The Hyatt Group of Hotels opened the Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit, its “modern essentials” offering, in the bustling area of Sukhumkit Soi 24 in Bangkok recently.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Phrom Phong BTS station, Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit has the advantage of being conveniently situated near upscale shopping malls such as the Emporium and EmQuartier. And that’s probably the only reason why I’ve chosen to stay there during my most recent trip. I thought I’ve gotten a good deal (THB3,230 per night inclusive of breakfast for two, before taxes) from its pre-opening special. But sad to say, I was underwhelmed with Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit’s offering.

The Lobby

To begin with, the hotel building is an unimpressive property.  The grey exterior is boring and if not because of the signage, one could have mistaken it as one of the many dull apartments or office buildings in Bangkok. The lobby is situated on level 2, and thank goodness, the modern and hippy interior fares much better than its uninspiring’s exterior. The vibrant design lifts your mood and it did give me some hope that the room could potentially blow me away.

The check-in was smooth and fuss-free. The professional and friendly staff made the process seamless and they were the only reason why Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit left me with a good impression.

The Standard Room

My heart sank when I opened the door to my eleventh-floor room. Sadly, it faced directly at the service balconies of an apartment building.  It was so near that I could even look past their balconies and into their rooms! Although the room is clean and tidy, the grey interior and the unexciting view (unless you’re getting some uncensored action in the apartment’s service balconies, which I didn’t get any) just fail to excite.

Since this is a “modern essentials” hotel, the only amenities that they provide in the bathroom are the towels, hair dryer, the usual shampoo, hair conditioner, body lotion and shower gel – very basic, very essential. Should you require anything else, you’re encouraged to request from the housekeeping. And don’t expect any turn-down service. There is an empty fridge in the room for you to store your food and drinks. The hotel also provides you with an electric kettle, two bottles of drinking water and complimentary coffee and tea in the room.

Wellness Facilities

The wellness facilities are housed at level 19.  The swimming pool is so small that probably only kids find joy soaking  in it.  The only consolation for the adults is that there are some deck benches for those in need of a tan. Because the building’s weird structure, the gym is split into two rooms, one for the cardio machines and the other smaller room for some weight machines. Again, the gym is so uninspiring that I would rather spend time walking around the upscale malls to burn off those extra calories from my mango sticky rice than staring at the gym’s walls.

Breakfast at the Gallery Kitchen

Breakfast is served in Gallery Kitchen on level 3. They have a hot noodles station where the chef whipped up meatball noodles, and the usual bread, eggs and sausages sections. If you are not a fussy eater, then the limited breakfast spread is decent and good enough to kick start your day.

When I was there, the rooftop bar, Aire, has yet to open for business. Hence, I didn’t get a chance to patronise the bar.  But I was thinking what is its selling point when most of the Bangkok hotels have their own rooftop bars.

To be fair, Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit has its merits.  First, the service from the hotel staff is excellent. I must compliment the crew at Gallery Kitchen.  They are always so friendly and eager to help.  Second, the hotel is very new and everything is in fantastic condition. And third, its convenient location. But are these good enough for the no-frills and/or budget travellers?  I’m not sure, especially when Hilton Double Tree Bangkok is located nearer to the BTS and their rates are equally competitive. As for me, I don’t think I would return any sooner.

Hyatt Place Bangkok Sukhumvit
22/5 Sukhumvit 24, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand, 10110
Tel: +66 2055 1234
www.bangkoksukhumvit.place.hyatt.com