Move with the rhythm of the city

Truth be told: I am not one for staycations in the city I live in. However, this one staycation managed to change my mind.

The spanking-new Canopy by Hilton Bangkok Sukhumvit had not even opened 100% when I decided to check-in and I was pleasantly surprised. A newly-built, design-led boutique hotel on Sukhumvit 12, the Canopy is an oasis despite being on a busy Bangkok street and in the heart of the tourist district. 

The lobby is bright, green and has plenty of artwork and check-in at the standing counters is smooth. The best part of the process is the Thai milk tea as a welcome drink. Delicious and refreshing on a hot day and a great reminder of where we are! The hotel has two wings and regardless of which one you are in, they are connected even at the top with a skywalk that suspends between the buildings. 

The rooms are spacious enough for two, though the views from them are nothing to write home about. But we aren’t here for the views, as you're not going to be spending much time in them, anyway. There are four suites in the hotel and only two are operational at the moment. What impressed me the most about the rooms is that they all come with dual sinks, a feature almost unseen these days. And just when you think there is no vanity mirror for the second sink, out comes the sliding door that divides the sink space and bedroom and in comes the second mirror! More points for offering a handheld steaming iron!

If you’re not interested in leaving the centrally-located hotel, time is best spent at the rooftop pool, which is Mediterranean-inspired. Surrounded by greenery, the poolside cabanas are made for daytime lounging and sunbathing, only because the curtains don’t do much to keep the sun at bay. All the cabanas have pool access so going from pool to bed takes less than a minute. Though I would recommend rinsing off the pool water before getting into bed and only because of the outdoor pool shower. A gorgeous design feature that cannot be missed. The pool area is rather private in the sense that no one can see into it as there aren’t many buildings obstructing the views. The rooftop is also where the 24-hour fitness centre is located.

Glint on the rooftop offers poolside fare all day, indoors and outdoors. Expect signature spritzes, easy bites and a laid-back energy by the pool. Do come here for sundowners and the mood changes rapidly once day turns into night and you’ll wish you had your bathers on to jump in for an after-dark swim…. the pool is open till 10pm. Insider’s tip: The artwork at Glint pays homage to Darling massage of yesteryear, which once occupied the same plot.  

Luso is the cafe that is in the lobby and though it sadly does not offer the delicious Thai milk tea, it does morning brews and evening wind-downs. Local roasts and forest teas can be sipped while munching on pastries. Also good for a grab-and-go before heading out into the heat.

The signature restaurant, Cante, is where food comes alive in chef Sandro Aguilera’s capable hands. Cante brings bold Spanish flavours to the table; expect open flames, charred edges and generous plates, complete with Sangria. Order suggestions would include Berberechos, which are cockles in a lemon reduction served with smoke-fried potato and a brava sauce, and presented in the style of the iconic Spanish conservas. 

Las Bravas, Cante’s take on a patatas bravas, comes with homemade quarter potatoes, bravas sauce and roasted garlic aioli. If you’re in a group of four or more, the Rodaballo is excellent. Expect a whole Spanish turbot, garlic, fresh chilli, bay leaf, white wine and lemon. Though the highlight of the menu, for me, is the Pollo A La Andaluza. Succulent and moist, the slow-cooked, corn-fed half chicken comes with green olives and roasted cherry tomatoes and makes a good lunch dish, as well. 

Cante is where the breakfast buffet offers a spread worth visiting even if not staying in the hotel. Insider’s tip: No breakfast at Cante is ever complete without eating at least five to 10 xiuxo. The deep-fried, sugar-coated cylinders filled with crema Catalana may be calorie- and sugar-heavy, but you can swim it off later in the day.  

Evenings can begin at SoolHaus, the hotel bar, which channels Korea’s social drinking culture. Precision-led cocktails and DJ sets build the mood as the night unfolds. For a full experience, do the "One Night, Five Chas”

Though it wouldn’t be a Korean drinking hole if food weren’t involved. Indulge in Crispy pork kimchi croquettes, tteokbokki burger, braised pork ribs and more. There is even Golden chicken on the menu, which is chicken thigh marinated in ganjang, gochugaru and danmuji, and comes glazed in soy and garlic. Yum! Go for the decor, stay for the vibe. 

The hotel pays homage to the district it is in with curated experiences designed by a dedicated City Curator. These include the “Klong Saen Saeb Boat Experience”, the “Morning Neighborhood Walks” and “Postcards From Asoke”, a creative keepsake experience. It also partners with Bangkok-based lifestyle brand LaLaLove on limited-edition merchandise and a dedicated retail showcase, the first in an evolving programme spotlighting Thai makers and artisans, who bring the destination’s creative spirit to life.

The aptly named hotel is the much-needed quiet in a buzzing city like Bangkok.