Hua Chang Heritage Hotel

Nestled right in the heart of Bangkok, the Hua Chang Heritage Hotel blends modern design and traditional Thai aesthetic. Inspired by King Rama V 19th-century architecture, the hotel has been named after the nearby Hua Chang Bridge, or the Elephant Head Bridge, which was built to commemorate the king’s 56th birthday. While some of the more quirky and feminine elements of the boutique might not appeal to everybody, the stylish elegance can be felt right from the moment guests step into the bright lobby, which combines vintage armchairs and a circular banquette, white marble, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The main restaurant is done in classy patterned tiles, silver chairs, and damask-print curved booths, while the Ivory Lounge has a mishmash of various styles from round metallic tables with upholstered chairs to stately leather sofas. A freeform pool is set in a romantic garden, but it's often shaded. While the property’s indulgent atmosphere mostly draws couples, the hotel is also popular with families and groups of friends.

The hotel is located in the heart of Bangkok, across the road from Sra Pratum Palace, and a five- to 10-minute walk from the closest skytrain station, Jim Thompson’s House, and the Siam shopping district, which includes Siam Paragon, CentralWorld and MBK. Both Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport can be reached in around an hour by car, depending on the city’s notorious traffic. Free parking is offered on-site.

The Hua Chang Heritage Hotel offers three chic, contemporary room options -- Deluxe Rooms, Premier Deluxe Rooms, and Suites - in three color schemes inspired by the hues of the Thai lotus flower, including red, purple, and blue. All are stylishly furnished with feminine-looking furnishings that are a modern take on vintage design. Expect white furniture, walls, and wood ceilings, gray-marble flooring, and high wingback chairs, plus pops of color in large upholstered headboards, breezy curtains, and reflective tabletops. Rooms have an open-plan design to maximize space, though bathrooms can be enclosed with sliding wall panels for privacy. 

On the downside, the free Wi-Fi is generally slow and spotty, plus, as the property is located right next to a main road and the skytrain line, most of the rooms and suites experience traffic noise. Light sleepers should ask for a room or suite on the river side, and avoid rooms and suites that are on the same level as the train.

All rooms have 40-inch internet-enabled TVs, coffee- and tea-making facilities, electronic safes, minibars, free Wi-Fi, and bedside control touch-screen panels for air-conditioning, lights, and the TV. The Premier Deluxe Rooms offer additional space, while the Suites feature separate living rooms and bedrooms. Across the board, modern bathrooms come with freestanding bathtubs, separate rainfall showers, hairdryers, toiletries, and high-tech toilets.

The main restaurant, Miss Siam, is open all day, serving international and Thai cuisine, including buffet breakfasts. A small outdoor terrace section lined with tables overlooks the pool. Open for lunch, the Ivory Lounge serves traditional Thai afternoon tea with desserts, fine teas, and coffees. The space can accommodate up to 120 people, can be utilized for functions such as weddings and business meetings. 

A small freeform pool is set in the hotel’s courtyard and has a thatched-roofed swim-up bar, a few loungers submerged in the shallow part, and numerous fountains. Although aesthetically pleasing, the pool is a bit small for swimming and too shady for sunbathing. Also on the downside, there are no gym or spa. The hotel can organize limousine service and airport transfers. Private butlers, dressed in traditional Thai attire provide personalized service.