Stepping out of the sultry summer sun and into the lobby of Novotel Bangkok Soi 20, the first thing I noticed – along with the more-than-welcome respite from the scorching midday heat of downtown Sukhumvit – is the almost tangible welcome. Staff beamed genuine smiles and greeted me like I was an old friend, not just another punter come to bed down for a night or two.

This sincere desire to help is a difficult trick to pull off – too much and you run the risk of being fawning and, potentially, irksome – but Novotel Bangkok Soi 2O gets the balance exactly right as they check me in, take my bags and guide me to my room.

Location

As mentioned, Novotel Bangkok Soi 20 can be found on Bangkok’s Sukhumvit Road, the main artery of the capital’s downtown area – a strip crammed with award-winning restaurants, luxury shopping malls such as Terminal 21, Emporium, Siam Paragon, CentralWorld and Platinum Mall – not to mention the bars and pubs that can be found scattered liberally around Phrom Pong and ultra-hip Thong Lor.

The central location of the property also makes it easy to hop on the BTS Sky Train and explore Bangkok as a whole.

Rooms

Novotel Bangkok Soi 20 offers four different accommodations: the Deluxe Room (above), featuring a king bed, large bathroom plus a 42-inch flat screen TV; the Executive Deluxe High Floor which along with is impressive views of the BKK skyline also boasts an in-room espresso machines, express check-in and access to the Executive Sky Lounge.

The Superior room (30sqm), includes one king sized bed or two singles, as well as interconnecting bathroom and smoking area; ideal for a small family. The fourth option is the 45sqm Executive Suite Lounge Access: this corner suite features separate sleeping and living quarters, capacious bathroom and tub – plus VIP check-in and Sky Club Lounge access for the duration of stay.

The hotel also includes a fitness room, a 10m heated outdoor swimming pool and business service area.

Food and drink

Serving international favourites as well as local delicacies the Gourmet Bar on the ground floor is, essentially, an extension of the lobby area and is permeated with the same friendly fuss-free vibes. Along with a choice of wine, spirts and pints of Hoegaarden, guests can nibble on pasta, pizza and naughty arancini (deep-fried risotto balls).

Sky on 20 (image above), found on the 26th floor, is not just the top spot at Novotel 20; the fabulous sights of the Bangkok skyline are some of the best in the city and only serve to improve the experience of chowing down on the bar’s excellent tapas and pizza, washed down with expertly prepared cocktails.

MICE

Almost every hotel in Bangkok needs to have its eye on the meetings and events sector and Novotel 20 is no exception, The property offers event planners a choice of 11 different rooms, such as the Benjasiri Grand Ballroom (above), with a total capacity of 1000 standing guests or 500 for sit-down events and banquets. The well-equipped function rooms are backed up by the support of the property’s experienced events team.

Click here for more information and reservations.