The Metropolitan Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand

Once a YWCA, The Metropolitan Hotel instantly entered the premier league of Bangkok’s luxury hotels when it opened in 2004. It’s also one of the few boutique hotels to successfully pull off the ‘Asian minimalism’ style that’s now de rigueur from Hong Kong to London.

The facilities

The Metropolitan Hotel's Met Bar attracts a crowd of the elite, celebs and Thai media types. Despite its members-only policy the bar manages to avoid being overwhelmed by pretension. Its big selling point is that the music, although frequently provided by visiting international DJs, is played at a controlled volume, so unless you’re on the dance floor, it’s possible to hold a conversation.

Signature Restaurant C’yan joins the fusion wave that is sweeping Bangkok at the moment, but pulls it off more successfully than most. Created by Australian Chef Amanda Gale, the seafood-heavy menu has strong Mediterranean and Moorish influences, which blend perfectly and playfully with Asian flavours.

The rooms
The 171 rooms at the Metropolitan Bangkok betray their YWCA origins insofar as they’re about twice the size of an average luxury hotel room. Unlike in their previous life though, they now boast CD players, broadband connectivity and individual yoga mats for early morning sun salutations.

Beautiful teak beds and selective use of Thai silk add warmth and style.