Its name is undoubtedly the longest we’ve known, but they really had to emphasize the hotel’s location. After all, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok is located within the vibrant business district of Ladprao and conveniently connected to the popular mall Central Plaza. We recently stayed at the hotel, and we were surely impressed. Read more…
Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok is under the fold of Centara Hotel and Resorts, a large portfolio of properties mainly based in Thailand but is also present in several overseas locations, including Maldives, Vietnam, Shanghai, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Qatar, and Ethiopia. In particular, Centara Grand in Ladprao is the Centara group’s first property. It has been standing since 1983, making it one of Bangkok’s longest-established five star hotels. But don’t be so quick to think that it has seen better days—the hotel recently underwent a massive renovation program that rejuvenated its rooms, restaurants, and common areas.
As mentioned, the hotel’s location is superb and, among many other things, key to the hotel’s popularity. Aside from its proximity to the Central Plaza mall, it is only 20-30 minutes away from Suvarnabhumi Airport via a direct access to the expressway, while the famous bargain haven Chatuchak Weekend Market is a short hop via taxi or MRT. In terms of accessibility, the Phahon Yothin MRT is nearby, and cabs and buses are aplenty in the area.
Checking in late in the afternoon, I was directed from the lobby to the executive floor at the top, where two perpetually smiling receptionists welcomed me for a special check-in. As it turned out, we were being billeted at a Club Deluxe Suite placed in one of the hotel’s top floors. After going through the details of my stay, which included a recap of the added benefits of staying at a Club Deluxe Suite, I was taken to my room.
The suite was huge and spacious. While the careful layout of the room helped in giving a sense of space, the floor area was at 45 square meters, which is already one and a half times the size of a regular hotel room. What I noticed immediately though was the open layout of the bathroom, where the tub may be opened up to the suite with just a quick slide of a wooden panel—perfect for those romantic evenings.
The décor was tasteful and modern, and the room felt elegant and new, thanks to its recent refurbishment. A comfortable king bed fitted with high-quality linen lay in the center of the room, while an executive desk and a living area were positioned strategically in the corners.
The room afforded the typical amenities and conveniences: a big LCD TV, Senseo coffee maker, a mini bar, and a closet with electronic safe and iron with board, among others. The spotless bathroom came replete with a full suite of towels and amenities.
After each day of working in our suite, we would check out The Club, the hotel’s executive lounge. Aside from exclusive breakfasts, it offers all-day complimentary refreshments that includes Evian, Perrier, soft drinks, and beer. Plus, on certain parts of day, it has a selection of tapas, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and cocktails.
Aside from The Club, we also had breakfast at Chatuchak Cafe. It’s the hotel’s buffet restaurant that serves up an extensive array of Western, Asian, and Thai food for breakfast. The food was good and filling enough to jumpstart our day.
For dinner, we had the chance to dine at Blue Sky, the hotel’s chic urban bistro. It’s dramatically perched atop the hotel, presenting dazzling nighttime views of the environs. At the helm of the kitchen is Executive Chef Eric Berrigaud, who developed a seasonal menu of Canadian lobster last month. During our visit, he whipped up a beautiful “surf and turf” for us—a duo of perfectly roasted lobster and tasty aged beef tenderloin.
As it is a five-star hotel after all, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok boasts of a swimming pool, a fitness center, and convention facilities. Their restaurants, including Dynasty and Don Giovanni, rank among the city’s best.
Service was consistently friendly from the bellhops to the lounge attendants. They made sure that all our needs were met, and we were treated to true Thai hospitality.
In all, Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok is a gem not only in the area but the entire city, ideal for those who would rather stay in a centrally-located area other than Sukhumvit. Its rooms, service, facilities, and restaurants all measure up to high standards, worthy of the Centara brand. As the group’s first property, it has managed to maintain and preserve Centara’s legacy of excellent service and luxury but at the same time ensured to keep up with the modern times with its constant improvements. We had a fantastic stay, needless to say, and we would surely recommend it to people we know.
CENTARA GRAND AT CENTRAL PLAZA LADPRAO BANGKOK
Phahonyothin Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, Thailand
Telephone: +66 2 541 1234
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglb
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