REVIEWS CHECKING OUT... HOTEL
BY HUGH WILLIAMS THE BACKGROUND: The boutique FuramaXclusive Sathorn is in the heart of Bangkok. Both larger Furama Inter- national and smaller FuramaXpress hotels are nearby if your clients are seeking globetrotting luxury, or on a backpacking budget respectively. THE LOCATION: The hotel is conve- niently located in the heart of the Silom business district, on a quiet residential street, but is only a three- minute walk from both Chong Nonsi and Sala Daeng Skytrain stations. Several large malls and both the Silom and Patpong Night Markets are within walking distance as are several highly- recommended restaurants. THE ROOM: I stayed in a sixth fl oor Corner Suite for two nights. The room was expansive and well furnished, with a large kitchenette with a microwave, cooker and fridge/freezer as well as a living area with dining table, chairs, sofa, coffee table, LCD TV and a balcony with good views of Bangkok. The
HOTEL
HOTELS / FLIGHTS / TRAINS / CRUISE SHIPS FURAMAXCLUSIVE SATHORN – BANGKOK, THAILAND THE VERDICT
feeling of space continued into the bedroom with ensuite bathroom, fi tted wardrobes and a large kingsize bed. KEY FACILITIES: The hotel has a small second fl oor garden which is a nice place to pass the time before dinner. There is also a swimming pool with a gym and sauna on the third fl oor. Spa treatments are readily available at reasonable prices. Duty staff are espe- cially friendly and helpful. RESTAURANTS/BARS: L’avenue Restau-
rant seats up to 90 guests, with an option of both indoor and outdoor dining and serves a local and interna- tional cuisine. Breakfast is served as a buffet. Dinner offers westernised Thai dishes with set or a la carte options. FuramaXclusive Sathorn, 59 Silom Soi 3 (Piphat 2), Silom Road, Silom, Bangkok 10500, Thailand T: 0066 2 266 8030 E:
fxsathorn@furama.com Res: 0066 2 655 3993 Res Email:
Reservations.fxbkk@furama.com W:
furamaxclusive.com/sathorn/
SOFITEL LEGEND OLD CATARACT ASWAN – ASWAN, EGYPT
BY JULIE BAXTER THE BACKGROUND: The Old Cataract is a classic fi ve-star hotel created from a 19th-century Victorian palace and set on the banks of the river Nile. It's an historic building designed to impress with Moorish arches, ruby red chandeliers, plush Persian carpets and hand-carved furnishings. There is also a modern Nile Wing which puts a con- temporary twist on the traditional style. It offers 138 rooms and 100 suites.
THE LOCATION: Located at the edge of the Nubian Desert with views of El- ephantine Island and the Nile, the hotel has a stunning position and is close to all the key Aswan tourist attractions. THE ROOM: Traditional in style, mine was a Palace Luxury Room brimming with opulent touches and a decor which blended French elegance and Egyptian heritage. Amenities included a super-comfy kingsized Sofi tel My Bed, seating area, and marble bathroom with twin sinks, bath and shower. The room overlooked the gardens, with the Nile beyond, and had a good-sized balcony perfect for relaxing on. KEY FACILITIES: The hotel's posi- tion makes being outside a highlight. The stunning infi nity pool overlooks traditional feluccas sailing by and a walk along the rose granite promenade is a must. The hotel also has a fi tness centre, beauty salon and So SPA with hammam, Jacuzzi and an indoor heated pool surrounded with glittering mo- siacs and pillars.
THE VERDICT
RESTAURANTS/BARS: There were four restaurants including the Oriental Kebabgy, Mediterranean Saraya and the Terrace for beautifully- presented breakfasts and afternoon teas. The 1902 restaurant is of world renown, resplendent with an Arabian dome and Qualaun crypt. It serves French cuisine and vintage wines in a grand style which echoes the hotel's colonial heritage.
www.sofitel.com Sofitel Legend Old Cataract, Abtal El Tahrir Street, ASWAN
Phone:(+20)97/2316000 Fax:(+20)97/2316011 Mail:
H1666@sofitel.com
Possibly the most stunning room I have ever stayed in with a balcony view I could have looked at forever! Dripping in style and comforts, it has a fantastic position on the river and makes a great place to chill before or after a Nile Cruise. It is also possible to arrange day trips to the rock temples of Abu Simbel from here. RATES: Priced from around £200 a night
The FuramaXclusive Sathorn provides excellent value for money without compromising on either convenience or comfort. Whilst there are more lavish options available, what the FuramaXclusive may lack in frills, it more than makes up for with customer service and location. It is perfectly suited for travellers on a business trip or a short stay in Bangkok. RATES: From £70 prpn and £114 prpn for a Corner Suite, with breakfast
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
EXCEPTIONAL LOVED IT! PASS FARCE
26 April 2013
www.sellinglonghaul.com
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