Its prime location in Thonglor provides easy access to trendy cafés, boutique shops, nightlife, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travelers seeking an authentic Bangkok experience.

ARRIVAL AND CHECK-IN FOR INTERCONTINENTAL BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT

When we arrived, we were brought up directly to the lounge for check-in. As we were booked to stay in a Premium room, we had access to the Club InterContinental Lounge on the 31st floor,

The check-in process for premium room guests at the Club InterContinental Lounge was basically an opportunity for us to taste the hotel’s signature welcome drink – the ‘Thonglor Secret’.

This special non-alcoholic mocktail with a pineapple base. What was interesting was its “origin” story.

A QR code accompanying the mocktail piqued my curiosity, and of course, I had to discover the story behind the drink, which unveils where the pineapples come from, and the drink’s meaningful connection to local culture.

SKY-HIGH SANCTUARY ABOVE THE STREETS OF BANGKOK

Our room offered a serene escape from Bangkok’s bustling streets. Spacious and elegantly furnished, it featured modern amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, a smart entertainment system, and luxurious bedding. Large windows provided a view of Thonglor’s trendy streets below, perfectly balancing the energy of the city with the calm of our private retreat.

I highly recommend opting for the Premium guestrooms if possible. In addition to club lounge access, rooms are larger at 42 square sqm and come with a freestanding bath, whereas classic rooms are between 34 – 38 sqm with twin bed options.

INTERCONTINENTAL BANGKOK SUKHUMVIT CLUB LOUNGE

The Club InterContinental Lounge is open for suite and premium room guests. Located on the 31st floor, guests with access can utilise its meeting spaces and enjoy all-day refreshments,

CURATED CULINARY TREATS AT THE CLUB LOUNGE

Open daily from 6am to 10pm, Club InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit offers a sanctuary of exclusivity in the heart of Thonglor, one of Bangkok’s trendiest neighborhoods. This premium lounge elevates the hotel experience with a suite of privileges designed for discerning travelers. Mornings start with a sumptuous breakfast, featuring a buffet spread of freshly baked bread, pastries, cold cuts, and seasonal salads. Guests can also choose from an a-la-carte menu that combines authentic Thai breakfast dishes with international favorites, all while enjoying spectacular city views.

In addition to daily breakfast, there is complimentary afternoon tea, and evening cocktails with canapes, ensuring a well-rounded foodie experience for guests staying in premium rooms or suite rooms.

FROM SHAKSHUKA TO MEXICAN HUEVOS FOR BREAKFAST

The breakfast at Club InterContinental Lounge is a global culinary journey, reflecting the international heritage of the InterContinental® brand, founded by Pan American Airways’ visionary, Juan Trippe.

Guests can enjoy a wide array of egg preparations, each inspired by a different part of the world. While hotel lounges often serve smaller portions than main restaurants, the selection here is impressively diverse and expertly executed.

From the rich, buttery Rührei (German-style scrambled eggs) to the bold Mexican huevos rancheros with salsa and black beans, the breakfast menu spans flavors from across the globe. Guests can also enjoy an Italian Frittata with asparagus, a hearty Spanish Tortilla with potatoes, Middle Eastern Shakshuka in spiced tomato sauce, or the classic Benedict Royale, served on an English muffin with house-cured Scottish smoked salmon.

For those seeking authentic Thai flavors, the lounge serves traditional options like Thai green curry with rice, comforting rice noodle soup with pork or beef, and the iconic Mango Sticky Rice. International favorites such as pancakes, French toast, and smashed avocado on toast ensure every guest finds a morning indulgence to suit their taste. Health-conscious travelers can enjoy Thai herbal drinks, including pandanus, lemongrass, ginger lemonade, and aloe vera, each rooted in centuries-old Thai wellness traditions.

THEMED AFTERNOON TEA

Afternoon tea at the lounge is another global culinary tour = presenting flavours from international cities across four seasons. Starting at 2.30pm, afternoon tea is served on a three-tiered “bird-cage” silver stand. The Spring menu takes inspiration from London and Tokyo, Summer presents a tasty Pina colada chia seed pudding reminiscent of Miami, Autumn is a Bangkok-favourite: Tapioca pudding and Winter is savoury mini Cuban sandwiches.

Additionally, available daily from 2.30pm to 4.30pm at AVA Brasserie and THE LOBBY, non-hotel guests can also discover the enduring spirit of InterContinental’s heritage which pays tribute to the luxurious hospitality that Trippe envisioned for travelers around the globe. There is an Aviation afternoon tea experience that embodies IHG’s legacy, introducing first-class journey through flavors and sophistication. Taste the hotel’s signature coffee and tea blends, a unique blend in partnership with Thai artisans, Each sip is more than just a moment of refreshment; it’s a journey into the heart of luxury.

The hotel’s blended coffee is by Sarnies consisting of beans from Honduras Whiskey Barrel-aged, Thailand, and Myanmar. For tea, guests can also try the special Thonglor Tea Blend by Char Flower Tea, a local flower tea brand based in Thailand.

COCKTAIL & CANAPES WITH SUNSET VIEWS 

Throughout the day, the lounge offers all-day premium teas, coffees, and juices, providing the perfect spot to unwind or catch up on work in a serene setting. The staff are always on hand to assist with any needs, whether it is to make restaurant reservations or booking a Japanese-Thai inspired spa treatment at THE SPA by HARNN., the hotel’s in-house spa.

Guests with access to the lounge can also enjoy sundowners and canapes from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm. There are complimentary cocktails (and mocktails), and a wide variety of spirits and wine.

There is a variety of pastries available, and they also serve up a hot plate of savoury finger food, which pairs well with the drinks. For those wanting something lighter, or seeking vegetarian options, there is also a good variety of salads and fruits

THOUGHTFUL AMENITIES

Additional benefits include complimentary pressing of clothes. We also loved the thoughtful motion sensors for lights in all the rooms, as this helps ensure convenience and energy efficiency. The sensors automatically illuminate the space as you enter, reducing unnecessary energy consumption when the room is unoccupied. It is these small, considerate details that enhance the overall guest experience.

INTENTIONAL FLEXIBILITY

To provide guests with restful stays, each room features an iHome PowerClock Glow, which utilizes a combination of light and sound therapy to create a calming environment, helping guests drift off with ease.  Additionally, there is a unique Sleep Well Program curated to induce relaxation and promote sound sleep which also offers guests a pillow and pillow spray menu,

Envisioned to transform the InterContinental guest experience, there are some ‘Intentional Flexibility’ initiatives to help travellers adjust to different sleep times while on the move. We had complimentary access to the Timeshifter app, which helps mitigate the effects of jetlag based on circadian science. Developed in collaboration with world-renowned scientists, Timeshifter provides tailored recommendations based on algorithms to provide suggestions to app users to follow pre and post-trip to help reduce the disruption to the body’s internal 24-hour circadian clock, which in turn regulates how the body rests and adjusts to changing time zones and improves overall wellness.

Additionally, guests can enjoy a menu of wellness cuisine specifically designed to counter the body’s natural response to travel, offering a holistic approach to combating travel fatigue.

InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit is a sanctuary for the discerning modern traveller, offering a sophisticated blend of traditional Thai craftsmanship and modern international influences. And what’s not to love about the convenience of the hotel location, just a short 5 min walk to the Thong Lo BTS station, and to some of Bangkok’s most outstanding eateries.

With 241 beautifully appointed rooms and suites, the hotel effortlessly weaves cultural richness into a contemporary setting, making it a perfect destination for those seeking luxury intertwined with authentic local experiences.

The hotel is located within walking distance to the Thonglor BTS station,

5 Things to Do in Thonglor, Bangkok

1. Explore Trendy Cafés and Coffee Spots – Sip specialty coffee in chic cafés tucked along Thonglor’s bustling streets.
2. Dine at Gourmet Restaurants – Enjoy Thai fusion and international cuisine at some of Bangkok’s most celebrated eateries.
3. Discover Bangkok’s Nightlife – From rooftop bars to hidden speakeasies, Thonglor offers a vibrant evening scene.
4. Shop at Boutique Stores – Browse local fashion, design shops, and artisanal boutiques for unique finds.
5. Experience Local Culture and Art – Visit galleries, pop-up exhibitions, and cultural hubs showcasing Bangkok’s creative energy.

The post Stylish Stay at InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit Hotel appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

This trip from Bangkok to Singapore was my first cruise on a mega-ship, and the difference in size between my usual smaller ships and this mega-ship I found myself on was so stark that I took to calling the mammoth Voyager of the Seas ship of the Royal Caribbean, the Republic of Royal Caribbean. It was true. 

This ship was not a cruise ship; it was a floating country. I sailed on it as one of the passengers sailing from Thailand on the very first cruise ship to use the international cruise terminal of Singapore, launching it in the process. The new cruise terminal was launched via formal ceremonies presided over by Singapore’s Deputy Prime Minister, which I then attended upon disembarking in Singapore. By the way, this international cruise terminal has definitely put Singapore on the map as Asia’s cruise ship hub.

Anyway, back to the Voyager of the Seas. This ship I sailed on to Singapore was so huge that it was basically a floating city, and that’s why I nicknamed it the Republic of Royal Caribbean. In fact, this Royal Caribbean ship was so big that it took me awhile to get a grasp of this floating city. I had to walk a whole lot – yes, it was an exercise to go anywhere — whether for breakfast, or to retrieve something I’d forgotten in your room, or to go up to the observation lounge of the ship, for example – and at that time this was definitely all the exercise I never ever got in Manila. 

I kept losing my friends on this ship, as well.

On my first night, my friends and I had taken separate elevators up to the 12th floor, and after that, we’d never seen each other again because we’d gone in separate directions — and once you’re going one way, well, you’re off to a different city almost. On another night, we’d all gone to the game event but we’d had to sit separately because there were only odd seats free by the time we’d arrived. And that was the last I’d seen of them as well, in an auditorium with about 1200 people. 

Amidst all the people, though — or perhaps because there are so many people? — there were lots of instances of kindness by strangers.

On my first night on board, we were docked outside Pattaya and everyone sensible was accessing the Internet from the cruise terminal instead of on board the ship. It cost US$.65 a minute to access the same Internet on board the ship via satellite, so of course we were all going for the free Internet whenever we could.

Anyway, I’d just arrived to board the ship but I’d seen everyone with their laptops and iPads sitting around the cruise terminal area, so I’d assumed WiFi was free. So as soon as I’d checked into my stateroom and unpacked, I’d lugged my Macbook Pro down to the terminal – a walk the equivalent of two runs around the Manila Polo Club field, by the way – from my room and sat down on one of the chairs.

Shock of my life when I finally got settled and I asked someone how to get on the Internet. Internet access at the port terminal cost US$2 for two hours, which was a steal by cruise ship standards; but I hadn’t brought any money with me to the cruise terminal. I’d left my wallet in the safe, and all I had was the cruise ID I needed to re-enter the boat.

The guy sitting next to me – the same one who’d broken the bad news about the US$2 fee – probably took pity on me, as I’m sure I looked like I was about to kick myself for stupidly not bringing any money to the terminal.

Plus, by then I was exhausted from a really busy 24 hours and the long trip door-to-door from Manila, and I’d just lugged my heavy computer across the Republic of Royal Caribbean and down to the terminal for nothing.

Well, he actually fished for US$2 from his pocket – this is a complete stranger, I have to stress again – and gave it to me.

“Here,” was all he said.

Oh my goodness. A total stranger was giving me money out of nowhere. We made small talk and I found out that he was from Florida, cruising with a bunch of relatives. I tried to find out how I could pay him back on the cruise, but he just said: “Forget it. No worries.”

Of course I made up my mind to return the US$2 if and when I saw him on the ship again. Have I seen him again on the Republic of Royal Caribbean, though? Of course not. On that mammoth ship, I had enough difficulty finding my friends, much less finding kind strangers.

The post US$2 for WiFi and about the kindness of strangers on a cruise ship from Bangkok to Singapore appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.