Weekendin Singapore Nov '13 | Issue 08 | Page 26

intheSTAY intheSTAY The Greenhouse Dressed in Como Shambhala clothes in the Studio Room tel’s four penthouse suites and sole presidential suite meet an 11th floor corridor of antique teakwood carving with appropriate Asian temple bells and horseshoe chairs from China. Furthermore, you will find sofas by the established; Patricia Urguilo, Artemide Melampo table lamps, Helen Yardley rugs and Northern Thai coffee tables. In each room, you will discover one-of-a-kind pieces by young artist Natee Utarit who is considered one of Thailand’s most exciting and fresh talents. Surprisingly, the distinction can be made that unlike most things minimalist and modern, from furniture to clothes to art, The Met feels as comfortable as a country inn whilst it looks as untouchable as a modern museum. And you definitely will feel invited to touch, feel, taste and smell. You will instinctively pat the chaise lounge cushion, hug the luxurious bathrobes, roll around in the soft Egyptian thread-count, touch the bathroom limestone, lean on the Thai silk cushions, and breathe in the scent of COMO Shambhala toiletries. It doesn’t stop there, assuming you are capable of pulling off the look, you may envy the staff’s Commes des Garcon uniforms, Calvin Klein shoes and the way they speak in an assured but gentle way, walk with purpose but never appear to be hurried. They are solicitous but never pandering. The facilities and services are efficient but always understated. The services are comprehensive, meticulously attentive to detail and consistent. This theme is embodied in everything within The Met down to the smallest details like stationery, menus and the practically thoughtout services like the dressing up and down of the bed from day to night. The Metropolitan strikes the boutique first timer as a way of life more than a destination. And it certainly attracts a certain discerning kind of traveller – Asian businessmen and women and hip couples. A few days at The Met and I finally realise what smart casual and casual chic actually mean. One simWeekendin 24 Metropolitan Room ply is the type of person who lives The Met luxury and lifestyle and appreciates the careful consideration or not. The kind of traveller who fails to differentiate the understated, those finer things in life for the simply functional or boldly ornate may not fully experience what The Metropolitan has to offer. Rooms: Met Room: These are the largest standard/deluxe rooms in Bangkok, at 51-54 sq metres each. King size or twin beds are flanked by a simple teak wood bench, bedecked in Thai silk cushions. The mosaic and limestone bathrooms are conspicuously oversized. To expound on this, as an example, sprawling all-you-can eat buffets are not served at The Met. Instead Cy’an, a 110-seat contemporary restaurant, serves Mediterranean-inspired and seafood ala carte menus. Glow, a 48-seater eatery showcases healthful, natural, organic and light food and juices. Moran’s emphasis is on fresh produce, carefully sourced ingredients and only serving the freshest food. Studio: Like the 122 Met Rooms, the seven Studios offer ample space, at 43 sq metres, with the same amenities. However, beds are king size only, and the bath rooms feature a separate shower and bathtub. For the business traveller, the location is convenient for events and meetings. You can even request for a personal meeting butler. Do not bat an eyelash if you encounter a chic luncheon party, fashion show or cocktail occurring at the Metropolitan Bangkok. These gatherings will be understated and elegant as well, as usually only the most exclusive events are held at this location. In line with this sensibility, The Met Bar is a chic bar open only to members (by invitation), their guests and hotel guests. Like London’s the Met Bar on Park Lane located at its sister Metropolitan London, is a dynamic private place to party. London trained mixologists create special Martinis such as the ‘Tom Yumtini’ with both Thai and international DJs playing eclectic lounge music flanked by soft and moody lighting, deep lounge chairs and dark-wine interiors. City Room: The 22, 29 sq metre City Rooms feature a Queen Size bed and large limestone and mosaic bathrooms, the shower combined with the tub. Terrace Suite: Picture a Met Room (see above) and add a spacious private patio with clean-lined landscaping and an outdoor bench. Suites: Features of the four-penthouse suites include: •Open-plan living space •Dining space with custom-designed table in local wood, and open-plan pantry •Extra guest room (upstairs) with conservatory-style sitting room and expansive bathroom, boasting a bird’s-eye view of Bangkok •Double-volume windows with electronically operated handmade Thai silk curtains. •The presidential suite has a separate dining room with an antique red lacquer cabinet, a custom-designed ceiling light in hand-blown red and orange glass, and large windows throughout, especially in the bathroom and dressing room areas. The Metropolitan | 27 South Sathorn Road | Tungmahamek | Sathorn Bangkok | T 02 625 3333 | F 02 625 3300 www.comohotels.com/metropolitanbangkok Terrace Room 25 Weekendin