room, it aims to provide a comfortable sanctuary but without the sacrifice of technology, as guests are still connected to the world via the TV and the internet.

If work is what bought you to Bangkok, then you’re in for a treat. I for one, wouldn’t mind a 2 hours meeting in tactic.

Yes, what did I say about Aloft Bangkok having the coolest names for each of their area?
“tactic” brings to mind words such as  – strategy, brainstorming and planning right? Clever! 🙂

Humdrum meetings are a thing of the past. Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11’s 265 square meters of meeting space will add some pizzazz to your next business bash.

Plus, Aloft’s handy location just 45 minutes from Suvarnabhumi International Airport makes bringing the team together a breeze. 🙂

Ideal for business meetings or small-scale seminars, the tactic rooms can accommodate 12 to 70 guests with ease. And all of Aloft’s meeting spaces are quick to reconfigure to meet your needs with various cool coffee break themes to choose from.

tactic is outfitted with the best A/V set-up, including a 52” flat-panel plasma TV with both laptop hook-up and a DVD player and speedy (free if I may add) Wi-Fi that keeps everyone multitasking with ease. Easels, Flipcharts, and boards for doodling and noodling are supplied on request.

Enough of work? Stretch those muscles at re:charge!

Head up to the 10th floor and check out the social-friendly gym and pool – splash.

Why social-friendly? It’s because even in the gym you’re connected to your social networks. Tweet every detail of your sweaty workout if you wish (preferably not). Aloft Bangkok is truly the perfect accommodation choice for savvy travelers!

The hotel’s 24-hour fitness center (yup, work off those bulges at 3am if you want to) includes stationary bikes, treadmills, and elliptical machines from Life Fitness.

The pool – splash, is open from morning till night with complimentary Wi-Fi, and an inviting backyard setting complete with stylish and comfy seating and sun lounges. Early birds and night owls equally welcome as splash is open from 06.00 – 23.00. Warm rays, fresh air and lounge beats will keep the vibe going while drinks and snacks are available at the pool bar.

As night falls, stroll out to the the trendy, dynamic streets of Sukhumvit district, Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 is surrounded by a bright social scene, full of life with pubs, restaurants and clubs. From delicious street grub to delicate plated meals in restaurants, one won’t go hungry or thirsty on this street!

All guests of Aloft Bangkok are given complimentary entry tickets to Bed Supper Club, one of the most happening night clubs in Bangkok which is just across the hotel.

Oh, in love with the hotel and not wanting to step out?

Right within Aloft walls, w xyz bar offers a sophisticated urban scene. Lighting and music change through the day to set the perfect mood to mix and meet over a pint or a Pinot Noir, signature cocktail or premium liquor.

Night:

Day:

Light bites are also served at the w xyz bar, and resident DJ spins the hip tunes with a daily creative theme for fun in a place where anything can happen.

The w xyz backdrop is colorfully speed-striped, with wall panels that flip from day to night. For tech-savvy fun-seeking people, iPads are always all set for you to play. To enjoy a puff or two, a smoking area is located outdoors, adjacent to W xyz bar, so feel free to light up in the designated space!

W xyz bar opening hours:
Sunday – Wednesday: 4:00 pm – 12:00 am
Thursday – Saturday: 4:00 pm – 2:00 am

Need some quiet time with friends and not just for drinks? Aloft offers another lounge – re:mix lounge which is another hip and playful space that beckons guests to lounge around or chit-chat and connect with others.

Sip a drink, read the paper, enjoy free WiFi or a game of pool. Get your ‘A’ game into gear with the large-LCD-screen Play Station 3 or live sport events, enhanced by day-to-night lighting and music to switch up the vibe.

I had breakfast twice at Crave Wine Bar & Restaurant; Aloft’s main dining space since I was here for 3D2N.

Yes, that’s pork sausages, pork bacon, pork buns and pork dumplings! :DD

Crave introduces a bold, new concept in dining where you get style for a steal. Abuzz with energy, vibrant in colour and tech savvy, here hotel guest or public can enjoy a bounty of colorful seasonal produce, fresh seafood and international cuisine.

Dining atmosphere is relaxed and lively, with views of the City of Angels. Indoor and open-air seating is available, with designated smoking areas.

Breakfast offers an inviting international buffet; lunch provides a light buffet with a choose-it-yourself wok-fried live cooking. An a la carte menu is also available, together with an impression wine list.

Eggs for breakfast! Breakfast has always been a protein loading meal for me! 🙂

The very happy egg chef!

For dinner be inspired by Crave’s menu of local favourites, international dishes or treat yourself to one of Crave’s succulent seafood specials.

Pair any entree with a wine from Crave’s extensive wine cellar which boasts over 3,000 bottles from more than 250 labels, available by the glass. Ordering via Crave digital iPad menu makes life easy, with all relevant information about the chosen wine displayed with recommended main dishes.

Crave is accessible via its own dedicated lift outside the hotel for non-hotel guests.

At the lobby area, Aloft takes service up a notch by providing “Cool Concierge” – a self help directory for its guests.

Just browse through the software for any assistance on getting around that you may need. There’s recommendations on dining, map and directions, shopping areas and so forth.

As if Cool Concierge isn’t marvelous enough as it is, Aloft provides complimentary printing should you require to print out tips and your search results from the app!

For the sassy and savvy travellers, look no further than this hip and chic hotel. Located a mere 5 mins walk from Nana BTS Station, getting around is a breeze. Too lazy? You could even request at front desk for the complimentary shuttle to the BTS station!

Aloft Hotels around the world:

Now the important question is – What are the rates?
Aloft Bangkok – Sukhumvit 11 currently has a “One Night in Bangkok” package tailored specifically for on-the-go travellers. Rates starts at just THB 2,570++ for a “Chic” and THB 2,871++ for an “Urban” guestroom.

“One night in Bangkok” is available for booking until October 31, 2012. Features of the package include:
• Buffet lunch for 2 persons
• 2 daily cocktails from our selected drink list at w xyz bar
• Free entry to Bangkok’s trendiest clubs – Bed Supperclub and Q bar
• Late check-out until 16.00 hrs (subject to availability)

For more information, terms and conditions on the package and to make a reservation please call +66(0) 2 207 7000, email: [email protected] and quote APPKG5, or visit www.aloftholtels.com/bangkoksukhumvit11.

UPDATE:
Aloft Kuala Lumpur Sentral is opening in March 15, 2013! So we KL-ites will soon be having our very own trendy and contemporary Aloft hotel! 🙂 Link –> HERE.

All images and video in this post: