U Sukhumvit Bangkok

There’s a trendy, design-oriented feel to this small boutique property, which sits in a smartly presented but unassuming eight-story building. It makes an appealing home base for travelers wanting calm, quiet, and polished digs in the heart of a blazingly loud city. The chic little lobby sports black-tile flooring, striking wood panel accent dividers, and floor-to-ceiling windows; an illuminated old-school map of Thailand makes for an intriguing backsplash behind the elegant metallic front desk. There are stylish retro armchairs in eye-catching red and black hues, and the high-ceilinged space stretches up toward a striking suspended design feature. The adjacent balcony-level restaurant has a trendy industrial vibe, with exposed ceiling pipes and chic retro wooden tub seats on polished concrete flooring. Other highlights include a beautiful wooden pool deck and an indoor library space. Each floor of the property is designed around a region of Thailand, and hallways feature attractive metal maps highlighting the regions. Given it's almost sexy style, the hotel unsurprisingly attracts mostly couples, and while a few families pass through, kids are mostly spotted only around the pool, helping to keep noise to a minimum.

U Sukhumvit is only a 10-minute walk from Bangkok’s frenetic Sukhumvit Road, between Asok and Nana, home to much of the city’s nightlife. Surrounded by other hotels and within easy reach of a number of restaurants, the hotel is within walking distance of the skytrain, metro, and popular Terminal 21 shopping mall (there’s also free tuk-tuk service). Keep in mind that traffic means drive times vary widely, and travelers should budget at least an hour to reach either of the city's airports. Travel times are -- technically -- as follows:

• Four-minute walk to Nana Chard canal boat pier
• Eight-minute walk to Sukhumvit Soi 11 (for bars and restaurants)
• 10- to 15-minute walk to Sukhumvit, Nana, and Asok stations
• 14-minute walk to Terminal 21 shopping mall
• 20 minutes by skytrain to the trendy Thonglor neighborhood
• 20 minutes to Siam shopping malls by public transportation (10-minute drive)
• 20-minute drive to Chinatown (40 minutes by metro and walking)
• 30-minute drive to the Grand Palace
• 45 minutes to Chatuchak Weekend Market by skytrain

The 82 individually air-conditioned rooms at U Sukhumvit are spacious and stylish, with decor that's designed to represent the various regions around Thailand. Comfortable beds with attractive hardwood headboards and built-in reading lamps sit beneath punchy accent panels, some on soft neutral-toned accent walls, and there are small dark wood nightstands. 

Rooms come with attractive elevated wooden bar areas that double as desks and tall dark wood chairs. Cube shelves mounted on walls adorned with murals serve as clever storage for things like minibar items and filter coffeemakers. Some rooms also sport nice built-in daybeds, while the spacious Executive Corner Rooms have chic armchairs and coffee tables. Charming bathrooms have black slate tile flooring, polished concrete walls, and large stone vanities with contemporary countertop sinks. There are large walk-in showers with rainfall and power showerheads, plus free toiletries are provided.

Standard amenities include flat-screen smart TVs, phones (with local and international calls billed at cost, rather than inflated rates), free Wi-Fi, safes, well-stocked minibars, coffee- and tea-making facilities, hairdryers, robes, and slippers. Irons and ironing boards are available on request. Note that some rooms, especially those on lower floors, have poor views. Rooms are rented on a rolling 24-hour basis, so guests have use of them for a full day upon arrival, rather than being restricted by set check-in and checkout times.

The solid range of facilities at U Sukhumvit Bangkok starts with the attractive rooftop pool. The deck has a decent number of modern sunbeds and parasols, though the pool itself is on the small side. The pool bar is open until late and offers regular happy hour specials. Also open until late is the stylish indoor library space adjacent to the pool deck, with reading materials and internet terminals.

The popular all-day Uzzie restaurant serves local and international cuisine; room service is also available. A free, flexible breakfast includes a buffet that's served in the restaurant until mid-morning, as well as an a la carte breakfast that's available all day until late evening and can be served anywhere in the hotel (including as room service). Guests in the priciest Executive Corner Rooms also get free drinks at the bar, plus free daily fruit and newspapers. 

The hotel’s U Choose program enables guests to customize their stay by pre-booking different pillows, scented soaps, and teas for their room, at no extra cost. Other amenities include a meeting room that can accommodate up to 50 guests, as well as a 24-hour gym with a full range of cardio and weightlifting equipment. There’s no on-site spa, though in-room massages and spa treatments are available all day.  Other freebies include reliable Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and a regular free tuk-tuk shuttle service to and from the Skytrain and Terminal 21 shopping mall.