Centara Grand at CentralWorld

Centara Grand at Central World sits at the heart of Ratchaprasong, and after a full renovation, it looks and feels sharper than ever. The lobby has lost its old dark-wood heaviness – brighter now, more open, with natural light doing a lot of the work. Rooms start from B5,600 a night and come in ten types, though a few deserve a closer look.

The Club Suite separates the bedroom from the living area properly, and the corner position earns you a wider sweep of the city. The Club Deluxe is smaller but genuinely comfortable – particularly good for a solo trip. From the bed, you're looking out over one of Bangkok's biggest shopping complexes, plus a handful of smaller spots most people never notice from street level. On the 54th floor, UNO MAS serves Spanish food under Madrid-born Chef Roberto González Alonso. Meals start around B850, and cocktails at the bar open from B450.

Time Out tip: COCOA XO is worth the sky-high visit. Part post-dinner bar, part chocolate cave, it pairs premium cognacs with chocolates sourced from around the world.

999, 99 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan.