Tanya Joslin checks into INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, a smart city stay with rooftop views and relaxed style—ideal for couples. Read the review.
Overview:
Bangkok doesn’t lack luxury stays, but INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit offers a fresh perspective—quite literally. With sweeping views from almost every corner of the hotel, this high-rise stay immerses you in the City of Angels from the moment you arrive. I checked in at 1:30am, and even then, the glow of Bangkok outside my window gave me a quiet thrill.
Opened in July 2023, it’s the Spanish group Meliá’s first INNSiDE property in Thailand—and just the fourth in Asia—bringing its signature “work-meets-play” philosophy to life through co-working lounges, inventive dining spaces, and a rooftop pool bar that looks tailor-made for the Bangkok skyline.
Each floor pays homage to a different Bangkok landmark, from Sanam Luang Park to the Rama VIII Bridge, expressed through murals, textures, and subtle design cues.
Whether you’re here to log on or completely switch off, the vibe is polished yet relaxed—unmistakably Thai, with just a dash of Spanish flair. Best of all? You’re based in a neighbourhood that still feels truly local—a rare feat in a city that never stops evolving.
The location:
INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit is in the On Nut neighbourhood, east of central Bangkok—a pocket still rooted in local life, although you can see that this is changing fast. A handful of international hotels have already opened their doors, and more are expected in the coming years. Step outside, and you’ll pass family-run shops and restaurants, local massage and nail salons, and humble laundries. It’s a refreshing change from the tourist-flooded zones further west.
The On Nut BTS station is virtually at the hotel’s front door, putting the rest of the city within easy reach. Sukhumvit Soi 24 is a fairly upmarket part of the city, home to the famous Emporium Mall and just four stops away. It also just so happens that two of my favourite places to visit in Bangkok are found not far from the mall, so I carved out a few hours one afternoon for an Ayurvedic treatment at Prem & Yoga Ayurveda Center, followed by a facial at Su Esthetic Korean Home Spa.
On another afternoon, we wandered around On Nut, grabbed a massage from one of the many local massage shops, dropped some washing off, and picked up a few essentials from the neighbourhood grocery store.
Also close is Habito Mall—part of the T77 community—a compact, laid-back spot for clean snacks, good coffee, casual dining, and a convenient local grocery.
Food & drink
LUZ Bangkok Tapas Bar, spread across levels 33 and 34, delivers more than just rooftop views. Under the direction of Madrid-born chef Juan Ignacio García Racionero, the kitchen turns out Spanish classics layered with Thai influence—dishes that have quickly made LUZ a dining destination for locals and travellers alike.
We opted for the set-course tapas dinner—four curated dishes, which we paired with a couple of cocktails for an effortlessly indulgent evening. It began with Luz Salmon—delicately raw, marinated in passionfruit juice and topped with bright pickles—followed by Tacos de Toro, Gambas al Ajillo (sautéed prawns with chilli, garlic and olive oil), and charred Pimientos de Padrón. As the sun set—an orange orb sinking over the skyline—we raised a Jardin Dorado, a golden, herbaceous cocktail that felt made for Bangkok’s golden hour.
The Kites Eatery (named after the long-standing tradition of kite flying at Sanam Luang, the ceremonial park in front of the Grand Palace) is the hotel’s all-day dining venue. Breakfast here leans healthy—think fresh vegetable juices (I’d mix the carrot, celery, and cucumber) alongside tropical fruit and hot dishes ranging from made-to-order omelettes to rotating Thai cuisine.
At lunch, à la carte options sit alongside regional Thai offerings like the vibrant Pinto Lunch Set—four home-style courses themed around three regional menus and presented in traditional tiffin tins. We opted for the Northern Thai version, which delivered on its reputation for bold, spicy flavours in the best possible way.
The Giant Swing Pool Bar, perched beside the glass-bottomed rooftop pool, is a welcome retreat after a day spent exploring. The views alone make it worth a visit—especially in the late afternoon when the light softens across the Bangkok skyline.
Best room for two:
There are six room types at INNSiDE by Meliá Bangkok Sukhumvit, ranging from compact city-view rooms to connecting suites ideal for families. For couples, it’s worth stretching to one of the Townhouse categories—there’s a two-bedroom option, but we stayed in the one-bedroom version on floor 27. This level draws design inspiration from Phra Sumen Fort, one of Bangkok’s last remaining riverfront forts, with monochrome artwork and subtle historic references setting the tone from the lift lobby.
Each morning, I watched the city come to life from our window, the BTS station in view as Bangkokians flowed through their morning commute. The room included thoughtful touches beyond the usual bottled water and toiletries—like a premium coffee machine and complimentary local beer in the minibar. And the DreamMaker mattress was a welcome cocoon each night, especially that first evening when I crawled into it at 2 a.m. after a red-eye flight, grateful for the blackout curtains and absolute quiet.
It’s also well set up for working remotely, with Chromecast, a Bluetooth speaker, and ample charging points. I’d often stretch out on the sofa to catch up on emails before heading down to breakfast at The Kites.
Couples will love:
The rooftop infinity pool, sunloungers, and skyline bar are made for slow afternoons and sunset aperitifs after exploring one of Asia’s most dynamic cities. With one of Bangkok’s best tapas bars on site and polished, unfussy service that lets you enjoy the city on your own terms, this is a thoughtfully designed base for couples looking to balance relaxation with everything this vibrant city has to offer.
But what I loved most—and what I think you’ll love too? Staying in a neighbourhood that still feels lived in—where massages cost less than a cocktail, the rhythms of everyday Bangkok unfold just outside, and a BTS station on the doorstep puts the rest of the city within easy reach. Then, retreating to a room in the sky with views of one of my favourite cities in the world as far as the eye could see.
