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THE OKURA PRESTIGE BANGKOK - IMPECCABLE HOSPITALITY IN ONE OF BANGKOK'S MOST LUXURIOUS HOTELS
Well where do we start… At our first visit to The Okura Prestige Bangkok in July 2018 perhaps? The first time we visited this hotel was for a three-course dinner and a few cocktails on the extraordinary crescent terrace of Up & Above Restaurant and Bar. In the years that followed, we continued to talk regularly about our visit to The Okura Prestige in Bangkok … Almost as soon as we stepped out of the elevator into the lobby, we were captivated by the grand hallway with copper facets and marble floors. Add to that the friendly staff, the tasty food and cocktails. We had to and would come back here.
After almost three years we were finally back in Thailand and our last days in Bangkok were the ideal moment for us to stay a few nights in this luxurious hotel.
The Okura brand
On an international level, the Okura brand is indispensable when it comes to quality accommodations with class and charisma. The Japanese Okura has earned its stripes worldwide since the 70s of the last century. Here in the Netherlands, The Okura Amsterdam is one of the most acclaimed accommodations in the country and today Okura Hotels can be found on virtually every continent. In Japan, of course, but also in other Asian countries, in America and in large parts of Europe. In the coming years, the Japanese company will be expanding considerably. Plans include luxury hotels in the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia.
DID YOU KNOW?
The very first Okura Hotel opened in Tokyo on May 20 in 1962.
Where in Bangkok is The Okura Prestige Bangkok located?
The hotel is located on Wireless Road, a well-known street in the Ploenchit business district. This district is mainly known for its embassies and office complexes. Right next to the hotel is a Sky Train station connected by a skywalk. The skywalk also connects the hotel to the luxury shopping center Central Embassy, a fitting name in a neighborhood like this.
The BTS Sky Train will take you to other awesome and modern shopping malls such as Central Embassy, Central Chidlom, Central World, Terminal 21, Siam Paragon and EmQuartier in no more than 15 minutes. Cultural attractions such as the Erawan Shrine and Jim Thompson House are also easily accessible thanks to this connection.
The Okura Prestige Bangkok
At the time we started writing this article, The Okura Prestige Bangkok exists exactly ten years, congratulations all! On May 14, 2012, the doors of this Bangkok location opened. The Okura Prestige consists in total of 240 exclusive rooms, three renowned restaurants (two with Michelin star), a patisserie, gym, swimming pool, various meeting rooms and so on. In short, everything a modern 5 star accommodation in Bangkok should have to belong to the absolute top. Speaking of the top, from head to toe, The Okura Prestige Bangkok with its 34 floors is a total of 142 meters high.
Our arrival at The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Both times we visited The Okura Prestige Bangkok , we arrived at ground level and were then taken by elevator to the lobby on the 24th floor. The very friendly people at the front desk immediately made us feel at home and check-in went smoothly and quickly. We were even introduced to the Dutch manager Niek. Niek had heard we were engaged and told us we were getting an upgrade (thank you Niek and team!).
The lobby
We’ll never forget the moment we first saw the immense lobby, we were immediately impressed. The high ceilings, the reception area with a large bar next to it. Behind it the restaurant and bar Up & Above with terrace. It is mostly copper that shines in The Okura Prestige Bangkok. This elegant color is part of the corporate identity and is also reflected in the logo. We feel that the use of copper makes the accommodation of Japanese origin stylish and fashionable. Even the floor of the lobby is made of brown-tinted marble. It was love at first sight for us.
We have had the pleasure of sleeping in many a luxurious and stylish accommodation in Bangkok, but The Okura Prestige is currently (2022) at the top when it comes to the best hotel in Bangkok. So far, this is the number 1 hotel out of the thirty or so accommodations in Bangkok that we have slept at in recent years.
The Prestige Suite, our stay as newly engaged couple
The love at first sight revealed itself in a full-blown “I love you” after we opened the door to the Prestige Suite. A few minutes before, we had been informed by the general manager that we were getting an upgrade from a Deluxe room to a suite. The spacious suite consisted of a separate living and sleeping area. With a total area of 98 m2, the Prestige Suite is truly uhm… prestigious…
living area of the Prestige Suite
Upon entering, directly to the left of the suite, there is a toilet with washlet (Japanese hi-tech toilet). Further down the living room is a huge couch with large ottoman, which can be used to transform part of the couch into a chaise longue. A little further is the desk with everything on it, in it and on it. From extra connections like HDMI and LAN to office supplies like a stapler, scissors and tape.
Opposite the comfortable sofa is a large TV cabinet with an ultra-thin 42″ LED television on it and to its left a bluetooth box. On the right side, in line with the TV cabinet, is a cabinet containing the mini bar and coffee and tea supplies. Since we are all too happy to wake up in the early morning with a good cup of coffee, we were very pleased with the Illy coffee machine. Every morning we were cheerfully jolted awake and enjoyed a quality cup of Italian Illy coffee. Prefer a cup of quality tea from Japan? On the side of the cabinet you can slide out the built-in hot plate for the kettle, very nice thought!
DID YOU KNOW?
In many accommodations in Thailand you often receive two bottles of water per night booked, at The Okura Prestige Bangkok there are no less than six! Bottles of water were waiting for us in the bathroom, living room and minibar. So the coffee machine or kettle never runs out of water.
WOW… What a view!!
Before we inform you about our worldly bedroom, here we want to show you more of the indescribable view from the Prestige Suite of The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Sometimes pictures speak louder than words, take a look….
Image: Thailand Magazine
Sleeping area of the Prestige Suite
Besides the insanely spacious and beautiful living room, there is another room to be found in the Prestige Suite at The Okura Prestige Bangkok. The large bedroom has a lovely soft king size bed, a second TV and sofa set. Because of our engagement, a big heart of rose petals had been made on our heavenly bed. Very thoughtful and sweet <3!
Through a console on one of the two bedside tables, guests can control the clock radio, lights and air conditioning, among other things. Are you ready for a nice movie night in bed together after a long day of strolling through Bangkok? All guests of the hotel get access to a database with great movies. We’re pretty sure that if you ask room service for popcorn, they’ll be happy to bring it.
Turndown service
Sigh…, you know what we absolutely love? If the hotel has a turndown service. Nothing is nicer than returning to your room in the evening and seeing that everything has been made completely tidy, that there is something tasty or fun on a table or bed and that your bed has been made so that you want to dive in immediately! The turndown service is applied in every room, not once but twice a day.
Between bed- and bathroom
Between the bedroom and bathroom is a closet containing a safe, bathrobes, slippers and two pajamas. On the other side of the “hallway” is room to put out your suitcase or backpack.
Bathroom
The marble and granite bathroom at The Okura Prestige Bangkok has a gi-gan-tic bathtub and so incredibly comfortable! The moments we spent together in our gigantic bathtub, it felt like we were staying in a pool villa like the one at Rayavadee in Railay.
Image: Thailand Magazine
In addition to the granite (swimming) tub, there is also a separate lockable rain shower. This shower offers expansive views of the Bangkok skyline. On the other side of the bath is the second toilet. Yes, also here it is a hi-tech toilet, also affectionately called washlet. The washlet is widely used in a number of Asian countries such as Japan. Think of spectacle heating, hot water jet and a drying function in the form of a summer breeze … you know now more than enough …
Image: Thailand Magazine
The towels in various sizes are fluffy and (should we wish) could be changed daily. Like many guests these days, we don’t do this either. This is appreciated by the accommodation, but especially by nature.
DID YOU KNOW?
The Okura Prestige Bangkok is leading the way when it comes to its commitment to a better environment. For example, the Park Ventures Ecoplex, the building in which the hotel is located, has the very highest rating in terms of sustainability and energy facilities. The Okura is not only there for its guests today, but also for its guests in the future.
Other rooms and suites at The Okura Prestige Bangkok
The hotel has a total of 240 rooms divided into three types. These types are in turn divided into ten different categories. The suites come in five different options, with us getting an upgrade to the Prestige Suite. Then there are two types of Deluxe rooms and three types of Club rooms. Every room or suite at The Okura Prestige Bangkok is wheelchair accessible.
We have previously described the beautiful Prestige Suite. Below we will discuss the other types of rooms and suites of this fantastic five-star hotel in Bangkok. Not only our suite, but all 240 rooms and suites offer awe-inspiring panoramic views of the metropolis called Bangkok. Each room has triple tinted glazing that insulates against heat and sound, good for the environment and your sleep.
Deluxe Rooms at The Okura Prestige Bangkok
The Okura Prestige Bangkok has 156 Deluxe and 24 Deluxe Corner rooms. The Deluxe is very elegantly decorated and offers guests a comfortable stay! The room has a total area of between 43 and 47 m2, with the Corner Deluxe offering a whopping 55 m2 of space. Both rooms can be booked with a double bed or two single beds.
Club Rooms at The Okura Prestige Bangkok
There are a total of 43 Club rooms, which can be divided into three different categories. You can choose from the Okura Club of 47 m2, the Premier Club of 57 m2, or the Prestige Club room of 65 m2. All Club rooms offer views of Bangkok, and again you can choose from two single beds or a double bed. As a bonus, soft drinks from the minibar are complimentary and each booking offers access to the Club Lounge that the hotel has, more on that later.
Different suites at The Okura Prestige Bangkok
You’ve already read about the Prestige Suite, our happy place, of which there are seven in total, in this review of The Okura Prestige Bangkok. In addition to the Prestige Suite, four other types of suites can be booked. Naturally, the suites also have access to the Okura Club Lounge. There are eight Deluxe Suites, each with an area of 80 m2 and floor-to-ceiling windows. The suite consists of two parts, a living room and bedroom and a beautiful bathroom.
Presidential Suite
There can only be one president in a country, perhaps that is why there is only 1 Presidential Suite to book. This immense suite covers an area of 156 square meters. This suite has not only a separate living room and bedroom, but also a presidential dining room.
Royal Suite
The Royal Suite is not only for the royals, but also for the ordinary citizen of the world who can afford it and/or has something wonderful to celebrate in life. The hotel’s only Royal Suite covers 165 square meters and also consists of a dining, living and bedroom, but a separate work area has been created here as well. So if work must be done in Bangkok, do it here.
Imperial Suite
Dear readers, we present to you with grandeur, the imposing and exclusive Imperial Suite of The Okura Prestige Bangkok. This suite is one of the most luxurious suites available for booking in Bangkok. With nearly 302 square meters of space, this room is almost twice the size of the Presidential Suite. The room offers a 180-degree view of downtown Bangkok. The huge living room, which seats at least twenty, leads to an elegant dining room with a dining table for eight. In the Imperial Suite, there is also a full kitchen with all the trimmings. The bedroom has two king-size beds and in the bathroom you can blow out in the steam room after a long day.
The Okura Club Lounge
Guests with a Club Room or Suite can use the Club Lounge from 14:00 – 20:00, and its resulting service. Some examples are:
- complimentary two garments wash/press per day
- being able to make unlimited telephone local calls (except cell phone numbers)
- all-day refreshments, including a Japanese tea corner and a wide assortment of fresh fruit
- Sweet Delight, which guarantees lots of treats until 16:00
- from 17:00 to 19:00 cocktails and snacks
- plus much more, for more information ask at the reception
NOTE!
Guests of the Okura Club Lounge are kindly requested to adhere to a smart casual dress code with appropriate clothing and footwear.
In motion and in rest
Everyone knows, exercise is healthy and therefore this hotel offers numerous opportunities to work on your physical and mental condition every day. For example, there is a floating swimming pool with a view like no other and a fitness room with high-tech fitness equipment for cardio or strength training. After working out, you can let mind and body relax during a treatment at The Okura Spa.
Exceptional infinity pool at The Okura Prestige Bangkok
You shouldn’t think about it once you enter the pool, but this 25-meter-long pool is built so that it floats above Bangkok. An architectural masterpiece designed by the Palmer & Turner architectural firm. If the floor were made of glass, you could look down 25 stories. Not as high as the Skywalk of the King Power Mahanakhon, but high enough to give you the creeps. So enjoy the beautiful view of Bangkok’s skyline extra.
The infinity pool of The Okura Prestige Bangkok is up to 1.20 meters deep and around the pool you will find relaxing lounge chairs with soft cushions on which you can take a nap or read a book. The only regret is that the pool is in the shade. This is the only downside we have about this hotel. For others this can be a big plus, because sunbathing in the sweltering heat of Bangkok is of course no fun either. So you see, your pool is half full or half empty. that of The Okura Prestige Bangkok is filled to the brim! Both the pool and adjacent gym are open from 06:00 – 22:00.
Gym
The hotel’s gym overlooks the pool and skyline. The room contains dozens of quality fitness equipment and props for a perfect workout. The professional team is ready to advise guests on various (muscle) exercises and training schedules. Please ask in advance, so an appointment can be scheduled.
Okura Spa
The Greeks knew it, the Romans knew it and the Thai know it too! A massage is good for body and mind and that is why The Okura Spa offers a wide range of treatments. An intake is done beforehand, after which an advice follows. More information can be found on the website of the hotel. In addition to the team of professional therapists, the hotel has five luxurious treatment rooms including private jacuzzi.
NOTE!
The Okura Spa is only open from Wednesday till Sunday from 10:00 – 22:00 hours.
Food & Beverages
All over the world where The Okura is established, guests are very enthusiastic about the food and drink served in the accommodations. Even professionals let us know this in the form of a Michelin star, among other things. In Bangkok it is no different. Two of the three restaurants seated at The Okura Prestige Bangkok have both earned a Michelin star for several years. Then there is the restaurant and the (rooftop) bar of The Okura Prestige Bangkok where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and can enjoy a high tea or cocktail. The Okura Prestige Bangkok is foodie heaven!
Yamazato Bangkok
What would the Japanese Okura be without a Japanese restaurant? Lovers of Japanese cuisine immediately know what we are talking about, yep Yamazato! This restaurant is not only located in Bangkok, but also in Amsterdam, our own capital. For those who don’t know Yamazato, Yamazato is one of the best Japanese and award winning signature restaurants in the world. The Michelin Guide praises Yamazato for its centuries-old traditional Kaiseki Ryori (Japanese haute cuisine). At Yamazato Bangkok, teppanyaki, sushi, sashimi and many more Japanese dishes can be enjoyed at a high level.
In addition to an extensive à la carte menu, guests can also enjoy special lunch and dinner menus. Various Japanese-style themed food festivals are also regularly organized. Yamazato is open daily from 11:30 – 14:30 and from 18:00 – 22:30. To give you an idea of the menu, you can easily find information on the Yamazato website for the up-to-date menus.
Elements, Inspired by Ciel Bleu
The second Michelin-starred restaurant Elements we mention is inspired by Ciel Bleu. The original and Michelin starred restaurant Ciel Bleu is located at The Okura Amsterdam and serves French dishes with Japanese influences. At Elements, inspired by Ciel Bleu in Bangkok, guests can choose to enjoy the high-quality dishes outside as well as inside in a casual atmosphere. Elements’ terrace is located next to the hotel’s swimming pool. If there was a Michelin Star for the view, The Okura Prestige Bangkok would have deserved this one too! Inside, the restaurant extends into the open kitchen, adding to the relaxed atmosphere.
Unfortunately, we haven’t yet found the time to dine at one of The Okura Prestige Bangkok’s two restaurants ourselves. What we were able to enjoy to the max during our stays in this luxury hotel were breakfast, an afternoon tea, dinner and several cocktails at Up & Above Restaurant and Bar, which can be found on 24th floor near the lobby.
Up & Above Restaurant and Bar
We visited here in 2019 to dine on the outdoor terrace, a beautiful place. We then dined 24 stories high while hanging over the bustling Bangkok. At Up & Above Restaurant and Bar you can enjoy good food almost all day long. From the crack of dawn, guests can wake up to an incredibly good breakfast and around 16.00 hours they can enjoy a high-quality seasonal Afternoon Tea. Also (business) relations can socialize while sipping a quality cocktail on the crescent-shaped terrace of this catering location.
>>> Read our extensive review about our 2019 visit at Up & Above Restaurant and Bar.
Breakfast
For some the most important meal of the day and for us the start of yet another wonderful day in the land of smiles! And that smile of happiness came when we very first saw the breakfast buffet at The Okura Prestige Bangkok! A variety of (sweet) breads, fresh juices, hot Western and Asian dishes, many types of cheese / meats and of course an egg station. By the way, what struck us is that the friendly general manager of The Okura Prestige Bangkok took the time to have a chat with several guests of the hotel. A professional and very amiable person who is completely at home there in Bangkok, Niek, nice to see how much passion you have for the job!
Sebastiaan Hoogewerf
Talking about passion and to promote the Netherlands, our home country even more we want to introduce you to the Dutch chef Sebastiaan Hoogewerf who has been working at The Okura Prestige in Bangkok since 2013. In 2020 Sebastiaan was appointed executive chef, where he is now mainly responsible for all meals served at the hotel. This also includes The Okura Prestige Bangkok’s acclaimed Afternoon Tea.
Afternoon Tea @ The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Words fail us when it comes to talking about our Afternoon Tea experience! The Afternoon Tea at The Okura Prestige consists of a variety of delectable savory and sweet dishes. The products are of superior quality and in the West you would pay double for a high tea like this. The Seasonal (Afternoon Tea is served in a tray in which various snacks for two people are displayed.
That evening you will most likely dine something light, as you will be served about 15 delicious bites per person between 2:00 and 5:00 pm. Think of cakes, tarts, bonbons, macarons, scones and many more goodies. Piece by piece small works of art. And of course you can choose from different types of quality tea or coffee. In short, even if you don’t sleep in this hotel, it’s still very nice and tasty to enjoy a high-quality Afternoon Tea here with your partner.
Omotenashi
We would like to thank Niek and his team for the great time we had at The Okura Prestige Bangkok! From our check in to our (late) check out we enjoyed to the maximum. Despite the sad feeling we get once we start our return trip, the last nights we spent in January were very happy ones. For the conclusion of our 2021/2022 trip and first hotel in Bangkok as an engaged couple, we could not have chosen a better hotel than yours!
Therefore, we close with the meaning of the Japanese word Omotenashi. Omotenashi stands for “caring for its guests with heart and soul”. At The Okura Prestige Bangkok, this is carried out to perfection.
ありがとうございました,
Ilonka & Riel
Actual prices and regular information
Check-in is possible from 15:00 and check-out until 12:00. For current prices of this great city hotel, please check Booking and/or Agoda. You can also support Thailand Magazine by booking through our partner links. We will receive a small commission on your booking. This does not cost you anything extra and because of this we can continue working hard on our great passion, sharing our love for Thailand and promoting the land of smiles.
Address: 57 Witthayu Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Address in Thai: 57 ถ. วิทยุ แขวง ลุมพินี เขตปทุมวัน กรุงเทพมหานคร 10330
Telephone: +6626879000
Image: Thailand Magazine
In the (direct) vinicity of The Okura Prestige Bangkok
Despite the fact that you can dine fantastically at the acclaimed restaurants of The Okura Prestige in Bangkok. There are a number of other gems to be found in the area. Below we recommend some excellent restaurants, but also other (cultural) hotspots that you can visit during your stay in (The Okura Prestige) Bangkok.
- Central Embassy
A luxury shopping mall located almost next to The Okura Prestige Bangkok. Nice to stroll through and to eat or drink something at one of the many eateries in the mall. - Lumpini Park
Visit Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s most famous park. Here you’ll find some peace in the hustle and bustle of busy Bangkok, but watch out for the dragons on the loose…. - Acqua Restaurant Bangkok
Alessandro Frau, the owner and chef of perhaps the best Italian restaurant in Phuket has also opened a restaurant in Bangkok since 2021. - Above Eleven
Above Eleven is a sky bar that serves a mix of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine in addition to fine cocktails. - Erawan Shrine
The Erawan Shrine is an extraordinary shrine with a remarkable history less than fifteen minutes’ walk from The Okura Prestige Bangkok. - Central World
Central World is a gigantic shopping mall with all the trimmings. When night falls you can combine this shopping mall with a visit to the Red Sky on the roof. - Red Sky Bar & Restaurant
Our last tip in this list is the Red Sky Bar and Restaurant on the rooftop of Central World with great views over several districts of Bangkok such as the Siam area.
- Central Embassy