Bangkok's Hidden Gem: Loy La Long Hotel - Unbelievable Luxury Awaits!
Loy La Long Hotel: My Bangkok Bliss (and a Few Gripes!)
Okay, folks, buckle up. Because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe the Singha beer) on the Loy La Long Hotel in Bangkok. Forget your generic hotel reviews – this is the real deal, warts and all. I just spent a week there, and let me tell you, it was an experience. Forget "hidden gem," this place is a shimmering emerald in the rough of Bangkok's chaotic beauty! And let me tell you, I needed that emerald.
Accessibility - A Bit of a Climb, But Worth It (Mostly)
First off, let's be honest. This isn't your cookie-cutter accessible hotel. There are stairs. Lots of them. Loy La Long is perched right on the Chao Phraya River, which is gorgeous, but probably not ideal if you are in a wheelchair (though they do boast about facilities for disabled guests - but not extensively.) The elevators? Well, they exist, but they’re… charmingly vintage. So, if you’re mobility impaired, definitely call ahead and make sure they can accommodate you. The views from those upper floors? Unbeatable. The effort to get up there? Potentially worth it. Getting around Bangkok itself is an adventure, so factor that into your plans. The taxi's are plentiful, and the hotel offers a convenient Airport transfer.
The Room - My Riverfront Sanctuary
I booked a room on a higher floor, and honestly? It was breathtaking. I could practically touch the passing longtail boats from the balcony. That air conditioning? A godsend in the Bangkok heat. I'm talking arctic air conditioning. And the blackout curtains? Oh, sweet, sweet relief (especially after a night sampling Bangkok's… nightlife!). The bed wasn't just comfy; it was practically a cloud made of dreams. The slippers? Don't underestimate the simple joy of fluffy slippers after a day of pounding the pavement. And the complimentary tea? Perfect for those early morning reflections on the river. Plus, the window that opens let me soak in the smells of the city. The Internet access - Wireless was a dream, and they even have Internet access – LAN, which is a bonus if you like to get a bit more oldschool with your connections. You could get work done on the laptop workspace, which was a major plus. Now, the bathroom. It was lovely - a private bathroom, separate shower/bathtub, and towels that practically hugged you. But…the toiletries? They were fine, but not the luxury I'd been expecting. More like "functional" than "fancy." A small gripe, I know, but come on, I was splurging! The Room decorations were tasteful, though.
Eating, Drinking, and Being Merry – A Culinary Adventure!
Okay, the food. This is where Loy La Long really shines. Let's break it down:
- Breakfast (Buffet & A La Carte): The Asian breakfast was a revelation! The fresh fruit, the beautifully prepared noodles, the (mildly spicy) curries… I could’ve eaten it all day. I tried the Western breakfast too - and was just as pleased. The Breakfast service was efficient and friendly. The Coffee/tea in the restaurant, a MUST! You wake up, and you have fresh brew in front of you. I opted for the Asian cuisine in the restaurant every morning, but sometimes the International cuisine in restaurant just felt right. I was never disappointed.
- Restaurants, Bars, and Snacking: The hotel has a few different options, including a Poolside bar and Snack bar which were an absolute blessing after a long day of sightseeing. I spent one particularly glorious afternoon working my way through the cocktail menu at the Bar. The happy hour prices were fantastic, and the views? Sigh… The Coffee shop was my lifeline in the afternoon heat. And the Desserts in restaurant were an absolute must. They also offered Soup in restaurant and Salad in restaurant, but honestly, I was too busy devouring everything else. They have a Vegetarian restaurant, and also offer Alternative meal arrangement if you have special dietary needs.
- Room service [24-hour]: Need a midnight snack? Done. They have a full menu. That bottle of water that they give you is a real lifesaver.
My One Obsessive Experience: The Infinity Pool…and the Man Who Hogged the View
Let's talk about the outdoor Swimming pool [outdoor] with a Pool with view. Seriously, the view from the pool? Un. Real. It overlooks the river, the city skyline…it's the stuff of Instagram dreams. But… one day…one agonizing, sun-drenched day… there was a guy. Let's call him "Mr. Bluetooth Speaker." He sat right in front of the best view, playing his…well, let's generously call it "music." Loudly. Obnoxiously. I wanted to scream. I fantasized about silently sabotaging that speaker. Instead, I retreated, feeling utterly defeated. It was a classic example of how one person’s inconsideration can ruin a truly magical moment! This should be noted, that the hotel, with its Poolside bar, is in the perfect environment to let those inhibitions slide.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax – Pamper Yourself!
I didn't get to experience it all, but the hotel's relaxing options seem great. They offer a Spa/sauna with the standard Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, and Massage. There is even a Steamroom. If I was staying a bit longer, I would have totally indulged in a few of them!
For any who want to get active, there is a Gym/fitness offering, which I’m sure is great but I did not partake.
Cleanliness and Safety – Feeling Secure
This is where Loy La Long really impressed me. Between the Daily disinfection in common areas and the Hand sanitizer everywhere, I felt incredibly safe. They have an Anti-viral cleaning products policy, and they even offered Room sanitization opt-out available – which I appreciated. The staff is also well-trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. The Sanitized kitchen and tableware items were a comfort. They also have CCTV in common areas, Fire extinguisher, and Smoke alarms.
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things Matter
- Cashless Payment Service: A major plus in a city that's still catching up on the digital payment scene.
- Concierge: Super helpful with booking tours, giving recommendations, and generally acting like a well-informed, smiling oracle.
- Daily housekeeping: I appreciated their diligence
- Facilities for disabled guests (as mentioned earlier - though, like I mentioned, keep in mind the stairs)
- Ironing service: I am not one for wrinkled clothes, so I was grateful for this!
- Laundry service: Essential.
- Luggage storage: Very useful.
- Safety deposit boxes: Peace of mind.
- Taxi service: Easy peasy lemony squeezy!
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – Because, digital nomad.
- Currency exchange: For when you're running low on Baht.
My Verdict – Go, But Be Prepared!
Loy La Long is a fantastic hotel, a wonderful refuge from the chaos of Bangkok. The location, the river views, the food, and the overall vibe are all top-notch. However, be aware of the accessibility limitations. Also, manage your expectations about the "luxury" – it's more comfortable and stylish than over-the-top lavish.
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Luxury Syariah Living in Jakarta: Pondok Indah's Legacy Residence Awaits
Okay, buckle up buttercup, because this itinerary is gonna be less "organized travel blogger" and more "me, fumbling around Bangkok in a haze of jet lag and questionable street food." This is going to be gloriously messy. Here goes nothing for Loy La Long Hotel Bangkok Thailand:
Pre-Departure Shenanigans (aka, My Life Before Bangkok Actually Started)
- Phase 1: The Pre-Trip Panic (Like, Big Time Panic)
- Packing? Ugh. I swear, my suitcase is a black hole of forgotten essentials. Realizing I’m missing my anti-itch cream because I’m convinced all the mosquitos in Asia are genetically modified to be extra bitey.
- The last minute "can't miss" phone calls to my friends.
- Downloading about 100 offline maps.
Day 1: Bangkok Bliss (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Sweat)
- 6:00 AM (Local Time) - Arrival & Jet Lagged Bliss:
- Touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Blurry-eyed, clutching my tiny travel pillow like a lifeline. The sheer humidity slaps me in the face like a tropical wet towel. Instantly start sweating. (This is going to be a theme, I can feel it.)
- Finding the public transport. "Where do I even begin?"
- First Impression: That airport is a massive, clean, and slightly intimidating maze.
- 8:00 AM - Loy La Long Hotel Check-In:
- Finally, the hotel! The Loy La Long is charming. "It's probably where the movie set the story" I thought. The staff are lovely, even though I mumble "Sawasdee krap" with the pronunciation skills of a particularly confused parrot.
- Quickly dropping off my luggage, praying that the AC in the room is actually working.
- Impression: The view from my balcony is stunning - a chaotic river filled boats. I can see the river, and the temple is a nice view.
- 10:00 AM - River Wanderings (or, Trying Not to Drown):
- Decide to go for my first river adventures.
- It's chaos, beautiful, fragrant chaos. I'm dodging Tuk-Tuks like a seasoned pro (ha!).
- First "Oh Shit" Moment: Almost get mowed down by a scooter. Realize quickly that pedestrian crossings in Bangkok appear to be optional.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and the "Spicy Food Incident":
- Find a little roadside spot, determined to be adventurous. Order something vaguely resembling Pad Thai. Apparently, "mild" in Thailand is the equivalent of "volcano eruption" in my weak Western palate.
- Emotional Reaction: My mouth is on fire, tears are streaming down my face but I have to finish the plate.
- Quirky Observation: The lady serving me seems genuinely amused by my agony. I suspect she's seen this a thousand times before.
- 2:00 PM - Temple Hopping (or, Burning Incense and My Soul):
- Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is my choice. My jaw drops. Seriously beautiful, but also melting.
- Anecdote: I bought a "sarong" from a street vendor. Turns out, I’m wearing it completely wrong and feeling self-conscious the entire time.
- Opinionated Language: The gold is blinding, the crowds are overwhelming, but I somehow feel… peaceful. The energy is palpable and it's the first time I have ever felt calm.
- 4:00 PM - Loy La Long Hotel Lounging (Finally!)
- Back at the hotel, take a long shower (thank god for hot water).
- Decided to lie down. Take a nap, then wake up.
- 6:00 PM - Dinner and River Views (or, Another Spicy Misadventure):
- Find a restaurant directly at the river.
- Anecdote: Order some "green curry" and ask for "a little bit of spice." They served a plate of the most delicious, vibrantly colored green concoction that tasted like pure, unadulterated spice. I’m pretty sure my taste buds are now permanently singed.
- Emotional Reaction: Somehow I can't stop eating it because it's so good. I can feel the sweat dripping down my back.
- 8:00 PM - Nightcap (or, Embracing the Chaos)
- The bar at Loy La Long. The cocktails are strong, the music is chill, and the river views are just… perfect.
Day 2: River Exploration and Culinary Adventures (or, The Day I Almost Became a Street Food Expert)
- 9:00 AM - Breakfast:
- Breakfast at the hotel. Get the freshest pineapple and papaya.
- 10:00 AM - Exploring the water
- Take the boat. Saw some nice views.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch and the "Street Food Fiasco":
- Feeling brave (or, possibly delusional), I decide to hit the street food scene. Oh boy, what a mistake.
- Rambling: Stumble upon a stall with a sizzling pan of what appear to be fried insects. Considering it as a dare. Wondering if this is how I'm going to die in Bangkok.
- Emotional Reaction: Order something else. Everything looks and smells amazing.
- 2:00 PM - Temple Visit and Reflection:
- The Grand Palace. Even more dazzling than Wat Arun. Feel tiny, and utterly insignificant.
- Quirky Observation: People are taking selfies everywhere. This reminds me of a strange and beautiful dance.
- 4:00 PM - Relaxing Afternoon:
- Back to the hotel reading.
Day 3: Final Thoughts and Departure (or, The "Goodbye, Bangkok, You Crazy Diamond" Phase)
- 9:00 AM - Last Breakfast
- Fresh fruits.
- 11:00 AM - Check-out and Final River Walk:
- Squeezing in a last stroll along the Chao Phraya, soaking in the sights and sounds. A bittersweet feeling.
- 12:00 PM - Departure to Airport:
- The air is hot. I’m tired. I’ve eaten too much spicy food. But I never want to leave.
- 2:00 PM - Goodbye!!
- Opinionated Language: Bangkok is a sensory overload, a chaotic symphony, a love affair with food, and a place that will stay with me forever. Until next time!
Loy La Long Hotel: The Downright Fantabulous, Slightly Chaotic Guide
Okay, so like, *is* Loy La Long actually a hidden gem? I've seen the photos...
Alright, let's be real. "Hidden Gem" is bandied about like it's confetti at a particularly enthusiastic wedding. But... yeah, Loy La Long *kinda* deserves it. Forget those sterile, cookie-cutter hotels. This place? It feels like you've wandered into a super-stylish, extremely chill friend's seriously cool riverside pad. I mean, the view alone? Forget about it. I spent a solid hour just glued to the balcony, watching those longtail boats. It was… hypnotic. And yes, the photos are accurate. More accurate than a lot of places, actually. They don't Photoshop the absolute charm out of the place.
Is it really *that* luxurious, as the blurb promises? Because "luxury" can mean anything these days...
"Luxury." Sigh. It's a loaded word, innit? Loy La Long's version of luxury isn't about gold taps (though who knows, I wasn't *looking* that hard), it's about the *feeling*. It's the ridiculously comfortable bed that swallowed me whole after a day of exploring the chaotic glory of Bangkok. It's the little details: the fresh fruit in the room, the locally-made soap that smelled divine, the fact that the staff actually *remembered* my name (and my coffee order, bless them). It's the peace you feel when you're there. It’s not the glitz, it's the genuine, unpretentious experience.
Now, let's be clear: I had a minor *meltdown* when I thought I'd left my favorite scarf. (It wasn’t there, turns out I left it at the massage place down the street. Crisis averted). So, not perfection, but the *effort* is what elevates it, honestly.
What about the location? Is it, like, hard to get to? Is it *really* on the river?
Okay, so it's *on* the river. Smack-bang on it. The only ‘hard’ part is figuring out which taxi to flag down to get there. Then, boom, you're there. Seriously, the river taxis are the absolute CHAMPIONS of getting around Bangkok quickly, even if it's on the Chao Phraya. The hotel’s a bit tucked away, which is part of the charm. It forces you to slow down, and embrace the chaos. It's not right in the middle of the crazy tourist hotspots, which is a GIFT, trust me.
Food! Tell me about the food. Is it worth staying in for?
YES. Oh, sweet, delicious YES. Breakfast at the hotel? Don't even *think* about skipping it. They serve a fantastic mix of Western and Thai options, and that fruit platter? To die for. And the coffee? Proper coffee. None of that instant swill. I literally dreamt about their green curry for days after I left. You can easily eat at the hotel most days. It's that good. It's a HUGE step up from the buffet-style offerings at some of the bigger hotels. It’s more like you're at a super-stylish friend's party. And I’m here for it.
How are the rooms? Are they *actually* as stylish as they look?
So, this is where I get a bit nerdy. My room... oh, my room. It was a masterpiece of casual cool. Think exposed brick, beautiful wooden floors, and giant windows overlooking those glorious boats bobbing on the river. It felt utterly unique and authentic, not some generic hotel room off a stock photo.
And the beds! Okay, I’m not ashamed to say I'm obsessed. I've slept in some hotels beds and slept in some hard floors. I rate this bed a 10/10 for the pure, unadulterated sleep it provided. They're *that* good. All the little touches – the crisp linen, the fluffy pillows, the design - everything was about creating a peaceful, beautiful space. I’m not going to lie, I spent a LOT of time in that bed, mostly just staring out the window.
Anything I should be warned about? Any downsides?
Okay, fine. Nothing is perfect. And I’m always honest. Let's be real. The stairs. If you're not good with stairs, maybe this isn't for you. The hotel is in an old building, and there is NO elevator. Also, the sound of the river can be… present. If you're a light sleeper, bring earplugs.
Also, you're in Thailand. Expect it to be hot. It's just how it is.
Honestly, that's just about it. The rest is pure, unadulterated joy.
Is it kid-friendly?
Hmm. I didn't see any kids when I was there. It's not really a "family resort" vibe. It's more for couples, friends, or solo travelers who want a peaceful, stylish escape. The stairs would be annoying with a stroller. But then again, I didn't ASK if kids were allowed. Check with the hotel directly.
Is it expensive?
Compared to a hostel? Yes. Compared to some of the mega-hotels in Bangkok? No, not really. It's not cheap, but it's *worth it*. The experience you get far outweighs the price tag, in my opinion. And remember, you are paying for the unique, one-of-a-kind location, service, and overall fabulousness.
Alright, you've convinced me. What's the best way to book?
Directly through their website is usually the best way to snag the best deals. Plus, you get to directly support this amazing little hotel. Do it. Just book it. Seriously. Go. And take me with you next time. I need another dose of that blissful calm, away from the chaos of life.
