Our experience at the InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit began the moment we arrived, setting the tone for what would become a stay defined by unparalleled service and refined luxury. The check-in process for premium room guests at the Club InterContinental Lounge was a wonderful introduction to our stay in Thonglor, one of Bangkok’s most vibrant and upscale neighborhoods.
Premium room and suite room guests have access to the Club InterContinental Lounge on the 31st floor and when we arrived, we were brought up directly to the lounge for an intimate.check-in where the city’s hustle and bustle feel a world away. As we settled into the lounge, we were enjoyed a delightful 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.
Overall, our stay at InterContinental Bangkok Sukhumvit really stood out because of the care and hospitality that we received throughout our stay. In particular, Club InterContinental Lounge combines personal service and exclusive privileges, ensuring guests have an exceptional stay.
CURATED CULINARY TREATS AT THE CLUB LOUNGE
Open from 6am to 10pm, Club InterContinental is a haven of exclusivity, offering a range of privileges that elevates the entire hotel experience. Mornings begin with a sumptuous breakfast, where there is a buffet spread of bread. pastries, cold cuts and salads, and we can order a-la-carte choices (a good variety of local Thai breakfast options, and for we could choose from an array of international and local dishes, all while enjoying the spectacular 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.
The breakfast menu at the Club InterContinental Lounge is a culinary journey that pays homage to the global heritage of the InterContinental® brand, founded by Pan American Airways’ visionary, Juan Trippe. Reflecting the brand’s international origins, the menu offers a diverse array of egg preparations, each inspired by a different corner of the world. Typically, the options in a hotel lounge tend to be smaller than the main restaurant, but I have to say, the range of ways guests can have eggs prepared was impressive!
From the rich, buttery Rührei, a German-style scrambled egg, to the bold and flavorful Mexican huevos rancheros served with salsa and black beans, the options are as varied as they are delicious. Guests can also enjoy an Italian Frittata with asparagus, a hearty Spanish Tortilla prepared with potatoes, Shakshuka, a Middle Eastern dish of poached eggs in a spiced tomato sauce, or the classic Benedict Royale, served on top of an English muffin together with house-cured Scottish smoked salmon.
Of course, I couldn’t resist indulging in the Thai breakfast options, which included traditional dishes like Thai green curry with rice, and a comforting Thai rice noodle soup served with pork or beef. We were also delighted to have the iconic Mango Sticky Rice included in the breakfast spread. For those seeking something more familiar, there were also options like pancakes, French toast, and smashed avocado on toast, ensuring every guest finds their perfect morning indulgence. Thai herbal drinks like pandanus, lemongrass, ginger lemonade, and aloe vera were also on the breakfast menu, offering a range of health benefits, rooted in centuries-old 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 salad and fruits
HOTEL ROOM AND AMENITIES
One other highlight to note, opt for the Premium guestrooms if you can. 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.
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.
