The tall and sleek Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok is tucked into the residential area of Lumphini Park. Surrounded by lush private gardens and walking trails, it’s a peaceful reprieve from the bustling city of Bangkok—although the lobby and rooftop bar promises a party.
This property is ideal for visitors who want to experience the vigor of Bangkok without compromising good sleep. Rooms are meticulously soundproofed, which is essential because, even though the surrounding area is relatively quiet, the lobby is constantly packed with locals, guests, and residents (there are 131 serviced apartments) looking to indulge in a cocktail or five at the rooftop or outdoor garden bar. The property is chic: sculptures, artwork, and frosted glass give a museum vibe.
The rooms are sleek and modern—think splashes of gray with modern lighting accents—but don’t feel cold or uninviting, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a bird’s eye view of the city. Bathrooms are oversized with a separate bath and rainfall shower. There’s even an in-room bath bomb menu, and artist Christian Develter designs the lightweight robes.
The rooftop infinity pool is a dream. Tucked away on the third floor and overlooking the hotel’s private gardens and walking trails, the vibe is “middle of a lush forest,” save for the skyline view. A full-service bar, cushy seating, and sauna and steam room justify an entire day spent lounging. Overhead coverage means it can be utilized during the rainy season between July and October.
Breakfast at the Stock Room is worth it. An entire wall of cold-pressed juice with fresh fruit and pastries, Thai specialties, breakfast staples (eggs, bacon, toast), and made-to-order dishes are on the menu. Ms. Jigger is great for cocktails and pasta dishes, and you can schedule afternoon tea with a skyline view at the Maa-Lai Library. Head upstairs to the Bar.Yard for a tropical rooftop bar. But our favorite option? Rotating food pop-ups in the lobby showcasing local Thai vendors.
Clean but inviting decor at Amaranth Spa will put you immediately at ease, and the spa offerings are curated but impressive. Our recommendation is the traditional Thai massage, which entails that the masseuse uses fingers, elbows, and knees to “stretch” your muscles by targeting pressure points.
We challenge you to think of an amenity that Kimpton Maa-Lai doesn’t provide. It has all the basics like a Nespresso machine, free WiFi, stellar service, bespoke robes, and an infinity pool, but it also has a sauna and steam room complimentary for all guests, babysitting services, a house car you’ll never have to wait more than a few minutes for, and it’s incredibly pet-friendly. I spotted a chow chow, dachshund, and French bulldog during the check-in process alone. We consider the relaxing walking trails and outdoor garden an amenity, too.
Top Takeaways
Location: Bangkok, Thailand
Star-Rating: Five-star
The Vibe: A sleek building in the quiet neighborhood of Lumpini Park. Unwind with a swim at the infinity pool, which overlooks the garden, or grab a cocktail in the bustling lobby. The hotel is a social chameleon—there are opportunities for relaxation or adventure depending on your personal preferences.
Food + Drink: Breakfast at the Stock Room is so, so good and features Thai specialties, farm-to-plate meals, fresh pressed juice, and classic breakfast staples. Ms. Jigger specializes in customizable pasta dishes, but they’re best known to locals for their narrative cocktail menu. Enjoy afternoon tea at the Maa-Lai Library and drinks at the Tropical Bar.
Amenities: Car service; Free WiFi; 24-hour room service; Infinity-edge swimming pool; Fitness center; Pet-friendly
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel? It’s a tie between the third-floor infinity pool (which overlooks the private garden and walking trails) and a lobby that mimics the liveliness of Bangkok.
What’s Nearby? Kimpton Maa-Lai is in a residential area near Lumphini Park, akin to Central Park. Just 10 minutes from Siam Paragon for luxury shopping, 15 minutes to Wat Traimit, and a 30-minute drive to Wat Arun (a must for sunsets) and the lively Khaosan Road for nightlife.
Any Neighborhood Recs? Listen, you don’t go to New Orleans and skip Bourbon Street. Right? Right. So take a trip to Khaosan Road for a drink or several. Once you’re ready for a change of scenery, walk a few blocks over to the Adhere The 13th Blue Bar for live music every night.
Rooms: 231 rooms and suites (as well as 131 apartments)
Pricing: Rates are surprisingly reasonable at roughly $200/night.
Closest Airport: Suvarnabhumi Airport
