Scene

The brand-new younger sister to legendary urban resort The Sukhothai Bangkok is a serene sanctuary in Shanghai’s lively Jing’an district. It forms part of a new mega retail and office complex, TaiKoo Hui, a short stroll from The Middle House.  

Elements of The Sukhothai Bangkok’s subtle celadon, light grey and wood hues are also found here. But this is no carbon copy of the Thai elder sibling; Shanghai interior experts Neri & Hu have tastefully reinterpreted the Sukhothai spirit in a contemporary Chinese context. An extensive spa and fitness centre, The Retreat, specialises in Southeast Asian spa therapies and further underlines the Thai connection.

Rooms

The 170 guest rooms and 31 suites are modern and muted in style, juxtaposing sleek contemporary design with stunning floor-to-ceiling views of Shanghai. They are generous to roam around in too: the smallest at 44sq m matches many a decent-sized Hong Kong or London pied a terre, making these among the largest in the city. High-tech room features include 65in TVs with Sonos soundbars, which you can easily connect your devices to.

Food and Drink

The Sukhothai is well served with bars and restaurants that range from the casual to the refined. Heading the bill is La Scala, the signature fine dining Italian restaurant from The Sukhothai Bangkok. Under the guidance of Michelin-starred Theodor Falser, it is similarly refined, creative and elevated in its approach.

Urban Café is the hotel’s all-day diner and presents an array of mainly Southeast Asian cuisine, including Thai of course, and is as generous with its portions as its distinct uncompromising flavours. The Zuk Bar is a relaxed and refined place to enjoy Nordic cuisine and artisanal cocktails mixed with a futuristic high-tech rotary evaporator.

Standouts

We loved the gin trolley, and the way your choice of cocktail is artfully prepared in front of you. First select from one of more than 200 types of gin from world over, then choose from around eight different tonics and a wide range of fruit garnishes. Also recommended is the Bangkok-style tuk tuk (rickshaw) to run you down to the shops or metro station if needed.

Summing Up

It will certainly appeal to travellers who appreciate a contemporary Asian style that doesn’t compromise on the quality of a traditional five-star hotel experience.

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