Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok

The lobby and public spaces are a world of glass and marble, dotted with elegant furnishings, delicate Thai artwork, and ornate displays of exotic flowers. The color scheme is bright and fresh, including vibrant pops of oranges and pinks, which are toned down by slate gray furnishings and light woods. The grounds are well-maintained and lead into a rooftop pool and courtyard area, with mature rubber plants and palm trees. The pool is thin and narrow, but good for doing a few laps, and there's a little splash pool with a waterfall effect that drizzles from the roof. Other public spaces include the MoMo cafe and bar, which are modern and contemporary, featuring snappy green seating areas that spill out onto a terrace. Where the hotel really comes into its own is in the business lounge, which is definitely worth the upgrade to a higher-tier room, as it has its own private terrace with panoramic views of the city, and free use of Mac computers. The hotel is mostly popular with business people, couples, and families, as solo travelers may find better value elsewhere.

The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Bangkok is located in the city's business district, within 10 blocks of Police General Hospital, Siam Paragon Mall, and Pratunam Market. Siam Square and Lumphini Park are also equidistant, and the park is a popular spot for long walks, bike rides, and boating on the lake. The hotel is less than a 10 minutes' walk from Central World, a sprawling mall that has themed floors from around the world. Platinum Mall and Pratunam Market take a little longer to get to, about 20 minutes on foot, but the latter is Thailand's largest clothing market. The hotel is close to the loud and crowded main road, but the double-glazed windows promise good sleep. Ratchadamri BTS Skytrain Station is a five-minute walk away, putting the entire city at your feet. It takes about an hour and 15 minutes to reach Suvarnabhumi International Airport by metro links. There are numerous places nearby to grab cheap meals, as the area surrounding the hotel caters to office workers.

Rooms at the Marriott are large, with even larger windows. Space is not an issue here, and the sparsely designed but notably comfortable rooms are designed in warm red, orange, and purple tones, with a hint of organic-looking art that resembles either shells or spirals, backed onto bright colored canvases. The overall style of the rooms is in keeping with the chain hotel's brand, becoming more luxurious and unique in higher room categories. All rooms have a wide range of modern amenities, including a flat-screen TV, iPod dock, well-stocked minibar, personal safe, and fluffy towels and bathrobes in each. Bathrooms are similarly modern and large, with luxury Thann toiletries, but the clear glass wall separating the bathroom from the bedroom isn't for everyone; there is a shade that can be pulled down for privacy, though. Premier bathrooms have huge sunken baths that are big enough for two, and shuttered windows that look out onto the sprawling city below. Other higher-tier bathrooms have circular tuba adjacent to floor-to-ceiling windows. Executive-level rooms have access to the business lounge, with free snacks and drinks throughout the day.

MoMo Cafe offers casual dining and buffet spreads with international dishes, while afternoon tea and light refreshments are available at MoMo Bar until late into the night. Additionally, there's a poolside bar and coffee shop. Breakfast is only available for a fee. The hotel’s large, resort-style gardens, terraces, and rooftop swimming pool make it feel even more relaxing and decadent. There’s also a spa, and a fitness center with a large range of equipment. Executive-level rooms give guests access to the business lounge, with free snacks and drinks throughout the day, as well as Mac computers to use and a large terrace with panoramic views. Free Wi-Fi is only available in public areas and free self-parking is also provided. The business center and meeting rooms are fresh and contemporary.