This good value hotel offers a relaxed vibe in bustling Bangkok

The place

Movenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok

Check-in

The Movenpick makes great use of its rooftop space.

First opened in 2015, the Movenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 is centrally located on a narrow street from busy Sukhumvit Road. The 363-room hotel is split across three buildings, with the lobby in one, the restaurant in another and the third building dedicated to longer-stay guests. The lane is a bit of a tricky walk, with scooters blocking sections of the footpath (which occasionally disappears completely), but it’s only a short distance from the main drag, where you can catch the BTS Skytrain to nearby shopping mega-malls like Emporium. A complimentary hotel tuk-tuk can drop you off at the train stations if you don’t fancy walking in Bangkok’s notorious heat.

The look

The hotel lobby.

The design is, as befits the tropical climate of Bangkok, focused on greenery and water features. It creates a vibe that feels more like a resort than a city hotel despite the classic black and white marble that dominates the lobby. The hotel makes excellent use of its rooftop, with each of the three buildings joined by short walkways. The swimming pool is here, but there is also an abundance of outdoor spaces with deck chairs and a small pond replete with lily pads and sunken seating, giving the sitting guests the appearance of floating on the water’s surface.

The room

The room is eminently comfortable.

I’m staying in a “Deluxe” room, which is a good size with a large bed, full-size bathtub (not featured in the base-level “Superior” rooms) and separate shower. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of Bangkok, though there’s not a lot to see from my vantage point. Otherwise, the room is stylish, if lacking any particular flair, and eminently comfortable.

The food

Lelawadee offers dishes from all corners of the globe.

The hotel’s Lelawadee Restaurant offers international cuisine from all corners of the globe. There are local dishes like yellow curry with crab and pad thai, but also pizza, burgers and Nicoise salads, along with a few dishes tying in to Movenpick’s Swiss origins. Many of the simpler dishes can be ordered and consumed on the rooftop. Being a Movenpick, there’s also the daily “chocolate hour” at 4pm, featuring a range of sweet delights. Breakfast is a buffet with a solid range of traditional Western dishes, an omelette station and a selection of Asian breakfast options.

Stepping out

The hotel is set back a short distance from busy Sukhumvit Road, where you’ll also find the train station. Take the pedestrian overpass to cross the road and head a few blocks south to explore Benchakitti Forest Park. The expanded park is on the site of a former tobacco factory and is now spread across 72 hectares. It features several habitats aimed at recreating different forest environments from around Thailand, with walkways, cycling tracks and recreation areas. Bird life is abundant, and you might also spot huge monitor lizards lazing in the sun or even taking a dip in the swamp mangrove area.

The verdict

Despite its central Bangkok location, Movenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 manages to feel like a relaxed respite (at a bargain price) from the hustle and bustle.

Essentials

Rooms start from THB 3500 ($A150). See movenpickbangkoksukhumvit15.com

Our rating out of five

★★★½

Highlight

The large and segmented rooftop space offers a touch of tranquillity in a bustling city.

Lowlight

At the time of my stay, toiletries were still supplied in small bottles (a black mark for sustainability), though water was provided in reusable glass bottles.

The writer stayed as a guest of Accor Hotels.