Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok

Had a relaxing four night stay with Kimpton Bangkok. It is a fairly new hotel with tastefully decorated modern rooms and facilities in a good location conveniently close to Chidlom BTS station. But what stands out from other 5 stars hotels is the staffs. A big shout out to Grape from front desk and Sabrina and Trio from bar.yard for taking care of me and my family during my stay. We will be back!

Great hotel Great staff 1 of the best hotel in Bangkok Staff are fantastic they actually remember your name Special mention to grape We love you Highly Recommend

This was our first time staying at Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. Previously, if we had to choose a hotel in the Lumpini Park area, our go-to was always Sindhorn Kempinski our "regular hotel" that gave us a sense of familiarity. We are also high-tier elite members of major hospitality brands like Marriott Bonvoy, Accor Live Limitless, GHA Discovery, and Hilton Honors, with a preference for Ultra Luxury accommodations, so we typically prioritize hotels within these groups. To be honest, Kimpton was never on our radar before. Its image leaned more toward “Lifestyle” rather than “Luxury.” However, we had always heard of Mr. Patrick Both, General Manager of Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok and Director of Operations Luxury & Lifestyle, IHG Hotels & Resorts Thailand. He is widely regarded as one of the best General Managers in Thailand, admired for his intelligence, height, charisma, and above all, his exceptional service mindset. Once we actually experienced the stay for ourselves on a special birthday occasion our perception of the brand changed entirely. This is, without a doubt, a true luxury hotel that serves with heart and attention to every detail. From the moment we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Loic, the Service Excellence Team Manager. He personally handled our check-in with care and impressed us with his fluent Thai. He accompanied us to the room and explained all the amenities thoughtfully. On the day of check-out, he even walked us to Sindhorn Kempinski himself a small but deeply thoughtful gesture. (Side note: Mr. Loic is incredibly handsome think superstar level with a charming smile and captivating presence.) During our stay, we also had the opportunity to meet Mr. Patrick Both himself. His presence is commanding yet radiates natural positivity. He’s a truly hands on General Manager, who genuinely cares about each guest and runs the hotel with a sharp, visionary mind. He is very deserving of his award as Best General Manager in Thailand, and if we were to compare him to another standout GM, it would be Mr. John Blanco, former GM of Capella Bangkok another hotelier who impressed us with his energy and attention to detail. We stayed in the Maa-Lai Suite, which offered a panoramic view of the lush embassy gardens next door. It felt tranquil and private the ideal setting for a birthday getaway. The in room decorations were tastefully done, and every detail reflected quality and relaxation. Normally, we enjoy inspecting the materials used in hotels, but this time, we were so absorbed in the experience that we didn’t even think about it. Highlights in-room included: Dyson Supersonic hair dryer Vifa Bluetooth speaker (same brand as used at Capella Bangkok) HARNN amenities with a premium scent and feel Beautifully designed, flattering bathrobes A bed so comfortable we called it “soul-snatching sleep” For us, bedding quality is the cornerstone of a luxury stay and it’s also one of the main criteria used by Forbes Travel Guide, which uses 900 points of evaluation (75% service, 25% facilities). Sleep-specific elements include: Mattress Bedding sheets Pillows & pillow menu Curtain light blocking Aromatherapy And materials like Goose Down or Duck Feather. Did you know the type of feather used in pillows makes a significant difference? The best luxury pillows use Down Clusters from the breast of goose or duck the softest and most insulating often blended with a small percentage of feather for optimal support. A common ratio for ultra-luxury is 85% down to 15% feather, which gives a perfectly soft, bouncy, and supportive feel. At Kimpton, sleep quality easily deserves a full Ultra Luxury score. The bathroom was incredibly spacious. One of our favorite features was the bathtub facing the embassy garden, creating a serene, green, and private atmosphere. The bathroom flooring matched that of Sindhorn Kempinski clean, and luxurious. We also noticed the multi-layered glazing used in the windows, providing superb sound insulation from outside, enhancing the sense of peace and privacy. However, one minor drawback was the bathroom amenities, which came in wall mounted dispensers. When we wanted to use the liquid for a bubble bath, we found it inconvenient. We had to use a glass to catch the product, which made dispensing a larger quantity both awkward and inefficient especially for continuous use. Regarding hygiene, most hotels use bottles that cannot be opened by bare hands and require special tools to open. Others may still use hand-openable bottles but with tamper-evident seals over the caps. If a seal appears broken or disturbed, the hotel will replace the item immediately. Some properties also pre-fill a suitable amount of product based on the length of stay, effectively managing hygiene and cost concerns at the same time. Therefore, even if the bottles are not fixed to the wall, the hygiene standards are definitely well maintained. While Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok uses wall-mounted bottles, this is rare in the Luxury and Ultra Luxury segments, where hotels like: The Ritz-Carlton St. Regis W Hotels JW Marriott The Luxury Collection Four Seasons Capella Waldorf Astoria Park Hyatt prefer separate amenity bottles elegantly arranged on trays (marble or polished wood). Even The Peninsula and Sindhorn Kempinski continue to use single use bottles a reflection of their commitment to hygiene, guest safety, and meticulous care. Most wall-mounted dispensers with locks are commonly found in Upper Upscale and Midscale hotels, as they help with hygiene and cost management. However, in Luxury and Ultra Luxury properties, such wall-mounted locked dispensers are less common because they tend to diminish the sense of exclusivity and refinement. Instead, these high-end hotels prefer well-designed individual amenity bottles that better align with guest expectations of luxury. As mentioned earlier, Forbes Travel Guide evaluates based on: 75% Service 25% Facilities To be Recommended: 70–79.99% For 4 Stars: 80–87.99% For 5 Stars: 88% and above In 2025, only 15.4% of properties inspected received 5 Stars. Earning a 4- or 5-star rating from Forbes Travel Guide is no easy feat. Properties must undergo a rigorous inspection, during which inspectors stay for at least two nights and compile a detailed report that spans over 727,000 words. Only those that meet the highest standards receive the prestigious Forbes Award Seal which can then be proudly displayed on site. Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok has earned this distinction with a Four-Star rating. Another Kimpton highlight is the PlantPal service, which allows guests to select a plant to decorate their room a small, cozy, homey touch. In-room amenities were also abundant: hair straightener, rollon deodorant, and more which explains why Kimpton Maa-Lai won Best Amenities from Forbes. We also loved Social Hour at Bar.Yard, their rooftop bar. Every evening, they offer 1-hour free-flow alcoholic beverages with panoramic city and Lumpini Park views. We ordered extra food (which was served quickly and deliciously), and the vibe was relaxed yet upscale. Breakfast Truly Ultra Luxury One of the best breakfasts we’ve had in Bangkok. Must-try items: Hand-selected tropical fruits like lychee and mangosteen Mango sticky rice perfectly balanced flavor Sea bass porridge fresh fish with an excellent sauce Stir-fried holy basil pork (dry style) aromatic and moderately spicy Each coffee came with latte art, showing the care of the baristas another small detail that elevated the experience. (Note: Roasted coconut water, usually offered, was unavailable at the time due to sourcing issues.) Buffet highlight: 🏆 Jamon Iberico Ultra Luxury at its finest (Only 100% Bellota Black Label) Served brand: Juan Pedro Domecq Only purebred Iberian pigs Acorn-fed and free-range Fewer than 3,000 pigs/year Raised on a private estate in Andalusia Rear legs (Jamon) cured for 42+ months Winner of Great Taste Awards – Gold Star for 3 consecutive years No second-tier version, no crossbreeds Single grade: every slice is 100% Bellota Jamon (rear leg) deeper, more complex flavor from longer curing the most prized cut Paleta (front leg) bolder and fattier, but less nuanced The swimming pool was another favorite scenic, serene, surrounded by greenery, and extremely private. Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok completely changed our perception of the Kimpton brand. This is a true luxury lifestyle hotel that blends professional grade service with warmth and thoughtful details. Without question, it's one of the most memorable hotels we've stayed at this year. Once we actually experienced our stay here, everything simply touched us from the genuine hospitality to the fine materials and curated comforts. It was truly luxurious in every sense. What stood out even more was the breakfast, which we can confidently say is among the best in Bangkok. Every element from the selection of fruits to the elevated local dishes was crafted with intention, delivering both flavor and finesse. Another delightful touch was Kimpton’s signature Morning Kickstart, a comforting morning ritual that made our start to the day feel personal and warm. Each morning, guests are invited to enjoy complimentary freshly brewed coffee and milk in the lobby. It's a simple gesture, but done with care and smiles from the staff. We will absolutely return for another stay. There’s something about Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok that makes you feel at home but with all the elegance, heart, and soul of a true luxury experience.

Hospitality of the entire staff, from check in, during stay to checkout. Would like to say thank you to the entire team of Kimptom Maa-Lai for making our stay so comfortable and memorable! From breakfast layout to rooms to location all were amazing. Honest opinion just keep up the good work you are doing. Each and everyone of you have a beautiful smile, which makes genuine connection the guests so comfortable. Recognize a colleague The entire staff showed on me and my husband special treat on his birthday set up and amenity in the room, recognize him at check in. Loved the friendly smile, the genuine connection they want to have with each and every guest was really appreciated. Beautiful view and cocktail at Rooftop. Great hospitality by Trio, TJ and team. We got the best mango sticky rice served by Niuu, Toon, Pupang. Special thanks to chef Tong & Chef Tareq for making delicious food at breakfast! The housekeeping team doing great job on the set up and cleanliness! They all your great asset. I wish to be back and recommended!

Thanks to Mi at the front desk for her excellent service! Welcomed by greetings, double upgrade and late check out. Mi even gave some tips for my trip in Bangkok, which is above and beyond!