Hello, I am Binnie’s father.
I was hesitant about writing this review in the first place because I thought I might come across as bragging. However…
I happened to come across the Athena Luxury Collection (hereinafter referred to as Athena) Hotel about five years ago when I stayed at the Phulay Bay Reserve Park and Nileat Hotel. My first impression was that it was luxurious. However, due to the high cost of the hotel, I never had the opportunity to stay there.
This time, my initial hotel reservation was for a family room at the Centara Grand at CentralWorld (for four adults). Five days before departure, I thought it would be nice to have my mother-in-law join us, and coincidentally, there was a promotion for the Athena Hotel from the Taeco Club. Although I thought it would be nice to stay in the same hotel as my mother-in-law, I still had a desire to stay at the Athena Hotel. So, we decided to have my mother-in-law and the housekeeper’s daughter stay at the Centara Hotel in a 4-person room, while my son and I planned to stay at the Athena Hotel. However, the housekeeper decided to follow us. From the beginning, I had only reserved for two adults at the Athena Hotel… but my son wasn’t eager to give up his spot to his mother. Although my son is only 13 years old, he is small in stature, so I mentioned our situation when checking in. The receptionist assured me that it was fine and even mentioned that breakfast was complimentary for two children under 12 years old at the Athena Hotel.
The hotel lobby is impressive. On the right side of the lobby is the breakfast area. It was a pleasant start from the beginning. From there on, everything was great.
The room, located on the 15th floor, was a basic room with twin beds. Although it was the most basic room, the queen-sized twin bed was more than enough for two people, and the room size was satisfactory. I apologize for not taking any pictures, but you can see it in more detail on Tao Choe’s YouTube channel.
The swimming pool was fantastic. It had a depth of 1.5 meters and was approximately 30 meters long. There were even sun cream and suntan cream at the entrance for the convenience of the guests. The attention to detail was impressive. The pool area had plenty of trees, providing shade even during the day. At the end of the pool area, there was a small walking path. The pool water had a slightly salty taste, similar to a sea-water pool. It was perfect for swimming. Although there are no pictures, there is also a small fitness area in front of the indoor shower facilities. It may be smaller in size compared to other 5-star hotels like Anantara Siam or JW Marriott Sukhumvit, but it is sufficient for a workout. What surprised me was that the trainer immediately sanitized the equipment that guests had used. This was greatly appreciated, especially in the current situation.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to fully utilize the wonderful facilities at the Athena Hotel. After breakfast, we would immediately go to the Centara Grand at CentralWorld and return late at night after 10 pm. However, based on the facilities alone, there are many hotels that may be better than this one. But what sets Athena Hotel apart is how they take care of each and every guest, no matter how small the detail. They even offer take-away coffee or lattes after meals at the breakfast restaurant. While most hotels provide service with a smile and friendliness, I always assumed it was part of their job. However, Athena was different. What made me feel that Athena was truly luxurious was the behavior of the staff, which was on a completely different level compared to Centara Hotel. Of course, it may also be due to the fact that Centara Hotel accommodates a much larger number of guests. However, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend Athena Hotel to everyone, as not everyone may appreciate this level of service. In our case, my mother-in-law and daughter wanted to experience this luxury
If you’re staying at the Athena Luxury Collection Hotel, there are several nearby tourist attractions that I would recommend visiting. First, you can explore the vibrant city of Bangkok, which is known for its bustling markets, stunning temples, and vibrant street food scene. Just a short distance from the hotel, you can visit the iconic Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, which houses the famous Emerald Buddha.
Another must-visit attraction is the Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets in the world. Here, you can browse through thousands of stalls selling everything from clothing and accessories to handmade crafts and local delicacies. It’s a great place to experience the local culture and pick up some unique souvenirs.
For those interested in history and culture, I would recommend visiting the Jim Thompson House. This beautifully preserved traditional Thai house showcases the art and antiques collected by Jim Thompson, an American entrepreneur who played a significant role in reviving the Thai silk industry.
If you’re looking for a more relaxing experience, you can take a boat tour along the Chao Phraya River, which runs through the heart of Bangkok. Along the way, you can admire the city’s skyline, pass by traditional houses, and visit picturesque temples such as Wat Arun.
For a taste of modern Bangkok, you can head to one of the city’s rooftop bars, such as Vertigo and Moon Bar. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city while sipping on a cocktail.
Lastly, if you’re interested in Thai cuisine, I would highly recommend taking a cooking class. You’ll have the opportunity to learn how to prepare traditional Thai dishes and gain insight into the local ingredients and cooking techniques.
These are just a few recommendations for nearby attractions and activities that would complement your stay at the Athena Luxury Collection Hotel. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, shopping, or food, Bangkok offers something for everyone.