Our two-week stay in Bangkok was approaching the end and our family would travel in different directions. I was going to the beautiful island of Koh Samui whereas my wife and children were off on a long trip to Melbourne Australia. We were flying on the same day but our flights could not be further apart. My flight was at 6:30 AM and my wife’s flight was at midnight. We knew about airport staffing issues and the long waiting lines to clear customs. Hence, we decided to stay at Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport to take at least the stress out of Bangkok traffic and to spend the last few precious hours together.
The huge atrium of the Novotel
The Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport started life at the same time as Bangkok’s new international airport was opened in September 2005. It is the closest and most luxurious airport within the vicinity of the airport, and it is literally a 3-minute courtesy bus ride from the hotel to the airport or a 5-minute walk via the air-conditioned underground walkway. It is huge with 612 guest rooms and suites and I was told it is the largest airport hotel of all the Accor family of hotels.
Reception & Lobby Area
The first thing you noticed when entering the hotel is how huge the lobby area is, it feels like an airport itself. There is a five-story atrium flanked on both sides by hotel rooms. Within the huge atrium, there are plenty of areas to sit and chill out, or you can enjoy a coffee and pastry from Le Gourmet which is like a boutique patisserie. I can recommend the mango cakes here.
Try the amazing varieties of mango cakes available
What I liked was the section that showed the arrival and departure times of the flights and there was a dedicated section where you could weigh your luggage. It is these little things that take out the stress of travel. As our luggage was split as we went in different directions I did not know if I was within the allowance limit of my airline. Luckily I checked and I was way over the limit and I ordered some additional allowance online.
The Atrium connects the restaurant section, the business lounge, the Touchdown Sports Bar, and a shopping arcade for some last-minute shopping. The reception desk sits in the middle of the Atrium, and as a proper airport hotel, it offers 24-hour check-in and check-out. As we booked the business lounge our check-in was done at the lounge itself.
The business lounge offers a quiet place to work with some complimentary snacks and drinks available throughout the day. It is open from 07:00 to 22:00.
Superior Rooms
As a family, we opted for 2 superior rooms with interconnecting doors. What I like about the Novotel chain is that they are family-friendly with their policies and pricing, you get 50% of the additional room when you have children below the age of 16.
The way these hotel rooms are set up is around a courtyard. The hotel consists of two squares with a courtyard in the middle, and the two squares are connected by the Atrium. One courtyard houses the swimming pool area. Our room featured views over the oasis like swimming pool towards the airport. The rooms were large in size, had comfortable carpet and the always welcome elephant-style towels on the beds.
As a welcome treat, there was a very colourful cold dish from Thailand on display on the desk. It is Khao Chae Chao Wang, a non-spicy dish from Southern Thailand.
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We had a double bedroom and a twin bedroom with interconnecting doors for our family. My daughters loved the welcome message on their beds, saying Hi with a bunch of flowers and an elephant made from towels. They were impressed with the internet speeds available for their tablets.
The interior room design is dark wood furniture with a red and blue colour scheme. The room comes with a dedicated desk that is overlooking the pool, a side table with a comfortable chair, and a pod-style coffee and tea station. The bed was comfortable with plenty of pillows to choose from.
Bathroom
I like bathrooms where natural light is let in via a window to the bedroom, and for those that want privacy, they can always close the blinds.
The large size bathroom has a dedicated rain shower, a bathtub with a view and a single sink mounted on a large granite top. Gone are the little bottles of shampoo, conditioner etc and these are no replaced by larger refillable bottles, I trend that I fully support.
Pool Area
I have to give 5 stars to the pool area of the Novotel, this feels like an oasis to relax in, with plenty of greenery and most importantly serenity. It is amazing how quiet it is when you know you are so close to one of the busiest airports in South East Asia. The rectangular pool which has a depth of 1.5m max features massage fountains in the form of fish. There are plenty of steps to sit on and just chill out in the pool. Importantly there are also plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas. For those thirsty you can swim up to the pool bar, they do some excellent mango juices here.
Gym
I did not have the time to work out but did check out the gym. This is a full-scale gym with plenty of free weights and exercise machines. It is open 24 hours although the hours that there will be a trainer or staff to help you is only from 07:00 to 22:00.
Buffet Dinner at The Square
The Novotel has various dinner options so you do not have to leave this hotel. You can choose to eat Thai food at Sala Thai, enjoy Chinese food at the Golden Village, feast on Japanese food at Kinsen, or enjoy Western international food at The Square.
The Square restaurant offers a buffet dinner as well as an a la carte menu. The buffet dinner has plenty of options to choose from Sushi, shellfish, seafood, plenty of meats, vegetables, a salad bar, cold cuts and cheeses, bread, desserts and cakes. All food was presented well and good in taste.
Breakfast at The Square
This hotel understands travellers and breakfast is already served from 03:00 AM in the morning. It is an extensive buffet of fresh foods, Western and Asian, complemented with fresh juices and coffees. I was ready to start my early flight to Ko Samui.
Vous Spa
My wife had a massage scheduled the next day, I had already left for Ko Samui. These are her words with regard to the Vous Spa.
Many of us suffer jetlag unnecessary when landing from a long-haul flight. I took a pre-departure massage, but for those arriving and needing to get over jetlag, I would definitely recommend the Signature Jetlag Massage.
Vous Spa offers an array of choices when it comes to wellness. The competent staff guided me to what they deemed appropriate for my stiff and aching body after all the trips I did in Bangkok.<
I was greeted by endless essential oil smells, combined with a delicious Bael tea. I was then taken into a private room welcomed by candlelight ambience. The coconut milk spa bath with flowers was the perfect welcome to wellness and relax my mind. After 30 minutes of soaking my massage began with bespoke intense pressure to cure my aching muscles and back.
The therapist was excellent and very attentive to my needs.
Day Pass
Did you know that you don’t have to stay at the Novotel to get all the benefits of the pool, spa and gym? There is a day pass that lets you use these facilities which is great when you have some hours to kill between flights. Chill by the pool or do some additional workouts before your next flight, you can do this as an alternative to an airport lounge. There are 2 types of day passes you can see the details in the advert below.
Conclusion
If you want a comfortable stay that takes the stress out of travel, be it a late-night arrival, early-morning departure or a long transit, the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is the place to stay. It is the closest and most luxurious stay around the airport. The pool, spa, gym, food choices at the restaurants, plus the attentive staff, will make this stay a memorable one. Make sure to try some of the mango cakes when staying here.
Details
- Room reviewed: Superior Room
- Website: www.novotelairportbkk.com
- Address: 999 Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Bldg., Moo 1, Nongprue, Bang Phli, Samutprakarn 10540, Thailand
- Phone: +66 (0)2 131 1111
