There is more to The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon than meets the eyes, as epicure finds out on its recent sojourn to the city’s mod icon.
There has been a lot of chatter about the design of The Standard’s flagship hotel in Asia. Born out of the pandemic, the brand’s “anything but standard” ethos pervades the hotel that is located within Bangkok’s King Power Mahanakhon skyscraper, a pixelated icon designed by German architect Ole Scheeren. What seems like a random stacked protrusion from afar are the building’s living spaces: generous terraces, balconies and green urban oasis amid Bangkok’s hubbub.
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Gawking starts as soon as one enters the hotel’s ground floor lobby. From its fringed-rattan chandeliers to Fah Chak WO+MAN-uniformed concierge team, the hotel blends the best of Thai cultural flair with whimsical interior design, courtesy of Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon.
Occupying 78 floors of the building, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon features 155 rooms, a stunning pool on the roof terrace, a Peloton bikes-equipped gym, mid-century style meeting rooms, and a welcoming invitation to all of its guests to mix and mingle at six of its food, drink and nightlife venues.
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The latter has become a de facto favourite among Bangkok’s creme de la creme and cosmopolitan jet-setters. They can be seen having meetings at The Parlor, making Insta-worthy content at Tease, enjoying dinner at The Standard Grill, chilling out for sunset at the city’s highest al fresco rooftop bar Sky Beach, and celebrating a special occasion at the retro-glam Mexican restaurant, Ojo. It is clear that it has become more than just another hotel in Bangkok – it is also a bonafide dining destination.
With meticulous attention to details, each venue offers a different experience, giving one multiple reasons to come back for more, both for aesthetic pleasure and gastronomic discovery. Having breakfast at The Parlor’s botanical-inspired terrace is a delightful way to start the day. The a la carte menu includes Brioche French Toast and a herbaceous warm bowl of Khao Tom Moo.
At Tease, a surrealistic black and white tea room inspired by Josef Hoffman and 1920s Vienna, one can sip Chiang Mai’s loose leaf Oolong tea with a dainty Fleur de Noisette. Colourful and mismatched furniture, hand-picked objets d’art and curios decorate The Parlor – a hub where work, play, cocktail soirées, author talks, live DJ sets and social encounters happen. From low-proof cocktails to house-made Chorizo Hot Dog, day and night can easily be spent here, enveloped by the bulbous sofa and hygge space.
Apple Wood Roasted Peking Duck and Barbeque Pluma Iberico Pork can be had at Mott 32, a Cantonese, Beijing and Szechuan restaurant. It’s a destination reminiscent of a bygone time, of hidden dens and illicit affairs. Alternatively, order a bone-in dry-aged rib eye and martini at The Standard Grill, the hotel’s signature American steakhouse where lights are low, seating intimately consists of leather booths, and tender whispers can be spoken between lovers. Then, retire to the Corner King Room where a softly lit bar, retro-style curvaceous furniture and a soaking tub overlooking the city await.