Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok (pt. II)

(part II)

This brand has understood very well its modern guests’ needs, which has evolved in terms of essentials. Beyond the basics for room amenities consisting in a good bed, office desk, Internet access and Television, Courtyard put big LCD flat screens (32 inches) in all rooms and has not neglected the far from ubiquitous detail iron and iron board. You also get the nice bathrobe and slippers as a nice add-on; amenities normally common only in five-star hotels.

The bright bathrooms are comfortable with a sitting area in the shower cabin, and Premier Bathrooms come with a tub as well. Courtyard also focuses on providing fast Internet, how fast it now can be in Thailand…

The 10 premier corner rooms deservers a special mentioning as this room type is extra spacious. Décor has elements of orange yellows and red colours combined with light brown wall carpets and curtains. The design of the mini bar cabinet and the wall decoration are taken from Thai flavours.

Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok also comes with a first for Thailand: MoMo Mart, which is the hotel’s own alternative to the outside convenient store. By offering this the hotel recognises its guests' need for more than what the in-room mini bar can offer, and at the same time sparing them from venturing out on the streets to find what they are yearning for.

In addition to that there is the MoMo 2 Go "grab & go" concept as the quickest solution to get a bite when on the move. This is a self-services pastry counter where one can choose from a variety of sandwiches and salads between 6 a.m. to 01:00 a.m.

MoMo Café, contemporary and welcoming in style with a homely feel and vibrant interior, is a core feature of the hotel’s public areas where guests can as described spend time while doing business, or just relax, at any time of the day. As a quality and healthy-driven food & beverage outlet breakfast, lunch and dinner are served as well as any Designer coffee or tea of your choice. Come evening and the bar area becomes vibrant and the lighting changes into a warm atmosphere, enhanced by burning candles. Order from a selection of 12 wines by the glass and a large selection of cocktails, spirits, beer and juices.

The restaurant has different distinct zones with alternative kinds of seating: a high-ceilinged part with floor-to-ceiling windows and then the inner part closer to the open kitchen with a lower ceiling. You can sit down in comfortable sofas or armchairs with soft seating leather-like material in red colour. Or opt for al fresco drinking and dining on its terrace.

The foundation of the menu is classic-inspired, using authentically prepared dishes with a focus on freshness of ingredients. The focus is the Wood Fire oven and many dishes are based around it. In Thailand Thai dishes make up the bone of the menu, but there are also the standard western items.

The breakfast is also an important part of the experience, with the hotel recognising that its guests expect fresh and healthy food and beverage. A full-blown buffet is served, where the coffee is freshly brewed instead of machine coffee. Custom fresh juices are pressed in front of the eyes of the guests and served in bottles. Fruit salads and a large selection of bread and pastries are also part of this rich breakfast feast.

All in all, Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok offers real value for money thanks to its well thought-out concept and details and the ample amenities - those things one appreciates paying a little extra for.

This new four-star establishment is Marriott Resort & Spa's first for Thailand; to be followed by launching the brand within resort destinations too. Its prototype of new brand strategy will also be implemented on all the upcoming hotels from Courtyard also within the resort areas (also a brand new step for this, up to now, city hotel brand).

Text by: Joakim Persson

Photos: Joakim Persson + Courtyard (where indicated)

Read the first part of the story: Courtyard Bangkok, Marriott's new modern brand to Thailand

See also related story: Marriott opens two Courtyard hotels 

See also the image gallery for Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok