InterContinental Bangkok has just completed a multi-million-dollar makeover and reopened its doors on 1 June with a fresh new look. Located in Bangkok’s Central Business District, directly adjacent to the BTS Chidlom Skytrain, InterContinental Bangkok is within walking distance of the capital’s main lifestyle shopping locations and major business addresses.
Across the road, you’ll find the hotel in good company with Waldorf Astoria Bangkok and the Park Hyatt Bangkok (both are incredible hotels).
Booking InterContinental Bangkok
When I noticed rooms had opened for bookings, I decided to use some of my IHG rewards to book a stay for my one-night stopover in Bangkok on my way to Bali.
Prices for hotels in Bangkok at the moment aren’t exactly cheap, and the same was true for the InterContinental, with basic rooms going for around $500 a night. Fortunately, reward nights were bookable with points for just 46,000 IHG One Reward Points (which you can often buy at a discounted price when they are on sale).
Checking In
While I haven’t stayed at the InterContinental Bangkok pre-renovation, it’s evident that there’s been extensive work to remodel the hotel.
The lobby is grand and modern, with a massive chandelier inspired by the intricate Phuang Malai garland being the centrepiece.
The check-in staff explained my elite benefits, which included breakfast, 4 PM guaranteed checkout, food & beverage credit, and a one-category upgrade to a “deluxe king”.
The Room
My room was fresh and modern, featuring the standard InterContinental design they’ve been introducing for a few years now. The room was quite spacious and offered excellent views over the city from the 28th floor. For flooring, InterContinental Bangkok has chosen a dark vinyl plank, which I don’t believe will age well.
The bed was extremely comfortable, with top-quality linen and pillows available. On the bedside, there are international power plugs as well as a standard USB and a USB-C port for charging devices.
One gripe I have with hotels is the inability to turn off all the lights from bed using a master switch. Unfortunately, InterContinental doesn’t pass this test. While there is a master switch, it doesn’t control all lights, leading me on a hunt around the room for switches. The bathroom mirror light remained on, so I simply closed the bathroom doors as a workaround.
Another minor annoyance was the ultra-bright LED lights indicating the switch for the night light. Bright lights in hotel rooms that can’t be turned off are a significant deal-breaker for me.
The bathroom was equally spacious, featuring a well-appointed shower and a separate bathtub with amenities by Byredo.
Hotel Facilities
I was most impressed by the expansive gym, occupying the entire 36th floor with panoramic windows offering breathtaking views over Bangkok. There’s also a small yoga studio, with complimentary classes held daily at 6 PM. In the changing rooms, guests will find a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool.
The 37th floor houses the Intercontinental Club lounge (which I didn’t visit this time) and a lovely swimming pool, sure to be a hit with guests eager to bask in the sun.
Dining
The revamped InterContinental Bangkok boasts four new dining facilities:
- SoCal: The city’s first California-inspired restaurant, showcasing over 50 Californian wine selections and cuisine and mixology bursting with fresh flavours and sustainable seasonal produce. Signature dishes include lobster tostada, grilled octopus, pork belly tacos, cioppino seafood stew, and slow-cooked lamb neck.
- Espresso Authentic all-day dining with live cooking stations, inspired by Bangkok’s street markets, turning every meal into a delightful journey.
- Fireplace Grill and Bar: Quality classic European dishes since 1966, such as perfectly grilled steaks and seafood.
- Summer Palace: Authentic Cantonese cuisine, with exquisitely prepared dim sum and specialities crafted by skilled chefs in a live kitchen setting.
The breakfast buffet is served at Espresso, located on the 1st floor with views over the lobby below. Typically, I find hotel buffet breakfasts lacklustre, but InterContinental Bangkok is truly impressed with the quality of food on offer. Everything was fresh and beautifully presented; even the salads looked appetising!
Summing Up
The InterContinental Bangkok is a fantastic new addition to the luxury hotel scene. I’d rank it alongside Waldorf Astoria and Park Hyatt, though perhaps a notch below. If they priced rooms below their competitors, they’d have a clear advantage. However, at the current price point, I’d lean towards Park Hyatt and Waldorf as superior choices.
