Hotel Muse Bangkok

Style and Character

There's a vintage feel both to the 174 rooms and the hotel's public area. The mood in the lobby is a little dark, harking back to the gas-lit days of the 1920s when people still travelled with suitcases and staff, though there is also a hardboiled ambience evident, particularly in the prohibition-themed Speakeasy Bar (with its adjacent cigar lounge) on the 24th floor.

Deep leather armchairs, metal girders and balustrades and plenty of black marble underscore the retrofitted vibe, inspired in part by King Rama V, the Thai monarch who introduced modern design and architectural styles to the kingdom.

Service and Facilities

Service is pretty formal and friendly. A small freshwater infinity pool on the 19th floor offers great views over the surrounding cityscape best enjoyed with a drink from the adjacent Wet Bar, while the gym has all the equipment for those who want to rehabilitate their bodies after a night out in Bangkok. The cardio machines come with iPod compatibility and USB connectivity. A small library and games room round off the picture.

Rooms

Standard rooms are spacious and feature dark wooden floors, floor-to-ceiling windows and vintage-style eclectic furniture including a comfortable chaise longue and old school leather travelling cases. The rooms come with televisions featuring international channels and first run movies, an iPod dock and round-the-clock room service. DVD players are available on request. Everything is in great condition including the small but spotless marble bathrooms, many featuring free-standing tubs.

Food and Drink

The 1920s-Chicago-style Babette steak house on the 19th floor serves steaks from Japan, the United States and Australia, along with a selection of salad and seafood. Down in the basement, the Medici is an Italian fine dining restaurant with Mediterranean influences and an emphasis on local, sustainable and organic ingredients, some sourced from royal projects. The eight-course set menu confidently references the kitchens of France, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Greece, Morocco, and of course Italy, accompanied by a great selection of wines and two singers performing short bursts of Italian opera between the tables.

The popular speakeasy bar offers a mellow terrace and a cigar lounge on the 24th floor. One floor up, there's plenty of outdoor seating where guests can snack on western and Asian comfort food. DJ sets and great views will ensure the flow of cocktails into the small hours. Executive guests enjoy complimentary cocktails and canapés in the afternoons.

Breakfast is served at Babette's, where it can get very crowded. The buffet is not bad though and includes some Indian and Thai options along with western fare, some health oriented.

Value for Money

Double rooms from 6,956 Thai Baht (£158) in low season; and from 8,839 Thai Baht (£201) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.

Family-Friendly?

Most guests come as couples for the romantic ambience but families are welcome. Interconnecting rooms and extra beds can be arranged and the Duplex Suite has an upstairs bedroom and a bed in the living area – which is a good option for small families.

Location

The Muse Hotel is located on posh Lang Suan Road, a reasonably short walk (or free shuttle ride) from the nearest sky train station at Chid Lom and 40 minutes away from Bangkok's main historical sites. Lumpini Park, the city's green space, is nearby.