THE STANDARD, BANGKOK, THAILAND

Posted in Projects on 14 December, 2022

With its dedication to fine art and a sky-high alfresco bar, this urban retreat is anything but standard.

Reaching for the stars, The Standard has taken up residence inside one of Thailand’s highest buildings, the mixed-use skyscraper Bangkok Mahanakhon. The new opening brings The Standard’s signature mix of culture, design, entertainment and hospitality to the Thai capital in the uber-social downtown property.

Aiming to make the hotel “at one with the city”, Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon and The Standard’s award winning in-house design team delved into the synergy between the Bangkok’s melting pot of cultures and free-form artistic exploration. The social spaces are fresh and intertwined with reinterpretations of cultural cues, such as Marco Brambilla’s video monument to Hollywood dreams and excesses in the lobby. Titled Heaven’s Gate, this provocative artwork is the first instalment in the Box series, a concept inspired by the brand’s first property in Hollywood that showcased an ever-changing roster of art installations.

Whether for rest or play, the understated rooms are balanced by bold, glamorous touches, such as the softly lit bar area and retro-style furniture. There are 155 rooms and suites, culminating in The Bigger Penthouse, which has the feel of a stately home thanks to sumptuous upholstery, a full kitchen setup with Gaggenau appliances, ensuite bathroom with a giant soaking tub and indoor plants.

Public spaces immerse guests into the local community, as well as introducing them to Bangkok’s vibrant creative scene through fine art hidden in plain sight. A stunning and vibrant painting by Marc Quinn, Flood Plain of the Tributaries of the Orinocco, from King Power’s private collection, enhances the colour and personality at reception. In the corridor leading to the elevator and parlour is a breath taking, original bronze sculpture by Joan Miro,entitled, Personage, 1976 also from the King Power collection. A portrait of a couple caught in an embrace is embedded in the floor of the lobby while overhead, locally handmade rattan lamps create an intricate canopy.

Fine objects showcased in the shop are labours of love by local artists as well as The Standard and its collaborators. Chief design officer Verena Haller and the design team handpicked art, antiques and curiosities to create their version of a shoppable flea market, enhancing the custom designed and locally sourced furniture.

Topping off The Standard’s variety of dining, drinking and nightlife venues, Sky Beach is the highest alfresco rooftop bar in Bangkok. On the 78th floor, the bar serves cocktails to guests enjoying 360-degree views of the city.

Overlooking the city, four stylish meeting rooms offer a variety of event space options, whether the goal is to collaborate, debate or present. Flooded with daylight, each room comes with ample pre-function space and cutting-edge technology, and can host receptions, workshops, productions, and more. The largest venue, with 126 square meters of space and 3.2m-high ceilings, can accommodate 80 delegates for theater-style events in the heart of Asia’s most exciting city.

Tucked away in a lush and serene space overlooking the city is the pool offering poolside service with light dishes, craft cocktails and healthful, plant-based delights in a social setting. Guests also have access to a stylish, 24-hour fitness center, The Standard Gym, that comes with city views, ample natural light, and state-of-the art equipment from CLMBR and PELOTON, and a variety of signature group classes, including high-intensity endurance training, group outdoor classes and Hollywood aerobics. Exclusive Standard gym memberships and personal training are also available.

With six distinctive dining, drinking and nightlife venues, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon promises to shake things up in Bangkok’s neighborhood on the up. The Standard Grill, a spirited American brasserie informed by the brand’s celebrated original at The Standard, High Line in New York’s Meatpacking District, seamlessly transitions from power breakfast to social hotspot at night. An elegant cart featuring crafted cocktails makes its rounds, complementing a list infused with a dose of 1920’s prohibition era New York and 2020’s Thailand, while the wine list befits the sophisticated backdrop.

High up on the 76th floor, guests can experience one of the city’s most anticipated restaurant unveilings of the year – a collaboration with multi award-winning chef Francisco “Paco” Ruano. His Mexican-inspired restaurant Ojo draws on Bangkok’s progressive outlook and the venue’s whimsical design, referencing Mexico’s ancient civilizations to deliver flavors never experienced in Thailand. Bringing together Chef Paco’s culinary prowess, panoramic views, creative beverage program and genre-bending décor, Ojo will sit proudly beside The Standard’s legendary Boom Boom Room in New York City and London’s star attraction Decimo as one of the world’s best rooftop venues.

For 360-degree views from the 78th floor perch there is Sky Beach, Bangkok’s highest rooftop bar mixing blissed-out ambiance, down tempo beats, and a hard-hitting cocktail selection from one of Thailand’s most celebrated mixologists.  Guests can also dine on award-winning Chinese cuisine at Mott 32 Bangkok’s open-air terrace dotted with lush greenery. At Tease, a strikingly graphic, black and white bijoux tea room, the intimate room overflows with whimsy and wonder. Guests can discover alcohol-infused brews and a mix of tasty savory and sweet treats.

And last but not least, for comfort food with a side of The Standard’s cultural programming, guests can head to The Parlor. The menu offers authentic Thai cuisine while The Standard, Bangkok Mahankhon’s beverage manager, complements the atmosphere and delicious food. In addition to an eclectic playlist spotlighting local and global talent, curated by The Standard’s music division, the hotel’s relaxed social hub hosts talks and workshops, including astrology sessions, live performances, and themed bingo nights inspired by the fabled bingo sessions at The Standard, High Line.

Created in partnership with King Power Group and Standard International, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon will be The Standard’s Asia flagship and a world-class destination across the globe. Bangkok’s spirit of innovation and unconventionality made the Thai capital the perfect locale for our Asia flagship, and the hotel is already a landmark. With rooms ranging from 40 sq. m. to a sprawling 144 sq. m. The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon is a welcome addition to the vibrant city.

“This iconic flagship hotel of The Standard represents an extraordinary phenomenon in the hospitality industry not only in Asia, but globally as well. We are confident that The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon will have huge success in delivering the ultimate hotel experience – unlike any other in Thailand.” said Srettha Thavisin, chairman of Standard International.

standardhotels.com/bangkok/properties/bangkok