Maduzi

Style and Character

The family who owns the property is Thai/Chinese/Iranian which translates into the beautiful Arabesque patterns of the sun shade in the ground floor bar and classic Thai paintings and sculptures around the reception. The lift, with its red grill lights, is rather post-modern.

Somehow all of this feels a bit cramped but it does fit well together and is a far cry from the ubiquitous downtown chain hotels. The Maduzi is hidden behind high walls and consequently offers more privacy than most hotels in the area.

Service and Facilities

Facilities are modest but stylish. No, there’s no pool and no spa, but staff are happy to organise an in-room massage. A small and well-equipped gym may swerve all those not exhausted by nearby eateries and nightlife. Service is professional and friendly.

Rooms

The standard ‘classic’ rooms are a decent size with large bathrooms, all with whirlpool tubs. The floor-to-ceiling windows look onto the rather unattractive Asoke intersection (or its backstreets) but the rooms are elegantly furnished in dark and light woods. Sliding screen doors provide a Japanese touch, while the chairs are from Scandinavia and the desk leather is Italian. The feeling is austere in the best sense of the word – uncluttered, spotless and bright, though the furnishings are a little worn.

Food and Drink

The restaurant serves decent Thai and Western fare at reasonable prices, including pasta dishes, cheese and cold cuts platters and a great duck breast in apple sauce. The wine list is extensive and for the most part reasonably priced.

Breakfast is either English or Asian (Thai, Japanese or Chinese), served à la carte, with several interesting healthy options such as avocado with sesame, sherry vinaigrette, pomelo, and parma ham, along with quinoa salad with tomato caper salsa.

The circular bar behind the arabesque window shades is the best place for a pre-dinner drink though there is also a lounge with a large TV screen, deep arm chairs and a long table for family meals. In the winter, the outside terrace is a good place to relax.

Value for Money

Double rooms from 4,368 baht (£99) in low season; and from 4,760 baht (£108) in high. Breakfast excluded (from 120 baht/£3). Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, wheelchair access to the hotel is straightforward and all rooms are easily accessible via the lift.

Family-Friendly?

Children are welcome and there are extra beds, baby cots and a nanny service on request but the Maduzi is a couple-oriented hotel.

Location

The Maduzi is slap bang in the heart of downtown Bangkok, a few minutes walk from the busy Asoke intersection, a sky train and an underground station, numerous shopping opportunities and nightlife venues including the infamous Soi Cowboy. Not pretty but central.