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.

Not all junior suites are created equal, and the one at the Intercontinental Hotel Singapore is among our favorites in the Lion City. We love the classic interiors, the white color base, and the Peranakan design accents that make it a room to remember.

Full suites are lovely, of course, but these also come with an appropriate price tag. On the other hand, junior suites offer more space and comfort for just a small additional amount compared to deluxe double rooms.

The junior suite at the Intercontinental Hotel Singapore is perfect for a business trip, a special occasion visit for couples, or a holiday for a family that needs an extra bed. Full of natural light since it has four windows looking out onto a cityscape, it has a soothing atmosphere that’s perfect for work or leisure, in spite of being in one of the liveliest neighborhoods of one of the most vibrant cities on earth.

The junior suite has a separate living room from the bedroom, and once you close the sliding doors between these, the world falls silent. It is one of the quietest bedrooms I have ever slept in.

WHAT WE LOVED

What makes this junior suite so attractive?

First, the interiors are designed wonderfully in neutral hues — the camel brown curtains complement the Peranakan-inspired headboard with touches of gold ever so nicely — and with clean lines to match any taste or preference. It is hard not to feel comfortable in a suite done up in tasteful whites and grays, with elegant streamlined furniture to match.

Then there’s the layout that is both practical and easy. All the luggage racks are by the entrance corridor opposite a spacious bathroom, and this corridor leads to a bright and airy living room. To one side of this room are sliding doors that open to a cozy cocooning bedroom.

Also, this is practically a full suite rather than a junior suite, with a proper foyer and living room. And have we mentioned the unique and colorful welcome basket of local goodies that awaited us in the room along with a handwritten note? So few hotel executives take the time to write or sign guest cards but the team at the Intercontinental Hotel Singapore does. And it makes all the difference.

READ :

THE PERANAKAN INSPIRED INTERIORS OF THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL SINGAPORE

The post A lovely junior suite in Singapore appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.

So nice to have pork dumpling noodle soup on the way back to Asia, after three weeks in Africa

So there we were in the pretty crowded lounge of Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo International Airport, waiting for our flight to be called. After close to three weeks in Africa, living a #Travelife, we were finally heading back to Asia via the Middle East.

I’d been browsing the airport bookstore just before, conscious of the time we needed to board, which was 7 PM.

So I got to the lounge huffing and puffing, with just enough time for a cup of Rooibos tea before the long walk to the departure gate.

Scroll down to read more…

A SUDDEN CANCELLATION

What do you know? We were already at the gate when our flight was canceled due to technical problems.

I’m on a plane almost every week somewhere in the world, living a #Travelife, and I can’t recall the last time I was on a flight that actually got canceled.

Or even seriously delayed. Yes, it’s been a very lucky never-ending #Travelife so far.

A WONDERFUL STAY AT 

THE INTERCONTINENTAL HOTEL

AT JOHANNESBURG’S 

O.R. TAMBO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

So the end result was that we business class passengers got booked into the Intercontinental Hotel in Johannesburg, which is just about the nicest airport hotel I’ve been in, in a long time.

No kidding.

The rooms are great and well-designed, the bathrooms are palatial by airport hotel standards, and you don’t even hear a whisper of an airplane’s engine at any time.

TALK ABOUT PRO-ACTIVE SERVICE

The service at the Intercontinental Johannesburg is very good as well.

I had a complaint about something at midnight, and the next morning I found out that it had been passed on to management by 5 AM.

It’s not just about negatives that they are hands on about, either.

——————-

Click here to subscribe 

to our complimentary e-newsletter

to receive travel updates 

and exclusive offers

——————-

When we ordered room service dinner and breakfast, someone always rang up afterwards to ask if the meal was okay and if there was anything else they could do.

The South African version of eggs benedict at the Hotel Intercontinental Johannesburg

I also had trouble connecting to the Internet and the duty manager put me through immediately to their IT who fixed it in two minutes flat.

Then the duty manager called back to ask me if I had gotten online.

Plus, it was certainly nicer to sleep in a real bed at the Intercontinental instead of in an airplane bed, even if I was going to sleep on a flat bed onboard. The bed linen of the Intercontinental Johannesburg is very nice. 

MISSING OUR CONNECTIONS 

FROM THE MIDDLE EAST

The downside to this delay was that we were set to miss our respective connecting flights back to Asia.

I was supposed to have only a 90-minute wait at the connecting airport, and then our flight was postponed for 12 hours.

From the Middle East, you see, I was on the flight straight to Tokyo Haneda as I wanted to ride the Dreamliner back to Asia instead of a 777, and I was clearly going to have to take the following day’s flight instead, at the rate things were going.

HOW LUCKY CAN I GET?

And just like how everything always works out in a #Travelife, the next morning, after breakfast, the hotel concierge called to tell me she was sending up my new tickets.

I wasn’t going to take the rescheduled flight after all.

Instead, my airline had rebooked me on Cathay Pacific to fly from Johannesburg to Hong Kong and onwards to Tokyo Haneda with a 90-minute wait in Hong Kong.

How lucky was that?

The schedule was way better, I got to eat Chinese noodles and watch the rest of Downtown Abbey before falling asleep somewhere over the Indian Ocean, and then I arrived in Tokyo’s Haneda Airport with enough time to get home and dress up to go out for a fancy dinner.

A nice welcome awaited me at the airport as well, living a #Travelife…

The post A flight cancellation in Johannesburg ends up with a better connection via Hong Kong to Tokyo Haneda. And about a nice stay at the Intercontinental Hotel in Johannesburg Airport. appeared first on TRAVELIFE Magazine.