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When the Dusit Thani Bangkok opened  in 1970, its owner hoped the hotel would promote the unique Thai hospitality and perhaps even fly the flag for a Thai hotel chain around the world.

Three decades later, the Dusit Thani is setting an impressive benchmark, with more than 20 properties under its name plus offshoots such as dusitD2 and Dusit Princess. So there's no better time to revisit the Dusit Thani Bangkok and once again sample a little of that homegrown hospitality.

The Dusit Thani Bangkok is a city landmark, standing proudly on the corner of Silom and Rama IV Roads. No matter whether you're in town for a business conversion or a little fun, at some point you'll go past the hotel that overlooks Lumpini Park.

It certainly enjoys a prime location. Sathorn, Sukhumvit and Wireless Roads are five minutes away, thanks to the Skytrain and the underground, while Chinatown, the Grand Palace and even the Weekend Market are also easily reached. That's the good news. The bad, if you count the hawkers who think everyone comes to Silom for a cheap porn DVD, is that seedy Phatphong is across the street.

Dusit thani literally means a "Town in Heaven", and the owner really means it that way.

The Thai Heritage Suite, one of the Dusit Thani's best offers, is where I spend my night of luxury. It's styl¬ish, with a design that's reminiscent of old Siam, when noble houses were made entirely of wood. The walls are adorned with decorative teak and hung with traditional artworks made of gold leaf and fine woodcarvings, enhanced by faded black and white photos of the old Siam and painted deities in heaven. It's rather like being trapped in the 17th century.

The suite's living room is fur¬nished with a traditional table and sofa set plus a huge working table along one wall, ideal for your laptop. wifi Internet is available, and it's fast enough to play around on YouTube. Executives in town on business can hold briefings or even host predinner drinks in this spacious living area.

The bedroom, with kingsized bed and inviting ivory sheets, remains private beyond the sliding wooden doors. The windows are cov¬ered by heavy drapes that absorb the sound and keep the room dark at night, through you'll love the view of Lumpini Park, which looks wonderfully green against the backdrop of soulless concrete.

The restroom is luxurious with a bathtub that's fit for two and a stand¬ing shower.

The Dusit Thani Bangkok houses 517 guestrooms, varying from the entry level Superior King to the top of the range Majesty Suite. The Thai Heritage Suites (either Ayuthaya or Rattakosin style) are recommended for foreigners who fancy a taste of old Siam. The Dusit Thani Bangkok offers plenty of dining options, rang¬ing from Vietnamese cuisine at Thien Duong, quality beef at Hamilton's Steak House to Mediterranean menus as D'Sens. But my first meal after checking into the hotel was a bowl Chinese noodles on Soi Convent, a short walk away. However, later that evening, I did try the trout at il cielo, the Dusit Thani's Italian restaurant and yes, it was delicious.

AT A GLANCE

High points: Original as it is elegant; Dusit Thani offers the finest Thai hospitality. You're a few minutes from the park, some of the city's best shopping and the central business area.

Low points: It will burn a big hole in your credit card.

Find it: The hotel is on a corner of Silom and Rama IV Roads. It's a short walk to Phatphong night bazaar as well as BTS Skytrain and MRTA subway (Sala Daeng) stations.

Pay for it: Visit hotel website (www.dusit.com) for the best offers.

Phone it: (02) 200 9000