Opened in March 2020, Sindhorn Midtown Hotel Bangkok went through challenging times and many transitions. But it’s surviving, and it’s here to stay, soon under the management of IHG Hotels & Resorts.
by Alberto Tortolero
While there is hope on the horizon to reach the end of this global pandemic, I recently revisited Bangkok and stayed at Sindhorn Midtown, launched in the middle of the COVID era. And my trip led me to discover two very new aspects as a traveler: experiencing a “brand-new” hotel and heartwarming proximity with the staff. The latter was possible, in part, due to few people traveling to the City of Angels these days, allowing me to receive a personalized, first-class treatment as a guest of this four-star since my arrival.
Location, Location, Location
Sindhorn Midtown – which will become a part of IHG Hotels & Resorts in August 2021, with the brand and hotel concept remaining unchanged – consists of two towers: a 31-story hotel with 344 rooms and suites, and an adjacent six-story serviced residence accommodating 49 units. Conveniently located within a five-minute walk to both Chit Lom and Ratchadamri BTS stations, and a stone’s throw away from Lumpini Park, it offers easy access to all the business and commercial areas around the hotel and those along the Sukhumvit and Silom Skytrain lines. What a perfect location to spend a few days in the capital!
With neither extravagance nor excess, yet not lacking anything either, I had the most relaxing stay thanks to that warm and close connection I mentioned earlier which, perhaps, is what struck me the most since I stepped in. Let me tell you more about what caused it.
Brand-New Comfort
The hotel opened in March 2020, initially looking to welcome inbound travelers. But travel restrictions forced it to target the domestic market instead. And it still looks spotless! Who doesn’t like to be one of the first ones using those cozy rooms with large sofas and king-size beds, that you never want to leave when you can enjoy international channels on 49-inch LED TVs from them. It’s simply a pleasure.
Impeccably clean common areas and rooms, as well as grandiose windows, enhance natural light—precisely how my mother would like my room to look if I’d let her. I got the feeling of intentionally wanting to leave at sight only what is useful while letting spaciousness, light, and art coexist in the right measure.
Its decor’s simplicity and elegance – far from baroque – boasts large public spaces and hand-picked in-room décor like the wooden desk lamps I fell in love with, and the Drop chair (emulating a drop of water), sourced from the Danish design brand Fritz Hansen. Geometric paintings with bright colors invite you to dream and unleash your imagination wherever you may want to go. And wood plays an essential part in the composition, with simple and elongated shapes from walls to furnishings, coherence is shown from halls to rooms.
Like with comfort, safety standards are also given much attention to detail. I was pleasantly surprised to notice strict anti-Covid-19 protocols in place: social distancing, temperature checking devices, hand gel, and informative posters around the hotel explaining where to walk or stand in elevators, among other measures. Besides the in-room air purifiers (perfect for a city like Bangkok), all of this could not help but provide an extra layer of tranquility and peace of mind to my stay.
Let’s not forget that we are there to rest, let go, and this was the perfect place for me to get rid of the noise in my mind caused by corona news and long days at work. I checked in there committed to pamper myself and enjoy, and I was accomplishing it so far.
The hotel offers three types of studio rooms (33 sqm), two one-bedroom suites (40 sqm, like the one I stayed in), and three types of two-bedroom suites ranging from 54 sqm to 72 sqm. I was amazed that some of the rooms combine the comfort of a hotel with that of a condo; I don’t come across hotel rooms with a two-in-one washer and dryer machine and a fully equipped kitchenette often. So, I was pleased with the possibility of having room service, or being able to cook or heat food whenever needed.
After freshening up, I was ready to enjoy the hotel’s services. The 18th floor is home to the “Horizon Pool” and two sauna rooms and, one floor above, the 24-hour gym is bathed by natural sunlight. Although the fitness center was closed due to local regulations at the time of my visit, posters announce frequent cleaning (another anti-COVID measure) of its state-of-the-art Life Fitness equipment.
With 33ºC in Bangkok, the infinity pool delighted me with stunning, sky-high city views – a perfect place for photography and social media lovers as well. I winded down there with a mocktail from the pool bar, rejoicing in the urban landscape on a sunny day.
Michelin-Inspired, Affordable Dining
Once I took care of the body and the mind, it was time to regain strength at the hotel’s modern Thai restaurant. In collaboration with Bangkok’s Saneh Jaan, a four-time Michelin star winner, since October 2020, Sindhorn Midtown offers at
“Tr.EAT” an affordable menu consisting of authentic Thai food and a selection of Western dishes. Yes, for the melancholic who long for their home country’s flavors, and to delight those who wish to travel overseas from Thailand through gastronomy.
Unfortunately, in-house dining is not allowed in Bangkok at the moment, but you can still enjoy a selection of Tr.EAT’s Thai and Western dishes through room service and its home delivery menu. A local must-try is the “dok sanoh pad woonsen lae name,” consisting of stir-fried sesbania flowers with glass noodles and fermented sour pork; basically, a mix of vegetables with meat and three fried pork balls on top, faithful to traditional Thai flavors.
Or choose between their Italian staples, particularly the delectable Truffle pizza, consisting of a crunchy dough covered with a layer of creamy cheese with truffles, and the undoubted aroma and taste of the fresh ingredients used to make it. The hotel offers different monthly discounts, so follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the most updated promotions, and get 20 percent off for take away and for orders made through their official Line account (@sindhorn_midtown) until the end of July.
After two days filled with good rest, swimming, and dining, I achieved my purpose of taking care of myself. You’ll be even luckier than me if, during your stay at Sindhorn Midtown, you can enjoy Rhumba, the hotel’s lobby lounge – currently turned into a café offerings coffee, soft drinks and French boulangerie-style pastries, due to Bangkok’s alcohol ban.
Once it reopens, Rhumba will continue preparing classic and creative cocktails made with a wide variety of rums, paired with Asian and Western bites.
The Greatest Asset
Every cloud has a silver lining: the hotel’s opening right before Thailand’s capital experienced its first lockdown due to COVID has only fueled its staff’s motivation to make you feel at home. You will see their attentiveness and proactiveness when you check in, if you request some information, in the thoroughly cleaned rooms, and by solving any need you may have. All this makes you feel so good as a guest, as it’s always heartwarming to see people enjoying their work—and the staff at Sindhorn Midtown does. This is one of the best memories I take from this hotel, and probably the asset that may save many others during lockdowns.
Available promotions during July 2021:
- 34-Hour Suite Stay: Book any suite and get complimentary early check-in at 8 a.m. and late check-out at 6 p.m. More info here.
- Work from Hotel: Enjoy access to the Highline Premier room, Horizon Pool, Fitness Center, and working space from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. for THB 999++ per room for two people. More info here.
Staycation promotions valid until 30 September 2021:
- Tr.EAT by Saneh Jaan Staycation: Indulge in a 34-hour stay and enjoy authentic Thai dishes from Tr.EAT by Saneh Jaan, served as unlimited a la carte style in the comfort of your room. More info here.
- Sip & Stay: Enjoy a 34-hour stay with a one-hour free-flow drinks package to enjoy in your hotel room. More info here.
Address: 68 Langsuan Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Phone: +66 2 796 8888
Bookings: stay@sindhornmidtown.com
More info: www.sindhornmidtown.com
