As our two-week adventure in Bangkok neared its conclusion, our family was set to part ways. I was destined for the stunning shores of Koh Samui, while my wife and children embarked on an extensive journey to Melbourne, Australia.
Despite sharing a departure date, our flights were scheduled at opposite ends of the day: mine at the crack of dawn at 6:30 AM, and my wife’s not until the stroke of midnight. Anticipating airport staffing challenges and the lengthy queues for customs, we opted to minimize one source of stress by booking a stay at the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport.
This decision allowed us to bypass the notorious Bangkok traffic and cherish our final moments together in tranquillity.
The huge atrium of the Novotel
The Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport came into existence simultaneously with the inauguration of Bangkok’s new international airport in September 2005.
Renowned for its proximity and opulence, it stands as the nearest luxury hotel to the airport, offering guests a brief 3-minute ride via courtesy bus or a 5-minute stroll through an air-conditioned underground walkway.
Boasting 612 guest rooms and suites, it has been acknowledged as the largest airport hotel within the extensive Accor hotel group.
Reception & Lobby Area
Upon entering the hotel, the sheer scale of the lobby immediately captures your attention, reminiscent of an airport’s grandeur. The space is dominated by a five-story atrium, bordered by hotel rooms on each side.
Within this expansive atrium, numerous seating areas invite guests to relax and unwind. For those seeking a treat, Le Gourmet offers the ambience of a boutique patisserie, where I highly recommend indulging in the mango cakes.
Try the amazing varieties of mango cakes available
What I appreciated was the area displaying flight arrivals and departures, complete with a dedicated spot for weighing luggage. These thoughtful touches significantly reduce travel stress.
Given that our luggage was divided as we headed in separate directions, I was unsure about meeting my airline’s allowance limit. Fortunately, after checking, I discovered my luggage exceeded the limit, prompting me to purchase additional allowance online.
The Atrium serves as a hub, linking the dining area, business lounge, Touchdown Sports Bar, and a shopping arcade for any last-minute purchases. Positioned centrally within the Atrium, the reception desk provides the convenience of 24-hour check-in and check-out, true to the essence of an airport hotel. Having booked access to the business lounge, we completed our check-in process there.
The business lounge is a serene retreat for work, offering complimentary snacks and beverages throughout the day, open from 07:00 to 22:00.
Superior Rooms
As a family, we opted for 2 superior rooms with interconnecting doors. What I like about the Novotel chain is that they are family-friendly with their policies and pricing, you get 50% of the additional room when you have children below the age of 16.
The hotel’s architectural design incorporates rooms arranged around a central courtyard, forming a layout of two square structures with a courtyard nestled between them, interconnected by the Atrium. One of these courtyards encompasses the swimming pool area. Our room boasted views overlooking the oasis-like pool, with the airport in the distance.
The rooms are spacious, featuring plush carpeting and the charming touch of elephant-shaped towels adorning the beds.
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- Double Superior Room
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- Twin Superior Room
As a gesture of hospitality, a vibrant and colorful cold Thai dish was elegantly presented on the desk. Known as Khao Chae Chao Wang, this delicacy hails from Southern Thailand and is noted for its absence of spice.
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Our accommodations included a double bedroom and a twin bedroom, connected by interconnecting doors, perfect for our family. My daughters were delighted by the personalized welcome message on their beds, crafted with flowers and a towel elephant, greeting them with a “Hi.” They also appreciated the high internet speeds for their tablets.
The room’s decor featured dark wood furniture set against a red and blue colour palette. Each room was equipped with a desk positioned with a view of the pool, a side table accompanied by a cosy chair, and a modern, pod-style coffee and tea station. The bed offered comfort and a selection of pillows to ensure a restful sleep.
Bathroom
I appreciate bathrooms that incorporate natural light through a window to the bedroom, offering an option for privacy by closing the blinds for those who prefer it.
The spacious bathroom features a dedicated rain shower, a bathtub offering scenic views, and a single sink set atop a generous granite countertop. The traditional small bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and similar products have been replaced with larger, refillable bottles—a change that I wholeheartedly endorse.
Pool Area
The pool area at the Novotel deserves a five-star rating for its oasis-like ambience, abundant greenery, and, most importantly, its tranquil atmosphere. It’s surprisingly quiet, considering its proximity to one of South East Asia’s busiest airports.
The rectangular pool, with a maximum depth of 1.5 meters, features massage fountains shaped like fish, offering a unique relaxation experience. Ample steps are available for guests to sit and unwind in the water. Additionally, there’s no shortage of sun loungers and umbrellas for comfort.
For those feeling parched, the swim-up pool bar serves excellent mango juices among other refreshments.
Gym
Although I couldn’t fit in a workout, I did take a moment to explore the gym. It’s a comprehensive fitness center, equipped with an extensive range of free weights and exercise machines. The facility is accessible 24 hours a day, though assistance from a trainer or staff is available only between 07:00 and 22:00.
Buffet Dinner at The Square
The Novotel offers a diverse range of dining options, ensuring guests do not need to venture outside the hotel for their meals. Options include Thai cuisine at Sala Thai, Chinese delicacies at Golden Village, Japanese dishes at Kinsen, or Western international fare at The Square.
The Square restaurant features both a buffet dinner and an à la carte menu, with an extensive selection that includes sushi, shellfish, seafood, various meats, vegetables, a salad bar, cold cuts and cheeses, bread, as well as desserts and cakes. All dishes are well-presented and flavorful.
Breakfast at The Square
This hotel caters well to the needs of travellers, offering breakfast as early as 03:00 AM. The extensive buffet features a variety of fresh foods, both Western and Asian, accompanied by fresh juices and coffee options. This early breakfast option was perfect for me to fuel up before my early flight to Ko Samui.
Vous Spa
My wife had arranged for a massage at the Vous Spa for the following day, by which time I had already departed for Ko Samui. The following are her impressions of the Vous Spa experience.
Many of us suffer jetlag unnecessarily when landing on a long-haul flight. I took a pre-departure massage, but for those arriving and needing to get over jetlag, I would recommend the Signature Jetlag Massage.
Vous Spa offers an array of choices when it comes to wellness. The competent staff guided me to what they deemed appropriate for my stiff and aching body after all the trips I did in Bangkok.
I was greeted by endless essential oil smells, combined with a delicious Bael tea. I was then taken into a private room welcomed by candlelight ambience. The coconut milk spa bath with flowers was the perfect welcome to wellness and relax my mind. After 30 minutes of soaking my massage began with bespoke intense pressure to cure my aching muscles and back.
The therapist was excellent and very attentive to my needs.
Day Pass
You might be surprised to learn that staying at the Novotel isn’t a prerequisite for enjoying the pool, spa, and gym facilities. They offer a day pass that grants access to these amenities, providing a fantastic option for those with a few hours to spare between flights.
Whether you’re looking to relax by the pool or squeeze in a workout before your next journey, this can be a refreshing alternative to spending time in an airport lounge. There are two types of day passes available, with more details provided in the advertisement below.
Conclusion
For those seeking a stay that effortlessly alleviates the stress associated with travel—whether you’re dealing with a late-night arrival, an early-morning flight, or an extended layover—the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel is an ideal choice.
As the nearest and most opulent accommodation option in proximity to the airport, it offers a range of facilities designed to enhance your experience. The hotel’s serene pool, rejuvenating spa, well-equipped gym, and diverse dining options cater to every need and preference.
The staff’s attentiveness ensures every aspect of your stay is taken care of, making your time there truly unforgettable. Additionally, don’t miss out on the chance to indulge in the hotel’s delectable mango cakes—a must-try during your visit. With its combination of luxury, convenience, and exceptional service, the Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel stands out as a premier choice for travellers seeking comfort and relaxation.
Details
- Room reviewed: Superior Room
- Website: www.novotelairportbkk.com
- Address: 999 Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel Bldg., Moo 1, Nongprue, Bang Phli, Samutprakarn 10540, Thailand
- Phone: +66 (0)2 131 1111
