Dining/Drinking

Centara Life Phra Nakhon review: Happy Hour Asia here introduces the attractiveness and experience that can be expected by staying with Centara Life Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon, as a new hotel from Thai brand Centara Hotels & Resorts, and in an area that deserves attention. It will probably reverse many visitors perspective of what is the genuine Bangkok!

Once finding one’s bearings – and the hotel, which can be a bit tricky especially with a major ongoing road closure along Samsen road (where another subway line is being built, son the future this hotel will be adjacent to the subway network) it quickly becomes evident that the surroudings constitutes a very interesting part of Bangkok – not least historically. In Phra Nakhon, at the heart of historic Bangkok.

And for both Thais and foreigners famous tourist sites such as the Grand Palace can quickly be reached via a short bus ride (or with the hotel’s very own ’tuk tuk’) with number 53 – a circular line through China Town, Rattanakosin that are part of Phra Nakhon district. That bus route also passes by Phra Sumen Fort in Banglamphu (which is famous backpacker district with Kao San road, where any night crawler can also get satisfaction) – a riverfront park housing this fort, and where locals and tourists go to relax under shade from large trees during daytime. Alternatively, take the river ferry (which is also another way to reach Wat Pho (Wat Phra Chatuphon), a large temple known for its massive reclining Buddha statue.

People interested in architecture, culture and history will find this area intriguing, and one best discovered on foot, not to miss some hidden gems on a backstreet. One can find many buildings also in classic European style, including Victorian, with window shutters.

And there are so many sites of interest also beyond the famous ones – of which some are pointed to on the TV screens the hotel of Centara Life Phra Nakhon, such as Sala Chalemkrung Theatre (an ancient amphitheatre and originally theatre for international movies.) and Wat Suthat Thepwararam (a royal temple of the first grade, of which its construction was begun by King Rama I in 1807). For instance, there are many temples, and various institutions and sites connected to the royal family. And near hotel is for instance Khlong Rop Krung canal, dug up in 1783, to expand the city, connecting to two former khlongs and now a national ancient monument. Another nearby site is the National Library.

On the museum front a Happy Hour Asia recommendation goes to King Prajadhipok Museum, situated in a beautiful European building, housing permanent exhibitions relating to the royal life of King Prajadhipok and Queen Rambai Barni of Thailand.

Also the backpacker area is changing and evolving post-Covid, with many old guest house having closed down and with more new more qualitative hotels opening and spreading out in Phra Nakhon – the new Centara Life Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon being among those.

Oher nearby recommendations, in terms of reliable and long-lasting eateries and cafés, walk across Phra Athit road (along the river), just at its bend from Phra Sumen Fort and you will find the in Bangkok unique roti restaurant Karim Roti Mataba (which includes what is in Malaysia and Singapore know as Murtabak). This is at walking distance from the hotel (though it can be very hot, mind you…), via Phra Sumen road. And along this route, there is also the excellent Konnichipan Bakery on Chakrabongse Road.

Centara Life Phra Nakhon is also situated near the United Nations’ premises in Bangkok, generating meetings and conferences for the hotel’s meetings facilites.

The stylish hotel consists in two buildings situated around an inner courtyard, and has a street-front outdooor dining terrace for its restaurant along the road.

The lobby’s mirror ceiling reflects two curved wine-red sofas, vintage armchairs and a vintage style brass lamp. Building two has a one has a roofed drive-up with a buddhist gold leaf-resembling mosaic surface. On top of it a roof houses the pool and pooldeck.

There are also some other design features taking inspiration from Thai buddhism architecture and quite typical in the décor at Centara properties. It is quite abstract but with distinct character. The pattern can be found on the façade, on the grey guest room walls, as a pattern in the frosted glass slide doors to the bathroom and on its mirors, as well as on the faintly purple as well as brass-hued walls in the entrance of building 2, using brass metal. Also, there is an ironwork separation within the restaurant.

An impressive 180 stylish rooms and suites (while the hotel looks small) spread across two low-rise buildings, ranging from 21 to 38 square metres of contemporarily designed space and all the modern comforts of home. There are also 44 sq.-metre Premium Suites providing even more space for families and long-stay guests. Some rooms also have an outdoor terrace next to but below the pool level.

The Deluxe King (Superior and Premium Deluxe are the additional types) experienced by Happy Hour Asia felt generous and relaxing, with a wide configuration where the bathroom is separated by a glass wall. The wall at the far end, and besides the floor-to-ceiling (with grey blackout curtains) has a sandy pattern, while a blue section by the mini bar and the open wardrobe, as well as a wine-red textile and wood beadhead, catch most of one’s attention. Modern black reading lamps are mounted on the wall, bedside. There is also a foot-of-bed bench in greyish textile. The chocolate brown wooden floor is also beautiful.

Aside a superbly comfortable bed with white linen, the room has a curved beige sofa seating three, and with a round coffee table opposite a wall TV. Doors, frames and some of the built-in furniture are also made of brown wood.

The ensuite bathroom is a pleasant surprise: a light brown palette of floor and wall tiles are furnished with a large, 360-degree bath tub; twin sinks; and a wardrobe equipped with nice, beige bathrobes. It’s an overall nicely done-up interior.

For relaxation elsewhere, the pool area, albeit a bit small, is a nice spot within the courtyard, especially for a dip towards the evening after returning from discoveries – or business meetings for that matter – out in the city. And for workout there is the 24-hour Cenfit fitness centre.

The other main centre of attention is Déjà Brew Lifestyle Café, the Centara Life Phra Nakhon hotel’s all-in-one all-day dining restaurant, café and bar, and where there are many excellent and price-friendly daily promotions, such as a lunch buffet. And to top it off there is also a co-working station zone (formed as a bar counter with stools), right next to one of those Starbucks self-service pop-ups (a partnership with Centara Hotels & Resorts). There are also chilled drinks to buy, including a selection of beer, wine bottles and soft drinks.

The Déjà Brew interior is dominated by brown hues and wood, in particular the wodden floor tiles. There are also Sino-Portuguese foor tiles in some sections. Table armchairs are either in beige, grey or dark brown upholstering, placed around square white-veined marble tables. Small, transparent globe lamps hang from the ceiling. At the centre is a partly open partition wall, with a built-in wall in a bluish textile pattern on one side, and lined by tables on both sides.

The cuisine is the expected mix of Thai and Western cuisine, reflected well by the following sumptous choices: Crab salad with mango, pear and peach; followed by sweet corn cappucino soup as a great ”neutraliser” after the spice appetizer (from Thai red chilli). Then Beef carppacio Thai style; and Linguini pasta with teriyaki chicken and egg. Or try the Penne pasta with meatballs, where the pasta has a sweet and slightly spicy taste as contrast to the meatballs.

Happy Hour Asia also noticed several happy hour/drinks promotion. For cocktail fans Déjà Brew is something of a haven, especially with the THB 399 promotion for 3 cocktails, including favourit concoctions such as Singapore Sling and Caipirinha. Furthermore there is the ubiqutous Happy Hour – buy 1 get 1, between 17:00 – 18:00 pm. And it does not stop there: Enjoy a free flow of for instance a wine of one’s choice during 90 minutes for THB 399 – available between 17:00 – 22:00 daily!

Guests also get a Tom Yam welcome drink; a cocktail inspired by the famous Thai soup with red chilli. It’s great-looking and great-tasting with lime and chilli as garnish.

On the cocktail menu also find a cocktail celebrating the area: Phra Nakhon Margarita (lychee, tequila, lemon juie, triple sec).

Meanwhile, on the breakfast menu find hot ginger tea as a standout, in additon to a decent
selection that includes salads and vegetables, including sauteeed carrots and maize, Danish, fresh fruit, fruit salad and a live coooking noodle station.

In conclusion, we are happy to find that this upper mid-scale hotel, with all the essential facilities and amenities guests need, provides high quality at exceptional value, and has intriguing and genuine Thai surroundings connecting directly to Bangkok’s historic past.