My passion for points & miles has resulted in a lot of great-value hotel stays with the big chains, but that hasn’t stopped my love for stylish, boutique hotels. One of the first boutique hotels in Bangkok, the City of Angels, is the Dream Hotel in the Sukhumvit area. I stayed there years ago and was eager to find out, if it was still as it was then. Read my detailed review to find out!

Location: The Dream hotel is close to one of the best locations for visitors staying in Bangkok – the Asok BTS/MRT station. It’s located on Sukhumvit Soi 15, less than 10 minutes walk to the station, connecting you to everywhere in Bangkok. While there are closer hotels to the station, this is still good. You are also close to the fun Terminal 21 mall and plenty of bars, restaurants, massage shops and stores within a few minutes walk. The trip to the airport by public transport is about 45 minutes, about the same by taxi or uber, depending on time of day and traffic.

Service: Check-in was a little confusing (again): the Dream has two buildings and, oddly, two check-ins. Staff was super friendly though, got me to the right desk (building 2) and had me checked in quickly. They provided all the necessary information on the pool and gym (building 2) and restaurant for breakfast (building 1). Housekeeping had done a fine job with my room and it was all clean, well stocked and in great condition. Security was equally friendly and almost too eager to ensure that I get safely across the busy little alley between the two buildings. I guess you can’t blame them for being too careful! The staff at the restaurant was equally friendly and very professional, including the management. When I was trying to get the attention of the wait staff for a coffee refill, the manager actually came over to ensure I’m taken care off. That’s further than most managers in Thailand will go!

While service is friendly at hotels of any budget in Thailand, this level of attention would make an upscale hotel proud and is much better than I’d expect from a hotel in this price category.

 

Room: My standard room seemed to be straight out of the South Beach Miami design guide – with a blue-on-white scheme, with metal & white furniture, a white leather couch, blue leather headboard, blue carpets and blue mood lighting. It sounds like a little much, but worked great together and looked very stylish. And, also not necessarily a given in South East Asia, all of it was very well maintained over the years and looked just as on my last visit. The bed in my standard room was slightly smaller than a queen (and I found out later that the hotel considers these rooms “singles”. The large leather couch is comfortable to hang out, there is a small work desk and a cupboard with the TV. You also have a laptop-size safe and plenty of storage. The bathroom is also held in white, metal and blue with a large, glass-doored shower, sink and toilet. And, compared to other design hotels, it is all fully functional The free WiFi internet was reasonably fast at an average speed of 3.3Mbps and reliable throughout my stay.

 

Restaurant/Amenities: The hotel has a rooftop pool with plenty of loungers and even a huge, pink floating flamingo. There is a bar conveniently located next to it for snacks or drinks!

A small gym is next door with cardio and weight equipment for a limited workout.
The restaurant is just as stylish as the room, with a blue & white life size tiger as a fearsome host to welcome you. It’s large and was busy during my visit, without having the cafeteria feel of other hotel restaurants in this price class. The food selection was also very good, with a wide variety of pastries, fruit, yogurt, juices, cold cuts and hot dishes. There is also a make-to-order egg station that delivered great omelettes. Your choice of tea or various coffees is delivered to your table. Hotel breakfasts are pretty fantastic across Asia and the Dream hotel was no exception.
I took a peek into the hotel bar next door and it looked much more inviting than your average, sad hotel bar. This is a place I could actually imagine going for a drink!

Bottomline: The Dream hotel was one of the first boutique hotels in Bangkok and it’s still a great place to visit. It delivers stylish, yet functional rooms and great decor throughout the property. The service is exceptionally professional and attentive, noticeably better than in other hotels in this price class. At a price of only $71 including breakfast, the Dream is a great deal considering the stylish room, great service and good location – even in a see of modern, good value hotels in Bangkok and it’s high on my list of independent hotels in the city! I have recommended it in the past to family and friends and will continue to do so – give it a try! You can find the current prices here!