Hilton has an array of properties in metropolitan Bangkok, ranging from the newly opened Waldorf Astoria to more budget friendly DoubleTree by Hilton.
I’ve tried out several other Hilton properties in Bangkok before, including the Conrad Bangkok, and wanted to find out how does DoubleTree Sukhumvit measure up.
The hotel
DoubleTree Sukhumvit by Hilton, Bangkok is located just off the main Sukhumvit Road. The hotel was opened in May 2013, after Hilton took over what was formerly known as the Imperial Tara Hotel and did a refresh. At the time of the opening, the DoubleTree by Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok was touted as Hilton’s 100th property in Asia Pacific, as well as the first DoubleTree by Hilton property in Bangkok.
The hotel is a 7-minute walk from Phrom Phong BTS station, and that also means a short walk from EmQuartier and the Emporium. This affordable option is well-placed if you are keen to zip up and down Sukhumvit for most of your time in Bangkok.
The hotel has 177 rooms across four room categories. Rooms include three levels: Deluxe, Guest and Superior, and if you are looking for a suite you only have the King Deluxe Suite (there’s only five in the entire hotel) to choose from.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted with the warm Thai hospitality, and the famous DoubleTree cookie treat at the front desk, as your agent processes your check-in. I’ve stayed at the property twice now, and both times I didn’t have to wait very long to get my key card.
The hotel has a pretty eclectic decor style, similar to what I’ve seen at Hotel Indigo Bangkok before. There are hints of nostalgia with its vintage phonographs, transistor radios, cameras, wall clocks, as well as modern funk kind of furnishing around the lobby.
The room
The room I was staying for the day was the Deluxe King room. At 28 square metres, the room was a comfortable size although admittedly a little small for a Bangkok room.
Along with a generous king-sized bed, the room also has an armchair by the side of the window. In lieu of a work desk, there was a round glass-top table with an office armchair, which suffices for your basic hotel-office needs.
Of course, there are the usual hotel amenities, including a large 40-inch flat screen TV, a mini-bar, complimentary coffee and tea as well as an in-room kettle. There are also some in-room luxuries such as bedroom slippers and bathrobes.
As with many other DoubleTree properties, the bathroom came with a shower stall instead of a bathtub. Specifically for DoubleTree Sukhumvit, even the suites don’t come with a bathtub.
DoubleTree uses the same suite of Crabtree and Evelyn bath amenities as the mainline Hilton properties, which I personally like to use as it’s pleasing to the nose and yet not overpowering.
The facilities
Given the size of the hotel, the property is fairly well equipped with amenities. On the recreational front, DoubleTree Sukhumvit has an outdoor swimming pool on the 7th floor, which was fairly popular with the guests during my stay.
On the same floor, there is also a 24-hour fitness centre which is accessible with your room key card. Unfortunately there is no spa, so if you are looking for some relaxation facilities such as a hot tub or sauna, tough luck.
On the same floor there is also a poolside bar, Mosaic. As DoubleTree Sukhumvit doesn’t come with an executive lounge, the bar also doubles up as the happy hour bar for Hilton Honors gold and diamond members, offering complimentary drinks between 6 to 8pm daily.
The ground floor has a full restaurant Dee Lite (yeah tacky name), which also serves as the breakfast restaurant. Unfortunately for this stay I left too early, even way before breakfast was served, so there’s nothing I could share with regard to the F&B.
Final thoughts
Bangkok is a land full of hotels – and cheap ones to boot. While higher quality and luxury hotels are often available at very affordable prices, DoubleTree Sukhumvit is incredibly value-for-money especially when you compare it to Hilton on the next soi. Having said that, this value comes with less amenities and will only be of good value if location is your primary consideration.
For one, the hotel does not come with an executive lounge, so if you are a Hilton Honors diamond member, what you will receive instead are complimentary Happy Hour drinks daily from 6 to 8pm by the pool, which is also offered to gold members.
Overall DoubleTree Sukhumvit is a very comfortable property, albeit less than the usual frills. This is usually not a problem in cities like Bangkok, as you will usually spend much time outside of the hotel anyway. If you are in town to explore the myriad of offerings along Sukhumvit Road, this is definitely an ideal location to be in.
Hotel at a glance
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Sukhumvit Bangkok
18 1 Sukhumvit Soi 26
Khlong Ton, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand
TEL: +66-2-6496666
Nearest BTS station: Phrom Phong
Approximate taxi fare from airport: THB350
No. of rooms: 177
Suites available: Yes
Executive Lounge: No
All-day Restaurant: Yes
Bar: Yes
Room Service: Yes – 24 hours
Fitness Centre: Yes – 24 hours
Swimming Pool: Yes
Spa: No
Meeting rooms: Yes
Business Centre: Yes
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