Bangkok's towering hotel is out of this world

Rising like some majestic, mythological spire from a Tolkein tale, the 88-storey Baiyoke Tower lords it over the more modest constructions in the Pratunam area of downtown Bangkok. Guest blogger Roderick Eime let his imagination run wild.

When opened amid much fanfare in 1997 after a gruelling seven-year construction, Baiyoke Tower II stood more than 300 metres above ground level, making it the tallest building in all of Thailand. 

As part of the megalithic construction, a luxury hotel occupies floors 22 to 74 and comprises 673 rooms with views from the rooms leaving nothing to the imagination. Dubbed the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, its name is no exaggeration.

Panorama Suite (not Coruscant) - supplied

We stayed in one of the eight massive (85m2) Panorama Suites situated on the 54th and 55th floors. To continue the fairy tale fantasy, I couldn’t help thinking this huge enclosed balcony in many ways resembled the Jedi Council Chamber at the summit of the High Council Tower of the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, such was the stratospheric view over the planet far below.

One of the highlights (pun intended) of any stay at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel is breakfast. Whether you choose to dine in-room and gaze out over the cityscape in your bathrobe or venture up to the 81st floor and into one of the exclusive open-air ‘Sky Boxes’, it’s a culinary experience to remember.

Rooftop Bar on the 83rd floor - supplied

The Rooftop Bar on the 83rd floor is a hard act to follow too. Any Martini consumed at 300m is bound to leave an impression.

Daytrippers are welcome, too, with the observation deck and revolving floor allowing views as far as Suvarnabhumi Airport, 25km distant. Until 10pm, 400THB will get you a drink and selfie worth Facegloating about.

View from the top (RE)

A top-to-bottom review of the hotel wouldn’t be fair under immediate post-Covid conditions, as the covers have only just come off after many weeks in the hospitality doldrums.

Some venues within the hotel like the Crystal Grill and Stella Palace are yet to reopen, but suffice to say that the Baiyoke Sky Hotel is quickly gaining momentum and occupancy is rising quickly as Thailand relaxes its entry requirements. 

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel is the flagship property of the Baiyoke Group of Hotels which operates 10 properties throughout Thailand.

Location: 222 Soi Ratchaprarop 3, Ratchaprarop Road, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Thailand

Nearest Transport: Ratchaprarop station on the airport line.

Tel: +66 (0) 2656 3000, +66 (0) 2656 3456, Fax: +66 (0) 2656 3555, +66 (0) 2656 3666, Email: baiyokesky@baiyoke.co.th

The writer stayed as a guest of Baiyoke Group of Hotels and Tourism Thailand Experts