Novotel Bangkok Fenix Silom

Bearing very much the appearance of a chain hotel on the exterior, this Novotel is situated in a relatively anonymous concrete building of about a dozen stories. The lobby is floored in shiny gray marble and accented with bright orange lamps and a stylish, inlaid ceiling resembling connected puzzle pieces. Recessed lighting and a wall of windows illuminate the airy space, while brushed chrome surfaces and the occasional piece of abstract contemporary art lend the feel of a modern Thai shopping mall. The Square restaurant is contemporary and understated, with gray laminate tables and black leather and chrome chairs, potted palm plants, and pops of bright orange and pale aquamarine. There's something vaguely futuristic about this property's decor, a nonetheless soothing combinations of mod shapes, natural light, and clean-cut uniformity. The property tends to draw tourists, including couples and some families, though plenty of business travelers do come through; the proximity to Bangkok's gem hub draws in a certain crowd, as well. 

Situated on busy Silom Road, the hotel sits back from the street behind a wide sidewalk, and is surrounded by other hotels and tall apartment buildings. Its location provides access to various entertainment districts without actually being in the fray: a gems hub in the city sits about 10 minutes away on foot, and Silom night market and the red light district are 20 minutes' walk. A 10-minute walk leads to the ferry launch, from which guests can reach the riverfront market area known as Asiatique in 15 minutes. The Surasak BTS station is a 10-minute walk, and gives access to the airport with a couple of transfers (one hour and 15 minutes travel time); the hotel provides a free shuttle service to Sala Deang BTS station, which offers airport access in about the same time. 

These tidy rooms all stick to a pleasant, mass produced, modern aesthetic comprising laminate bedside tables and desks and decorative pillowed headboards with recessed illuminated panels. The color scheme is mainly gray, with touches of bright orange, and bright white bedding. The wall-to-wall carpeting may be a bit scuffed. Bathrooms have brushed chrome fixtures and walk-in showers with rainfall showerheads. Each room has an electric kettle, a minibar with snacks, air-conditioning, a safe, a small work desk situated near a good outlet bank, a flat-screen TV, and LED bedside lamps. Each Suite has a soaking tub, as well as a separate living room. Suite guests also receive welcome drinks and snacks, daily breakfast, and turndown service. Some guests have complained about the quality of the towels and sheets. 

The wood-floored fitness center has a bank of treadmills overlooking the outdoor pool, along with weight machines, free weights, and an adjacent locker room with a dry sauna. There are a few retail shops in the lobby of the hotel, along with a locally popular basement bar, Maggie Choo's, decorated in 1920s Shanghai style with antique brass and green lamps and tufted velvet armchairs. Stone Bar in the lobby has twice-weekly DJ nights, and The Square restaurant serves buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner -- a nice mix of international cuisines and Japanese dishes. Wi-Fi is free, and the hotel has a kids' corner and two meeting rooms with space for up to 60 people.