A powerful pull

Pullman's pool

Joining the longestablished street eateries, hip bars and affordable apartments on bustling Rangnam Road is the Pullman Bangkok King Power Hotel, which offers a style and convenience that sets it apart.

For those not fussed about the centre of the action on Sukhumvit Road or the faded charms of Old Bangkok, the hotel's prime location on Rangnam Road near Victory Monument is not a bad option. With easy access to the Skytrain and other transport options, you can be channelled to anywhere in the city within minutes.

Though Rangnam is not much of a tourist spot, the small strip is brimming with life and fun for young people, locals and expats alike. Take your pick from tasty street food, Thaistyle bars and holeinthewall joints. Shopping hubs like Victory Monument and Ratchawithi Road are within a few minutes' walk while you'll find the full mallpluscinema experience just around the corner at Center One.

Not in the mood for exploring? No problem - there's plenty to discover closer to home. Adjacent to the hotel is the King Power Duty Free complex, so big it needs a massive building to itself. Then there's the newly opened Aksra Theatre, which runs performances and plays constantly. Or you can just loosen up and make use of the hotel's facilities for a relaxing stay. Besides the outdoor pool with a sundeck, the gym and the masseurs on hand at Le Spa, Pullman boasts decent food and beverages. Contemporary Thai and Asian food is served at Cuisine Unplugged while authentic Thai can be had at @Chaan. Upscale nosh is served at Deja Vu, which is famous for its homemade foie gras and tasty FrenchEuropean dishes at affordable prices. Drinkswise, there's the Glen piano bar in the lobby. If you want to followup with a party, check out the Wine Pub where a youngprofessional crowd unwind at night to the sounds of a live DJ.

Despite the sassy, allaction environment, serenity flows from the waters that decorate the hotel with pink and purple lotus flowers. The tropical garden joining the lobby and the restaurant helps too.

Decorated in Asian contemporary style, each of the 386 guestrooms is cleverly planned to get the most out of the space available. Luxury, comfort and convenience come in the form of a flatscreen TV with cable channels, moveable workstation, coffee and tea maker, separate bath and shower room as well as 24hour a la carte room service and security.

The Bt8,004 net for a Deluxe room allows you a free daily newspaper, a couple of soft drinks from the mini bar and Echeckin and express checkout, while choosing an Executive (Bt10,405 net) brings the benefit of free inroom WiFi access and a choice of sleeping partner from the pillow menu. Fork out for a Suite (Bt12,406 net) and you'll get your own stylish and spacious living room with soft sofa seating. Whatever their room, guests are entitled to discounts at the hotel's restaurants and bars. WiFi access is available throughout the public areas, while cable connection for LAN Internet can be had ensuite. Prices include breakfast for two.

It is a bit of a walk from the hotel to the BTS station but Pullman has a free shuttle tuk tuk service running from 9 'til 9 everyday.

AT A GLANCE

High point: Easy access to the Skytrain; good selection of food; prices advertised are net, so you won't be hit with hidden extras

Low point: A long way from main business areas; rushhour traffic in the area if you're driving

Pay for it: Bt8,004 to Bt12,406

Find it: The Pullman Bangkok King Power is at 8/2 Rangnam Road, Phaya Thai (BTS: Victory Monument).

Book it: (02) 680 9999

Browse it: www.PullmanBangkokKingPower.com