Hotel Reviews

Review Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok: It is a delight for Happy Hour Asia (HHA) to be getting into doing more coverage also of the thriving serviced residences/apartment hotel concepts on the scene. To take Bangkok, as example, there are plenty of choices, including from dominating player and Singapore-based Ascott. Quite a few previous serviced apartments have in general been rebranded in recent years, and many new have come on board the market as well. Also, hospitality groups like Ascott have been rolling out news formats, including to adapt to the digital nomad and growing co-living scene.

In this of case of one of the two Ascott properties along Sathorn road we are however looking at a more established concept, but with the differentiation that it boasts a club lounge-like Residence Lounge – today a trend within service residences, it seems. Several brands offer this.

And, as HHA also takes into account the hotel stay component, Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok is picked based on its – seemingly – modern design and ample amenities. And it’s nice to conclude that in no aspect does it disappoint on the expectations – on the contrary. The service level is right up there among the best and the whole experience is very thoughtful and considerate.

For a stay, guests can book as hotel guests – alternatively for long stay, where a fully equipped kitchen as well as washer and dryer become much appreciated essentials. Choose between spacious Studio, One-bedroom, Two-bedroom, and Three-bedroom apartments. Besides serviced apartments, the property also features a Deluxe category which is an open concept hotel room without the amenities featured for the apartments. HHA’s stay is in a Studio Executive, facing south, with view of the snaking Chao Phraya river in the distance. All accommodation is from level 10 and up, offering views of the surroundings. It is interesting to see that Bangkok still has some low-slung areas too; one being in that direction from Sathorn southwards.

‘Embassy’ as part of the name probably stems from the fact that there are quite a few embassies in the neighbourhood (Belgium, Germany, Malaysia, Morocco, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey and more), as well as premium medical facilities and plenty of entertainment and shopping.

Transportation-wise, the Ascott property is situated nearby both the skytrain as well as the subway, with complimentary shuttle service between 9 am and 11 pm.

Being whisked up via super-fast lifts to the spacious studio, an l-shaped accommodation reveals itself, facing a white dining table with bar stools connected to the kitchen on the left. A large bowl with welcome fruit is placed on the table, along with various snacks (rice crackers, tarot sticks etc.), Dilmah quality tea, a teapot and cups. Freshly cut coconuts in the fridge are also a nice gesture.

The kitchen table is designed so that two people can sit on high, comfy bar stools facing each other over tea, a meal or for instance evening pre- or post-dinner drinks.

The well-equipped (with Cappuccino-creamy shelves and cabinets) kitchen also comes with a microwave, electric stove, water heater, toaster and a Capristta espresso machine.

The flooring comes in blonde wood, with a three-seater sofa at the foot of the bed facing a large, round marble TV-table. Its marble is chocolate-veined, placed on top of a carpet. The walls are bright, and thick blackout curtains come in grey. And above a greyish beadboard padding hangs a large, abstract painting.

To the right of the excellent and firm bed, find a built-in closet, and a wooden work desk with a grey textile-padded chair and thick décor pillows available for extra back support.

The bathroom is dimly-lit and comes with a rain shower cabin as well as a bathtub and a granite-clad counter.

Breakfast is served on the 37th top floor, at XinGu restaurant, offering panorama vistas of the city. With items changing on a daily basis, the following examples of delicious food were part of the more than sufficient buffet: Smile potato (shaped as a smile, and a funny nod for kids); Spaghetti carbonara; Kung pao (shrimp) seafood; Dal Makhini; Stir-fried vegetables; Massamam Gai (an in Thailand well-known and spicy chicken curry); Fruit salad; Miso and vegetable soup; and assorted cheese and cold cuts. There are also egg and congee stations and basically options available for every taste preference – be it Chinese, Indian or Western cuisines.

After breakfast it is truly a welcome and key feature of Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok’s lifestyle focus that one can head to level 9 for various activities, including at the Residence Lounge (open from 6 am until 10 pm), which also connects to the outdoor pool area. This lounge is as close as one can get to a club lounge concept and impressive in both height, size and interior design, which boasts elegant, sophisticated layout. Plush seating (including semi-circle wine red velvet sofas) is well spread out and placed in groups, allowing for people to have discreet conversations.

A few window-facing work stations overlooking the pool and the Sathorn road becomes an instant favourite, where to get laptop work done. Elsewhere, for a more leisurely position sink down on one of the leather loungers (with risk of falling asleep…)

The Residence Lounge also has a proper bar counter – which is a good spot when it comes to having Happy Hour drinks (Buy 2 get 1 free) during the hours 5 – 7 pm (including a selection of cocktails, beer and wine). And HHA can testify that an excellent Golden Paws Chardonnay wine is served, and well chilled – just as it should be. This enjoyable Australian Chardonnay typically offers a harmonious blend of fruit-forward flavours and subtle oak influences. It’s well-balanced wine perfect for conversations, and that remains longer on the taste buds.

Then, there are all the other facilities on level nine, conducive to a quality stay with lifestyle focus: a well-equipped gym, a separated aerobics room perfect for yoga and stretching sessions, steam (for ladies) and sauna (for gentlemen) rooms, and a playroom for kids. The aerobics room comes with softer flooring, and very thick yoga mats for ultimate comfort.

Last but not lest comes the imposing infinity swimming pool, including a jacuzzi and kids pool zone, flanked by many sunbeds. The main pool (turquoise-hued during daytime) is long and wide enough for multiple swimmers to do proper laps, while overlooking the cityscape.

As day turns to night what could be better than having a nightclub/bar at your doorstep? And how many hotels can actually boast having it on the premises, like here at Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok!?

So, besides the lobby guests find Rim Bangkok – a bar and nightclub with a colourful and dimly lit design. The venue is stylish, while the venue’s music – mainly hip hop – may put some off. Anyhow, to be able to head straight up to bed after a night of entertainment is surely a plus, while there are also plenty of other entertainment choices in the vicinity.

One thing for sure is that Rim Bangkok boasts a comprehensive and interesting cocktail menu, with a selection focus on Clarified Milk Punch drinks. Such drinks are highly desirable in nightlife, and thus they are popular also at Rim, as a contemporary cocktail genre.

For a taste of Thailand guests can try the ‘Bangkok Milk Punch’ – a local concoction made with Chalong Bay rum, lime, lychee, jasmine rice syrup, pandan water and Thai tea.

For pre-dinner drinks Rim is the perfect start, while the music is set on background volume, playing nice soulful R&B (up until 9 pm).

Last but not least the hotel’s dining venue XinGu – open also for lunch – is an attraction in its own right, as an unorthodox Chinese restaurant with its modern approach to both the design (merging elements from the east and west with a contemporary focus) and cuisine (its tagline: ‘Chinese cuisine like no other’).

Some new dishes we got to try from an upcoming, revamped menu to be introduced later during 2025 bode very well – makes a compelling reason to come back for more, whether just for dining and drinking or another stay with excellent Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok – a qualitative and very complete, lifestyle, dining and drinking destination.

See also: XinGu restaurant brings you and modern Chinese cuisine to new heights

Rim Bangkok, Ascott Embassy Sathorn Bangkok: nightclub with clarified milk punch drinks focus