Perfect for every 'Point'

Four Points by Sheraton is right at the centre of everything that Bangkok has to offer to visitors regardless of whether they’re coming to the Thai capital for business or leisure. Situated on Sukhumvit Soi 15, the hotel is half way between Asoke and Nana, thus providing fast access to the central business district, shopping malls and the nocturnal life in one of Bangkok’s seediest districts. With 268 rooms and more than 100 varieties of beer at it signature BeerVault bar, Four Points by Sheraton promises guests the best bed and brew in the city.

I checked into the hotel late on a Saturday afternoon two weeks ago. It took the friendly and well-trained staff less than five minutes to process me before handing me a key card and pointing the way to my room.

“Walk to the end of the lobby, turn left at the restaurant and then turn right to take a lift,” said the hotel receptionist. “Your garden-view room is on the fourth floor. Enjoy your stay.”

When Sheraton Hotels and Resorts introduced the Four Points range in 1995, they were looking at an upscale four-star hotel chain for business and leisure travellers. Unlike large and lavish hotels with antique furniture, three restaurants, and martinis in the lobby bar, the Four Points is pleasurably simple. The practical and fast access to the city centre via Skytrain, spacious and comfy rooms with cutting-edge technology, a competitive price and, of course, the vast choice of beer make the Four Points appealing for young executives as well as weekenders. 

Think of it this way. You check into Four Points. You spend the entire day sealing a deal or exploring the City of Angels, return to the hotel and reward yourself with a session at the BeerVault before calling it a day.

Security being what it is, you need a key card to take the life. The hallways are a little bit stuffy and decidedly low key with dim lighting and thick carpet on the floor, but enter your room and you rediscover the light.

My Four Points’ room evokes an arty and cosmopolitan sensibility. Red, brown and cream give the interior a contemporary touch. The layout is fairly typical with a double bed and small side-table alongside. A small sofa in the corner demarcates the living area. One side of the wall is equipped with cabinet, countertop mini-bar with a selection of whiskey and gin, big flat-screen television and DVD set and working table. The Four Points speaks the same language as its guests, thoughtfully equipping its rooms with international power outlets compatible with many types of plug. Wi-Fi Internet is available at Bt450 per day. Four Points is a non-smoking hotel. Try and light up and you’ll alert the fire alarm, you’re warned, and a puff of smoke will land you with a hefty fine. 

The bathroom is luxurious and inviting. Today many city hotels, with their need for space, can’t afford to have the bathtubs, but Four Points can. The new pipes blast hot water so quickly it’s tempting to indulge. There is also a walk-in rain shower surrounded by three tinted glass walls that looked into the room. The two washbasins, with ample counter space and toiletries, will delight loving twosomes.

The Eatery, an all-day dining restaurant, serves a fine buffet breakfast selection with everything from bacon and eggs to Indian chicken curry, Japanese sushi rolls and Miso soup. 

But the pride of the hotel is the BeerVault offering local and international beer from its Best Brews programme.

      

 

At a Glance

High Points: Four Points offers spacious rooms with excellent value right in the heart of the Bangkok.

Low Points: The view is nothing to write home about.

Pay for it: The hotel is offering a special room rate, starting at Bt2,556 per night, for stays during the Songkran Festival. Visit the website for the best deals.

Find it: Sukhumvit 15, Bangkok

Call: (02) 309 3201

Browse it: www.FourPointsBangkokSukhumvit.com.