In the jam-packed concrete jungle of Bangkok, one would be hard-pressed to find a serene spot. And for that matter, at a city hotel. Yet, within the hustle and bustle lies a peaceful respite in COMO Metropolitan Bangkok.
Off a busy road in the city’s Sathorn area, my taxi turns into a long driveway flanked by trees and drops me off at the doorstep of COMO. A male Caucasian hotel staff member welcomes me warmly, whisking me and my bags off to the reception where yet another Caucasian staff member – this time a lady – greets me in a tone that makes me feel at home.
Photo © COMO
“I don’t feel like I am in Bangkok,” I whisper to my travel companion, who nods in agreement.
Even the hotel design is a deviation from the typical five-star hotel in the city. Designed by Singapore architect Kathryn Kng, the sleek, minimalist interior is reminiscent of a posh, contemporary art gallery. Think whitewashed walls, neutral-coloured furniture and modern art pieces adorning the lobby. A large pebbled water feature adds a touch of Zen to the whole setting.
Metropolitan Room at COMO Metropolitan Bangkok. Photo © COMO
The modern minimalist look continues in the room. My stay for the two nights is in a Metropolitan room – a comfortable size of 51 sqm. that comes with a king-sized bed and a separate living area. The generously sized bathroom features a rainforest shower and a bathtub that overlooks the city skyline.
All the necessary amenities are in place in the room, including USB charging sockets and a Bose music player for me to play some music to soothe myself to sleep.
Photo © COMO
In terms of dining options, one does not have to venture far in search of fine cuisine for the hotel houses the one-Michelin-starred Nahm restaurant by David Thompson. The famous restaurant has amassed its fair share of accolades over the years, having retained its Michelin star for the fifth consecutive year in 2022 and ranked among the top 10 in the annual Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list.
The hotel houses the one-Michelin-starred Nahm restaurant. Photo © COMO
Nahm boasts classic Thai dishes, elevated with modern cooking techniques whilst retaining traditional flavours. Noteworthy dishes from our Heritage dinner set menu (2,500 baht ++ per person) include Gang Pu Bai Cha Plu (Southern yellow curry of blue swimmer crab with betel leaves and calamansi); Gapi Pla (relish of wild prawns from Songkhla, Chumpon shrimp paste, green peppercorn and somsa); and Ngob Talay (grilled banana leaf parcel of blue swimmer, wild prawn and red grouper fish seasoned with wild ginger and curry paste).
Breakfast at the hotel is a splendid experience. Photo © Asia 361
In the morning, Nahm takes on a different vibe as it welcomes hotel guests with its a la carte breakfast menu. The server leads me to the al fresco area, where I sit in face of a serene outdoor pool surrounded by sun loungers. The sight takes me to the beach resorts of Bali, making forget for a moment that I am in the heart of bustling Bangkok as I tuck into my freshly made-to-order Eggs Benedict.
With a convenient location, friendly service and contemporary design, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok makes for a perfect choice for the traveller who seeks peace amidst a city. To call it an urban escape may sound like a cliché, but that is exactly what it is.
Photo © COMO
COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is located at 27 S Sathorn Road, Thung Maha Mek, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand.
