Hotel Review: W Bangkok (Studio Suite) - Affordable Luxury Hotel with Plenty of Restaurants Nearby
Bangkok has been getting a steady stream of luxury hotels in recent years and there are more properties that are scheduled to open later this year. If you are not entirely motivated in trying out a new brand or property, the W Bangkok is one that I go back to all the time - the location is great (short stroll to Chong Nonsi BTS Station), the room rates are reasonable (for a W Hotel) and most importantly, there are plenty of eateries and bars nearby so you do not have to wander too far if you are not ready to deal with the crowd and heat.
Cathay Pacific Business Class
CX712 (SIN-BKK)
There are various direct flights that you can take to get from Singapore to Bangkok but if you are looking for an interesting alternative, you may redeem a Business Class flight on Cathay Pacific from Singapore to Bangkok using just 16,500 British Airways Executive Club Avios (you may transfer in from an eligible American Express or Citibank Card in Singapore). I typically rely on a private transfer from the airport to the W Bangkok - if you are on a budget, booking a private transfer on Klook is actually a lot cheaper than you may imagine.
Iced Coffee
WOOBAR - W Bangkok
When I stayed at the W Bangkok previously, I was only accorded an upgrade into a Spectacular Room as a Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite member but I was fortunate enough to score an upgrade into the Studio Suite (lead-in suite category) on this stay. As always, suite upgrades will be offered to Platinum Elite and higher members, so long it is available at the time of check-in, and for the whole duration of the stay. What this means to say is that there is a higher probability of a suite upgrade for shorter stays as opposed to longer ones. Even though check-in begins at 3:00PM officially, my room was not yet ready when I tried to check-in. The team over at the W Bangkok gave me the option of waiting at WOOBAR (and enjoy a complimentary beverage on the house) while I wait for my upgraded suite to be ready. Obviously, there is always the option of declining the upgrade for a room that is available but hey, I can definitely wait 30 minutes for an upgraded suite (especially since they comped my drink as well).
Bedroom
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
All 20 of the Studio Suites here in W Bangkok are located on the higher floors so they overlook the city (mine actually looked out to the famous ICONSIAM from a distance). Studio Suites measure 64sqm in size and even though it does not sound big on paper, the layout of this suite makes it feel larger than it actually is. Unlike most lead-in suites in W Hotels that I have stayed in, the Studio Suite here at the W Bangkok does not come with a separate living room (even though there is a separate seating area by the bed which is large enough for approximately 4 adults), so you might want to try your luck at a different property if that is something you desire.
Bedroom
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
The bedroom of the Studio Suite is of a decent size and this space is actually not that much larger than a lead-in room in comparison (most of the size difference comes from the bathroom which I will cover later). You will find the iconic boxing glove decorative pillows here on the bed so feel free to that that Instagram-worthy shot that you have been meaning to imitate but I highly recommend that you place these by the sofa on the side as soon as you are done.
Bedroom
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
There is a large work desk here in the bedroom which is located on the side and it looks out to the city from a distance. If you are an international traveller, you would be glad to know that the power outlets on the work desk are universal so you do not require any travel adapter to charge your devices. WiFi is also complimentary for Marriott Bonvoy members and in-house guests so make sure you get connected to avoid any pesky data-roaming charges on your devices.
Minibar
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
Every room at the W Bangkok comes with a well-stocked minibar (chargeable, of course) and I would think most travellers ignore these. With that said, you should definitely take note of the post-it notes on the side since that allows you to unlock certain offers during your stay. My personal favourite? 1-for-1 drinks at The House of Sathorn.
King-size Bed
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
The Studio Suites at W Bangkok come with a plush king-size bed which is probably one of the most comfortable beds that I have slept in. As mentioned earlier, there is no separate living area for this room type so if you are planning to have guests over, it might get a little weird for people to sit around the lounge area and have the bed directly next to them.
In-room Controls from Tablet
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
Another key feature of the rooms here at W Bangkok is the bedside tablet which allows you to 'do what you want'. The tablet will allow you to control things like lighting, air-conditioning as well as to toggle the do not disturb sign at the door. While I do embrace technology on my stays, I did find it a little cumbersome to grab the tablet in order to turn on or off the do not disturb sign (especially when you are used to flipping a switch before exiting the room).
Welcome Amenities
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
As a returning Platinum Elite member, I received a bottle of Prosecco as well as some sweets as my welcome amenity. It is also worth noting that I have booked this stay under the Marriott Luminous Rate (which is essentially the same as the flexible rate) which may have gotten me some additional perks. There was also a printed card on the table with my name on it which is somewhat forgettable but probably a nice touch to some people.
Entrance
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
The bathroom of the Studio Suite is significantly larger than those found in the room categories but you will not find a proper door that separates the shower area from the rest of the room. I am not sure about the larger suites here at the W Bangkok but it seems as though none of the rooms and suites come with a proper bathroom door.
Bathroom
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
The bathroom of the Studio Suite comes with double vanity sinks and a large mirror. The lighting is fairly dim (which is nice if you wish to laze around the room) and this makes it challenging for female travellers to put their make-up on. If necessary, you may raise the blinds located at the end of the bathroom for some natural daylight to come in but I am not sure if getting dressed in the bathroom is a good idea when staying at the W Bangkok.
Standalone Bathtub
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
I really like the shower area of the Studio Suites here at W Bangkok. As you would expect, the suite comes with a freestanding bathtub which is located by the window (so make sure you draw the blinds unless that is your intention) - this makes it possible to enjoy a magazine or a nice book which enjoying a warm soak. Similar to the W Taipei where I first stayed back in 2017, the shower area is located right next to the bathtub so you do not really have to worry about water spilling out from the tub (since it falls into the 'wet area' of the bathroom').
Bath Amenities from Bliss Spa
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
When I stayed at the W Bangkok in 2019, bath amenities were still provided by Bliss Spa but as we all know, this is expected to change in 2020 (I am not sure whether the transition has been completed in APAC properties). I personally do like the bath amenities from Bliss Spa and having a facial cleanser on top of large-sized amenities (120ml in suites) are always appreciated on a vacation.
Bathroom
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
Located on the other end of the bathroom is the toilet and there is a sliding tinted glass door which makes it impossible for people outside to look in (so long the lights are off) but as mentioned in my previous review, you should definitely think about who you are comfortable sharing the room with if you plan to stay here.
Complimentary Drinking Water
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
Drinking water is provided throughout the Studio Suite and you will also find two more bottles here by the sink. While I do not advocate drinking from the tap since it is not potable in Bangkok, brushing your teeth with bottled water seems unnecessary in my opinion.
Interiors
WOOBAR - W Bangkok
The WOOBAR at W Bangkok runs a decent happy hour (1-for-1 drinks) in the evening and this is something that I always take advantage of whenever I am staying here. The bar is located on the ground floor (near to the check-in area) and there is a DJ here every night - there are also private rooms as well as VIP zones (cordoned off by the gold ropes of a Muay Thai ring) where you can enjoy a drink while looking out to this beautiful space.
Complimentary Welcome Drink (Elite Member)
WOOBAR - W Bangkok
Platinum Elite and higher members will get to enjoy up to two complimentary drinks here at WOOBAR during your stay (drink vouchers are provided upon check-in) but I highly recommend the bar for a solid, boozy drink if you are in the area. With the buy one get one promotion, the prices are actually really reasonable and may actually be lower than what you can get from a speakeasy bar outside.
View from Bedroom
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
Bangkok is an easy city to love and I always find myself wanting to return for a short weekend - the food is amazing and the energy is great (so long you look past the traffic and noise that comes along with it). I returned back to my room after grabbing a quick drink at the bar before making my way out to dinner. As mentioned earlier, there are plenty of restaurants in the vicinity but if you are looking for recommendations, I really liked Supanniga Eating Room (for casual Thai food) and Charm Eatery and Bar which are both located a short stroll away.
Buffet Breakfast
The Kitchen Table - W Bangkok
Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite and higher members get to choose between complimentary breakfast (which you should definitely pick when staying at the W Bangkok) or 1,000 bonus points at check-in. Since I have booked a Luminous Rate which is a breakfast-inclusive rate, I went with 1,000 bonus points for my welcome amenity. Otherwise, picking complimentary breakfast for every single day of your stay obviously offers more value and the spread is actually quite nice in the morning.
Buffet Breakfast
The Kitchen Table - W Bangkok
Buffet breakfast is served at The Kitchen Table each day and it does get quite busy as would expect. There is a good selection of dishes on the buffet line but what impressed me more were the fresh juices and 'live' food stations. There were also slight modifications to the food on offer each day - I stayed there for 4 nights and did not get bored with the variety. Apart from international food options, W Bangkok has also managed to introduce a number of local dishes in the buffet spread. Obviously these are never as good as the 'real deal' outside but letting in-house guests (especially those who are visiting the city for the first time) sample it first allows them to manage expectations when dining at a local restaurant outside.
Work Station
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
W Bangkok continues to be one of my favourite hotels to stay in Bangkok. While there has been a steady stream of luxury hotels opening in recent years, I have not found the motivation to spend 3X more in them. If you come for the weekend. the room rates at the W Bangkok can go as low as S$250 a night which is fantastic in my opinion.
In-room Dining
Studio Suite - W Bangkok
I have also found the quality of food from in-room dining to be great - I try not to eat in the hotel in a city like Bangkok (since the food outside is just phenomenal) but on days where I feel a little too lazy to head out (or simply feeling snack-ish), I do not mind paying a slight premium for comfort food. Do note that if you have elite status with the Marriott Bonvoy program, you will be able to save up to 20% off food and drinks when dining at a participating restaurant (the discount does not apply to in-room dining unfortunately and that is the price you pay for being lazy).
W Bangkok
106 North Sathorn Road Silom, Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
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The JW Marriott Auckland is still refurbishing its guest rooms and suites (with an expected completion date in November 2024). I stayed in a Deluxe Room (non-refurbished) and have found the experience to be lacking of a typical JW Marriott property.