A Visual Extravaganza

By Anton D. Javier

The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon shakes up the hotel experience in the Thai capital with its bold design and fearless approach to 21st century hospitality.

For a lot of the newer luxury hotels in Bangkok, they are guided by keywords like subtlety and serenity. And for any seasoned visitor to the Thai capital, you know exactly what I’m talking about: Muted color schemes that washes over the entire property, the sleekest custom-made furniture paired with the lushest of fabrics, and tasteful floral arrangements that are strategically placed around the entire property.  

There’s nothing wrong with this signature style oozing with elegance, but it’s also refreshing to have hotel brands like The Standard come in and shake things up. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, either. As soon as people started flying into Bangkok again in the middle of 2022, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon opened its doors at the iconic King Power Mahanakhon building, which is a spectacle in itself given its façade that resembles a pixelated glitch in Bangkok’s frenetic skyline. 

In a nutshell, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon boasts 155 rooms and suites, as well as a convenient location in the heart of downtown Bangkok. The neighborhood, which is accessible to other areas on foot or via the BTS Skytrain, gives hotel guests a chance to explore and rediscover the city center, Old Town, and other cultural attractions in the vicinity. 

Speaking of the new property, Srettha Thavisin, Chairman of Standard International, “This iconic flagship hotel of The Standard represents an extraordinary phenomenon in the hospitality industy not only in Asia, but globally as well. We are confident that The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon will have huge success in delivering the ultimate hotel experience – unlike any other in Thailand.” 

A World of Pure Imagination 

As soon as you arrive at The Standard’s driveway, you’ll be greeted by its signature upside-down hotel signage in red, followed by the hotel boutique bursting with colorful clothes, accessories, home décor, and one-of-a-kind merchandise for die-hard fans of The Standard brand. 

As the lift doors open to the main lobby and reception area, you’ll be greeted by an eye-popping aesthetic perfectly executed by Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon and the hotel’s award-winning design team. Color blocked walls are juxtaposed with furniture styles that hail from various decades. Kitschy objects are displayed alongside art pieces, installations, and tropical plants, lending the social spaces plenty of texture and a distinct energy that’s sure to invigorate any weary traveller. 

Walking through the property is almost like walking through an art gallery, but the only difference is the art is hidden in plain sight. If you look hard enough, you’ll surely spot Marc Quinn’s “Flood Plain of the Tributaries of the Orinocco”, 2018, at the reception area. This piece from the King Power private collection is joined by an original Joan Miro sculpture, “Personnage”, 1976. 

While not as visually stimulating as the social spaces, the rooms are still a sight to behold, especially if you manage to book the Corner King. Floor to ceiling windows hug the spacious 56 square meter room, perfectly framing the bed and several seating areas. The bathroom also boasts generous space, featuring a rain shower, as well as a soaking tub that strategically looks out to views of the city. 

For those who want to live it up, consider the Bigger Penthouse, which comes with a full kitchen setup with Gaggenau appliances, a dedicated dining area, and an ensuite bathroom.  

At The Standard, We Feast 

When it comes to culinary adventures, Bangkok always satisfies. And as one of the newest hotels in town, The Standard makes sure that it delivers on all things delicious. First up is The Standard Grill, the hotel’s main restaurant, which serves Western and local breakfasts in the morning and burgers, salads, and dry-aged steaks at night. Keep an eye out for the cocktail cart making its rounds for the perfect tipple to accompany your meal. 

For afternoon tea, Tease is the place to be. This pop art-inspired spot is clad in a visually striking black and white color scheme, complemented by playful sculptures that adorn the walls. In addition to the afternoon tea set, guests can also choose from a wide selection of beverages that include loose leaf teas, iced teas, and boozy concoctions. 

At night, make your way up to Ojo on the 76th floor, where both the stunning views and Mexican-inspired menu will blow you away. At the helm is Chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano, dishing up modern versions (sometimes with a Thai twist) of Mexican favorites like elotes, tacos, and roasted meats and seafood.

Gourmet Traveller