

In mid June 2013, I was invited to attend a travel blog conference in Bangkok organized by Digital Innovation Asia.
While attending the conference I was put up in Amari Watergate, a luxurious hotel located smack dab in the middle of the bustling Pratunam market and shopping district of Bangkok. If you’re coming to Bangkok to go shopping, the location couldn’t be more perfect.

From the moment I stepped in the door to the moment I left, the service at Amari Watergate Hotel was nothing short of fantastic.
Even though they were busy helping other customers when I arrived, in just a moment a new check in counter opened to assist me, and the receptionist even apologized for having to wait just a minute to check in.
The manager greeted us with a lovely garland of fresh flowers.

After checking into my room, before even noticing the bed or bathroom, I headed straight over to the end table where a little platter of goodies greeted me.
It had been quite a while since I had eaten smoked salmon, and wow do I love smoked salmon!

When it comes to the rooms, Amari Watergate Hotel* makes no mistakes on the comfort of the beds or the pillows.
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The bed was literally one of the most comfortable things I’ve ever slept on. I can’t say I’ve ever slept in the middle of a puffy cumulus cloud, but I sure felt like I did after snuggling into the Amari bed.
The pillows were also magical, and on my bedside table there was even a “pillow menu,” where all the pillows on the bed were listed with which ingredients were stuffed into them… pretty cool, right?!

Just after checking in, I headed down to the swimming pool to take a dip. As you can see, there’s a nice view of Baiyoke Tower, the tallest building in Bangkok, from the pool.

One of the ultimate things are about staying on the 32nd floor of Amari Watergate Hotel was the complimentary drinks and canapés provided each evening from 5 – 7 pm. Believe me, there was no way I was going to miss out on this opportunity!
Leg of lamb, cream of vegetable soup filled into flaky pastry shells, olives and pickles, cheeses and bread, and all washed down with a cup of red wine followed by a cup of coffee and I was quite satisfied.

The view was great, and I couldn’t believe I was in the middle of Pratunam, sitting peacefully enjoying the quiet view while raging traffic and hordes of shoppers flurried around just 32 stories below me. It was like being in a different world.

After sleeping like a baby on the extremely comfortable bed I awoke just before 6 am to head straight to the breakfast buffet.
I know, I’m a little strange, but I find great joy in waking up early and being the first one at the breakfast buffet (anyone else do this too?).
Since I get plenty of Thai street food, I was really looking forward to eating western breakfast dishes and taking advantage of things like cheese and deli meats – foods I rarely eat while living in Bangkok (though they are available).

Over my few days stay at Amari Watergate, I got my fill of all sorts of delicious cheeses, fancy deli meats, salmon, pastries, and fine breads.
Breakfast is always one of my favorite times of the day!

In addition to having a wonderful stay at Amari Watergate Hotel, we were offered a chance to try a one hour complimentary spa treatment.
I have an occasional Thai massage in Bangkok, but I had never before experienced a luxury spa. I chose a treatment that included a combination of hot rocks and oil massage.
Over an hour later, which felt like a mere 15 minutes, and I emerged from the spa feeling like a completely new person. I was in such a relaxed massage high, I could barely do anything productive for the rest of the day (except eat, of course).

And as much food as I’ve eaten and been able to sample while traveling, I had never had a macaron before.
Thanks to Amari Watergate I had my first macaron, and I must say that even though I’m not much of a sweets fan, this box of lovely colored macarons were melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Amari Watergate Hotel* is a 5 star hotel located right in Bangkok’s most popular shopping district. Rooms are extremely nice, service is warm and friendly, and location couldn’t be better.
*My stay at Amari Watergate Hotel was sponsored, but everything in this post is my own personal thoughts and opinions.
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Health Blogs
2 years ago
Amazing food blog. Thanks for share.
genius.com
6 years ago
Excellent site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending
it to some friends ans also sharing in delicious.
And naturally, thanks on your sweat!
David Stucke
10 years ago
I have stayed at the Amari Watergate Hotel four to five time and its staff and service have always been brilliant from the time you check in to you leave and there are always people willing to help you organize to get to place’s in Bangkok. I have never been in the business level of the hotel but I can tell you all the rooms I have been in where good clean and even the room service food was very good and well presented. Below the hotel is the Henry J. Bean’s Bar & Grill and you are look after like a king even having staff play a game of pool with you and the food always good. Then music from the band is tops as well and staff get you to dance and make shore you are having a good time. Thank you Amari Watergate hotel to you and all your staff will be back there in November once more.
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Hey David, thanks for sharing about your experiences at Amari. I agree, service is outstanding!
Peter Lee
10 years ago
Hey, I read your few blogs and you write in a familiar way. Your blogs attracts me too much. I like your blogs regarding travelling and cuisines in Asia.
Zara @ Backpack ME
10 years ago
There is NOTHING like Asian hospitality!
I swear, after experiencing hotels around the world, I’m always amazed at the little details in Asia. They can spoil you pretty damn good..
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
You’re right about that, and the value is so good too!
Martin
10 years ago
Hi Mark good to see you living it up a bit! Love the pics,by the way what camera do you use, I have just started up photography and cant stop asking questions every time I see pics that I like.
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Hey, thanks Martin. I’m using a Canon 550d, but I just got a new lens Tahoma 17-55 2.8 – I like it a lot!
Martin
10 years ago
Thanks Mark, just checked out the lens on Amazon it has 18 reviews and all gave 5 stars! Another item for my kit bag gain thanks for answering my question greatly appreciated.
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
No problem, so far I love it!
Tony Camilleri
10 years ago
Hi Mark,
I think you felt like a King 🙂 with all that delicious food and with all that comfy all around you:-)
Good for you 🙂
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Yes I did Tony, thanks!!
Michael Taylor
10 years ago
Hey Mark! I enjoyed the review! I stayed at the Rembrant Bangkok during the bloggers match-up – a very nice hotel with a very unique selling point: a Mexican restaurant! I didn’t get to eat there during my stay, but did manage to fit dinner in after checking out, and it was sensational.
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Hey Michael, thanks a lot! Good to hear about the Mexican restaurant – I will have to check that out sometime soon!
Dan
10 years ago
Just until I read your last statement about being sponsored, I was starting to change my opinion about you! 🙂
Yes its beautiful and sumptuous and usually people with loads of money are looking for this kind of place, but so many times originality and simpliness brings you much warmth and happiness either if you talk about food or the overnight stay.
Slowly, you start to make me very jealous 🙂
Mike | Earthdrifter
10 years ago
If I were settled in one place, I think that I’d need to invest a bed similar to that one in the photo. Your nights of rest must have been pleasantly therapeutic.
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Hey Mike, I’m with you on that, a good bed is a great investment!
Jörgen johansson
10 years ago
Nice review 🙂 next to marriott , amari Watergate has the best breakfast ive had 🙂
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thanks Jörgen, will have to try that out too!
Arlyne/arlynemeetsworld
10 years ago
Lucky you! The breakfast buffet looks so delicious!
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Thank you Arlyne, it was wonderful!
Mark
10 years ago
Looks sumptuous! However, the lack of a reference to either chili or durian gives me the impression that this post was written by an imposter!
Mark Wiens
10 years ago
Haha, thank you Mark, that’s an awesome compliment – durian and chili are wonderful spices of life!