It feels great to be able to travel again, Bangkok was one of the very first city I visited after the travel bans from Malaysia to Thailand was lifted.
After many years not visiting Thailand, there are many notable changes to this bustling city. Many hotels have made used of the travel down-time during the height of Covid to carry on refurbishments, rebranding and many new hotels have launched in Bangkok. It’s an exciting time for this city. Just a short flight away from Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok is a great place to relax and enjoy a short getaway.
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
The Design language
I had the pleasure of visiting The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, the hotel’s interior was designed by The Standard’s award-winning design team, in collaboration with Jaime Hayon, a visionary artist and designer, at Hayon Studios. The property stands out in every detail. From the moment you enter the hotel you know you’ve been transported into another world, another era, another realm. The lift takes you up to the lobby, your ordinary looking lift has a mirror inside that multiplies your reflection creating an illusion of space and multiplicity.
The design language is whimsical with a modern 70’s vibe. To the attentive eye, the elements of fine art hidden in plain sight throughout the property are illuminating: a portrait of a couple, caught in an embrace, imbedded in the floor; locally made hanging rattan lamps in the entrance gives a nod to local Thai handicraft creating an intricate canopy overhead; head over to the lobby shop to discover The Standard’s global retail line and fine objects from local artists.
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
The sofas, armchairs and settees are bright and stylish, as well as comfortable and inviting. It feels like walking into a stylish home, making you instantly feel at ease. Not to be missed are the restaurants within the hotel, each with its own unique cuisine and stunning interior. The design also draws from the historical elements of The Standard brand, with a new interpretation of The Standard Grill, the iconic American brasserie located at the New York flagship, the interior of the restaurant takes inspiration from the New York Subway with gorgeous period dark green and white subway tiles, and brass railings.
The Corner King Room
A truly unique stay
The Standard has a total of 155 rooms and suites, and is located in downtown Bangkok. It’s the perfect address to discover Bangkok’s old Town, immerse yourself in cultural attractions and a vibrant art scene. Srettha Thavisin, Chairman of Standard International, revealed: “We are incredibly thrilled about the launch of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon in Thailand. This iconic flagship hotel of The Standard represents an extraordinary phenomenon in the hospitality industry not only in Asia, but globally as well. We are confident that The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon will have huge success in delivering the ultimate hotel experience – unlike any other in Thailand.”
Progressive Siam
The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon
Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon and The Standard’s award-winning in-house design team delved into the synergy between the city’s melting pot of cultures and free-form artistic exploration. The resulting social spaces are fresh and intertwined with reinterpretations of cultural cues, such as Marco Brambilla’s video monument to Hollywood dreams and excesses, in the lobby. Titled “Heaven’s Gate”, this provocative artwork is the first instalment in the “Box” series, a concept inspired by the brand’s first property in Hollywood that showcased an ever-changing roster of art installations.
The Rooms
The Balcony Suite Living Room
Upon entering the room you feel calm and relaxed. The corner room offers beautiful cities views, which gets you straight into the buzz of city life once you wake up. The neutral colour tones and warm lighting makes you feel at ease. The design is simple, yet functional. Each room features a softy-lit bar area and coffee machine that forms as a focal point where conversations flow over hand-shaken cocktails and coffee. The interiors is bold, glamorous with soft touches and retro-style furniture. The en-suite bathroom features a giant soaking tub, and indoor plants.
Playtime
The pool
Head to the pool to relax and unwind. The pool overlooks the city decorated with lush greenery. The private cabana’s offers little downtime away from the sun, and some privacy. Indulge in the bubbling jacuzzi, and have a cocktail at the pool bar. Order some healthy smoothies, local snacks and plant-based delights from their progressive menu. The 24-hours, The Standard Gym features stunning city views, ample natural light, and state-of-the art equipment from CLMBR and PELOTON, and a variety of signature group classes, including high-intensity endurance training, group outdoor classes and Hollywood aerobics.
A Feast For All
Dim Sum at Mott 32
With six distinctive dining, drinking and nightlife venues, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon promises to shake up your appetite.
The Standard Grill
The Standard Grill takes inspiration from an American brasserie. This one in Bangkok takes form from the celebrated original at The Standard, High Line in New York’s Meatpacking District. On the menu are all-day classics such as The Standard BKK Wagyu Burger with foie gras as well as beef tartare and whole carved ribs served table-side from custom-made wood and marble trolleys.
Okan Wagyu Ribeye MBS 8 l 9 + Amalia Park Lamb + Rotisserie Chicken + Full Blood Wagyu Sirloin MBS 9+
You can enjoy a classic, fresh Caesar salad prepared table side and an exclusive selection of Australian grain and grass-fed beef, dry aged on site.
Ojo
High up on the 76th floor, the views, interior and food are exceptional. This restaurant is a must-visit in Bangkok, and deserves to be on the world’s best rooftop restaurants list. Helm by multi-award-winning chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano. His Mexican-inspired restaurant Ojo draws on Bangkok’s progressive outlook and the venue’s whimsical design, referencing Mexico’s ancient civilizations to deliver flavours never experienced in Thailand or the region, such as aguachile seasonal prawns and bone marrow tortillas, complemented by inventive cocktails and a thoughtful wine list. We sampled their grilled fish tacos marinated in Thai spices, served with tortilla, a side of sticky rice and Thai chilli oil.
Sky Beach
Not for the faint-hearted. Head up to Sky Beach after dinner at Oja for 360-degree views from the 78th floor. Sky Beach, Bangkok’s highest rooftop features a see-thru floor, if you dare or after a few drinks you may be brave enough to step over a see-thru floor on the 78th floor. Definitely one for the bucket list.
Tease
Tease
Afternoon Tea at Tease was splendid, the quirky private tea room set in graphic black and White, brings you back to the pages of Alice in Wonderland. The bijoux tea room overflows with whimsy and wonder. Enjoy alcohol-infused brews, tasty savoury and sweet treats such as Quail & Whiskey Party Pie, Jerusalem Artichoke Panna Cotta and Chocolate Praline, Mixed Berry Milkshakes found nowhere else in Bangkok, and a setting inspired by Vienna’s grand cafes. The elegant Fuerstenberg-porzellan Chinaware completes this special experience.
The Parlour
The Parlour
The menu offers authentic Thai cuisine, including dishes like Blue Swimmer Crab with crunchy rice and Coconut cupcakes with lobster red curry, and breakfast is available all day. Cocktails like the Honey Trap and Be Wild, created by Khun “Milk” Thanaworachayakit, The Standard, Bangkok Mahankhon’s beverage manager, complements the atmosphere and delicious food.
Mott 32
Discover award-winning Chinese cuisine at Mott 32 Bangkok’s open-air terrace dotted with lush greenery. The famous apple wood roasted Peking duck is not to be missed, as are expertly curated cocktails and authentic Cantonese, Beijing and Szechuan flavors created with the most meticulously sourced ingredients.
The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon offers more than you can imagine, a truly trendy, hip and happening address within the city. From comfortable luxurious rooms, to innovative fine-dining restaurants, and bars. Every corner is thoughtful designed with artistic flair, that seamlessly fits into the hotel. It offers something different, unfamiliar but exciting and you can’t wait to get to know her even more.
The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon
114 MahaNakhon, The Standard,
Bangkok Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Rd,
Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak,
Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500,
Thailand
