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Published on October 13, 2007

A short walk west of the Siam Centre in Bangkok, where a vibrant shopping district touts all the things that money can buy, from super cars at Siam Paragon to cool streetwear for the price of a burger, is the Siam@Siam hotel.

Standing high against the Skytrain tracks, the design hotel mingles bare structural elements with art deco styling.

"The owners earned their fortunes in car manufacture, so when they built the hotel they wanted that reflected in it," says a publicist who goes by the name Phraw.

"As you walk through the lobby you might notice that the hotel resembles an assembly plant - but in a cosy and beautiful way."

There is indeed the raw look of a factory, with naked concrete everywhere and a ceiling against which all the air-conditioning and water ducts are visible.

But the roughness is nicely offset by the striking colours used in the decor. It's every bit as modern and vibrant as a "Blade Runner" set.

The Siam@Siam boasts 203 artistically appointed rooms in four different styles - Leisure, Biz, Youth and Grand-Biz - and there's non-smoking floor as well.

My room, 2119, is on a far corner of the 21st floor. Orange is the dominant hue in the spacious room, which has twin beds beneath a large abstract painting. The artwork throughout the hotel comes from respected artists, lending each room a unique touch.

In one corner is the living and working areas, complete with a flawless wi-fi Internet link. The mini-bar offers a surprisingly wide range of liquor along with snacks, and I like the high ceiling too. While you're admiring all that vertical space, that's where you'll find the television, mounted well aloft.

It's a room with a view, an especially nice one at night when a river of light bulbs floats seamlessly along the distant expressway.

The bathroom, with a fragrant set of toiletries, offers both express or slow soaking - the shower and bathtub are set out separately.

When it's time to dine or wind down, the Party House on the ground floor is the place to go. It's got a bar-cum-restaurant character and serves a large selection of Western and Thai dishes. I tried the pork steak with mushroom sauce and mashed potato, washed down with dark stout. Very fine, indeed.

"The Siam@Siam is a rare place in the city in that it has a huge selection of cocktails, making it one of the best places to host a party or have a few drink with friends," says Phraw.

The Party House eventually gears down for buffet breakfasts. Biz and Grand-Biz guests can have breakfast in the Executive Lounge, but the Party House remains the best bet for a healthy salad, a dim sum set and other great choices.

Meanwhile Spa Ten offers a large selection of healthy and spiritual treatments, from Thai massage to tailor-made therapy.

The Siam@Siam, bottom line, is a handsome hotel in the heart of Bangkok's main shopping district. The staff is friendly and very helpful. I forget my copies of the Economist and Practical Photography magazine in the lobby, and they were brought to my room before I'd realised it.

It's no wonder you find yourself sharing the lift with young travellers from Singapore, Taiwan and Europe.

Phoowadon Duangmee

The Nation