My MANy Travel Inspirations - Hotel Muse Bangkok

Below: A new hotel in Bangkok that I am now a fan of....

Below: Loving the Oriental and European decorative inspirations...

Below: The bathroom is impressively designed... befitting royalty and the discerning...

Hotel Muse Bangkok: A unique experience and luxurious journey into the past

I have not done a travel theme post for the longest time. Exploring unique hotels is one of my favourite things to do while on the road. Since I just returned from Bangkok just this new years (not lunar new year), I thought I share some insights on a new hotel that I have fallen in love with in the city of angels:-)

Below: Located in the convenient location of posh Langsuan Road... easy access to BTS station, prime shopping districs and many fine restaurants and tourist sights...

Intoducing Hotel Muse Bangkok, a new M Gallery hotel opened just last November by the Accor Hotel Group.

Located in the high end district of Langsuan road (think Singapore's Paterson Road), Hotel Muse is along a cosy street lined with high end condos and offices, just minutes walk to the bustling Ratchaprasong junction where Chidlom BTS station, Erawan Shrine and Luxury Malls (Gaysorn Plaza and Erawan Bangkok (where Club 21 Thailand's homebase is!)) are nearby. There's even an amazing Starbucks (housed inside a bungalow) and Chang foot massage (one of my favourite massage places) within walking accessibility.

As you stepped thru the huge wooden doors into the Hotel lobby, you are immediately transported into the era of King Rama V, where east meets west, amidst the contemporary and period decor. In place of the conventional reception desk, Guest relation officers are seated in the intimate lobby to assist with the check it, bringing a new level of personal touch.

Rooms are well decked out in the romance of 19th century era, most commendable are the details in the exquisite bathrooms. The sink features beautiful porcelain-like patterns unseen in other hotels which catches your eye as soon as you enter. Intricate etchings adorn the mirrors, lizard embossed leather trays hold the amenities, contributing to an old world charm of luxury. With such fine details, the bathroom is simply befitting a prince or princess:-)

Modern technological creature comforts are also at your disposal... from high speed wifi connections, a huge interactive LCD TV and in-room iPod docking station (iHome IP90 player which I got one for myself after I get back to Singapore:-P), getting out of your room can prove to be a challenge:-) More so when you have tried the ultra comfortable pillow top bed which 'literally' makes you float. It's so comfortable, somedays, I just refuse to get out of bed:-)

Below: Pool with a view... small but nice:-)

Hotel Muse Bangkok houses a number of F&B options the likes of Thai Restaurant, Su Tha Ros and Medici which serves highly commended Italian. The Speakeasy at the top level lets you chill to groovy beats and cocktails with a view to match... a venue so chic, it even welcomed electronica music guru Claude Challe to spin his tunes just days before the new years.

Be sure to check out this unique property should you be bound for Bangkok anytime soon. I know I'd be sure to stay there again for my next visit!:-)

Below: I stayed at room 1407... and coincidentally, I found this clip shot by a guest who also stayed in the same room!:-) How rare a chance to find this happening...:-P

For more pics of Hotel Muse Bangkok, check out their facebook fanpage.

Other pics of the Hotel taken by me on my facebook fanpage. 'LIKE' my fanpage if you enjoy reading this post.

Source: Hotel Muse Bangkok, myMANybags

My MANy Travel Inspirations: Louis Vuitton City Guide 2012, LONDON

Louis Vuitton City Guide 2012: LONDON

An insightful and entertaining city guide video featuring one of my favourite cities in the world: London. All done with the finesse of Louis Vuitton City Guides' immaculate art direction:-) Enjoy, just in time for London Fashion Week to begin!

Source: Louis Vuitton

My MANy Travel Inspirations - Hansar Bangkok

Below: Distinctive and modern architecture for the Hansar Bangkok... my new favourite hotel in the Asian city of Angels...

Below: My most favourite and largest room in Hansar Bangkok... the duplex level Loft Suites. Decked out in cosy warm tones of wood and space inducing glass panels... this is what I imagine my future bachelor pad will look like. It's urban luxury to the ultimate...

Below: Plenty of room in the loft suite to wine and dine...

Below: The loft suites boasts a spacious living area perfect for entertaining...

Below: The upper level of the loft suites is an immaculate and serene area for the bedroom, terrazzo bath tub and walk-in closet... how very pampering...

Below: Walk in closet that any fashionistas will fall in love with...

Below: Cosy king size bed for the loft suites...

Below: Another room type in Hansar Bangkok... featured below is the Edge Suite. As the name suggests, there is a cantilevered daybed perched at the windows for a relaxing and private chill space...

Below: Bedroom of the edge suite...

Below: The edge suite vanity area that feels like a fashion boutique...

Below: Although the smallest of Hansar's room types... the Studio Suites is still a generous 59 sqm of separate bedroom, bath, work and even kitchenette area...

Below: Work and kitchenette area in the studio suite...

Below: Lobby waiting area... with contemporary touches of metal, glass and wood... lots of natural light which makes lounging here a real pleasure.

Below: Reception and work lounge area...

Below: Chilling out at the pool never felt this good, especially in such a serene and contemporary designed pool area...

Below: Rattan couches at the pool bar, Zest...

Below: The long infinity pool...

Below: Eve, the fine dining restaurant for even the most demanding taste buds...

Below: The touches of wood everywhere makes the hotel inviting and warm... wooden partitions in Eve restaurant...

Below: Café Boca, a chillout spot always ready to serve a good cuppa...

Hansar Bangkok (just opened on Dec 15, 2010)

For a city that is contrasted with the old and new, age old traditions and the sleaze, Bangkok is very much a dynamic urban metropolis imbued with an energy of opposing charms. Yes, there may be the 'off the beaten track', less sightly places in the city, there is however never a shortage of places with exceptional high style and luxury that you indulge yourself and live like royalty.

Restaurants of international standards, shopping malls that rival the best in the world and of course, design hotels that pales many in even the most developed cities.

One such design hotel is Hansar Bangkok. Perhaps without making a visit personally to check out the property form myself, my words would be less convincing. But a trip to experience the physical space personally a few days ago, thanks to a guided tour by my friend who manages the hotel... I am highly recommending this place to any style conscious traveller on their next trip to the Asian City of Angels.

Designed by acclaimed Singapore Architects, WOHA... whose credentials include famous residences in Singapore such as No.1 Moulmein Rise, Newton Suites (near Novena) and other world class buildings the likes of Singapore National Art Gallery and Church of St Mary Of The Angels among many more.

Hansar is definitely a hotel that combines modern aesthetics with the pleasures of luxury living.

The Hansar hotel, located in central Rajdamri (near Four Seasons Hotel and upcoming St. Regis Bangkok) co-exists alongside with the Hansar Residences (only 8 units left! Great response to the condominium sales), and is an all suites hotel, promising amenities that surpass the comforts of home. Primarily decked out in contemporary glass, chrome and aplenty of warm wood textures, each space within the hotel exudes warmth and modernity that makes one feels right at ease.

Of all the rooms, I love the loft suites the most. A generous duplex living space befitting the only the most affluent and savvy. Floor to ceiling bookcases with Thai style decorations, an unimaginably huge living area for entertaining and best of all, the most cosy bedroom with a open concept terrazzo bathtub to pamper yourself with the finest.

Even the smallest of rooms in the hotel, Studio suites, boasts a generous 59 sqm of separate living, bedroom and bath areas while still allowing for a integrated kitchenette and built in washing machine. I was so impressed!

The infinity pool area, sky terrace and even the lobby has been thoughtfully designed, overwhelming you with a sense of calm and beauty, while the restaurants such as Eve (fine dining) and Café Boca (cafe and bistro) caters to any gourmet needs.

I will be sure to check myself into Hansar Bangkok on my next Bangkok trip. Stylish living is now taken to new heights with this hotel. Book yourselves in very soon too! This hotel is truly a love at first sight.

For more pictures, please go to myMANybags facebook fan page here. Join Hansar Bangkok's Facebook Fanpage:-) too!

Hansar Bangkok is also one of the small luxury hotels of the world (www.slh.com).

(All pics taken with the Panasonic Lumix GF1 by myMANybags. All rights reserved. Please only use pics featured here with permission from the owner of this site.)

Source: myMANybags, Hansar Bangkok

My MANy Bags News #291

See U In Bangkok!

Yes, as with my yearly 'tradition', I embarked on my pilgrimage to Land of Smiles once again for the ushering of the new year. I will be travelling to Bangkok to enjoy some spa bliss... thai food and a relaxing good time before we all grow one year wiser.

Wish everyone have fabulous plans for the coming new year. Report back when I am in Bangkok!

To all my lovely readers, Happy prosperous, shopping bags bountiful 2011 in advance:-)

My MANy Travel Inspirations: Tokyo (Part 2)

Below: Meiji Jingu entrance... tranquil and scenic...

Below: A leisurely walk towards the shrine... fresh morning air amongst the scenic walkway:-)

Below: Harajuku... and it's people watching time! Shopping time too!

Below: H&M, it's a building full of fast fashion!

Below: Just a short walk across the Harajuk junction, it's the posh and luxurious Omotesando Hills mall and district... many international brands have their presence here. So crowded, it's overwhelming! Finally, I have been to a Ann Demeuleemeester boutique:-)

Below: Dolce & Gabbana store window...

Kevin In Tokyo: Part 2

Yes, finally can spend a night at my hotel in peace, without joining my friends for their snow crab dinner:-P I need that rest. Enjoying a respite from the snow in Sapporo...it's magic to experience real snow:-)

So now for more pics of my Tokyo visit.Day 3 of Tokyo and it is shopping time! From the youth culture of Harajuku, to the luxurious temptations of Omotesando Hills... it's shopping heaven for any level of fashion fans.

Harajuku is perfect for people watching, to absorb the unique dress sense that only Japan can claim. Might not be my cup of tea, but it is so fun to watch. And I also tasted the famous Marion Crepes which has been established in Harajuku since 1976. Yummy! In Harajuku, you also find international fast fashion chains the likes of GAP, H&M (no more Lanvin x H&M except odd pieces here and there), Topshop. But what I really enjoy checking out is the mall, Laforet. The mall similar to Far East Plaza in Singapore with individual proprietors but 100 times better! So many interesting fashion pieces to see, so many trends to absorb! Japan menswear trend seems to be high on American Triad style and outdoor mountaineer (Think Oregon) gear. Many hiking boots, Navajo prints and puffy quilted jackets!

From Harajuku, you can walked across the junction into the posh and luxurious Omotesando Hills. A mall which stocks international luxurious international brands from Ann Demeleemeester, YSL, Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers Black Fleece and Dolce & Gabbana. But of course, these are good to view from a distance and not surrender your credit cards since the prices are way much more than Singapore's. Furtherdown the streets, you see flagships of Loewe, Céline, Chanel, Martin Margiela, Burberry. Even Ralph Lauren has its own building!

Enjoy the pics! I also include those taken at Meiji-Jingu. Perfect photo expedition:-P

Source: myMANybags