As someone who has only been to Bangkok three times in her entire life, I am definitely not an expert when it comes to the city or even seeking out the best accommodations for that rejuvenating quick getaway.
But, even with this limited knowledge, I am well aware of the popularity of the Sukhumvit district in the Thai capital city, and with its access to a variety of options for shopping and food, it’s a no-brainer to stay in the area while on holiday.
Lucky for me, amongst the saturated cluster of well-known hotels in the district, there was a new hidden gem waiting to be discovered with its close proximity to the three Em malls.
Located on Sukhumvit Soi 29, KROMO Bangkok, Curio Collection by Hilton, is the first hotel to make its debut under this lifestyle brand in Thailand, offering a curated guest experience through its distinctive architecture and design.
Inspired by Bangkok’s ceremonial name, “The City of Nine Gems”, the recently opened KROMO Bangkok is a 28-storey treasure that brings the city’s vibrant spirit to life through a layered design narrative by Thai creatives at DIN Studio, which reimagines the idea of a modern-day cabinet of wonders, offering a hidden ‘gem’ that is thoughtfully embedded throughout the hotel.
From the moment I first stepped into KROMO Bangkok, it felt like a start of a sensory journey with an inviting scent in the ground floor area where the bistro and bar were located, and this curious cabinet sitting in the middle of the space.
Continuing on to the 10th floor where the check-in counters were located, I could easily see the narrative behind the concept of KROMO, with each interior design being thoughtfully put together to represent a different gem. I particularly liked how the designs were able to blend contemporary art with traditional ones to create a unique piece that represented this convergence of cultures in an internationally-owned hotel.
Of the 306 guest rooms, I was lucky enough to book a stay in the Junior suite, which was something I wasn’t used to, especially when I was travelling alone. However, the Junior suite at KROMO Bangkok was not at all overwhelming, and I found myself quickly getting used to the large space which was gorgeously decked in ruby hues that were reflective of those pink sunsets.
Looking at the interior of the room, I can’t help but marvel at how the design team was still able to continue its overarching design narrative even in this small space that would otherwise go unseen by other guests of the hotel.
These subtle details can be found through intricate illustrations by Thai visual artist Nairobi Moonmanas that are on the bathrobes (that can be purchased too!), mirrored panels, suite murals, and even on the inside of the drawers. As someone who does not like standing and staring into space while I brush my teeth, the illustrations were a great distraction to keep my mind from wondering just when will my electric toothbrush stop brushing.
One thing to note about the rooms, which I truly appreciated, was the quiet I could still get despite the hotel being situated in a fairly busy district. While it isn’t 100% soundproof, it definitely helped with the traffic sounds that came from the roads below so that you still can get a restful night’s sleep.
Food at KROMO Bangkok
Housed within the hotel is Colette, KROMO Bangkok’s French-inspired bistro and bar that serves elevated French cuisine through playful twists and locally sourced, sustainable ingredients. Besides serving lunch and dinner, Colette also serves as the main dining room for breakfast.
Unlike the traditional format for breakfast, I really liked how KROMO Bangkok traded the buffet lines for a sit-down format where you get to order your breakfast set from a menu, without having to leave your seat or wait in line just to get some scrambled eggs.
I also liked how they ensured they covered all the bases of a breakfast, providing you with both a savoury and sweet option so that you don’t have to choose. Although it might sound like a lot for one person, I actually appreciated this generous portioning of food because it ensured I got the best of both worlds to start my morning right.
While I pride myself in being someone who enjoys savoury foods at all times, the pancakes won me over here with its perfect combination of fluffy and sweet. In spite of its chocolate batter, there wasn’t an overtly sweet or artificial taste about the pancakes and the chocolate sauce drizzled on top, just added a nice chocolatey and nutty flavour that didn’t come off too sweet.
Dinner was yet another impressive affair at Colette with its variety of French-inspired dishes that included the Moules Marinière, Steak Frites, and Lobster Tagliatelle — which was something I was willing to take antihistamines for as I was mildly allergic to crustaceans. The buttery tagliatelle paired with the juiciness of the lobster made for such a delicious combination that I retired for the night thinking about it in my dreams.
Bangkok is a gem
Having only experienced the shopping malls of Bangkok, I never really got around to exploring the city but had the opportunity to do so on this trip.
From a boat trip through a canal that took me to one of the most well-known temples where I came (sort of) face-to-face with a 69-meter-tall golden Buddha, to checking out homegrown roasters making waves with their innovative coffee at Rise Coffee, and learning how to make my own jewellery with local jewellers Rock Me Studio, this trip showed me a different perspective of Bangkok that I’ve come to love.
So, here’s a suggestion for your next trip to Bangkok — in addition to just shopping, eating and enjoying massages, explore alternative activities and spots, and maybe book a stay with KROMO Bangkok, to continue experiencing all that this gem of a city has to offer.
