Published date: May 15, 2025
Warmed and Fragrant Towels by the Pool! Rejuvenating Spring Trip in Bangkok
Room Type Stayed
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Experience of the stay
This is my fourth visit to Bangkok. I remember when I just started working, with limited savings, I stayed in a hostels and chose budget-friendly boutique hotels. To be honest, I didn't pay much attention to accommodations in Bangkok before; after all, traveling with a large group of friends is always lively and noisy, leaving little time in the hotel.
However, this time is different. Taking advantage of the fact that Bangkok has not yet entered the rainy season, I plan to stay for a week, and my companion has changed to just one person. Therefore, the purpose of this trip to Bangkok has changed from a past of wild partying to rest and recharge. Hence, I chose the conveniently located Carlton Hotel, a five-star hotel that opened in 2020.
▋ Relaxing atmosphere by the pool, as if not in the city center
Perhaps because I have only stayed at four-star hotels before, the many services at Carlton Hotel amazed me and affirmed why it is five-star! From the details of room lighting design ensuring that the overall lighting isn't dim during the night, helping to relax comfortably, to the bathtub design providing enough space for head and neck support, making it easy to enjoy a bath with a good water flow. The gym is right next to the pool, well-lit and well-equipped, with even a rowing machine using water resistance! Working out there feels highly rewarding (prestigious?).
My favorite is still the pool at Carlton Hotel, located on the 10th floor, in the warm afternoon sunshine, surrounded by plumeria and other greenery, providing sufficient shade so you won’t feel exposed to nearby hotels. Coupled with the wooden elements designed for the pool deck, the tranquil and relaxing atmosphere makes you momentarily forget you are in the center of Bangkok. By the pool, you can take towels in two sizes, and as I laid a towel on the deck chair, I found it warm and fragrant from drying; it’s really a thoughtful touch.
▋ Convenient transportation to experience Bangkok's vibrancy by foot
Carlton Hotel is situated between Asok and Phrom Phong stations, with a plethora of shopping malls. Within a 10-minute walk, you can explore Terminal 21, EmQuartier, and Emporium extensively. If you want to experience some nightlife, the famous Soi Cowboy is nearby as well, and a 20-minute walk will take you to Nana Station, offering a taste of Bangkok's vibrant nightlife; if you feel tired, getting a taxi back to the hotel is easy.
Experiences during the trip
▋ Recommendations for Affordable Eats Nearby
Located in the city center, nearby restaurants tend to be pricier, which might be a little drawback of this accommodation. Here are a few affordable eateries that left a deep impression on me!
◆ Rong Tai Rice Noodle Soup (about 15 minutes on foot)
A Bib Gourmand recommended restaurant, don’t be intimidated by the long queue; the turnover rate is very fast. I recommend the clear broth with mixed pork offal and wide rice noodles. If you’re with friends, you can order some crispy fish skin and a cup of Thai tea (similar to traditional red tea)~
◆ Custard Nakamura (about 10 minutes on foot)
A beloved bakery among locals, the small cakes are quite cheap, giving off a Taiwanese bakery feel. If you want to prepare some snacks without resorting to convenience store food, this place is where to grab some bread as provisions. There’s also a Japanese secondhand bookstore in this area (not found on Google Maps) selling many Japanese mystery novels at low prices.
◆ Eat Am Are 253 Asok Building (about 30 minutes on foot, preferably take a taxi)
Known for its night-time beef dishes, Eat Am Are is a casual dining restaurant similar to Salvia. With strong air conditioning, nice decor, and affordable prices, the pork ribs are flavorful and generous in portion. Highly recommended for those needing to replenish protein!
By the way, smoking marijuana in the hotel’s public spaces is prohibited (to ensure a smoke-free environment), guests who purchase from marijuana shops are advised to use the designated smoking areas inside those establishments.