The Location
If you’ve had enough of Sukhumvit, maybe it’s time to explore Surawong instead. Located close to the historic neighborhood of Charoenkrung, Surawong is experiencing a resurgence, with plenty of hip new cafes and local eateries nearby. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the likes of 100 Mahaseth, Sam Lor and Tropic City but also a quick cab ride away from Chinatown where plenty of other cool bars and restaurants await. If you have a short stay in Bangkok, and looking to pack your trip with just the highlights, we’d recommend staying here to optimise your time and avoid being stuck in traffic jams.
The Vibe
Think tropical jungalow meets industrial warehouse design, with plants between planks of reclaimed wood behind the check-in counter mixed in with raw steel and stone. The hotel is newly refurbished and reopened in May 2024, so you can expect everything to be in tip-top condition.
Taking inspiration from Surawong’s Chinese influence, the hotel’s restaurant, Yu Her Bao, offers classic Chinese dishes like dim sum made with locally sourced ingredients. Upstairs, you’ll also find Starlight Rooftop Bar where a DJ spins till late while you sip on cocktails made with Thai herbs and inspired by traditional remedies.
The Rooms
There are 219 rooms at the Mercure Bangkok Surawong and they range from 19sqm to 25sqm. We stayed in the Privilege Twin Room Rooms, which comes with two single beds and a private balcony right by the coffee and bar cart. Sip on your coffee in the morning as you take in the city view and watch people play an early game of tennis. While there isn’t a bathtub, the shower is spacious and well-stocked with all the amenities you need for a quick weekend stay.