Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn

A striking 33-story glass skyscraper houses the Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn, which blends right into the hyper-city skyline of the Sathorn area. Though this is a business hotel, there's a lot of style here to like as well. The busy lobby has high ceilings and grand pillars that contrast the homier wood-paneled walls, elaborate chandelier-style downlighting, and mix of stylish sofas and armchairs. Understated decor is this hotel's hallmark, and it tends to look refined and chic rather than over-the-top, as we've seen at plenty of other large hotels in Bangkok. The Glass House and Chef Man restaurants strike a similarly modern, neutral note, including design-led lighting suspended from accented wooden ceiling panels. This Eastin primarily targets business travelers, but the bright, airy, neutral color scheme makes it a tranquil vacation hideaway, too, and it draws travelers from across the spectrum. 

A footbridge connection between the hotel and Surasak Skytrain station sets the Eastin Grand apart from many in traffic-choked Bangkok. It's conveniently located for the Sathorn and Silom business districts, as well as for the Sathorn pier. Expect a 10-minute walk to Sathorn Sois 10 and 12 for bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Otherwise, hop on the skytrain, as it's only two stop to the Sala Daeng Skytrain station for access to bustling Silom area and notorious Patpong night market. Trendy Convent Road is also near Sala Daeng. One stop in the other direction, to Saphan Taksin, leads to the river ferries, which can reach the historic sights around the Grand Palace in 20 minutes. The skytrain and metro combined will take 40 minutes to reach Chinatown's crowded alleyways. It's about the same commute to Chatuchak Weekend Market. Traffic can be a nightmare in Bangkok for much of the day, so cab trips can take a long time. With that in mind, budget at least an hour to reach either of the major airports: Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi.

The Eastin Grand's 390 air-conditioned rooms combine functionality and style. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide impressive views that stretch farthest in corner-unit Executive and Premium Deluxe Rooms and Junior Suites. There are small dark-wood bedside tables, smart brown carpeting, and tan-wood-paneled and off-white walls, plus pleasant neutral curtains and colorful prints. Rooms also come with large blond-wood desks, plus elegant brown lounge chairs and chic floor lamps. Sky Rooms -- on higher floors -- have comfy beds with brown headboards against modern gray floral accent walls. Other higher-category rooms add sharp modern art work, or generous seating areas. Junior Suites measure 818 square feet (76 square meters), and have cozy living rooms, making them a fine option for those who value space.

Bright bathrooms feature cream-marble-topped vanities with wall-size mirrors. Attractive all-glass walk-in shower stalls have power showerheads, and toiletries are provided. Bathrooms in higher-category rooms are enormous. In addition to rainfall walk-in showers, they have luxurious shower/slipper tub combos beside floor-to-ceiling windows that have killer city views.

Standard amenities include 42-inch built-in flat-screen TVs with cable channels, air-conditioning, phones, safes, and free Wi-Fi, plus generously stocked minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, hairdryers, bathrobes, and slippers. Note that only Superior, Superior Sky and Executive Superior Sky Rooms are available with twin-size beds.

Extensive facilities include a stunning 14th-floor infinity pool set on a chic wooden deck complete with sunbeds and attractive modern wicker-resin cushioned cocoons. Views of downtown Bangkok are impressive. The high-tech gym is fitted with modern cardio machines -- with built-in TV, Internet, and Bluetooth -- as well as a nice selection of free weights, machines, yoga mats, and exercise balls. Unfortunately, the hotel has neither a spa, sauna, or hot tubs.

Room service operates 24/7, while Chinese restaurant Chef Man is open for lunch and dinner. The Swizzles lobby bar serves snacks and drinks from morning till night. From its open kitchen, the Glass House serves the excellent international breakfast buffet (not included in all rates), plus a buffet lunch and all-day a la carte Asian and Western dishes. Guests in Executive, Premium Deluxe, and Junior Suite Rooms can take breakfast in the intimate 32nd-floor Executive Lounge, where they get all-day soft drinks and snacks, plus evening cocktails, separate check-in, concierge services, and use of a boardroom.

There’s a full business center, and the numerous spacious, flexible function rooms (up to 12, depending on setup) -- covering three levels. Wi-Fi is free and reliable throughout the hotel, and there are 200 free, secure parking spaces.