AMARI WATERGATE BANGKOK: Been Around for 2 Decades but Still on Top of the Game! #LuxuryInLongevity @AmariHotels
" If you have a 23- year old hotel with 569 guest rooms in a city flushed with new 5-star accommodations and have no problem getting it fully booked then you have things managed the right way. " - quoted from my review of the property on www.Tripadvisor.com
We only stayed in hostels the first time we traveled to Bangkok so this time I thought why not try a fancy accommodation for a change, after all, other than its amazing temples, gastronomic diversity, unique culture and vibrant night life, Bangkok is known for luxury travel and relaxation. Surely, there is something for everyone regardless the budget and I thought why not splurge for a day. It was day 1 of our 8-days trip and it started so good thanks to Amari Watergate Hotel.
ABOUT AMARI WATERGATE BANGKOK
Highlights: Breeze Spa, Executive Lounge
Transport: Makkasan Airport Link, Rajthevi BTS Station
Nearby: Central World, Siam Paragon, Erawan Shrine
Awards:TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence (2012), Lonely Planet Best Value Hotel (2012)
HOW TO GET TO AMARI WATERGATE HOTEL
Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (SARL)
4 years I didn't know that there is an airport train in Bangkok which has been operational since 2010. It has 6 stations which from Suvarnabhumi International Airport terminates at Makkasan Station and connects to Phaya Thai station in central Bangkok. Back then we were forced to take the expensive taxi so as not to miss our flight. I said "expensive" because 1-way ticket via airport link is 48 Baht max compared to 300+ Baht plus toll gate fees you have to pay using the taxi.
The airport train can get end to end for 30 minutes. If you are coming with not so much luggage you can take this line and alight at Ratchaprarop Station which is the 2nd to the last station. From there it is only a few hundred meters to Amari Watergate Hotel. You can actually see the hotel from the station. It is almost next to Bayoke building which is one of the tallest building in Bangkok.
Lobby
I like the spacious lobby and its high ceiling. Imagine the foot traffic on peak hours or high occupancy periods but that's not a problem here. Not the grand decoration to wow you but always feels pleasant and breathable. Friendly staff await at the reception to welcome you. Their English may not be perfect but the VIP treatment and prompt service makes up for it.
Suite Room
The executive suite where we stayed feels new and fresh. The bed, soft for utmost relaxing sleep. Spacious, a work table on the side handy for business travelers. Wood-carved frame on top of bed headboard for added accent. It is modern with a twist of an old-fashioned feature complimented by the sliding window in the restroom. While new hotels have transparent glass dividing the bath from the main room and an electronically operated blinds to switch back and forth being private, this one you have to push and pull manually. Inside it is a mirror where you can enjoy seeing yourself while on the tub. Slide it and you feel the continuity in the entire room. I love it opened while taking a bath and the tv and room curtains open. It gives me a feeling of free flow of energy.
I like the spacious lobby and its high ceiling. Imagine the foot traffic on peak hours or high occupancy periods but that's not a problem here. Not the grand decoration to wow you but always feels pleasant and breathable. Friendly staff await at the reception to welcome you. Their English may not be perfect but the VIP treatment and prompt service makes up for it.
The executive suite where we stayed feels new and fresh. The bed, soft for utmost relaxing sleep. Spacious, a work table on the side handy for business travelers. Wood-carved frame on top of bed headboard for added accent. It is modern with a twist of an old-fashioned feature complimented by the sliding window in the restroom. While new hotels have transparent glass dividing the bath from the main room and an electronically operated blinds to switch back and forth being private, this one you have to push and pull manually. Inside it is a mirror where you can enjoy seeing yourself while on the tub. Slide it and you feel the continuity in the entire room. I love it opened while taking a bath and the tv and room curtains open. It gives me a feeling of free flow of energy.
Executive Lounge
Since we stayed in an Executive Suite room, we got unlimited access to the Executive Lounge.This a more private space if you prefer it quieter as afternoon cocktails is served here. Have beer by the al-fresco area in the afternoon and enjoy the beautiful skyline of Bangkok. You can also opt for having breakfast here instead of Amaya although I would suggest the latter for a more diverse spread. If I have to be honest though, I was expecting more of the executive lounge in terms of aesthetics but it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it here.
Since we stayed in an Executive Suite room, we got unlimited access to the Executive Lounge.This a more private space if you prefer it quieter as afternoon cocktails is served here. Have beer by the al-fresco area in the afternoon and enjoy the beautiful skyline of Bangkok. You can also opt for having breakfast here instead of Amaya although I would suggest the latter for a more diverse spread. If I have to be honest though, I was expecting more of the executive lounge in terms of aesthetics but it doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it here.
We had a quick afternoon beer moment here after check-in and before going around Grand Palace Complex. I also kept coming back here to enjoy the view. I love skyline views and Bangkok has one of the best skylines in Southeast Asia. Many building with their distinct appeals. Even the low one have their own character. Something that Manila can emulate if it wants its skyline to be more recognizable.
Pool Area(Sauna, Spa, Gym)
The pool area is a favorite, nice pool view and amenities around it --- the gym, the sauna and the spa. Since it is located at the 7th floor, it affords a nice view of the surrounding skyline. The pool area is so spacious, it is a perfect place to unwind and relax --- a breathing space in a busy and crowded city. Next to it is a bar where you can just chill if you don't feel like taking a dip. I feel bad we didn't have much time to use the gym because they got so many equipment available to cover any kind of workout regimen and a hottie slash buff gym instructor ready to assist. Aside from the gym there are 2 squash rooms if you feel like being sporty.
The pool area is a favorite, nice pool view and amenities around it --- the gym, the sauna and the spa. Since it is located at the 7th floor, it affords a nice view of the surrounding skyline. The pool area is so spacious, it is a perfect place to unwind and relax --- a breathing space in a busy and crowded city. Next to it is a bar where you can just chill if you don't feel like taking a dip. I feel bad we didn't have much time to use the gym because they got so many equipment available to cover any kind of workout regimen and a hottie slash buff gym instructor ready to assist. Aside from the gym there are 2 squash rooms if you feel like being sporty.
The sauna is also located by the pool area and we made sure we used it at night after being out touring the city the whole day with lots of walking. We were in for a very restful sleep. If you want to take relaxation further there is Amari Spa with their Signature massage that are pricey but I heard is on a different level.On the opposite side is the garden which is also very spacious. Perfect for events.
Amaya Food Gallery
(Restaurant)
And the restaurant, wow! Newly renovated to give that modern, posh look and fresh feel. Consistent with the high ceiling lobby, one will have his eyes filled with aesthetic beauty and a stomach satisfied with their signature dishes. I enjoyed buffet breakfast here. It is one thing you look forward to when you wake up. I could stay here for hours and enjoy both the view and the food. My favorites include green curry with chicken , luang prabang salad and pastries. If we were not to leave for Ayutthaya that morning, we should have stayed the entire breakfast buffet hours as there were so many food to try. Amaya Food Gallery is indeed a feast to the senses.(Restaurant)
Impeccable Service
And of course, the service, impeccable! You will feel so at home and pampered. In the end, a place is just a place until good and friendly people make it extra-special. The first time I was in Bangkok and encountered being scammed on our way to Grand Palace and in another incident being tricked by a tuktuk driver, I questioned the " Thai Hospitality" they were advertising in Thai Tourism ads. Our wonderful experience at Amari made me realize what true Thai hospitality means. No wonder why guests keep coming back. My only regret is that we had only a night to stay here and be on the move. But thank you Amari Watergate Bangkok for giving the 1st day of out 8-days trip a boost. Everything else from then on went great!
Do Find AMARI WATERGATE BANGKOK
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