A new alternative to change the mood without leaving town, I checked into Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon in the afternoon and spent the rest of the day at its cafe observing local life through the floor-to-ceiling windows while sipping iced tea paired with freshly baked pastries.
Despite being adjacent to tourist hotspots like Khao San Road, the Grand Palace and Wat Bowonniwet Ratchaworawihan, this brand-new hotel keeps guests away from the hectic crowds and allows them to move about with ease and enjoy a sightseeing tour on foot or by tuk-tuk.
Located on Boripat Road, it's a 10-minute drive from Sam Yot MRT station and Pak Khlong Talat, while Bang Lamphu, where visitors can explore the lively street food scene, is only a short stroll away. The 70-year-old Ueng Xi Xun shop, which is famous for noodles with fish balls in clear soup, Karim Roti Mataba, Jira Yentafo and Sor Rungroj are among the highlights.
Design and Facility
Encircled with classic shophouses and residences, this land once housed the Thai Hotel and Hotel de Moc before being taken over by Amorn Patana Estate. Upgrading to a mid-scale hotel, the original structure underwent an extensive refurbishment and a new building was constructed to provide modern amenities that satisfy people of all ages.
Influenced by a lifestyle resort, it is designed in a Thai contemporary style, focusing on creating a cosy atmosphere and useful services for everyday living, making it seem like a home away from home. The day might be spent maintaining your workout routine in a gym that seems small but has a full range of exercise equipment.
Another popular spot for people to soak in the water or sunbathe to get tanned as the temperature rises during the day is an outdoor swimming pool that stands between the buildings. While touring the neighbourhood on foot, visitors can leave their cars in the parking lot, equipped with a high-tech car elevator system.
With an easygoing ambience, all-day dining eatery Deja Brew resembles a comfortable co-working space where hotel guests and walk-in customers can unwind or work while enjoying Starbucks coffee, Cha Tra Mue teas or their favourite homemade Thai desserts like mango with sticky rice.
Simple but sleek and roomy, the hotel offers 180 rooms, including Superior, Deluxe, Premium Deluxe and Premium Suites, with sizes ranging from 27-60m² to provide extra comfort. Each room has a modern and peaceful aesthetic, high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of USB ports and plugs so that visitors may recharge their devices at any time.
With a large living space and a kitchenette outfitted with a huge refrigerator, sink and microwave, the Premium Suites appear to be popular with honeymooners and families. A spacious bathtub and separate shower are located in a transparent bathroom.
My Room
I spent one night in a Deluxe room with a private balcony overlooking a swimming pool and Rama VIII Bridge. It boasts a clean layout and oriental design with wood furniture and flooring to create a homey feel. A grey wall with Thai-style elements and a tartan sofa bed are juxtaposed against one other.
A wood desk corner serves as a spot to place your laptop, while also acting as a welcome station for fresh fruits and traditional Thai treats. At night, a comfy queen-size bed is the best spot to watch favourite shows as a large smart TV enables guests to connect to entertainment apps on their smartphone.
On the other side, a large mirror and an open closet space is combined to create a small dressing area and mini bar corner with facilities for making coffee and tea. A compact-size bathroom is organised well to house a modest basin, separate shower and toilet.
In order to provide guests with even more convenience, the hotel collaborated with True to launch a web-based platform next month that allows visitors to use their smartphones to check-in online, book room service and request certain amenities by scanning a QR code.
Dining
The Deja Brew restaurant's breakfast buffet line offers a variety of international dishes, including dim sum, Thai-style noodles with chicken, a salad bar, fresh juices and other healthy beverages.
But the highlight is the complimentary a-la-carte breakfast menu, which includes shakshuka, avocado on toast, French toast with maple bacon, chorizo and scrambled eggs, and roasted Chinese pork congee. Thai coffee, Thai-style fried eggs, Thai-style baked bread with sugar and butter, and Thai-style poached eggs are also available.
Leisure experience
In the late afternoon, I attended a walking tour collaboration between the hotel and the Guide Dek Bang Lamphu group to explore the old neighbourhood. We began at Phra Sumen Fort, which was built in the Reign of King Rama I, and the Pipit Banglamphu Museum to learn about the history of the Bang Lamphu community, which was once Bangkok's major commercial centre.
After that, we visited the Mae Prapha shop, which is famous for traditional Thai crepes, before walking down a narrow alley to view street art, which portrays local life and culture.
Verdict
Centra by Centara Hotel Bangkok Phra Nakhon is billing itself as a holiday escape for those seeking local vibes and peace. It offers a Staycation package, which includes accommodation, complimentary transportation to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Suthat, daily breakfast, two glasses of a signature cocktail, complimentary welcome amenities, and complimentary lunch or dinner at Deja Brew Lifestyle Cafe. The prices range from 2,599 to 3,999 baht.
