U Sathorn Bangkok

Style and Character

The U Sathorn describes its ambience as French colonial with a modern twist. Most rooms and suites are gathered in two-storey buildings around a large open lawn space with a pool in its centre. With its open corridors and a huge drive, the hotel’s most remarkable attribute is its sense of space. The resort is primarily aimed at young couples and particularly, though by no means exclusively, welcomes members of the LGBT community.

Service and Facilities

Service is very present and forthcoming. Beside the large pool and the adjacent kids’ pool, there’s a gym that’s open around the clock and a small spa. Every Saturday, the hotel runs a free trip to Bang Kra Chao, a green peninsula opposite Bangkok’s port. The half day trip to a park and floating market includes van drop-off and pick-up.

Rooms

The rooms are spotlessly clean, have plenty of natural light, and are kept in pastel tones that are reminiscent of French country life, but they are pretty small and not particularly personal. The bathrooms are luxurious but also feel a little cramped. On the plus side, all rooms have either balconies or terraces, most with views of the pool, giving guests a resort rather than a hotel feel.

Food and Drink

The J’aime Restaurant, from Michelin-star chef Jean-Michel Lorain, serves gourmet French cuisine with an emphasis on dishes from the Burgundy region – among the best French food in town. It's mouth-wateringly good, from the splendid raw tuna to the very fine pastry, and won a Michelin star in 2017.

The Library Bar, a coffee shop-style bistro, offers afternoon tea along with a decent menu of international and Asian dishes, including excellent Merguez sausages and is also a great place for a pre-dinner drink, as is the pool side. The international breakfast buffet includes a wide range of western and eastern eating options. À la carte breakfast is available around the clock.

Value for Money

Double rooms from 3,530 baht (£81) in low season; and from 4,024 Baht (£92) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi.

Access for guests with disabilities?

Yes, there are facilities, including purpose built bathrooms.

Family-Friendly?

The U Sathorn is squarely aimed at couples and exudes quiet and serenity. That said, families are welcome and there is a pool for children.

Location

The U Sathorn is located in a quiet back alley in the upmarket Sathorn area. It’s not terribly convenient for guests as there are no public transport options nearby, though there is a free Tuk-Tuk shuttle to the Lumpini underground station available every 15 minutes. With the underground it’s a short hop to Asoke and the fancy Terminal 21 shopping centre. The Royal Palace and Wat Po, as well as other points of interest near the Chao Praya River, can only be reached by taxi.