Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium formerly AVANI Atrium Bangkok, Thailand
Property Name: Gramd Mercure Bangkok Atrium formerly AVANI Atrium Bangkok
Property Address: 1880 New Petchburi Road Bang Kapi, Phetchaburi Bangkok 10310, Thailand
Nearest Subway stations: MRT Phetchaburi, Asoke/Petchaburi Pier (water taxi) and SRT Makkasan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avani_hotels/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AVANIhotels
Twitter – https://twitter.com/AvaniAtrium
Lobby Avani ATRIUM Bangkok
I was trying to find different hotels in which to stay while visiting Bangkok last October and came across the AVANI Atrium Bangkok (now Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium). I had booked one night and also received one night complimentary for a few days later during the trip. I actually wanted to see if my experience would be different plus the rate was pretty reasonable at about $46/night for a beautiful property, not too far off the beaten path.
Here’s what happened.
Getting There
I was just moving from one hotel to the next and just used Google Maps to navigate. It was kind of interesting as the map showed me a path to walk and then it ended by the canals. Being the adventurous soul I am, I ventured off with my two backpacks.
What I did not know was that I should have read more carefully as that abrupt end was in the canal and the Map was directing me to take the Khlong Boats; a network of fast boats that runs via the Saen Saep canals of Bangkok.
I could have just walked to the MRT stop and taken the train two stops and then walked to the hotel, but no, someone was feeling adventurous.
I got to the pier and waited with other locals for the next approaching boat. It pulled and I tried to get in. It’s a little more annoying with a backpack on your backpack and one on your shoulder. I’d definitely not recommend it if you had a suitcase :-).
The boats are really fast and cheap, although I could not figure out how much to pay since I did not know how to say where I was getting off as I was not sure where to get off :-). I had some idea from the map and winged it.
As I could not tell the fare collector who seemed to be always hanging off the sides of the boat where I was going, he just took some Bhats from me after I gave him 20 Bhats and went to the next person :-). I think you pay a base fare and then extra Bhats for each stop you go. In about 10 minutes or so I was at my stop and alighted, which was even more fun :-). But I digress.
Check-in
On both arrival times I had great check-in experiences. I was greeted with a cold drink and a cold towel. Bangkok is so hot so this is the perfect thing and despite my short walk from the canals, I needed them both. Thanks.
Welcome drink and cold towel AVANI Atrium Bangkok, Thailand, now Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium
On my first visit I was assigned a room on the canal side so the second time I requested a room on the street side so I could watch the traffic and trains go by.
Street and Train View – AVANI Atrium – Bangkok, Thailand now Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium
Unfortunately, this request could not be fulfilled as the room I got initially smelled of smoke as the previous guest had smoked in a non-smoking room. So I ended up on the same side as the first time. No worries, I’ll just enjoy the city view once more.
City View – AVANI Atrium – Bangkok, Thailand now Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium
The Room
I had the Deluxe room on the City view side of the property. It’s a typical hotel room with all the necessary amenities.
Deluxe Room AVANI Atrium Bangkok now Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium
Bathroom Amenities Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium now Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium
I was actually thrilled to see one of my fellow blogger, Mark Weins, Food Expert doing a segment on food in Bangkok.
Mark Weins on TV at the AVANI Atrium Bangkok now Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium
The Property
There are several different price levels for this property. My room is a Deluxe Room. I got the same type of room on both visits, however the second time I got upgraded to the Executive Club so I could use the Lounge. I could not get a room on that floor as they were full the second time I stayed there. But it was nice enough to enjoy the Lounge.
You can also take breakfast there or in the larger and more choices PUBLIC restaurant in the hotel lobby.
I opted to do breakfast in both places to get a feel for the level of service and food. Both were adequate.
PUBLIC Restaurant AVANI Atrium Bangkok
PUBLIC Restaurant Hot Food AVANI Atrium Bangkok
PUBLIC Restaurant breads AVANI Atrium Bangkok
At the time of my visit they were just opening a new Benihana one floor above the lobby.
They do have a pool, although I did not use it as well as a gym on the same level.
Pool AVANI Atrium Bangkok now Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium
And one can get a beautiful view from the Helipad.
The Lounge
In Bangkok typically between 5-7p the Lounges at the posher hotels have happy hour. Its actually a really good one as they have east and drinks. Usually the alcoholic drinks are complimentary like at the AVANI Atrium. Wine is on request from your server. During the daytime there are usually eats and non-alcoholic drinks available. You can also work in the Lounge and enjoy the views of the city below.
Lots of eats are provided for you to choose from as well.
Fruit Bar in the Executive Lounge at the AVANI Atrium Bangkok
You can eat or work at your leisure.
Check Out
This was an easy process and I was able to get a ride to the Makkasan train station since I was heading to the airport. They do have a shuttle schedule, so you can coordinate your departure accordingly. Their purple shuttle takes you to the station in only a few minutes. From here you can get to every where in Bangkok.
AVANI Atrium Bangkok Room Key
AVANI Atrium Bangkok Shuttle at the Hotel
AVANI Atrium Bangkok Shuttle at Makkasan Station
Verdict
It s a great properly and moderately priced. There’s a bit of a walk from the subway or pier to get to the hotel, but you can always take a cab. And they do have a van that will take you to the train station so that makes it all better. I’d definitely stay there again.
Have you been to Bangkok and stayed at this property? What did you think?
AVANI Atrium Bangkok Helipad
Comments 12
Sounds like you had a great experience Kelvin and reassuring to know that it’s consistent whoever you are.
Author
It really was Heather and so glad they were consistent as well.
Kerwin.
Looks swanky, I love all the nice touches and amenities in the room. The executive lounge looks great and what a nice sampling of different little bites. I loved that you took a different approach of transport to the Hotel, great idea on doing something fun and unique to Bangkok.
Author
Oh totally agreed Noel. I really loved the boats; I want to go back and explore that some more. I could also see them from my room so that was a plus for me. I have to really look straight down though.
That’s one thing I love about Bangkok; the Lounges. Most hotels have some sort of Lounge and its worth the extra as the food is good and they have food all day.
Kerwin.
I must say that lounge looks very inviting or is it just the edible element of it!?
Ienjoyed reading your little water born adventure too. I’d get so nervous about not knowing how much to pay let alone when to get off but little things like that don’t stop you!
Looks like a great hotel and one I’d love to visit one day.
Author
Hi Kat,
The Lounge is my favorite place in the hotel. I get away from it all and relax.
I kept using fingers and smiling, but the guy gave up as he had to collect the money from the rest of the riders :-). The getting off part was fun too; I figured I’d just have to walk a bit if I “missed” my stop. As it turns out I got off at the right place :-). I also use used Google Maps to help me. But it told me to get off at the earlier stop which I ignored :-).
It is quite nice and I’d of course go back and take the boat again.
Thanks.
Kerwin
http://www.Passrider.com
http://www.Facebook.com/Passrider
I must say that lounge looks very inviting or is it just the edible element of it!?
Ienjoyed reading your little water born adventure too. I’d get so nervous about not knowing how much to pay let alone when to get off but little things like that don’t stop you!
Looks like a great hotel and one I’d love to visit one day.
Hi Kat,
The Lounge is my favorite place in the hotel. I get away from it all and relax.
I kept using fingers and smiling, but the guy gave up as he had to collect the money from the rest of the riders :-). The getting off part was fun too; I figured I’d just have to walk a bit if I “missed” my stop. As it turns out I got off at the right place :-). I also use used Google Maps to help me. But it told me to get off at the earlier stop which I ignored :-).
It is quite nice and I’d of course go back and take the boat again.
Thanks.
Kerwin
http://www.Passrider.com
http://www.Facebook.com/Passrider
This is a really spectacular looking hotel, both from the outside and inside. I know that the exterior of a hotel doesn’t always reflect the experience you get inside but certainly this hotel has achieved a nice blend between both. Love the idea of taking the canal boat to the hotel, reminded me of our experience in Amsterdam taking the ferry across from the Central Station to the DoubleTree where we stayed…it’s always cool to have a unique experience to get around.
Author
Hi Chris,
It is indeed nice inside and out. The canal boat really made it for me. I’m so glad Google Maps suggested that route.
Thanks.
Kerwin
http://www.Passrider.com
http://www.Facebook.com/Passrider
This is a really spectacular looking hotel, both from the outside and inside. I know that the exterior of a hotel doesn’t always reflect the experience you get inside but certainly this hotel has achieved a nice blend between both. Love the idea of taking the canal boat to the hotel, reminded me of our experience in Amsterdam taking the ferry across from the Central Station to the DoubleTree where we stayed…it’s always cool to have a unique experience to get around.
Hi Chris,
It is indeed nice inside and out. The canal boat really made it for me. I’m so glad Google Maps suggested that route.
Thanks.
Kerwin
http://www.Passrider.com
http://www.Facebook.com/Passrider