“Wow” was the word that continually kept falling out of my mouth during my stay at Lebua. This all-suite hotel offers the ultimate 5-star experience in the landmark State Tower near the Chao Phraya River. This hotel sits in the top floors of one of the two tallest buildings in Bangkok and it’s rooftop complex of bars, restaurants, and private meeting areas offer the best views in the whole city. The Skybar, which is “The” place to go, offers truly breathtaking views and amazing top-shelf drinks. It is filled with all sorts of people jostling for position around the circular bar. But if you only come to Lebua to visit the bar you would be missing one of the truly great hotels of the world.

Finding this hotel is no problem. In fact you can’t miss it. It towers over the other buildings in Bangkok like a shining white beacon that can’t be ignored. With a landmark like this security is tight. In fact our cabbie had to open his trunk and the security guys checked out the undercarriage with mirrors. But once you enter the hotel the check-in process is seamless. The feel and design is grand and luxurious and the whole place makes you feel special as well as at-ease. As we drove up, my luggage was taken to my room and I was greeted by my gracious personal check-in assistant. She then took care of everything while I was comfortably seated in the lobby.

The suites are spacious and well appointed with everything the weary traveler would need down to the Bulgari toiletries and well-stocked fridge. This room has pretty much everything including an interactive television with games and movies at your demand. The housekeeping checks your room several times a day and only when you are gone, restocking everything and keeping the room sparkling clean. But the star of the show has to be the mesmeric view that can be seen out of every window. They actually make you sign a waiver before they unlock the doors to the balconies because it’s so incredibly high that this building wouldn’t even be built in most countries. When not sleeping, most of my time was spent out on my 57th floor balcony with 180-degree views of the river and the city.

The amenities within the hotel make it tempting to never even leave. With 5 restaurants, 2 bars, the Tower Club Lounge, an inviting pool, a well equipped spa and fitness center, it feels like you could be on a cruise ship sailing your way through some exotic sea, but in fact you are in the middle of the vibrant metropolis of Bangkok. When I did finally venture out I found myself within blocks of major attractions and neighborhoods and both the concierge and the transportation attendants were helpful in heading me in the right direction wherever I was going.

Within the hotel there is of course the Dome on the rooftop with an array of restaurants and bars and then there is the Mozu floor with its Moroccan mood and dramatic colors with poolside views. Here you can start your day with an exceptional breakfast with so many choices you won’t know where to start or when to stop. But you can work off some of those calories in the fitness center that is on par with most private clubs. Of course you could also take a dip in the refreshing pool. Then, in the afternoon, after a tough day of shopping and massage you can visit the Lounge for light drinks, food, and an array of fruit and desserts while enjoying the incredible view which is all included in the price of your Tower Club room.

This hotel is for those who are looking for a little luxury…okay a lot of luxury without the stuffiness that comes with a lot of high-end hotels. It offers a refuge from the wonderful craziness of Bangkok while putting you in the middle of the action. The best part for Western travelers is that our dollar goes so far here in Thailand that this hotel is an amazing value. Oh yeah, and did I mention the view?

Bangrak 1055 Silom Road, Bangkok, 10500, Thailand 02-624 9999