Review: Ten Six Hundred Bangkok, one of the newest hotel additions along Chao Phraya
With only 31 rooms in total, expect personalised service and a private haven all to yourself.
Singaporeans are no strangers to Bangkok – The Land of Smiles, great Thai cuisine and even better shopping. As one of the top short-haul destinations Singaporeans love flying to, it's also a great place for hotel-philes wanting to experience exceptional hotels at a fraction of the price it might cost in Singapore.
Recently, I had the chance to experience Ten Six Hundred Chao Phraya Bangkok by Preference, a 31-room boutique hotel managed by The Ascott Limited. It was a short one-night stay meant to conclude a week in Bangkok, and I had saved this experience for the last. The space looks set to offer a haven of tranquility amidst the bustling city, with a couple of stunning private pools and a rooftop pool overlooking Chao Phraya and the skyline of Asiatique.
How does it feel to spend a day (and night) alone in this luxurious sanctuary, specifically, the Klong San Duplex Pool Suite? We'll find out.
Reserve your room at Ten Six Hundred Bangkok here.
First impression of Ten Six Hundred Bangkok
At the entrance, a stunning labradorite/larvikite water feature welcomes visitors. The bellboy was quick to offer help for my luggage right from the get-go and I was ushered into the blissfully cool lobby, immediately feeling like I was shielded from the hustle and bustle of the outside. The hotel's ambience and decor is giving "spa" vibes, blending luxury with comfort seamlessly. It's definitely a place to relax in, and I experienced immediate regret for only availing myself to a single night.
Prompt yet unintrusive service
Very quickly, a glass of iced tea and sweets were served, and my luggage was quietly shifted to a less intrusive space. A short while later, I was shown to my room, and informed by the lovely concierge that the hotel provides a scheduled shuttle boat service for popular attractions along Chao Phraya. It's a major plus for guests staying in the hotel – and certainly in my books – to be able to bypass some of the road traffic conditions Bangkok is known for.
The room you can stay in the whole day
Klong San Duplex Pool Suite is one of five pool suites available in the property. Split into two levels, you'll enter the room into a bright and airy space, supported by floor-to-ceiling windows and equipped with both day and blackout curtains should one be sun-sensitive. The second level is where the private rooftop pool is, offering an unparalleled view of the Chao Phraya River.
I allowed myself a quick soak in the private rooftop pool before getting chased back into the room by the relentless mosquitoes. It's good timing too, to catch the shuttle ferry that zoomed me over to Icon mall.
As night fell, I found the bed firm but the pillows too soft – a personal preference I wish I had brought up earlier. Good sound-proofing is in place, for I was informed of a wedding party that was happening in the restaurant below me, and heard not a peep the entire night.
The amenities
The pool, obviously, was a great draw, though some judicious use of mosquito coils might make the experience more comfortable.
I love finding quirky surprises in the decor inside the hotel, and the myriad of artwork will keep you on your toes. Speaking of keeping on your toes – there's a small but well-equipped gym so you won't miss your daily workout.
As it's monsoon season when I visited, I could barely catch a day without rain, much less enjoy an alfresco rooftop bar experience.
Breakfast is served on the ground floor restaurant, with Western and Thai options you can order off a menu, and a selection of pastries ala buffet style.
What could have been better
The ambience and design in the room were undoubtedly gorgeous, but I quickly got confused with the myriad of lighting that the switches seemed to command in the room. One switch can turn off half the light in the room, and then only a couple on some other switches. It took a couple moments of experimentation to get the light combination I was most comfortable with.
I could not switch on the pool lights for the entire night, nor any lights in the morning. I've notified the hotel, and can only imagine that the issue has been fixed.
Perhaps a reassessment of the room's lighting setup could enhance the overall experience for guests. A more balanced and adjustable lighting scheme would contribute significantly to the already charming atmosphere, ensuring that future guests can fully appreciate the thoughtfulness that goes into every aspect of their stay.
For those seeking a respite from the urban hustle, this riverside gem is a sanctuary of calm, offering a delightful escape with a touch of sophistication.
The Klong San Duplex Pool Suite (83 sqm) starts from S$478.49 per night as at 1-3 March 2024.
Ten Six Hundred, Chao Phraya Bangkok by Preference
29/2 Soi Charoen Nakorn 39,
Banglumphu Lang,
Khlongsan, Bangkok 10600
Reserve your room at Ten Six Hundred Bangkok here
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