The Hansar Hotel in central Bangkok is a great urban oasis, with really
functional rooms and excellent service. Take a look at the full tour, coming up.
The Hansar Hotel has been my goto hotel in Bangkok for almost a decade.
Opened in 2010, admittedly the rooms could use a bit of a refresh,
but that doesn’t discount the excellent location, service and functionality that the rooms offer.
First though, let’s orientate ourselves with the city. If you know Bangkok like the back of
your hand, feel free to skip ahead to the time below. Bangkok’s metro area is huge and while
some say Sukhumvit is it’s true downtown area- I tend to think it’s quite a bit bigger than that.
Flying into Bangkok nonstop or with one stop is possible from just about
anywhere in the world these days and you’ll find yourself at the the newer and massive
Suvarnabhumi Airport- around 35km from the city or at the older Don Mueang airport 25km to the north
that mostly serves regional or low cost airlines. Bangkok is notorious
for it’s traffic so make sure you budget at least 45 minutes drive to either airport.
The hotel is located just north of Lumpini Park and a five minute walk from the Ratchadamri BTS
stop- just across the street from the Royal Sports Club. The Erawan Shrine is just up the street
and you’re within a ten minute walk of six shopping malls including Siam Square, Siam Center,
Siam Paragon, Central Chitlom, Gaysorn Village and the giant Central World.
In terms of conveniences you’re just a five minute walk from the BTS system which can connect you to
just about anywhere on the metro system. This is Bangkok after all so there are 7-Eleven’s,
Boots Pharmacies and Starbucks literally everywhere.
The hotel shares the building with residential units and has a total of 94 rooms spread over
9 floors, set on a small street off of the main drag, so you won’t be bothered by street noise.
As with most properties in Thailand, landscaping and greenery plays an
important part in both the curb appeal and the design of the property in general.
Off of the driveway, there is an outdoor covered bell hop and waiting area,
convenient during Bangkok’s rainy season which lasts from May until October.
Inside, you’ll find a two story reception area, let’s take a look upstairs first.
Hansar is a small boutique hotel chain with five properties in Thailand, it’s name meaning,
“to be in the moment of full joy and happiness” in Thai. If I had to pinpoint their design,
I’d say it’s understated modern Thai relying heavily on earth tones- wood surfaces, dark stone
and various shades of green- maybe with a bit of a Japanese aesthetic. At the top of the stairs
is the primary reception area, which was moved from the ground floor a few years ago.
All around there are casual lounge areas and small business stations.
Back downstairs now, we have the Rouge bar and lounge.
Keep in mind, my trip to Thailand was in November and December of 2021-
and most hotels had changes to their F&B and Spa facilities based on local regulations.
On the other side is Eve restaurant. Normally,
this would be the primary breakfast restaurant with a really nice buffet
plus a la carte add ons. Sitting outside with all of the greenery was ideal on nice days.
Currently though breakfast is being served at the Elphin restaurant which we will see in a bit.
The outdoor seating area eventually loops around to the main entrance of the hotel,
but now we are going to take a look at the Pool, pool bar and lounge which are on the 10th floor.
The pool deck is a great size and in all of my stays here
I don’t think I’ve ever seen more than a handful of people here at a time.
At the end of the deck is a large fitness center as well as a Muay Thai boxing ring- which a large
number of hotels in Thailand have- most of them will happily setup a lesson for you if you'd like.
The pool deck really shines though- no pun intended- when the sun is shining.
Now, we are heading to my room for this stay, an Urban Suite on the 15th floor. When looking
at room types, I think the Urban Suites are the best value for the layout, but if you’d prefer a
better view of the Sports Club, you can check out a Luxury Suite which is just a bit smaller. If you
are booking a Luxury Suite, make sure you request a balcony, as only some of them are equipped.
The room is large, around 75 square meters and features an office living area which can
be separated from the bedroom with a large sliding door if you’d like.
Beyond the bedroom you'll find a large bathroom and closet combo with two vanities,
a soaking tub and truly truly the best rainfall shower I’ve ever had. I’d stay here again,
just for that shower head and water pressure. Just next door you have a separate toilet area.
Back for a better look of the living areas,
the large working desk is fantastic if you are traveling on business or editing on the road
like I was. Lots of drawers and outlets available and plenty of room to spread out all of your gear.
The living area had additional storage as well as a complimentary mini bar. Single serve pour over
coffee sachets were available free of charge as well- and they’re actually really good.
This super heavy sliding mirrored door blocks off the bedroom.
The bedroom is equipped with multiple universal sockets and the beds at Hansar are some of the
most comfortable beds- with a pillow menu also available. As I said earlier in the video,
the rooms could use a bit of a refresh
and honestly it’s all about their upholstered walls. They are in good condition,
but they’re walls covered in fabric that’s 11 years old, so you can imagine what I mean.
Finally, we have another set of mirrored doors which can close off the bathroom if you choose to.
Breakfast these days will be found on the Ground floor at Elphin where you can choose from a long
list of items- western or Thai which will be accompanied by a variety of breads,
fruits drinks if you’d like. You could also of course have the same, in your room.
I want to call out the level of service I always get from Hansar. I stayed there for a few nights,
the first of which was my Test & Go quarantine. Emailing back and forth prior to departing for
Thailand was easy and they were always available to answer any questions I had-
and kindly stored my luggage for a few weeks while I headed to the islands.
Finally, we have the Spa, which due to very strict regulations was
available by appointment only, so i just snuck this quick shot early in the morning.
Now on to The Flip Flop Score. The room design, layout and fixtures are all top notch at a 9 out
of 10. As I mentioned, the rooms are just starting to feel a bit tired, especially the wall panels,
six out of 10. Service in Thailand is typically good in general, but at Hansar it’s especially
good at a full 10. The common areas are plentiful and the pool area is beautiful with a solid 9.
Location in my opinion is about as good as you can get, with a 10. For the last five areas
each one is coming out with a 9. The hotel has great cleanliness and safety protocols. It’s a
bit disappointing that Eve Restaurant wasn’t open, but overall the venues are great. Amenities are
all there if you need them, just don’t forget you may need to ask for some, such as coffee in room.
The wifi was strong at around 50mbps up and down and finally, there’s a 7-Eleven directly across
the street as well as just about anything else you could need within a 10 minute walk.
Overall, a very solid 89/100. I can’t imagine ever not recommending the Hansar and I look
forward to my next stay there as well. Thank you for watching and subscribing
to the channel. Stay tuned for almost 20 other videos coming from Thailand in the months ahead.