This Hotel Offers a Quiet Escape in the Middle of Busy Bangkok

My hotel had a great reveal. We entered a side street, having come from a 40-minute route that involved a long highway and the busy road of Sathon. I took it as a hint that we were near. Then out of nowhere, an L-shaped structure appeared. It was easy to miss since it was camouflaged in a sea of white buildings, but as my airport ride drove closer to the foyer, I knew my experience wouldn’t be like any other. 

The room at Como Metropolitan Bangkok Hotel

I haven’t even stepped foot inside the Como Metropolitan Bangkok Hotel and yet I already love that it was not situated along the capital’s hectic, crowded streets. It was tucked inside a compound, which provided some sense of privacy and instant relief from the city’s noise.

The calming stillness extended to the lobby, which opened to a room full of natural light and free space. Again, it was a most welcome state of tranquility, a momentary escape from the deafening car horns and dry heat outside. Instead of having to queue at the counter, I was asked to take a seat, enjoy my refreshing welcome drink, and receive the spiel about pool hours and breakfast buffet at the comfort of their plush chair. Things were definitely off to a good start.

The spacious and tranquil lobby

ALSO READ

How to Experience Thailand Like a True Local

Digital Nomads May Now Work in Thailand for Up to Five Years

My room, like the design of the hotel, was modern and minimalist. It was a sizeable square in size, a soft king bed flushed against the wall on one side and a long sofa which doubled as a day bed with a pool view on the other. As with other Como establishments, the bathroom didn’t scrimp on square footage. It was still broad even if fitted with a bathtub and a shower that can fit seven at a single time. For a guest that has a six-foot frame, the generous space was something I definitely appreciated. And I expressed that by spending most of my free time not scouring for good finds at the Chatuchak Market but by luxuriating in my room.

The miang appetizer at Nahm

I wasn’t tempted enough to leave the premises given that I only had a short time to spend in Thailand. More so, Como Metropolitan was equipped with what I was exactly looking for—nourishment and pampering, which came in the form of Nahm Restaurant and the Shambhala Urban Escape. 

Nahm, started by Australian chef David Thompson in Como's Halkin Hotel in London back in 2001, is the very first Thai restaurant to bag a Michelin star, just after six months of operations. The Bangkok branch opened in September 2010 and got the no.1 spot in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2014. Today, it remains top-of-mind when it comes to eateries that present traditional Thai fare in a contemporary manner.

Nahm's jungle curry of pork

I got a table for a weekday lunch, and it was bustling with both local and foreign diners. Most noteworthy were the balanced flavors and contrasting textures of the dishes I got. There was a potent smoked duck broth that had sago and a one-bite savoury appetizer made up of river prawn, chicken, green mango, snake fruit and a blend of herbs nestled on a betel leaf. Though everything I had was good, the ones that stood out for me were the fermented rice noodle salad with a coconut cream dressing as well as the turmeric crab curry with calamansi, which had a spice that became more endearing after each bite.

Another one of Como Metropolitan Bangkok’s come-ons was the spas. They had carefully curated massage therapies such as the Indian head massage, which focuses on the head, neck and shoulders; a drainage massage, which helps cleanse the body of toxins; and their signature Shambhala that uses a blend of oils to rejuvenate the body. Other services include mind and body disciplines like family yoga, facial care, and even manicure and pedicure.

What piqued my curiosity was their array of offerings specifically targeted for the needs of men, like tension relief and deep relaxation. To guarantee these, they have foot acupressure to stimulate the body’s natural recovery process, and a deep tissue massage to increase blood and lymph flow so muscles can operate at full capacity.

My recent trip was short, just a two-night work-related recess. Though brief, my hotel, with its amenities and ideal location, certainly made it worthwhile. 

Consider the Como Metropolitan Bangkok Hotel the next time you're traveling to Bangkok

Como Metropolitan Bangkok is located at 27 S Sathon Road, Thung Maha Mek, Sathon, Bangkok, Thailand. Visit www.comohotels.com for more information and reservation.