Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok Review : Among the countless luxury hotels in Bangkok, Kimpton Maa-Lai positions itself uniquely with a bold, youthful vibe and refined style. Unlike the traditional 5-star hotel experience, it blends modern sophistication with a relaxed atmosphere. It’s also famously pet-friendly and well-situated for exploring the city.
For our Bangkok trip, we compared several 5-star hotels using strict criteria and ultimately chose Kimpton Maa-Lai. It significantly elevated our overall experience in Bangkok.
Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok: Key Information
Hotel Overview & Concept
Kimpton Maa-Lai is a boutique property under the IHG brand, located in the upscale Langsuan area. The hotel features 362 rooms and is adjacent to Sindhorn Kempinski—though they’re often mistaken for sister properties, they’re independently operated. Both are part of the “Sindhorn Village,” a high-end residential and lifestyle complex, offering guests access to nearby cafes, wellness spaces, and gourmet markets.
Location & Shuttle Service
Positioned just above Lumphini Park, Kimpton Maa-Lai is a short walk from BTS Chit Lom and Ratchadamri stations. There’s a free shuttle that runs regularly to Chit Lom, making city access simple and convenient.
What Makes It Special
Kimpton is known for its vibrant yet elegant personality, and that really shines through. While we didn’t originally prioritize breakfast, we were impressed—variety, presentation, and quality were all top-notch. But the most defining trait is the pet-friendly policy. If you’re not fond of animals, it might require some consideration, as many guests bring their furry companions.
Price Range
Depending on room type and season, rates range from approx. USD $220–$440 per night. For this level of quality, it’s reasonable—especially when comparing similar standards in countries like Korea, where rates easily exceed $400. That said, price fluctuates based on platform and promotions, so comparison shopping is a must.
Our Stay: Premium 1 King Bed Room Review
Hotel Selection Process
We started with a list of top-rated 5-star Bangkok hotels, setting our target price at 300,000–400,000 KRW per night. Hotels like Four Seasons and The Peninsula exceeded the budget, but we shortlisted:
- Sheraton Grande
- Waldorf Astoria
- Millennium Hilton
- Kimpton Maa-Lai
- Conrad
- Anantara Siam
- Hyatt Erawan
| Hotel | Min. Price (2 nights, 10K KRW) | Room Size (㎡) | Features | Notes | No. of Rooms |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sheraton Grande | 73 | 45 | Great transit access, traditional 5-star feel, popular with Korean guests | Above-ground swimming pool | 420 |
| Waldorf Astoria | 72 | 50 | Luxury breakfast, couples-friendly, spacious | Infinity pool | 171 |
| Millennium Hilton | 59 | 34 | Riverside view, iconic architecture | Infinity pool | 533 |
| Kimpton Maa-Lai | 57 | 48 → 67 | Trendy, youthful vibe, less formal, pet-friendly | Room upgrades often available via promos | 362 |
| Conrad | 54 | 41 | Clean, good location, includes sauna | Connected to a resort-style gym & spa | 391 |
| Anantara Siam | 44 | 42 | Good transit, Southeast Asia luxury vibe | Club lounge available for 64K KRW/night | 354 |
| Hyatt Erawan | 44 | 40 | Excellent location, traditional 5-star standard | High floors available from 52K KRW/night | 380 |
We scored each option based on room size, price, transit convenience, pool, room condition, view, and quietness. Kimpton came out on top—mainly due to its spacious room upgrade offer. For us, small rooms (30 sqm or less) just don’t cut it on a vacation, so Millennium Hilton was dropped early.
Ultimately, we booked a two-night stay with breakfast and a complimentary room upgrade via a special promotion.
Check-in Experience
We arrived via BTS Ratchadamri and walked to the hotel. As a pet-friendly hotel, the lobby already had several four-legged guests, which we found charming. A Korean staff member greeted us warmly, making check-in smooth and welcoming.
Room Layout & Comfort
After dropping off our luggage early, we headed to Chatuchak Market and returned to find our room ready. The layout was impressive: a large bathroom nearly the size of a room, a well-stocked minibar, a king-size bed, and full-height windows offering views of Sindhorn Kempinski and the Bangkok skyline. We also appreciated the small gestures, like towel art waiting for us each evening.
Pool, Breakfast & Social Hour
Social Hour (a.k.a. Happy Hour)
Kimpton’s Social Hour takes place daily at 5 PM by the pool or lounge, offering complimentary wine, cocktails, beer, and snacks to all guests. Staff were attentive and casual, often asking if you’d like another drink while you relaxed in the cabana. It was relaxed and friendly—we probably had 3–4 drinks each without even noticing.
Breakfast Experience
Despite not being big breakfast people, we were seriously impressed. The buffet featured a global selection of cuisines in dedicated stations, with bottled drinks, chilled salads, and even individually packaged cereals for hygiene. The staff were cheerful, attentive, and fast to respond. The atmosphere was calm and stylish—perfect for starting the day in a good mood.
Neighborhood & Vibe
Langsuan Road is a high-end residential and commercial zone—safe, clean, and filled with tasteful cafes, restaurants, and markets. Though not a touristy area, that was actually a plus for us. It felt like coming back to a peaceful home base after sightseeing.
Lumphini Park was a 10-minute walk, and within the Sindhorn Village zone, you’ll find everything from organic grocers to upscale dining. We spent part of our trip just living like locals: walking to dinner, browsing the market, and enjoying the calm streets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning a Bangkok trip centered around relaxation, Kimpton Maa-Lai is an excellent choice—especially for couples. While it’s not the cheapest option, it offers exceptional value for the level of service, design, and atmosphere.
If your budget allows, we highly recommend spending at least a night or two here. And if the full stay is too much, consider mixing it with a more budget-friendly hotel to balance the experience. Prices and deals vary by season, so booking in advance and comparing platforms is key.
Check the latest rates and photos on Trip.com below before you book.
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