REVIEWS THAILAND, JAPAN CHECKING OUT ...long haul hotels, flights, trains and cruise ships HOTEL THE SUKHOTHAI – BANGKOK, THAILAND
BY KIRSTY HICKS THE BACKGROUND: The Sukhothai offers 210 luxurious rooms and suites set across six acres in the heart of Bangkok and is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. THE LOCATION: The hotel is around 40 minutes by taxi from Bangkok’s Suvarna- bhumi Airport. The hotel can also arrange private limousine pick-up and there's on-site parking available. Siam Square, The Grand Palace and the historical temples can all be reached easily by taxi. CHECK-IN: A series of beautifully ornate desks are set in the large open plan lobby area where guests take a seat and allow the staff to take care of the formalities. THE ROOM: I was allocated a 76m2 Executive Deluxe Room (the hotel has 38 of them). An entrance area leads to the main living space, which has a large double bed, a sitting area with flat-screen LCD television and a stand-alone desk. Nice touches include a daily fresh fruit basket and hand-made truffles plus espresso maker/pods and a well-stocked mini-bar.
An enormous bathroom features his and hers facilities, roll-top bath and separate shower plus wardrobe facilities and a safe. KEY FACILITIES: There's a beautiful outdoor pool with a choice of loungers, tented beds and casual seating. Staff serve compli- mentary mineral water throughout the day and guests can order drinks and light snacks from the poolside bar. Spa Botanica has seven treatment rooms and a range of his and hers treatments including a Thailand Flower Ritual and Thai Herbal Indulgence. RESTAURANTS/BARS: Celadon is a popular Thai restaurant, while La Scala features different visiting international chefs and offers open kitchen service. It serves classic Italian dishes with a twist such as signature dish ‘Acquerello’ risotto, and Ascietra Caviar. The Colonnade restaurant also features live cooking stations for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including their special Sunday Brunch at THB 2500. An extensive cocktail menu and tapas dishes can be enjoyed at The Zuk Bar in the evening.
The Verdict
A truly beautiful hotel set in stunning grounds that provides a real escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. With immaculate service combined with extensive food/beverage choices and great facilities, it is easy to see how the resort continues to win so many accolades.
RATES: Superior rooms start from around THB 11,000 (£222) per night and Executive Deluxe Rooms are from around THB 14,000 (£282) per night not including taxes.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
CONTACT: The Sukhothai Bangkok, 13/3 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120. Tel: +66 2 344 8888;
www.sukhothai.com
HOTEL PALACE HOTEL – HAKONE, JAPAN
BY ANDY HOSKINS THE BACKGROUND: The hilly Hakone region lies within the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, a popular stop on the way from Tokyo to Kyoto. The numerous onsen (hot baths) in the area give visitors the chance to relax after a few days in the frenetic capital city and there are several good museums and golf courses in the area. THE LOCATION: The Palace Hotel is set in an enviable, if somewhat isolated position on the hillside above pretty Lake Ashi, with views to snow-capped Mount Fuji beyond. It’s a 50-minute bus journey from Odawara train station on the main Shinkansen ‘bullet’ train line between Tokyo (around 30 minutes away) and Kyoto. THE ROOM: After a warm welcome in a quiet lobby area, I was shown to a huge suite on the fourth floor. The hotel’s age shows in places – actual door keys rather than swipe cards, for example – but the huge room (there were 23 light switches!) was ideal for unwinding in and had a great view over Lake Ashi and Mount Fuji. Besides
the bedroom and bathroom, there was a separate living area with its own small bathroom. Both spaces had their own TV, DVD player, minibar and sink. KEY FACILITIES: The hotel has its own male and female segregated onsen which are best enjoyed during quiet week days – Tokyoites descend on the hotel at weekends. There’s also a tennis court, swimming pool (summer only), beauty salon, free wifi in the lobby, convenience store, vending machines and free DVD library. There’s a bus stop immediately outside the hotel with a regular service to the main points of interest in the area. RESTAURANTS/BARS: A basic Western-style breakfast is served in the intriguingly named Humming restaurant (open throughout the day and evening for dining), or there’s a Japanese option in the adjacent Sengoku restaurant. In addition, there’s the Asuka teppanyaki restaurant and the Piccolo bar. Prices are on the high side, with the hotel taking advantage of its isolated location.
The Verdict
The Palace Hotel sits in a commanding position above pretty Lake Ashi and, with its very own onsen, gives visitors a taste of this popular Japanese tradition. The hotel's décor was a little old-fashioned but the service was excellent and ambience relaxed. Hakone is the ideal location to relax and recharge for a couple of nights on the 'Golden Route' between Tokyo and Kyoto.
RATES: Regular room rates start from around Y22,000 (£170) per night.
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
CONTACT: 1245 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo- gun, Kanagawa-ken, Japan, 250- 0631. T: +81 46 084 8501;
www.hakone.palacehotel.co.jp
www.sellinglonghaul.com • June 2012 51
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