Movenpick : Swiss hospitality in Bangkok

AS IT was in Cebu, so it was in Bangkok. I got a serving of top of the class service that was “passionately Swiss."

For Mövenpick, hospitality means guests are friends of the house at all times. Head to any of their properties across the globe (there over 80 hotels and Nile cruisers) and be welcomed with attentiveness, professional expertise and reliability. Their established and successful Swiss traditions will enable every guest to enjoy top service around the clock and indulge the palate with their superb gastronomy. This is their promise.

The Movenpick Sukhumvit 15 in Bangkok is one of the many Swiss-brand hotels across the globe.

But I say, the dash of Asian hospitality ups the service grade notches higher.

As Mövenpick Bangkok’s guest on a birthday holiday (with a little business on the side) at the Big Mango hotel, my wishes were fulfilled eagerly and promptly, as I would expect from true hospitality—like a sleek black car waiting for me at the Suvarnabhumi airport ready to take me “home” upon my arrival.

It was a charming lady chauffeur who drove me to the doorstep of Mövenpick Hotel along Sukhumvit 15, a low-rise building washed in chalk white. From scanning the heights your eyes are drawn to the contrasting dark hued installation between the towers, a cascading two-storey waterfall. The flowing water and the lush greenery surrounding it exudes a cooling effect against the hot and humid Bangkok climate. It’s the introduction of Mövenpick’s representation as a “true oasis in the middle of the city”. I can’t wait to experience more.

As an admirer of minimalism, a discipline I have yet to master in more aspects than interior design and decorating, I was impressed with the hotel interiors. The lobby was dressed in black and white, the tiles in a pattern reflecting the illumination provided by a crystal chandelier, breaking the color pattern is the parquet flooring finished in natural wood and appointed with red sofas.

The chic lobby in black & white

Contemporary interior

I was lead to the 6th floor in another building for a more personalized and swift check-in at the Executive Club floor. A couple of minutes after, I was escorted to my room on the same level where a sweet treat welcomed me- a couple of Movenpick labeled macarons.

Swifter check-in, more personalized at the Club Floor reception area.

Sweet welcome the Movenpick way.

“Our hotel has a full range of modern travel amenities in all its 297 rooms and suites. Every detail about the accommodation is carefully appointed to meet the needs of the most discerning traveler — luxuriously comfortable custom-made 12” Sealy mattress, well-lit desks, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi connection, 46” LED TV and a bathtub and rain showers in the wide bathroom,” shared Tata, the charming receptionist who showed me to my room.

Bangkok nest for 3 days. Every detail about the Movenpick accommodation is carefully appointed to meet the needs of the most discerning traveller

If you are a visual person like me who adores catching the sunrise or sunset and the changing city landscape from day to night from the bedroom window, request for a room with a street view, as the inner rooms of compact hotel can only offer the view of the courtyard below.

Tip: Request for a room with a view. It's nice to wake up & sleep to Bangkok's day & night views.

Your next best bet to get a good view of the city is to head to the rooftop. While you’re up there catch some rays and get your adrenaline pumping with a few laps in the 20-meter pool, or relax and enjoy a cocktail at The Rainforest Rooftop Bar at sunset.

Head to the rooftop deck for a pictureques view of the Bangkok skyline by day….

….or night.

The rooftop is where the pool is as well. Cool off on a hot day or get your adrenaline pumping.

But I was in luck as I had access to the Executive Club Lounge. Not only did it provide a pleasant vista of the neighborhood, it was a good place to enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails in a more private and tranquil environment.

I was in luck, I can enjoy a view of the Bangkok neighborhood with my morning coffee at the Executive Lounge.

Peaceful, great view & efficient service at the Executive Club Floor Lounge

If you’re into mingling with the other guests while enjoying your morning cup of freshly brewed coffee or enjoy authentic Thai favorites or traditional European cuisine later in the day, then Lelawadee Restaurant is the place to go.

From the busy morning breakfast venue, the Lelawadee turns into an elegant yet casual dining space for lunch and dinner. This all-day dining restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance with views of the central courtyard. Let your journey to discovery of new restaurants and new flavors start with this place.

From a busy breakfast venue, the Lelawadee turns into an elegant yet casual dining space for lunch and dinner

The discovery of new places across the Big Mango will be convenient. Tickled into shopping? Bangkok’s popular shopping destinations are in the vicinity—the Terminal 21, Emporium, EM Quartier. Thirsty for a cocktail? Then head out to SukhumvitSoi 11 and Soi 2 in the neighborhood.

Mövenpick Hotel’s address is in the heart of Bangkok’s central business district and tourist area. The hotel is a short walk from both the Asoke BTS Sky Train Station and Sukhumvit MRT subway station, offering easy access to the entire city. If walking to the stations is not your thing, then the TukTuk Shuttle Service can take you there and pick you up at your beck and call, 24/7.

Movenpick's TukTuk Shuttle Service can take you to the nearest BTS & MRT stations & pick you up at your beck and call, 24/7.

I wish I could stay longer but work beckons. It was a good three-day birthday escape made special with another serving of Mövenpick’s Swiss hospitality.

As I rode in the hotel’s limo service to the Suvarnabhumi airport, I had the urge not to leave as if something was missing. As I stepped down from the car, it dawned on me that I left without personally extending my gratitude to the key people who made this wonderful stay possible. It would have been great to meet them.

Moreover, I missed out on the chance to indulge in what one must have when visiting this Swiss brand property—Mövenpick ice cream. A birthday or any visit to a Mövenpick hotel is never complete without having this. I strongly believe that this brand of ice cream— full flavored with the perfect creamy consistency and sweetness— is the precise representation of the Swiss hospitality. You can never have enough of it.

Mövenpick Hotel Sukhumvit 15 Bangkok 47 Sukhumvit 15, KlongtoeyNua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Visit their website at http://www.movenpick.com/bangkoksukhumvi/

Also published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on December 03, 2015.