The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon opens its ‘anything but standard’ doors

As the latest addition to the King Power Group portfolio, the hotel will leverage the iconic building’s architecture and energy and bring the brand’s signature mix of culture, design, entertainment and hospitality to the city. With 155 rooms and suites and a central location in downtown Bangkok, the property offers the perfect getaway to Old Town, where a wealth of cultural attractions and a dynamic art scene await. To reflect the unmistakable energy of the Thai capital, The Standard’s “anything but standard” ethos is translated into exciting amenities, one-of-a-kind culinary programming at six food and beverage spaces, and meeting venues that break the mould.

Image credit: The Standard

“We are incredibly thrilled about the launch of The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon in Thailand,” said Srettha Thavisin, Chairman of Standard International. “This iconic flagship hotel of The Standard represents an extraordinary phenomenon in the hospitality industry not only in Asia, but globally as well. We are confident that The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon will have huge success in delivering the ultimate hotel experience – unlike any other in Thailand.”

To conceptualize the uber-social downtown property, Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon and The Standard’s award-winning in-house design team delved into the synergy between the city’s melting pot of cultures and free-form artistic exploration. The resulting social spaces are fresh and intertwined with reinterpretations of cultural cues, such as Marco Brambilla’s video monument to Hollywood dreams and excesses, in the lobby. Titled ‘Heaven’s Gate’, this provocative artwork is the first installment in the ‘Box’ series, a concept inspired by the brand’s first property in Hollywood that showcased an ever-changing roster of art installations.

The hotel’s beautifully understated rooms are balanced by bold, glamorous touches such as the softly-lit bar area and retro-style furniture. At 144 square metres, The Bigger Penthouse with its sumptuous upholstery, a full kitchen setup, ensuite bathroom with a giant soaking tub, and indoor plants feels like a stately home where good times reside.

Tucked away in a lush and serene poolscape overlooking the city, The Pool offers poolside service with light dishes, craft cocktails and healthful, plant-based delights in a social setting. Guests also have access to a stylish, 24-hour fitness centre, The Standard Gym, that comes with city views, ample natural light, and state-of-the art equipment from CLMBR and PELOTON, and a variety of signature group classes, including high-intensity endurance training, group outdoor classes and Hollywood aerobics.

Image credit: The Standard

With six distinctive dining, drinking and nightlife venues, The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon promises to shake things up in Bangkok’s neighbourhood on the up. The Standard Grill, a spirited American brasserie informed by the brand’s celebrated original at The Standard, High Line in New York’s Meatpacking District, seamlessly transitions from power breakfast to social hotspot at night. While high up on the 76th floor, guests can experience one of the city’s most anticipated restaurant unveilings of the year – a collaboration with multi award-winning chef Francisco ‘Paco’ Ruano. His Mexican-inspired restaurant Ojo draws on Bangkok’s progressive outlook and the venue’s whimsical design, referencing Mexico’s ancient civilizations to deliver flavours never experienced in Thailand or the region, such as aguachile seasonal prawns and bone marrow tortillas, complemented by inventive cocktails and a thoughtful wine list. Bringing together Chef Paco’s culinary prowess, panoramic views, creative beverage program and genre-bending décor, Ojo will sit proudly beside The Standard’s legendary Boom Boom Room in New York City and London’s star attraction Decimo as one of the world’s best rooftop venues.

Image credit: The Standard

For 360-degree views from the 78th floor perch there is Sky Beach, Bangkok’s highest rooftop bar mixing blissed-out ambiance, downtempo beats, and a hard-hitting cocktail selection from one of Thailand’s most celebrated mixologists. Guests can also dine on award-winning Chinese cuisine at Mott 32 Bangkok’s open-air terrace dotted with lush greenery. The famous apple wood roasted Peking duck is not to be missed, as are expertly curated cocktails and authentic Cantonese, Beijing and Szechuan flavors created with the most meticulously sourced ingredients. At Tease, a strikingly graphic, black and white bijoux tea room, the intimate room overflows with whimsy and wonder.

For comfort food with a side of The Standard’s cultural programming, guests can head to The Parlor. The menu offers authentic Thai cuisine, and breakfast is available all day. Cocktails like the Honey Trap and Be Wild, created by Khun ‘Milk’ Thanaworachayakit, The Standard, Bangkok Mahankhon’s beverage manager, complements the atmosphere and delicious food. In addition to an eclectic playlist spotlighting local and global talent, curated by The Standard’s music division, the hotel’s relaxed social hub hosts talks and workshops, including astrology sessions, live performances, and themed bingo nights inspired by the fabled bingo sessions at The Standard, High Line.

Image credit: The Standard

Public spaces at The Standard, Bangkok Mahanakhon immerse guests into the local community as well as introducing them to Bangkok’s vibrant creative scene through the elements of fine art hidden in plain sight. A stunning and vibrant Marc Quinn, ‘Flood Plain of the Tributaries of the Orinocco’, 2018, from King Power’s private collection, enhances the colour and personality at reception. Hidden in plain sight in the corridors leading to the elevator and The Parlor is a breathtaking, original, Joan Miro sculpture, entitled, ‘Personnage’, also from the King Power collection. In the lobby they are greeted by a portrait of a couple, caught in an embrace, embedded in the floor. Overhead, locally handmade rattan lamps create an intricate canopy, while fine objects showcased in the shop are the labour of love of local artists as well as The Standard and its collaborators. Chief Design Officer, Verena Haller and the design team, hand-picked art, antiques and curiosities, creating their version of a shoppable flee market, enhancing both the custom designed and locally sourced furniture, creating meticulously designed and inviting spaces guests never want to leave.

Main image credit: The Standard