The more I go to Bangkok the more I’m convinced it’s one of the best places in the world for boutique hotels and luxury accommodation. There is such a range of options in the city that you can easily find something to fit your personal style or location preference. Plus, the value for price that luxury hotels in Bangkok offer is really incredible. You can stay in a unique, gorgeous, 5-star for less than the price of a standard room at the Holiday Inn in Seattle – no joke.

I’ve been lucky to stay in quite a few 5-star properties in Bangkok over the years but have had my eye on the So Sofitel Bangkok since it opened in 2012 and jumped at the chance to stay at it as part of an early birthday trip to the city.

It was incredible.

So Sofitel Bangkok

This is not your classic luxury hotel – instead of stuffy staff and crystal chandeliers, every detail of the So Sofitel has been envisioned by French fashion designer, Christian Lacroix, and five of Thailand’s top designers to create a stylish modern space with an emphasis on art, culture and design. (Their helpful Bangkok City Guide also conveniently centers around these themes.)

It definitely fits the bill when you’re wanting somewhere to stay for a special occasion and just the lobby alone is worth trying to sneak in for a peek as it’s a) gorgeous and b) has some of the best views of Bangkok I’ve ever seen with only the treetops of Lumphini Park showing and a city skyline in the background. I’m pretty sure I was just standing there with my mouth hanging open until we were brought our welcome drinks during check-in and then I was in awe of those too.

The hotel has four different themed rooms corresponding to the Asian elements water, metal, earth and wood (fire is represented by the different restaurants and kitchens) and combines aspects of French and Thai design, customs and culture throughout the property and guest experience. The staff uniforms for example, were designed by Christian Lacroix but are a creative take on traditional royal Thai clothing.

All rooms come with floor-to-ceiling windows, a bathtub and separate rain shower, Apple Mac Mini and complimentary minibar stocked with local refreshments among other amenities.

Of course, the hotel has all the other services and facilities you’d expect from a 5-star hotel in Bangkok including a rooftop pool, fitness center, multiple food venues (including an in-house chocolate shop!), a spa, a rooftop bar and restaurant.

While in Bangkok you have to make it to at least one rooftop bar, and having one right where you’re staying is just too convenient. The hotel’s Park Society terrace and restaurant on the 29th floor serves creative cocktails and contemporary European fusion dishes with a view.

The bar is the perfect place to sip on an early evening drink to unwind from the day and there’s a special offer going on now where you can enjoy complimentary cocktails and more (see below).

The rooftop bar and restaurant are open from 5:00 pm – 2:00 am. It’s smart to make reservations, especially during the high season, and try to get there soon after they open so you can take advantage of seeing the changing light as the sun sets. There is a smart casual dress code, meaning no shorts or flip flops, but it didn’t seem strongly enforced.

I honestly don’t know what I loved about the hotel most – was it the warm welcome? The fact that it was immediately cool and smelled like magic the moment you stepped inside from the hot and busy Bangkok streets? The floor-to-ceiling views from the room?

I know I’m gushing, but the So Sofitel Bangkok was the most luxe + cool place I have ever stayed and the fact that’s it still within reach for many people visiting Bangkok to afford makes it even better. This is the place to go for a honeymoon, anniversary, birthday or something else worth celebrating!

So Sofitel Bangkok Details and Contact

So Sofitel Bangkok is situated in the Sathorn district on the southeast corner of Lumphini Park and within walking distance of Lumphini and Silom MRT (Bangkok’s subway) Stations and Sala Daeng BTS (Skytrain) Station. Right now during the summer/low season there are rooms starting around 6,600 baht or about $190 USD  including breakfast. You can also book the hotel online through Agoda here.

Note: I was a guest of Sofitel but all opinions and recommendations are my own and I’m already scheming on how to stay there again…