Baiyoke Sky Hotel Review: The Tallest Hotel In Bangkok

Some places are hard to forget, even after many years. Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Bangkok is one of those places for me.

The Baiyoke Sky Hotel was more than a hotel. It was where my family stayed in Thailand on our first few trips when I was a child. I remember gazing out of the window and feeling awestruck by how immense Bangkok’s skyline was.

Fast forward many years later, and I find myself and Nicole back at Baiyoke Sky Hotel in Bangkok. As I once again gazed in front of the 88-storey skyscraper in Pratunam, I was flooded with memories of coming here with my family all those years ago.

It’s always strange to see an old haunt after so many years. The hotel is a little more worn around the edges, but we are too. The place doesn’t seem as big as we remember, and I have a lovely warm feeling returning here as an adult.

Location: In the Heart of Pratunam

This may have changed since we stayed at the Baiyoke Sky Hotel in 2019, but one thing that has not changed is the hotel’s central location.

Situated in the Pratunam district, Baiyoke Sky Hotel is Thailand’s tallest hotel, and you cannot miss it when you come. The 88-storey building shoots straight up out of the ground like an old elephant tooth.

We arrived at about 2PM, having taken the Airport Rail Link, and exiting at Ratchaprarop station. It was just a 5-minute walk to the hotel entrance, and even if you are not familiar with the area, you cannot miss it. It is, after all, the tallest building in the area, and the sign is visible from a mile away.

Check-In Experience: Crazy Crowded Lobby

Check-in was a little hectic, as many other hotels, the lobby is on Level 18 of the hotel, and not at street level. The first thing you will notice as you enter the hotel is a group of porters. They will help you with your luggage and give you a luggage tag to attach to your bags. Be sure to give this tag to the front desk upon check-in so that they can deliver your bags to your room.

When we arrived at the hotel, it was super busy, and the lobby was heaving with tour groups and guests walking in off the street. It took us about 20 minutes to check in, which is a little on the long side, but given the number of people, it is understandable.

Room: Superior Standard Zone Room

We booked a Superior Standard Zone Room on Booking for SGD 92.29 a night, with 20% off for early booking. (Booking early is a good idea as the prices do fluctuate, and it can get busy quickly!)

The Standard Zone is not the newest part of the hotel, but it is also not the oldest. The room still feels a bit dated but overall quite comfortable and spacious. At 390 square feet (36 m²), it is a little on the larger side by Bangkok standards, and has plenty of space for two travelers.

The room features:

• Two sofas by the window – a good place to sit down and relax with a view of the city
• Mini bar, with 2 complimentary bottles of water
• Electric kettle, with sachets of tea and coffee
• Electronic safe, telephone and a small desk for writing
• Flat-screen LCD television (small but adequate)
• Open wardrobe to hang your clothes (we did not use it for our short stay)

Decor is a little dated, but clean. The room is a bit plain in terms of décor, so if you are after high-end luxurious finishes, you will be a little disappointed. However, if you want a room that is spacious, comfortable, and has a great view, it ticks all the right boxes.

The bathroom had a separate bathtub and a walk-in shower, and we would recommend having a soak after a day of shopping.

The toiletries provided in the bathroom are:

• Shampoo and shower gel
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Razor and comb
• Towels and slippers

All the toiletries were clean and replenished, and the towels were fresh. Water pressure and temperature were constant. It had plenty of counter space for our toiletries, as well as a safe and chair.

Restaurant & Facilities: Coffee Shop and Rooftop Observation Deck

Although we did not choose the package that included breakfast, the hotel has a few different dining options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It is just near the lobby where you will find the Sky Coffee Shop, which offers light snacks, beverages and pastries. It is perfect if you need a quick coffee before heading out.

The Real Star of Baiyoke Sky Hotel is the Rooftop Observation Deck

The real star of the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, and probably the reason many people stay here, is the rooftop observation deck. Baiyoke Sky Hotel has two different options for viewing Bangkok from one of its tallest buildings. You have an indoor observation deck on Level 77 and an outdoor revolving viewpoint on Level 84. However, both of these attractions are not just available to hotel guests. They can be enjoyed by the general public for a fee. We were told upon check-in that guests can enjoy free access as part of an ongoing promotion. (Tip: Check at the front desk for current hotel promotions.)

Nonetheless, both options are quite nice, and here is what you can expect.

Level 77 – Indoor Observation Deck

Level 77 is where the indoor observation deck is located. There is a large viewing area with glass panels along with some exhibition displays highlighting Bangkok landmarks and the history of the city.

It is a good option if you prefer to stay indoors, while viewing the city’s skyline.

Level 84 – Outdoor Revolving Viewpoint

The outdoor rooftop is most likely what comes to mind when thinking about Baiyoke Sky Hotel. The floor of the revolving viewpoint rotates slowly, giving you a panoramic view of Bangkok in 360-degrees. You don’t have to walk around the entire floor to see everything. It is also the most iconic part of the hotel, and the one Nicole really wanted to visit.

The air here was cool and breezy during our visit, and it was very popular with other guests too. We spent around 15 minutes taking photos and watching the city lights below us.

The Night View from 84 Stories up is Breathtaking

Bangkok at night from up 84 stories in the air is simply breathtaking. The roads, skyscrapers and never-ending traffic light up the night sky like a never-ending web of chaos. It is easy to see why visitors and locals flock to the Baiyoke Sky Hotel for the view.

We spent around 15 minutes at the revolving view point before heading down to level 77 to explore some exhibition display.

Final Thoughts: Nostalgia with a View of Bangkok

For us, our stay at Baiyoke Sky Hotel was never going to be about high-end luxury or spotless service. We were never after the most spacious rooms, or the best facilities. We were there to relive memories of coming here when we were younger, and to share the experience of looking down over the vast and sprawling city of Bangkok.

Overall Ratings: 4.7/5

The hotel is a little shabbier around the edges and it can get a little crazy busy, but it is great value for the price, location, room size and especially for the experience of the rooftop viewpoint.

Plus, it is also meaningful to return to a place after so many years, and even more special to share the experience with Nicole.

It is like seeing the city and the place in a new light.

Getting to Baiyoke Sky Hotel

Address:  222, Thanon Playa Thai, Khet Ratchathewi, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand
Telephone: +66 2 656 3456

If you are coming from Suvarnabhumi Airport, it is recommended to take the Airport rail link station to avoid the traffic. You can buy the City Link Train ticket and alight at Ratchaprarop station. The journey will takes around 30 minutes. After arriving at the station, it is just a 5-min walk away.