The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon review: Eye-catching, hip, eclectic quality for a cool adult stay experience
The writer had a wonderful stay at The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon and here are a few reasons why she'd love to come back again.
Bangkok, Thailand, is one of the most visited city destinations for international arrivals in 2023, according to Euromonitor International. For travellers from Singapore or Malaysia, we can arrive in the Land of Smiles in under just three hours via a direct flight and enjoy the many offerings and experiences the city has to offer without burning a hole in our pocket. Bangkok was one of my frequented visits in 2023, and I took the chance to stay a night in December at The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon, a hip and highly anticipated Asia flagship brand of The Standard.
Opened at the end of July 2022, The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon is housed in the King Power Mahanakhon Building, a 78-story mixed-use building that is one of the tallest in Thailand. Situated in a prime location in the vibrant Central Business District, the hotel is perfectly appointed between Silom and Sathorn to explore Bangkok’s best. It’s close to the Old Town and the Chao Phraya River, surrounded by great restaurants and bars, and is just a minutes-long stroll to the lush and cheery Lumpini Park.
The hotel building is a landmark by itself, mirroring a Tetris game when you look at it from various perspectives. The spectacular design can be attributed to German architect Ole Scheeren, former partner of the design firm Office for Metropolitan Architecture; Thai company Pace Development; with interior design helmed by Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon and The Standard's own team, fronted by chief design officer Verena Haller.
I had a wonderful stay at The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon and here are a few reasons why I'd love to come back again.
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Reasons to stay in The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon
First up, I've got to say this: finally, a hotel that doesn't market its design aesthetics as an all-white, minimalist, clean style. From the moment I stepped foot at the reception area and made my way to the hotel room, I saw quirky and eye-catching decor that piqued my inner creative child's interest. You would call this feeling objet petit a, a type of force that draws you towards any particular object. Everywhere I looked, I felt like I was part of a Hay product catalogue!
Checking in to the Suite Spot was a delight, and not just for its retro-styled fixtures, but for its well-planned use of space. Measuring 83 sqm in total, the Suite Spot is a room big enough for a family of three or four. Walking into the living room area, you'll be greeted with floor-to-ceiling windows that allow you to observe Bangkok's skyline with ease. The area is also equipped with a Nespresso machine, minibar, Bang & Olufsen speaker, and a slim LED TV just to name a few.
The suite's bedroom comes with a very comfortable king bed with luxe bed sheets. Most importantly, I like my pillows firm, and the hotel's pillows fulfilled this very important need. As you make your way to the powder room, you'll be wowed by the huge area coupled with a giant soaking tub overlooking the city.
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There is also an en suite bathroom with a standing shower if you don't fancy a long soak in the tub. The bathrobe is divine because of the material's softness and I was tempted to steal them, but you can actually purchase the items at a gift shop at ground level.
The toiletries were duly provided by Davines, and come in silver and black packaging.
I was also told that the Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon has a few rooms with disability access, so that's a bonus point there in my books.
The pool area looks simple yet stylish and overlooks the city. If you're not keen on a swim, the nearby Pool Deck and Bar can easily seat 57 people in total, and you can order light bites and cocktails to unwind. There is also a nearby 24-hour gym for fitness lovers who can't skip leg days.
Food-wise, the hotel is home to some of the best and hip restaurants in town, namely award-winning Chinese restaurant Mott32 (which you can find the second outlet at Marina Bay Sands) and Ojo, a Mexican restaurant listed on the Michelin guide and winner of Restaurant & Bar Design Awards.
At Mott32, I fulfilled my hunger pangs by ordering too much, which is a good thing considering I could then narrow down a bunch of my favourite foods: whole Drunken mantis shrimp with Hwa Tiao, which was quite a sight; barbecue Iberico pork that was crispy enough without that burnt taste; signature smoked black cod, that's doused in sweet black sauce with a smoky taste; and signature Maine lobster fried rice, which was truly just a comforting dish to have. I washed down with a Forbidden Rose cocktail that's a light fruity drink infused with lychee, passionfruit and a hint of chilli.
Then, I had the pomelo, honeycomb, and coconut ice cream dessert which was the perfect ending to an already amazing dinner.
The staff, young and friendly, were courteous and all-smiles, even when I was still hogging the table minutes past closing time catching up with a friend who lives in Bangkok. To continue late-night conversations, you can also head to The Parlor, where there are enough sumptuous cocktails for the night owls.
Breakfast takes place at The Standard Grill Café, which is ala carte style. You can order a breakfast style bacon with eggs and sourdough bread, wanton noodles, or even shredded chicken in congee, which was more than enough for our tummies.
The perks of staying at The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon is that you get free entrance tickets (costs THB 880 per pax) to Sky Beach, the highest rooftop bar in Bangkok that's located on a whooping Level 78. The view at night is magnificent, almost so that you could touch the stars.
The Standard Bangkok Mahanakhon isn't for everyone (it's geared towards adults mainly) but children are also welcome. Overall the staff from reception to service were always on high alert, flashing smiles even when I casually walk by. After all we're in the Land of Smiles, and the Thai people always place high emphasis on providing excellent customer service. It makes me feel like Bangkok is almost like a second home (having visited four times last year) and their gracious hospitality is always memorable.
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