Musings about a Bangkok hotel

TheStar

It is situated at a fashionable address, and is clearly classy and elegant.

THE Langsuan area of the City of Angels is replete with high-end condominiums, hotels, restaurants and clubs. While I have visited the area to dine and for clubbing a few times, I’ve never actually stayed in the area. So I was quite happy during a recent short holiday to Bangkok to finally have a chance to do so. The hotel in question, Hotel Muse Bangkok, has always had good reviews, so I was doubly thrilled at being a guest there.

It celebrates an age when travel was only for the privileged and sophistication reigned. So the hotel is peppered with nods to European architecture and style, and fused with ornate Thai and Asian motifs.

According to the general manager Nicolas Peth, Muse was inspired by the social and artistic milieu of fin de siécle Europe and the King Rama V era (aka His Majesty King Chulalangkorn) of Thailand, i.e. the late 19th century.

Once you enter the hotel, you are transported to that era. A giant hardwood circular table with a huge and elaborate floral display placed on geometric tiles surrounded by framed artwork greets you. Lighting is subdued as you sit in plush chairs while being checked in.

Peth even started an in-house newsletter for guests that is set in the type and font of the 19th century called Le Journal. Now that’s being authentic.

Speakeasy at the Muse.

The hallways leading to the rooms also have nice design touches with each floor flanked by framed photographs and antiques.

The theme continues in the rooms and suites that boast classic styling and luxuriousness. I stayed in the Jatu Deluxe Room. There are six room categories in this 174-room property and they are inspired by Buddhist references to Dhevas, supernatural beings who lead blissful lives forever immersed in perpetual pleasures.

It certainly seemed the case for me – comfy king-sized bed, separate work area (God forbid that I needed it), 65-channel flat-screen TV, wired and (free) WiFi access, and iPod docking stations. And the bathroom screamed class with it’s floor-to-ceiling glass panelling (don’t worry, there’s a blind if you feel shy), free-standing roll-top bathtub (and a separate shower).

The shower was slightly clogged up, though, but it was fixed promptly with just a call. That, to me, is the yardstick of service. Indeed, the service here is top-notch – the staff members are all very attentive, warm and polite.

This trip was all about relaxation and the only time I left the hotel was to meet friends and have divine massages. Bed and its environs were so comfy that it was a struggle to get out of the room for that troublesome routine of feeding oneself.

Zero shopping this time round. Yes, I resisted the immense magnetic power of Bangkok’s myriad retail therapy centres. Self-applause.

To die for ... barbecued duck in red curry at Su Tha Ros.

Should you be so inclined, though, they are all near the hotel or easily connected by the BTS Skytrain that is so essential for getting around in this mega-metropolis. There are two stations, Chitlom and Ratchadamri, but I usually opt for the latter because with a shortcut, it was less than a 10-minue walk away.

The hotel under the MGallery collection is very close to Central Chitlom – one of the branches of the massive Central Department chain which operates on over seven floors. It also has a very nice food court, filled with a host of delightful cuisines. The largest mall, Central World, is also nearby – as are Siam Paragon, Siam Centre and Platinum Mall. The pleasant and interesting Lumphini Park, too, is a short walk away.

But all these, as I said, failed to draw me there this trip. Instead, it was breakfast (they have quite a decent buffet spread) and lunch at Su Tha Ros (which serves Thai cuisine also for dinner). We (I was joined by e-commerce manager, Apisak Tinwong) started off with the traditional and popular Miang Khum (but served pre-rolled which I liked as my rolled “creations” are tear-inducing). I decided to try the requisite Tom Yam Goong which again surprised me by coming not in a bowl but a dish, and it wasn’t that spicy (for Malaysian tastebuds, at least).

I was blown away, though, by the Phed Phad Prik Thai Orn – barbecued duck in red curry with coconut milk and green peppercorn. If the menu didn’t say it was duck, I would have thought it was very tender chicken. Best ever! So while thePlar Moo Ma Kuar On (poached pork tenderloin with young eggplant salad) was excellent, it didn’t stand a chance next to the duck.

The other dining outlet, Medici Kitchen & Bar, made an impression, too. It was done up in an industrial style, with European classical spirit. What’s served is Tuscan cuisine with some cosmopolitan twists, thanks to Chef Francesco Lenzi (a graduate of Gambero Rosso).

Our antipasti was a seafood platter which was delicious, but another surprise was served up with the Pisa-style sauteed Tasmanian black mussels in white wine and lemon sauce. Never a fan of shellfish, I was bowled over by its tantalising taste, though. The Spaghetti Vongole was perfect in its tartiness, thanks to the white wine while the Bombas was the perfect dessert to end the meal.

Bombas at Medici wrapped up the meal perfectly.

What also sets Medici apart is that they have operatic renditions by the respected Fivera troupe, sometimes interspersed with jazz and blues performances.

Another dining option available is the Speakeasy that offers international snacks with Asia influences. But many people come here for the atmosphere and drinks. It smacks of the Prohibition era of the 1920s and one half-expects to see someone in a pinstripe baggy suit or a flapper dress walking out of the club.

Don’t be surprised to see local celebrities here or at the bar on the ground floor Le Salon, along with the hip and trendy crowd.

Bangkok has a knack for doing rooftop bars real well, and this hotel belongs right up there. If you’re up for a stiff well-blended whisky and a fine cigar, the Blind Pig at the Speakeasy would be right up your sophisticated alley.

And if you’re ever tired of the dining and the imbibing, there’s always the gym and the swimming pool on the rooftop for healthier options.

This could very well be the muse to my hotel choices in future.

Hotel Muse Bangkok
55/555 Langsuan Road,
Lumpini, Pathumwan,
Bangkok 10330
Tel: +66 (0) 2 630 4000

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