Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20: Your Dream Thai Escape Awaits!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a review of the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20. And let me tell you, it's not just a hotel; it's a whole freakin' VIBE. Prepare for a raw, unfiltered, potentially messy, and definitely honest take. I’m talking about the good, the “meh,” and the “hold-my-Chang-beer-while-I-tell-you-about-it” moments.
SEO Keyword Spillage: Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 Review (Accessibility, Amenities, Food, & Let's Be Honest, My Opinions!)
Let's get this straight, I'm not some bland travel bot spewing out polished prose. I'm a human, and humans have OPINIONS.
First Impressions & Getting There (Accessibility & Getting Around):
Okay, first off, finding the place is a breeze. It’s smack-dab in the middle of the action, which is both a blessing and a curse (more on that later…). Airport transfer? They got it. Taxi service? Yep. Car park [free of charge]? Score! Honestly, navigating Bangkok can be a bit of a chaotic ballet, but the Novotel makes it… dare I say… manageable.
Now, about accessibility. The website says they have facilities for disabled guests, and a lift. I am not disabled, so I can't personally vouch for it. But I saw a few folks using wheelchairs get around with what looked like relative ease. So, that's a good sign, right? This isn't something I've actually experienced, so its difficult to say.
The Room (Available in All Rooms, Let's Be Real):
Alright, the room. Let’s get into the meat and potatoes, shall we? They've stuffed every convenience imaginable in there. Air conditioning is a no-brainer, thank god. Alarm clock, bathrobes, coffee/tea maker (essential!), free bottled water, hair dryer (saved my life!), in-room safe box, internet access – wireless (and FREE!), and a window that opens. The blackout curtains were a godsend after a night of questionable decisions (a story for another time, perhaps). Then there's details like a mini bar (tempting, especially after those questionable decisions) and satellite/cable channels (good for mindless TV binging, if that's your jam). My internet access was flawless, and I did have a good, functioning desk to work from. No complaints there.
The "Feels Like a Spa Day" (Spa, Pool, & Relaxation):
Okay, so relaxing is way up on the must-do list, right? The swimming pool [outdoor] is a damn oasis. Okay, Pool with a View is accurate! The pool is on a higher floor; you don't get the best view - in fact, there really isn't one, but the pool's still nice. Sauna, steamroom, and spa are also available spa/sauna, gym/fitness, massage, is exactly where to go after you spend a day exploring, sweating, and trying durian for the first time. Body scrub and body wrap. I didn’t try any of those – too lazy. But the thought, ahhh… I did hit the hot water, and I loved it!
The Eats (Dining, Drinking & Snacking):
Now, food. This is where things get really interesting. Restaurants are aplenty. Several restaurants are on site (or at least, I think several – food and drink became quite blurry after a certain point). Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, breakfast [buffet] (OMG, the buffet!), breakfast service, buffet in restaurant, coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, international cuisine in restaurant, poolside bar, room service [24-hour] (bless you, room service!), salad in restaurant, soup in restaurant, vegetarian restaurant, western breakfast, western cuisine in restaurant. They've got it all. The international cuisine was, you know… fine. The buffet? Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. The variety was epic, the quality was on point, and I may or may not have eaten my weight in miniature pastries. Happy hour? Yes. Very yes.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, Pandemic Times):
Listen, I’m a paranoid germaphobe anyway, add in the pandemic and my anxiety levels were through the roof. BUT! I felt relatively safe. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, hand sanitizer everywhere, and staff trained in safety protocol. Individually-wrapped food options were a nice touch. Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Mostly adhered to (Bangkok is still Bangkok). Did they sanitize kitchen and tableware items, as stated? I couldn't tell you, but I didn't get sick. And that's all that matters, right?
Services and Conveniences (The Stuff Behind the Scenes):
Cash withdrawal available, concierge, daily housekeeping, doorman, dry cleaning, elevator, facilities for disabled guests, food delivery, gift/souvenir shop, ironing service, laundry service, luggage storage, meeting/banquet facilities, safety deposit boxes, smoking area are some options. Having doorman and concierge around really helps with all sorts of things. They are really friendly and helpful!
For the Kids (If You're Into That Sort of Thing):
I did NOT have any kids with me, so I'm going purely off the available information. Babysitting service, family/child friendly, kids facilities, and a kid's meal option.
The Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect):
- Location, Location, Location: On the one hand, central location is perfect but on the other hand, you're in the heart of the chaos. Street noise can be a problem, and traffic can be a nightmare.
- Elevator Wait Times: During peak times, the elevators were SLOW. Like, excruciatingly slow.
My Verdict (The Raw Truth):
Look, the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is a solid choice. It ticks a lot of boxes. It’s clean, comfortable, convenient, and has all the bells and whistles you could want. The staff is friendly, the food is yummy, and the pool is a lifesaver. The "problems" I had were all minor inconveniences.
But Here's the Real Deal (And My Stream-of-Consciousness Final Thought):
Would I go back? Absolutely. Would I recommend it? YES, with the following caveat - expect a hotel that delivers on what it promises. It is certainly not a quiet place with a great view from the room, but it IS a great spot for exploring the area.
Book Now! – Dream Thai Escape Awaits!
Okay, I know what you're thinking: "This review is all over the place!" And you're probably right. But hey, that's life, right? Embrace the mess, the chaos, the imperfections. Book your escape to the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 NOW. Here’s why:
The "Treat Yourself" Deal: Book a stay of three nights or more and get a complimentary spa treatment (choose from a massage or facial). Hello, relaxation! Plus, you could win a free stay!
Book 3 Nights or more and Win: Book 3 nights or more and you’ll automatically be entered to win a free stay at the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20.
Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! Stay connected, post your amazing travel pics, and brag about your dream vacay.
Family Friendly! This place is a playground for the whole family, with kids’ activities, and is a great starting point in exploring the city.
So, what are you waiting for? Bangkok is calling, and the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is ready to welcome you with open arms (and maybe a slightly messy, but honest review). Click the button and book your escape. You deserve it.
Escape to Comfort: Las Cruces' BEST I-25 North Hotel!
Okay, buckle up, buttercup, because this itinerary for the Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 trip is gonna be LESS "polished travel brochure" and MORE "actual, sweaty human experiencing Thailand." I’m not promising smooth sailing, just a good time (hopefully).
The "Bangkok, You're Going to Be My Best Friend" Itinerary (with a strong chance of it being a love-hate relationship):
Day 1: Arrival & Sensory Overload (a.k.a. "Bangkok Smacked Me in the Face - And I Kinda Liked It")
Morning (Because "Morning" Depends on How Well You Slept On That Plane):
- Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Okay, first impression: HEAT. And noise. And a whole lotta people staring at you because they can tell you're a confused tourist, even from a mile away. I somehow managed to make it through customs without being deported (score!), and then the search for the airport link… Honestly, Google Maps saved me here. My brain was already fried.
- Airport Link to Makkasan Station: This felt a tiny bit like public transport in a futuristic sci-fi film. Fast, clean…I even got a seat! (Beginner's luck.)
- Taxi to Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20: Ugh, the Bangkok taxis. The haggling battle commenced IMMEDIATELY. I’m sure I got ripped off, but honestly, the driver’s manic driving was more terrifying than the fare. The hotel…finally!
- Check-in & Breathe: Finally, AC! The Novotel's lobby is actually pretty chic, a nice contrast to the chaos outside. Dropping my bags, a quick shower (needed!), and collapsing on that glorious hotel bed. Ahhhhh, the sweet embrace of air conditioning.
Afternoon: Exploring the Turf- or Getting Lost & Loving It (or Hating It):
- Lunch: Street Food Adventure (or "The Great Pad Thai Gamble"). Okay, deep breaths. I ventured out, armed with basic Thai phrases and a desperate hunger. Found a stall near the hotel, and OMG, the Pad Thai. This was it, the food I'd dreamt of! (I immediately regretted wearing white. Ketchup EVERYWHERE in about 5 secs.)
- Wandering Sukhumvit: Let's be real, I got COMPLETELY turned around within five minutes. But, that's precisely the charm, isn't it? The streets are a chaotic ballet of hawkers, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes. I bought a ridiculously oversized straw hat (practical, okay?!). Just…walking.
- Back to the Hotel for a Nap (Because Jet Lag is a Beast): Seriously, don't underestimate the power of a quick nap. It is the difference between enjoying this trip or wanting to crawl under the covers and never come out.
Evening: Rooftop Drinks & a Glimpse of the City Lights:
- Rooftop Bar at the Novotel. Ah, the promised reward: a stunning view. I got a Singha beer, watched the sunset, and tried to sort out the events of the day. The city lights are like a glittering, chaotic mess, and I just found a little bit of peace right here.
- Dinner Near the Hotel: Back to the street food, maybe somewhere a little less…ketchup-prone. Or maybe I get room service. I'm tired. And maybe a small bottle of wine? Don't judge me.
Day 2: Temples, Markets, and the Art of Bartering (or "My Bank Account is Crying")
Morning: Temple Time (and Sunscreen Application)
- Breakfast at the Hotel (or a local cafe): This Novotel buffet looked AMAZING, and I ate enough (mostly croissants) to fuel an entire nation. My stomach is already a battlefield.
- Taxi/Tuk-tuk to Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn): I learned my lesson from yesterday; hail the cabs with the meter on! Wat Arun is even more spectacular than the pictures. The intricate details, the white towers… just wow! (Or maybe it was the heat stroke setting in.) Note to self: Reapply the sunscreen!
- Ferry across the Chao Phraya River: cheap and a little bit more peaceful than the streets.
Afternoon: The Markets & the Art of the Deal
- Chatuchak Weekend Market (even on a weekday!): I hear it's crazy, but the sheer volume of stuff seems to make it more interesting. I am willing to give it ago! Prepare for a sensory overload of color, smells. Try to navigate the crowds.
- Lunch at the market: Street food, again! This time, I am going for the safety of the fried rice and the ice cold juice.
- Massage: Needed! I get ready for a massage, they provide a soothing, traditional Thai massage to ease my aching muscles.
Evening: Fine Dining & a Touch of Elegance – (or, Another Night's Street Food?)
- Dinner: I think to treat yourself you should visit a nice Thai restaurant, with some fine dining. (I hope I don't mess up the chopsticks AGAIN!)
- Drinks: A final drink. Reflecting on my discoveries and the little failures.
Day 3: "Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (And a Deep Dive into the Chaos)"
Morning: Awakening and Prep:
- "Oh God, not another early wake-up call," you groan, and you realize the sun is trying to burn holes in your eyelids. But you get that shower and prepare yourself for the Floating Market.
- Breakfast: You hit the hotel buffet with the vengeance of someone who knows they're going to need all the fuel they can get. Because today, you're going to the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market!
Afternoon: Floating Market Frenzy:
- Early Arrival (Seriously): The worst part of this experience is the pre-dawn wake-up call. The drive is long, the anticipation is killing you, and you aren't completely sure why you signed up for this in the first place.
- Arrival & Boat Ride: You arrive and the first thing you notice is the smell of the water…it's a mix of exotic spices and something unspeakable. The longtail boat ride is a bit of a balancing act – dodging souvenir stalls, other clumsy tourists, and the ever-present risk of capsizing.
- Food, Food, Glorious Food: The food's really the point, isn't it? You navigate the crowded waterways, trying to sample everything. Boat noodles, mango sticky rice, some unidentified green things – you're basically a human garbage disposal. And all of this while trying to bargain with the ever-smiling vendors.
- The Souvenir Trap: You fall into the souvenir trap! You bought 3 t-shirts "to change clothes" and some cheap trinkets for your family.
Evening: Back to Reality (and Maybe a Quieter Dinner):
- Dinner: You find a quiet little restaurant, away from the market chaos. Maybe some simple Thai food – something that actually tastes like food and not an adventure.
- Early Night: You're exhausted. You crashed in bed, immediately. It's the Floating Market hangover.
- Reflection: The market was both amazing and a bit overwhelming but you made it through.
Day 4: Farewell, Bangkok (and the Ghosts of Pad Thai Past)
Morning: Final Bites & Last-Minute Shopping:
- Relaxing Breakfast: You savour the last of the hotel croissants.
- Shopping for Gifts: Because you have to bring something home, even though you have a suitcase full of oddities.
Afternoon: Airport Bound & Departure:
- Check-out & Farewell: Checking out of the Novotel with the bittersweet feeling of departure.
- Airport Transfer: You catch an airport transfer.
- Departure: On the plane, you replay scenes in your head. Smiling for a moment. Then, exhaustion hits you again. You hope you'll come back.
Important Notes (or, Things I Learned the Hard Way):
- Hydration is Key: You will sweat. A LOT. Drink water. Constantly.
- Sunscreen, People, Sunscreen: Just…wear it. Reapply it.
- Bargaining is a Sport: Don't be afraid to haggle, but do it with a smile.
- Embrace the Chaos: Bangkok is a sensory overload. Just go with it!
- Learn Basic Phrases: "Sawasdee krap/ka" (hello) and "khop khun krap/ka" (thank you) will get you everywhere. (And maybe "aroi mak!" which means "delicious!")
- Don't Be Afraid to Get Lost: Some of the best experiences happen when you wander off the beaten path.
- Pack Light:
