Lebua at State Tower
Breakfast at Mozu
As I cycled faster and faster in the gym, my mind was furiously mapping short memories and thoughts, fusing them to be part of the business strategy for this quarter or piecing together an array of experiences for this blog entry for lebua. As I switched from Japanese original soundtrack for Totoro and Lahu songs from the mountains of Chiangrai to beautiful renditions in Spanish and Italian by Il Divo, I concluded the following:
There are indeed many hotels in Bangkok. Starwood alone has 8 brands here (and the only 2 cities to have all 9 brands are New York and Beijing). To stand out, is quite a task. A great breakfast buffet in a five star setting inside a five star hotel is worth it, to kick off your day. Mozu at lebua does theirs in style.
I’ve not had breakfast in all 8 brands under Starwood here in Bangkok, but I’ve had my fair share in almost all of them, plus other 5 star hotels. Below, briefly – are my thoughts why the one at lebua is special.
1. Mozu has a dedicated corner for Indian delicacies. And on the main buffet line, surely one or two of them are Indian cuisine, from masala potatoes to tandoori chicken. So if you like to at least have a choice of hearty Indian selection, lebua will do justice.
2.They have soya bean milk at the Chinese corner. Say no more.
3. I like how the sausages are cooked in front of you as you order.
4. Their omelet corner is strategic, at the entrance to the air-conditioned part of the café where the main buffet line is located. And they usually have not one, but three in the ‘egg crew’.
5. Croissants are baked fresh – one can expect no less with Executive Chef Frank in command of the food repertoire in lebua
6. Homemade yoghurt, served in beaker-like jars with a story behind them.
7. There is actually a place to hang your jacket, and the service crew will do it for you. Plus points for that indeed.
Now, let me check when I am going to Mozu next. Yes, tomorrow it will be.
The Lotus Position
I have just returned from one of the most hedonistic experiences of a lifetime. Every second I spent at the Lebua hotel in Bangkok was resplendent of their decadent brand of pampering.Lebua is a Thai-French name. Le meaning ‘the’ and Bua,Thai for the Lotus. In Buddhist philosophy, the Lotus has extreme significance. Depictions at temples often show Lotusstems reaching out into the sky from murky pools where fish and turtles swim. The metaphor goes like this:we are all in this pit or dirt,of predators who can attack us and defeat us, but if we strive hard enough, we can rise above and beyond all this and allow our spirit to soar endlessly,where then it truly blossoms.Lebua then is quite an apt name for it is all about delivering to us the luxuiYthatwe all singularly strive for.Lebua’s CEO, Deepak Ohri, believes that LUXURY is not justfor the rich. “LUXURY is different things to different people, depending on their level of expectations. “EveiYone has a different definition and level of aspiration and to ensure that nobody goes away unsatisfied basically means setting your standards high enough to please eveybody.
But all this wasn’t told to me, it was shown to me. Sirocco, a restaurant at Lebua, has undergone some changes but the location and quality of food remain high as ever, pun intended.With a view on the iconic golden dome of the State Tower, as a jazz band croons away silky somethings into the black star-decked sky, this is quite an ethereal outing venue. Not surprising to hear that many a man has gone down on one knee here.
My personal favourite was Mezzaluna.Ihave never had twins seiVe me before, and here they were,the SOhring brothers, cuisiniers in arms, handling what is arguably the finest dining experience in Bangkok.
Finally,the star in this crown was a Frenchman, Sebastien Dental,who handles F&B operations here but more importantly, he can sing to you from the wine list, each phrase almost rhyming, each description so vivid that you can almost taste it. All through my stay he ensured that eveiY wine line-up was a journey and an experience unto itself. We tasted our way through more countries and regions together than Ihave visited with my girlfriend! Somehow,Bangkok,Lebua included, still shies away from seiVing Thaiwine on their lists.I wonder why? Sebastien, at the time of my meeting him,was planning a trip to the northern winemaking provinces where he planned to taste and experience them first-hand before incorporating them into his premium wine selection.The best part, even with an in-suitespa room, my living quarters were a fraction of what one would pay anywhere in India.In short, LUXURY is an aspiration, not an alibito rob banks or break into fixed deposits.Lebua is now all set to open in Delhi. A sneak sharing that I am indulging in is this: Sirocco 2 will be coming here, as also most of the skilled staff to put menus and service in place. The best will aIso be a fine-dining Indian restaurant to take Indian dining stratospherically high, be it cuisine, service, or setting (imagine 1,001 candles-lit rooms with reflection pools.) As Deepak shared,the restaurant is set to redefine Indian cuisine by several internationalMichelin chefs who will contribute one dish to the menu for each day and on those very days, the same dish would feature on their Michelin-rated menus elsewhere in the world.
“That is glocal,something that is not merely imported but is also worthy of being exported.” Now that will be serious down-on-one-knee stuff!
Newsletter of TAT Spain (Jan – Mar 2012)
Club Tower at Lebua fue el gran ganador de los premios HOSPITALITY ASIA PLATINUM AWARDS 2011-2013
Lebua Hotels & Resorts fue distinguido con 14 prestigiosos premios en diferentes categorías en lo que se conoce como los “Óscar de la Hospitalidad”. El hotel Lebua fue distinguido, entre otros, como el “Hotel del Año”. También, cada uno de sus restaurantes y bares: Mezzaluna, Siroco, Sky Bar, Brezze y Café Mozu han recibido galardones por su exquisita cocina, sus instalaciones que ofrecen vistas panorámicas de fama internacional y el impecable servicio del staff.
Además, su Consejero Delegado, el Sr. Deepak Ohri, fue elegido “Empresario del Año”.
www.lebua.com
Lebua at State Tower
Cada una de las 357 suites (que oscilan entre los 66 y los 266 m2 de superficie) que componen este auténtico hotel 5 estrellas, ha sido diseñada para ofrecer a sus huéspedes, más que una estancia, una experiencia. Su secreto radica en una mezcla en exactas proporciones de lujo, comodidad, tecnología y vistas panorámicas de Bangkok.
Además, Lebua cuenta con una exquisita y ecléctica selección de restaurantes y bares, conocida como The Dome. Ya sea mediterránea, moderna, asiática, india o libanesa, en todos ellos se puede saborear la mejor gastronomía del mundo. Probablemente el más famoso sea el Sirocco, en el piso 63, sin lugar a dudas, uno de los must de la ciudad.
www.lebua.com
About your stay
By Alexander Basek,Jetsetter
Bangkok is renowned mostly for its vibrant street scene and ancient temples -not so much for its luxurious charms and world-class amenities. Yet on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Lebua at State Tower is a tranquil escape from the heat and chaos of the metropolis below. literally. This all-suite luxury hotel occupies part of the second-tallest tower in all of Bangkok, so it has impressive views of the city from each suite’s private balcony. With Bulgari amenities,
Petrossian goodies and in-suite cooking by lauded chefs, it’s no wonder Lebua continually lands on “world’s best’” lists.
Jetsetter review
For all the modern wizardry of its glass-and-steel exterior. the Lebua at State Tower has the aura of a bygone era in travel. At check-in. smiling Thai women nod to me in the traditional wai gesture to my right. To my left. an entire KLM flight crew. in their distinctive powder blue uniforms. stride through the marble-floored lobby with purpose. I feel as if I flew a Pan Am 707 to get here myself. Correspondent
The architecture of Lebua is just as impressive as its charms. The tower rises more than 60 stories; all of the 358 suites have balconies overlooking the Chao Phraya River. countless other skyscrapers in progress and the rest of the sparkling cityscape. The suites are sleek. with double-height blond-wood headboards capping the feather beds and Bulgari amenities. Upgrade to the Tower Club suites. which occupy floors 51 -59. for an The Oome at State Tower. Hosts restaurants and bars.even better birds-eye-view plus access to including the Sky Bar on the 63rd floor.the 52-floor Tower Club Lounge.
Just as one would expect from a luxury property in Thailand. the service is incredibly friendly and accommodating. almost to a fault. If the staff had the option of wheeling me to my room on a handcart. they would do it. Even the turndown seiVice includes a hand-stamped card with the forecast for the next few days. so guests can plan their time and dress accordingly.
Come nightfall, the action moves to the 63rd floor, where the Mediterranean Sirocco restaurant and SkyBar await. A combination of tourists and upscale business types lounge on couches and sip cocktails while taking in the wrap-around view of Bangkok. Sirocco is the world’s highest outdoor restaurant, so don’t overdo the cocktails — it’s a long way down.
Step outside the hotel into the Bang Rak business district, and it’s a short walk to the Sky Train or the river. That’s the pleasure of Bangkok: You can take an elevator and drink on the 63rd floor, or leave your sleek aerie and eat one of the best meals you’ve ever had at a street cart. It’s a beauty that Lebua shares: The city is right there at your feet, and you can get as close to it as you want.
She Plans your Wedding…at lebua
Recently, the blog writers of lebua had a quick banter and interesting chat with Khun Chawisa Chatchawalaphong, our wedding planner and manager, who is fondly known as Rose.Some highlights of our conversation:
1) How long have you been working for lebua?
Almost 5 years kha
2) What do you think about weddings in Thailand?
Thailand is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the world and is a top choice for wedding destinations in popularity recently. People know Thailand as a land of smiles and though that the visitor could touch and feel the renowned Thai hospitality, exotic culture, friendly environment, great foods and service, and there are many unique romantic setting available. Behind the destination wedding, the couple can relax and honeymoon along with their wedding celebration.
3) If you to speak for the majority of Thai women, what kinds of wedding you would like to have?
It depends on how they want it to be. I would have a cozy and warm atmosphere which should be perfect with traditional Thai wedding ceremony. Moreover, the wedding place should be convenient where all can be arranged.
The ceremony starts from having engagement in the morning, making merit to the monks and followed by Thai sacred water pouring ceremony from families, friends and attending members. After ceremony, we will have dinner together then toasting champagne before cutting the cake and followed by the great wedding party with all friends.
4) Can lebua offer this kind of wedding?
Yes, our team has gained experience in arranging wedding ceremonies over the past years where we have accommodated over 200 couples in both Western and Thai style. Simple yet elegant Thai styled weddings can be held at spacious banquet halls which can be sub-divided into small rooms upon guest’s request with a wide range of fully-serviced function rooms and up to 1,000 square meters of flexible space with a capacity to accommodate up to 800 guests.
5) Any famous people who have chosen to have their wedding at lebua? If yes, then I want I little bit of details
There were some in the past but we may not disclose as we would keep it for the guest’s privacy.
6) What are the reasons why lebua is the best choice for a wedding?
Right from its interesting beginnings, lebua has single handedly shaped the luxury accommodation and dining scene of Bangkok. With its restaurants rated among the world’s best, you and your guests savor the culinary delights lovingly prepared by The Dome’s internationally renowned chefs. Be it cocktail menu, buffet or Chinese round table settings, we can do it. Each Chinese table comes with individual Chinese set per person. For example, if there are 300 guests, we need to serve 8 courses per person and in total; our chefs need to deliver 2,400 dishes. All has to be masterpieces.
7) What distinguishes lebua wedding from others.
At lebua, luxury is married with comfort in every little detail. All our couples are treated in utmost luxury right from the moment they arrive with hotel’s personalized wedding organizer.
Its grand ballroom looks like a big chateau which comprises of many spacious function rooms, each of which range between 250 to 1,000 square meters to meet diverse requirements. A wedding, we can set up for them into few more room such as friends’ zone for after party with different music and another one can be set up for the elder relatives upon their request.
All function room are also equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as built-in high resolution video projection system, high resolution LCD monitors for smaller function rooms, wireless microphone system, distributed sound system, multi-purpose audio mixing facility and 12 MB speed wireless internet access.
What are the inspirations for the decorations?The designs merge classic elements with traditional details and contemporary furniture. A blend of light and warm colour schemes with accents in champagne gold, deep purple and crystal whites lend grace and sophistication. A gigantic crystal chandelier takes center-stage at the atrium while winding staircases mirror the imperial grandeur of European palaces. This magic has been created for the couple like prince and princess on their special day.
9) Is the facilities versatile enough to support different cultural wedding ceremonies?
We will prepare their request but adequate time to prepare is also essential.
10) What is the style of foods? (Chefs and little bit of background, if possible)
We can do all sorts, really. Our central theme is the amazing talent and people behind The Dome. It will be a culinary journey. Lead by Chef Frank, we have really special chefs from Mezzaluna that can deliver modern innovative cuisine mixing old and new, east and west. We have Asian cuisine and also our very own pastry chef, to lend a hand in the design of your wedding cake.
11) 3 words that best describe lebua wedding
Luxury, Elegant, Exceptional
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT mice@lebua.com
or TEL: 66 2624 9522 FAX: 66 2624 9516
Tea at lebua
The story goes like this. Back in 1661, Charles II of England decided to marry the Portuguese infant, Catherine of Braganza. With Charles II of England, she regularly eats a light meal snack in the afternoon, where she brought this practice with her from Portugal and to the British Empire; the afternoon tea. Afternoon tea eventually became famous among European countries and many others.Though the afternoon tea tradition is famous, it does not have a chance to introduce itself to Thais. Only a selection of hotels has them. I guess many Thai people are not familiar with afternoon tea (including me). Due to the change in social customs, we are usually busy in the afternoon. Not many people have 2-3 hours of free time in the afternoon. I’m so excited to be introduced to this tradition by lebua; The lebua’s Victorian Afternoon Tea.
Location
lebua’s afternoon tea section is located in the main lobby, hidden from public view by 3 big European style pillars. A little while after I lower my body comfortably in the chair, I sense something that is really ‘nose stimulating’, it’s a hot towel with lemon fragrance. This claims to make your nose sense the tea’s aromas better.
Not so long after the hot towel, a tea pot, a rack of bit-size pastries (about 10 of them), scones with strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream were brought to rest perfectly on the desk. These were all punctiliously made and baked by lebua’s pastries specialist; Chef Gilles Delaloy.
Collection of alcoholic beverage
Not like what we drink in the morning or in office where all we need is a tea sag, cup and hot water. The loose tea was brewed in a pot and poured through a tea strainer to filter out the leaves and herbs. I’m going to be honest that at first I doubted that it couldn’t be that much better than my everyday medium price tea bag; but all doubts evaporated when my lips touch the cup. Though I’m not really a fan of tea, it was superb. Not like general jasmine green tea where jasmine and green tea both trying to dominate over each other, it combines perfectly. The assimilation of taste and aroma truly is sublime.
Waitress on duty
Moving on to the pastries, I had a feeling that I should start with a scone, strawberry jam, and Devonshire clotted cream. I spread both jam and cream equally on one half of my horizontally split scone and take a bite. The scone and jam were not that distinctive, but with Devonshire clotted cream this set is my top recommendation. After the last bite, I lift the cup slowly to my lips and I notice that I’m sipping an empty cup.
After pouring my 2nd cup, I transfer the chocolate praline to my plate with a pastry tong. Chocolate praline is ‘the must’ for you if you are coming to lebua. Nothing I say will do justice to this bitter chocolate with a ‘melt-in-mouth’ recipe praline; you just need to come and define it yourself. The set of pastries will change every time you come, but these twos that I had mentioned earlier are what you can expect to come for sure. I don’t want to spoil the rest and even if I try, it would take me too long.
If you do like to have a nice afternoon off and isolate yourself from the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Bangkok, have an afternoon tea with someone here at lebua. I believe you are going to have a good time like me.
Beyond our suites…
To define the beauty of the country is just a matter of one’s perspective. The beauty could be the people to one person and it could be the food to another person. It is all about how you look at stuffs around you. Besides the beauty of the people and culture you wish to come to see in Thailand, have you ever perceive the beauty of the metropolis? From the footpath is one thing, but from the 67th floor it’s a whole different thing.lebua’s signature spherical dome state room will gives you a new perspective of Bangkok. The state room offers you and your guests an ideal 360 degrees panoramic view from 67 storeys towering above Bangkok. Just imagine yourself enjoying the taste of our top chefs’ cooking while appreciating the sensational view of Bangkok. The state room is just the ideal location to make your very special event unforgettable.
Besides the state room, lebua also comprises of numerous ‘top of the list’ function rooms on the Main floor; the Pundarika grand ballroom. The Pundarika grand ballroom can be divided into 3 ballrooms which are Pushkara, Padma, and Angarika where these respective ballrooms can also be divided into smaller units for versatility in arranging various kinds of events. You will be touched by the sublime decorations and the glorious views of Chao Phraya River from where your business meetings, seminar or conferences probably took place.
Asides from meetings and everything business related, the Angarika’s Aravinda room is where many wedding celebrations have taken place and many more are lined up. We regard weddings as that one poignant and timeless event in your lifetime, so we give only the best. Aravinda room is romantically decorated, opulent and timeless.
Aravinda Room
The excellence of these function rooms can only be partially express by words and pictures. Why don’t you come and see for yourself what you’ve been reading and consider us for your next meeting, convention or wedding.
A Room With a View at lebua Hotel, Bangkok.
    | Stylebible checks into Lebua Hotel, the second tallest building in Bangkok and featured in Hangover II. Written by Victoria Lam Amongst the many high-rises and skyscrapers across the Bangkok skyline, there is one building that stands out amongst them all; with its golden crown shining brighter than the rest, The Dome at Lebua lights up the skies with a reverent and majestic air.The lebua hotel is an all-suite hotel with suite sizes ranging from 66 sqm for the one bedroom suite to 266 sqm for the three bedroom suites ( Tower Club Lebua Suite ). Situated in the bustling suburb of Bangrak in Bangkok on Silom Road, the Lebua has been a regular on Hotel Awards lists over the last 7 years including: Expedia Insiders’ Select 2011 Hotel, Best Luxury City Hotel (by the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2009 ) , World’s Leading All-Suite Hotel ( by World Travel Awards ) and Overall Best Hotel in Asia (by Business Asia Magazine in conjunction with CNBC , in 2007 ). And now, thanks to Hollywood blockbuster movie Hangover II, Lebua hotel is enjoying exposure on a global scale. With its near 360-degree views of Bangkok, lebua was instrumental in setting the stage for the panoramic scenes seen throughout the much-hyped movie. One of the chosen sites for many of the scenes was the Tower Club at Lebua, and in particular the entrance to Sirocco, the world’s highest open air rooftop restaurant on the 63rd floor. The backdrop for many of the scenes is the dramatic and amazing view of Bangkok’s skyline which can be experience from the renowned Sky Bar and Sirocco restaurant. Additional scenes also include Lebua’s famous golden Dome atop recently re-launched Mezzaluna restaurant , Lebua’s modern and innovative haute eatery. Alas, Bradley Cooper was nowhere to be seen by the time I checked into my 2 bedroom suite at the Lebua hotel, but that was my only disappointment. At 186 sqm and complete with no less than 4 balconies, first impressions of the suite were of its sheer size. The décor was fairly standard though comfortable nonetheless but the views from the balconies, particularly at night, of the Bangkok skyline and the Chao Phraya river were the real piece de resistance of the suite. With a showpiece semi-circle 8-seater sofa in the living area, when I wasn’t sampling the breathtaking views and mouth-watering food in the rooftop restaurants, I enjoyed the impeccable room-service and equally appetising in-room dining menu. Though Bangkok has so many things to offer visitors to the city, the suite at the Lebua was so inviting and relaxing, I spent most of my 3 day trip in Bangkok safely nestled in the peaceful surroundings and comfort of my oversized suite. This hotel is a must for those who appreciate stunning vistas, spacious hotel-living and a peaceful sanctuary whilst still located in the heart of a bustling city. |
Romance at lebua: Thoughts of a British Traveller
Guest post by a luxury travel writerThe Thai people had won me over long before I knew about lebua. Setting the highest standards in the world in the service industry, I knew that wherever I went in Bangkok, I would get star treatment, the kind you just couldn’t get anywhere else in the world.
Lebua offered something distinctively different though; this wasn’t just luxury for the sake of it. This was more than just glitz, glam and rubbing shoulders with the rich. This was the hottest seat in the theatre and a view that really took your breath away.
My stay at Lebua came just in time after a week of travelling around Thailand and Cambodia. Hotels had been tried and tested – expensive ones, famous ones, spa hotels, economy hotels – but none came close to the plush and soothing comfort of my Lebua hotel room.
The stone balcony in my room opened up to a glorious view of the city, but this was just the start of the night…..
Sirocco and Skybar
The biggest reward was that I didn’t know what to expect. Having dined on many hotel rooftops before, I foolishly didn’t think I would be wowed by the experience – but as soon as I stepped out through the doors of Sirocco, I was in awe of the magnificent skyline. A warm breeze made me feel like I was on top of world. I couldn’t believe my eyes. Is this the most romantic place in the world? I thought to myself.
The beautiful al fresco style menu had the perfect balance between a romantic summer evening and seductive Mediterranean dining. Sitting down, the view was spellbinding. But standing up at the Skybar made the scenery even more intimate. Just a piece of glass apart, the rest of Bangkok was so close.
My evening at Lebua was simply enchanting. As a harsh critic of luxury travel, I believe that lebua State Tower is one of the most understated luxury establishments in Thailand – and if you’re looking for the perfect romantic location, I promise you will find it here.
People say that luxury is worth paying for. I disagree. lebua is worth paying for.
Author: The Smart Girl’s Travel Guide features advice and reviews on luxury travel destinations around the world. Read more from this luxury travel writer on her world travel guide.
Come, let’s take a peek: lebua suites
If you have been reading a lot about us on TripAdvisor, or been browsing our website or Facebook pages, but never actually stayed with us, you may want to take a look at how our rooms are like, right?
Here below are two pictures depicting our 1 bedroom and 2 bedrooms suite. Enjoy!
Keen to win a 1 night stay in a one bedroom suite facing the mighty Chao Phraya? Take part in our survey below. One lucky winner will stand a chance to luxuriate in opulence redefined: lebua.
My Four Point Checklist for Selecting 5-Star Hotels
Written by Magical Carpet
As a frequent flyer, by my own choice, be it for business or for leisure, I do consider a few factors before deciding which airline to take. The type of aircraft matters most to me. If I can fly on a wide-body, I will. The flight path, overall customer service experience by other flyers and familiarity with their hub all come into play besides the cost of the ticket.
And right next to the airline ticket, is my choice for hotels. I wanted a bit of luxury for this Bangkok trip so I shortlisted lebua’s Tower Club riverbank suite. I had a checklist in mind and lebua met all my needs.
Here are my usual 4 steps or criteria:
1. Location. As most of my meetings will be held in Sathorn and at the hotel itself, Lebua is okay as the BTS is not that far away though not right outside. I don’t intend to dine outside anyway as I had no time with dawn-till-dusk meetings.
2. Comments by other travelers. As usual by default, I did a quick read on Tripadvisor. Sounded solid.
3. My ten percent rule. Price offered should not be 10% more than the competition. So I compared the price with my usual 5-star favourite on Wireless Road and another riverside property. Lebua made the cut
4. At least 3 compelling features of the room that others don’t have and one reason to eat at the hotel (International buffets do not count, it has to be compelling or exotic)
Bvlgari products. Wow, this was a good one. Cannot recall the last time I used their products in hotels
Video and music on demand. Apparently, their flat-screen TV comes with video & music-on-demand. So, I can watch movies and listen to music from their library. Sure reminds me of the solid entertainment system on board one of the great Middle-Eastern airlines.
A balcony! The sunset view will be something to cherish. Yes, I’ve seen many all over the world but a big balcony all to myself and a glass of Chardonnay does sound appealing.
The renowned Mezzaluna restaurant and the Skybar. That’s more than one reason to eat at lebua.
With that, I made the phone call and went with lebua. I’ll post photos of my stay in the next entry.
