Inside 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, a Member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World – Review

BANGKOK

Bangkok is one of those cities that I keep coming back to – electric, chaotic, addictive – but it’s also a place where the hotel you choose really shapes the experience. This stay at 137 Pillars was actually a return visit for me, which says a lot in itself.

The previous generation of luxury hotels in Bangkok set a high global standard, and these classic establishments remain exceptional. However, hospitality has evolved significantly – the boutique hotel boom has brought a diversity of styles, while the rise of apartment-sharing has redefined options for extended stays and apartment-style accommodations. 137 Pillars is a property that embodies these trends, offering two distinct experiences under one roof: this listing focuses on the exclusive 137 Pillars Suites, while the Residences provide a separate, equally sophisticated option.

On my last trip, I stayed in one of the hotel suites. This time, I wanted to experience the property a little differently and spent my stay in their residences – and it completely changed the rhythm of my time in the city.

In the era of old Siam, wealth was symbolised by the number of teakwood pillars in a home. The original 137 Pillars in Chiang Mai, housed within the historic and picturesque Borneo Trading House, continues to stand as a testament to that tradition – it features a full 137 pillars and was once owned by royalty. Its Bangkok counterpart, opened in 2015, offers a more contemporary take on luxury. Spearheaded by Nida Wongphanlert, who brought her engineering expertise to the family business, the high-rise blends sleek modernity with subtle nods to tradition, incorporating a refined handful of elegant white pillars into its design.

Located in the upscale Phrom Phong neighbourhood, the hotel fits in with the area’s elegant high-rise condominiums. Guests can easily access the rest of the city with just a 10-minute walk to the SkyTrain station or by taking advantage of 137 Pillars’ complimentary hourly shuttle service, which provides a convenient connection between the station and the hotel.

Tucked away just enough to feel removed from the constant noise, the residences feel calm and private while still being close to everything. From the moment I arrived, the pace slowed. It felt far more like arriving at an apartment than checking into a hotel – the service was discreet, elegant, and unshowy.

The space is what really sets the residences apart. These aren’t standard hotel rooms; they’re beautifully designed apartments with proper living areas, kitchens, and floor-to-ceiling windows that flood the space with light. It felt easy to settle in straight away – somewhere you could genuinely live for a while, not just pass through. Mornings became one of my favourite parts of the day. Coffee on the balcony, the city stretching out below, Bangkok waking up while my space stayed quiet. That contrast – the buzz outside and the calm inside – is exactly what makes this place work so well.

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We had dinner at the resident restaurant Nimitr, and it felt like a natural extension of the whole experience. The menu focuses on refined Thai flavours, beautifully presented but never overworked. It’s elegant without being too fusty – the kind of place where you linger over a final glass of wine rather than rushing back to your room. If you’re staying on property, it’s well worth planning an evening there.

The rooftop remains one of my favourite spots in the city. The infinity pool sits high above the skyline, and sunset up there never gets old. Whether you’re staying in the hotel or the residences, it’s a shared space that really captures the spirit of 137 Pillars.

What I loved most about returning to 137 Pillars – and experiencing the residences this time – was how different the stay felt, even though the level of service and design remained just as considered. The hotel suites are perfect for a shorter, more classic luxury stay; the residences are ideal if you’re in Bangkok for longer, working, or simply want more space and privacy.

I left feeling rested, grounded, and already planning my next return. In a city that never really stops, having somewhere that genuinely lets you slow down feels like a luxury in itself.

Address: 59/1 Sukhumvit Soi 39, Klongton-Nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | Website: 137pillarshotels.com/en/bangkok/ | Phone: +66 (0) 2 079 7000 | Email: contact@137pillarsbangkok.com | Instagram: @137pillarshotelsandresorts | Facebook: @137pillarsbangkok

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