Hotel SO/ Sofitel Bangkok

The outwardly unspectacular 30-storey tower would certainly not be nominated for a façade award, but inside an avant-garde hotel experience awaits us, characterized by the style and signature of French fashion designer Christian Lacroix. In collaboration with five top young Thai designers, he has created an extraordinary, urban design hotel with a mix of French elegance and a modern interpretation of local color. Lacroix has given free rein to his penchant for stylish theatricality. The staff uniforms he designed are a real eye-catcher.

The lifestyle boutique hotel is located directly opposite Lumphini Park. One of the main traffic arteries, Sathorn Road, runs between the two, and unfortunately it is not always possible to avoid the constant traffic. The interior of the 238 rooms and suites is inspired by the five elements. The super-wide beds, floor-to-ceiling windows, free use of the minibar, espresso machine with Illy capsules, laptop safe and the latest technology with Apple Mac mini-multimedia system are all very pleasant. Especially recommended: the SO Club rooms with access to the stylish Signature Club Lounge on the 25th floor.

The extravagant ambience gives you the feeling of being at home with Christian Lacroix: Here, fashion mannequins carry elegant collection designs and the imaginatively designed walls present themselves as an eclectic interplay of images and motifs from old Siam and France. There are also colorful armchairs in pink, orange, purple and blue, leather-covered tables, artfully designed carpets - and excellent service: from a delicious breakfast into the evening, guests are well looked after with snacks, afternoon tea, drinks and cocktails. The pool deck with its magnificent view is always busy. Disadvantage: too few free loungers. As befits Bangkok's luxurious city hotels, the SO Sofitel naturally also offers a rooftop terrace with bar and restaurant, which becomes the "place to be" in the evening.