Lebua Tower, Bangkok

The view from Distil bar at Lebua.

Welcome back! Sorry for the brief hiatus. I was on a two week vacation and recently returned to the Land of the Rising Sun where there hasn’t been any sunshine. While on vacation, seldom do I blog (I know, I know, how can I call myself a travel blogger if I don’t blog while I travel?), and actually, aside from my Blackberry, it is seldom that I use any electronic gadgets when I travel. I’m old school like that. A vacation is a vacation for me. My camera and journal are all I need. When I get back, that’s when I start the sharing

Bangkok was actually the end of my trip and since it was the end, I decided to treat myself to some luxury for a change. Now in the places I visited on my tour, spending $20 a night on a room wasn’t too shabby. All of the rooms I stayed in had en suite bathrooms, nice beds, clean furnishings, flat screens with cable and very gracious hosts. I was pleasantly surprised to discover how far money goes in SE Asia. Unless you are really on a budget, there isn’t any need to hostel it here. As a reward for all my hard work though, I decided to plunge deep into the wallet and ball out during my final two nights of vacation.

View of downtown from my balcony.

Unbeknown to me at the time since I hadn’t seen the movie, the hotel of my choice had been featured in the new film, ‘Hangover II.’ This was very apparent when I checked into the hotel because they were definitely cashing in on the fame. The Lebua at State Tower was a fitting location I am sure. Everything about the hotel screamed luxury and I am sure that if this hotel were located in Vegas, Tokyo, London or Miami, I’d have been paying over $500 a night for the same room that cost $150 in Bangkok.

The restaurants at The Dome.

When I was led to my room on the 54th Floor (the hotel occupies the higher floors of State Tower, up to the 64th floor. The rest of the tower is reserved for offices and condos) I was again surprised by how large it was. A suite is not what I was expecting, but it is exactly what I got. And as I was led to the bedroom, I saw the city of Bangkok at my feet. The balcony afforded me a breathtaking view of Bangkok and the river that gives the city life- the Chao Phraya River. A warm afternoon breeze blew at me when I opened the balcony doors, but it was made cooler as I stepped out and smiled, thinking to myself how fortunate I truly am.

Bed,

bath,

and beyond.

The staff at Lebua were catering and welcoming. You felt like the King of Siam while staying there. And that was more than evident at the breakfast buffet which served up western and eastern breakfast delights that are fit for a king.

Although pricier than what you’d pay at a bar in town, the drinks and food at Lebua’s restaurants and bars are worth the price. If you disagree, then all you have to do is look up from your menu and take in the magnificent and best views of Bangkok that they provide for you. When you standing 64 floors up and enjoying a martini, you can’t really ask for much more or less. I suggest ordering their special Hangovertini if you’re there.

The Dome on the 64th floor of Lebua, housing Mezzaluna restaurant.

Speaking of the bar, definitely get to the 63rd floor Skybar at the Dome before sunset if you want to catch a spot close to the action. I’ve been to some of the best bars in Hollywood, like Skybar, the Standard and the Roosevelt Hotel, and this place beats them all hands down. Probably for the simple fact that it is less pretentious, and everyone there is treated like an A-lister.

Me enjoying a Hangovertini and the view at Skybar.

The room itself was phenomenal. I had all the amenities I needed, lots of complimentary drinks, English speaking tv channels, a large bathroom, and a very comfortable bed.

And a nice sitting room.

In all honesty, my only complaint about Lebua at State Tower is that you don’t want to leave. Since I only had two days in Bangkok and wanted to sight see, I was forced to leave. So it isn’t a place you want to stay at if you plan on seeing Bangkok. Why? Because, you really don’t want to leave the hotel. The pool is great, the food is the best around, the atmosphere is electric and everything you need is right there. So stay at Lebua if you’ve already been to Bangkok or if you don’t need to sight see your entire stay there. And even if you don’t stay at Lebua, if you are visiting Bangkok, be sure to have a drink at The Dome.