Pullman Bangkok Hotel G

The entrance to the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G, with its wall of windows and burnished metal frame flanked by walls of greenery, introduces the industrial-chic loft style that pervades much of the hotel. Inside, the high ceilings, whitewashed brick walls, dangling industrial-style lightbulbs, and long wooden bar that doubles as both the concierge desk and lobby bar expands on the theme. Around the bar, dark wood and wrought-iron bar stools and tables offer seating for those grabbing pastries and coffee by day, or cocktails and oysters by evening. On the other side of the check-in desk, flanked by long white drapes, the industrial style gives way to softer sitting areas of white sofas and armchairs; this is the signature look of Playground, the mezzanine bar, which overlooks the lobby and is filled with high-backed chairs and such tchotchkes as antlers and chess sets. Playground and the other two main restaurants -- 25 Degrees, an American-themed burger joint with red leather bar seats, brown leather banquettes, and vintage photographs on the walls, and Scarlett Wine Bar & Restaurant, an industrial-chic sky bar with a greenery-surrounded outdoor deck -- are all popular spots with discerning locals for after-work drinks and dinner. The pool scene, too, tends to be quite lively, although the pool deck is small and lounges are limited.

The Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is ideally located on a busy street in the heart of the lively, downtown Silom district, surrounded by shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and other high-end hotels, as well as such sights as historic temples. The closest skytrain station is less than a 10-minute walk away, putting the rest of the city within easy reach. The Sathorn business district is also within walking distance, making the hotel especially convenient for business travelers. Suvarnabhumi International Airport is approximately a 40-minute drive way, and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee. The hotel also offers free parking, but a car is unlikely needed in this neighborhood.

Rooms at the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G are large and modern, and many have impressive city views, although they're divided into two different types and styles, according to how recently they were renovated. The older, Executive-level rooms have  a modern Thai, chain-hotel-inspired style, with natural hardwood floors, dark wood headboards, a white-and-reddish-brown color scheme, wood-framed mirrors, tropical plants, and Thai accent fabrics. Executive Suites have large separate living rooms with reddish-brown sofas, a patterned carpet, and lacquered tables. The bathrooms in Executive-level rooms have granite countertops, wood-framed mirrors, walk-in showers, soaking tub, and bathrobes.

The more recently renovated G rooms are inspired by industrial New York City lofts, with white-washed brick and white wood paneled walls, antiqued white painted wood floors, modern art, and all-white sofas, chairs, and linens. The G Suites are the most impressive, with industrial-light fixtures, wood-and-leather chairs, wall-size prints, and a glass-and-metal bar outfitted with a full range of liquors -- guests are encouraged to call downstairs to have a bartender come up and mix cocktails. The G rooms are also the only rooms that have iPod docks, and the suites have C.O. Bigelow toiletries. All G room bathrooms are tiled with white penny-round tiles and have bathrobes, slippers, and either a combination shower/tub or a walk-in shower and separate soaking tub.

All rooms have flat-screen TVs,fully stocked minibars, tea- and coffee-making facilities, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms include access to the Executive Lounge.

As a hotel catering to business travelers and younger tourists, the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G specializes in trendy restaurants and bars. The hip Playground bar -- starting on the mezzanine over the lobby and spilling down into the main lobby -- regularly has DJs spinning tunes, and the lobby feels more like a hip coffee shop where one could hang out. The hotel has three other restaurants: the 25 Degrees burger joint, an extension of a popular L.A. restaurant; Wine Bar & Restaurant, a lively tapas bar with views overlooking the city's rooftops. The fifth-floor swimming pool is located on a partly shaded, open-air deck overlooking the city, with lounges, a hot tub, and its own bar; it's worth noting, though, that the lack of direct light on most lounges can cast a chill in some months, and there aren't as many lounges as there ought to be. There's also a fitness center with some modern machines, and a full-service outpost of the Anne Semonin Spa, although it can be pricey. The hotel also has a number of meeting and event rooms, and the Executive Lounge is open to guests in higher-level rooms. There's free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. Breakfast is not included in most rates.