The third thing I noticed about the Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok when I stepped in — the first being the stylish lobby, the second the attentive service – were the animals. It was a public holiday, and there were a lot of dogs in the lobby, which you don’t often see. I also spotted a few cats, but mostly dogs of many sizes, around the lobby café CRAFT, with some in the garden patio. It turns out that Kimpton Maa-Lai is graciously pet-friendly: the hotel doesn’t just welcome tourists of all nationalities and characteristics; all animals are accepted. (This happened on the weekend of the peak of Moo Deng fever /getting ideas/.)

There are also pet-friendly floors for travellers who can’t bear to be away from their precious ones. Being an animal lover, I welcome the humane policy and applaud them for the initiative.

Nestled in Bangkok’s bustling Langsuan district, this modern luxury hotel is decked out in cosmopolitan chic and native art, exuding a confident charm, and the unmistakable warmth and vibrancy of Thai culture. The pet-friendly policy aside, here are six other reasons why you’d never leave once you’ve checked in.

Design

The pool is both a workout spot and a garden lounge.

From the lobby to the suites, from the bespoke bar Ruby’s to the swimming pool, the décor and design maintains a conversation between contemporary design and local craftsmanship. Beautiful woven textures adorns the walls, while Thai-inspired artworks add a pop of colour and culture. There are lush plants in the overhead pots and a verdant lawn in the courtyard; the greenery pays tribute to nearby Lumphini Park — no design exists in a vacuum.

The ample use of organic materials like wood and fabric gives the hotel a warm luxury, balanced with dramatic highlights (large-scale art pieces by lifts) and welcomed humour (quirkier pop art). The dramatic design of the swimming pool best encapsulates this discipline, with its Romanesque columns, cool marble and a goddess sculpture to watch over our swimming souls.

Ruby’s

Had to be the drinking joint, right? The recently opened Ruby’s, separate but integral to the Ms.Jigger restaurant, has its own sexy brand and intimate identity. Based on a gemstone theme and the backstory of a lovelorn Ms.Jigger, this 16-seater bar is immersive and impressive, with intricate cocktails inspired by the purported power of precious stones. Some of my favourites include:

The namesake fruit-forward cocktail, Ruby, is a light and welcoming gin standard with jasmine, strawberry, pomegranate, hibiscus and soda. There’s a sad love letter to accompany the drink, read at your own risk. The cocktail, however, is dangerously seductive.

[Fun Fact: The bar is only a handful in Bangkok with a Clinebell Ice Machine, which produces one of the purest and cleanest ice — free from impurities. Again, it’s the little details.] 

The Sunstone cocktail shines with a sophisticated mix of malt, tequila, saffron, fino sherry, umeshu, jasmine rice, shiso and bitters. Normally, I would baulk at the number of ingredients, but the blend is precise and potent – with the Asian elements giving the drink an earthy quality.

There are 14 signature cocktails on the elaborate menu (it’s literally a tome, and I also liked Onyx and Beryl), and each has a clever use of spirits, kitchen techniques and fun presentation. Colour me impressed; Ruby’s is a gem and is highly recommended.

Bar.Yard

Bottle heaven before sunset.

The rooftop bar and garden lounge is a lovely spot for a sunset view. (Though strategically, the Maa-Lai Library provides a sweeter view of the dimming sunlight and a 360 vista of the city fading into nocturne – it also helps when Social Hour has wines and snacks.) The vibe on the 40th floor is chillax, and there’s a DJ here most nights. The cuisine is Latin-American, and I visited when it was Tacos Tuesday, so lucky me. The taco and margarita combo was the perfect salve, and it’s not hard to see why this tropical sanctuary was voted the Best Rooftop Bar in Bangkok by B.K. B.A.D. Awards the past two years.

Service

You won’t see my photo here.

It’s not just the little things that make a difference, but the little unexpected things that truly light up your day. I checked into my suite, and what did I see beside the plate of fruits and candies? My profile from a LinkedIn photo and company logo printed onto a slate of white chocolates! The simple, clever gesture said more about their generous nature than any welcome drink or cold towel (which I also appreciated).

Another lovely touch was the room amenities. Besides the usual, I could choose from a little menu that included deodorant, sleeping mask and tweezers. There was ample bath salt for the tub, umbrellas, designer robes, Vifa Helsinki sound system, curated books (cocktails and design), and yoga mats. It’s little things but it makes for grand gestures.

Stock.Room

The breakfast happens at this vibrant eatery, where the cuisine comes from six kitchens (the Americas, the Middle East, and Asia). Upbeat jazz and show tunes accompany your morning specials, from the expansive buffet spread to a la carte orders. It’s a treat (especially the fresh, young, pulpy coconuts).

Gym

Wake up next day and, after a substantial buffet breakfast at Stock.Room, you can hit the gym and it won’t hit back.

One doesn’t usually rave about a hotel gym, but the Kimpton one is beyond. It’s one of the biggest hotel gyms, with ample modern running and cross-country machines, a sandbag to pound on, fight training equipment, and enough space to use the battle ropes and work on your short sprints. Then there’s the fridge full of chilled water and cold towels.
Once again, an overlooked part of the hotel experience is elevated by the Kimpton Maa-Lai ethos.

Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok is an experience; it’s ideally located, serene yet vibrant. I appreciate its commitment to benevolence and its emphasis on local culture. The hotel also has 131 serviced residences with one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, all with the same level of mod-cons and delightful details. I can’t think of a better place for a short or long-term stay.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants is a brand under IHG Hotels & Resorts.  

Book Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok here.

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