Akyra Thonglor Bangkok

Style and Character

This former condominium is in the process of a radical transformation. Out are the safe cappuccino-coloured interiors; in are zig-zagging wooden floors, smoked mirrors, sultry leather furnishings and geometric prints. Guests are a mixture of long-stay businesspeople, in-the-know tourists and trendsetting locals which makes it feel like you're bedding down in your very own apartment in the city.

Service and Facilities

All of the staff are extremely sweet and eager to please – although some were more efficient than others; super on reception, painfully slow at breakfast. Perfect for cooling off after a hard day's sightseeing is the rooftop pool surrounded by palm trees, cabanas and city views. There's also a gym and small executive club. Unusually for Thailand, the hotel doesn't have a spa, although they do have agreements with local massage studios who will come and pick you up.

Rooms

Refurbished rooms are suave affairs, decked out in smoky shades of grey, teal and aubergine with feature walls wallpapered in moody black and white prints of Thonglor. Entry-level rooms are a reasonably-sized 37-square metres, but I would suggest upgrading to one of the one-bedroom suites or above, which come with balconies, bathtubs and proper kitchens with fridges, cooking facilities and washing machines; they're not much more expensive and are ideal if you're travelling with kids or have been on the road a while.

Food and Drink

The Akyra has just one restaurant and one bar, both located alongside the rooftop swimming pool. The latter serves contemporary Asian cuisine – yellow, red and green Thai curries, crispy pork, Chinese braised tofu – while the bar (due to open later this year) will exude old-school vibes with classic cocktails and suited and booted bartenders. Breakfast was disappointing; a sparse buffet selection, sad eggs and awful tea. Hit up one of Thonglor's fantastic little cafés instead.

Value for Money

Double rooms from 2,800 Thai Baht (£65) in low season; and from 3,900 Thai Baht (£90) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.

Family-Friendly?

Yes; children are welcome and the large rooms, most of which have their own kitchens and washing machines, are ideal for families.

Location

The Akyra has a prime position in the thumping heart of Thonglor, Bangkok's coolest quarter. Within a stone's throw of the front door you'll find piles of designer shopping arcades, cool co-working spaces, chic beauty salons, coffee shops, restaurants and some of the best bars in town (see Iron Fairies, J Borowski and Black Amber). Thonglor BTS subway station is a short stroll away. The airport can be reached in about 45 minutes by car.