Como Metropolitan Bangkok

Rooms

The hotel’s 169 guestrooms are similarly decorated in a serene, contemporary style. Singapore designer Kathryn Kng has combined dark Makha wood floors and olive green Thai silk cushions with soothing paintings. Bathrooms are a real highlight. Cream limestone, deep baths, power showers, silky-soft bathrobes and invigorating custom-made Como Shambhala Spa toiletries. And all this is accompanied by well-chosen extras: fresh coffee, flip-flops and a yoga mat for in-room sun salutations.

All the rooms are spacious, but if you want something really special (which won't cost the earth), book a duplex Penthouse Suite. They are jaw-droppingly huge, each with an open-plan living space downstairs (including dining area) and a bedroom, dressing area and vast bathroom upstairs. Gazing out across the city through the spectacular double height windows, with your own butler on call, you'll feel like one of the stars who frequent them (Mariah Carey and Kylie are fans).

Otherwise we'd have no hesitation recommending the Metropolitan Rooms, which are probably the best value. They are clean and bright, with good views and plenty of storage space. Those with a child can have an extra bed put in (or 2 at a pinch), or use one of the sofas. You could save a few dollars on the somewhat narrower Studio but it doesn't seem worth it. Or you could pay a bit more for a Terrace Room with a private patio, but note that these are enclosed and viewless we personally wouldn't advise it.

If you feel like splashing the cash then opt for the super-luxurious, top-floor COMO Suite with exceptional views across the city. It’s the 2-bedroom version of the Penthouse Suite; larger, grander and with hand-blown glass features. It can be used for cocktail parties and social events, making it an ideal venue for that once-in-a-lifetime-event.

Features include:

• Bathrobes
• Hairdryer
• Iron
• Minibar
• Safe box
• WiFi

Eating

Each time we've visited Como Metropolitan, the food has been seriously good. Formal dining takes place at Nahm, which has received a Michelin star for its mouthwatering cuisine. Since our last visit a new chef has taken over, and although we haven't tried her food for ourselves, we've heard it's tantalisingly good. Her specialities include zingy curries and crunchy stir-fries that incorporate rare ingredients from across Thailand.

For a more laidback meal, head to Como Shambhala Kitchen, the first-floor organic café, which serves an all-day menu of healthy and nutritious international dishes, including pasta, salads, warming soups, and grilled meat and fish. They also have a kids menu to satisfy the pickiest of eaters, and lots of veggie and vegan options.

Breakfast is also served in Como Shambhala Kitchen: there's a continental buffet which features exotic fruits, yoghurt and croissants, but the heavenly offerings cooked to order were the star attractions. You can't leave without trying the warm ricotta pancakes with banana, pecan and honeycomb butter or the toasted coconut waffles with mango, passion fruit and palm syrup.

Finally, don't miss The Met Bar (open to hotel guests and members only) where "mixologists" create bespoke Martinis. Try the lemongrass and ginger Tom Yumtini.

Features include:

• Bar
• Kids' meals
• Organic produce
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Room service

Activities

• Be pampered in the gorgeous Como Shambhala Urban Escape Spa with Asian-inspired, holistic therapies including Thai massage, reflexology, body scrubs and steam rooms. The 60-minute signature massage is superb, one of the most relaxing hours we spent during a month in Thailand - and decent value too. Or pre-book the 'Jet Lag Therapy' treatment
  
  
• Work out in the state-of-the-art gym or unwind with a complimentary yoga and meditation session. Personal trainers and private yoga tuition can be arranged. The 20m outdoor lap pool is large enough for proper exercise while the sunloungers are ideal for a spot of afternoon relaxation
  
  
• Force yourself out of the Met's cocoon to check out Wat Po, home to Thailand's largest reclining Buddha, the dazzling Grand Palace, and the adjacent Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Wat Phra Keo
  
  
• Visit the sprawling Chatuchak Weekend Market and Jim Thompson's House, a beautiful traditional Thai wooden home containing Asian artefacts collected by the American entrepreneur
  
  
• A river trip is another must: hire a longtail from the Oriental hotel's jetty
  
  
• The hotel is located in South Sathorn Road in the city’s Central Business District, minutes from Bangkok's main nightlife. Patpong's buzzing night market and go-go bars are a 10-minute walk
  
  
• For the best shops you'll need to hop in a taxi or take the skytrain (15 min walk to the nearest station). There's a metro station at the end of the street. You'll find an excellent list of where to go for antiques, clothes and designer homeware in the hotel room. Personal shopping assistance can be arranged
  
  
• The Guest Services team can give you the insider track on what's happening in Bangkok, from the best restaurants to shows and gallery openings

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cooking classes
• Golf
• Historical sites
• Nightlife
• Private guided tours
• Shopping / markets
• Swimming
• Yoga

Best Time to go

Our Top Tips

Location

The Como Metropolitan Bangkok is on South Sathorn Road, set back from the main road behind the Alliance Française/French Embassy in the heart of Bangkok's Central Business District. The capital's major shopping areas are minutes away. Patpong is a 10-minute walk. Silom Subway station is about 5 blocks away - the hotel offers an hourly shuttle.

By Air:
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International (33km away) is the closest airport. It's a major hub and is served by many flights from Europe, the USA, Australia and elsewhere in Thailand and Asia - click on the links below for a list of airlines. Some domestic flights continue to land at the city's older airport, Don Mueang (23km away).

From the Airport
It's a 30-40-minute drive from Suvarnabhumi - either take a metered taxi from the airport or pre-order a limo transfer with the hotel. You could take the express rail link via Makkasan, but it's a bit of a hassle and not much cheaper.

By Car:
We don’t recommend driving around Bangkok in a hire car unless you really know what you’re doing. If you do decide to, see our car rental recommendations.

Detailed directions will be sent to you once your booking is confirmed through i-escape.com.

More on getting to Thailand and getting around.