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Checking Into HOMM Sukhumvit34 Bangkok: A Home Away From Home

Formerly known as Novotel Suites Bangkok when it first opened in 2020, HOMM Sukhumvit34 Bangkok now sports brand-new colours and merchandise in an edgy cobalt blue. The boutique hotel is one of the latest properties to have joined the Banyan Tree umbrella, placing it firmly among the ranks of other well-known brands such as Angsana, Dhawa, Laguna as well as the Banyan Tree namesakes.

Located near Thong Lor on Sukhumvit Road, one of Bangkok’s most notoriously busy districts, you’d think noise and traffic would swallow up HOMM. Surprisingly, just a few turns down the street led to a quiet residential area far away from the hustle and bustle of town.

Like many of Bangkok’s properties, HOMM offers a shuttle service to the nearest BTS station. It’s funny, though; we always opted for the short ten-minute walk during our stay. It’s a calm journey on foot, and a blue neon sign atop the property softly glows in the evening, like a lighthouse calling out to travellers.

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HOMM offers 148 guest rooms, ranging from standard rooms to suites generous for two persons. Our stay at the Junior Suite, the largest of the four room types available, was an absolute delight.

At first glance, the interiors were reminiscent of the Japanese wabi-sabi style: rustic textures, sleek, functional details, and well-placed warm wood accents in an otherwise neutral palette.

The suite has a spacious rainshower and a large, free-standing bathtub, perfect for winding down after a long day. My favourite part, though, has to be the walk-in corner wardrobe with a long dressing table fitted against the window for natural light. I love well-lit spaces; the light was gorgeous during the day, bathing the bedroom in a warm wash. 

If you’re considering an extended stay while in town, the Junior Suite would be perfect for the job, with ample space to separate work and living areas.


Facilities

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Having been cooped up in Hong Kong for the past several years, I’ve missed the onsen big time and was bent on visiting an onsen spa during our time in Bangkok. But who knew that hotels are fitted with private facilities nowadays? Available upon advance request, HOMM’s Japanese onsen experience is luxurious and unlike any other. We’re talking about a fully equipped onsen experience, not an unmanned tap in your bathroom.

The reception staff led us beyond the pool to a secluded private entrance on a lower floor. Entry is only available by keycard, so rest assured that wandering guests will not disturb you during your session. There is an antechamber with refreshments and a changing space before entering the main chamber, which is fitted with a spacious hot bath, cold plunge, and sauna room. The onsen is powerful and steamy throughout, so close the sliding door to keep your stored valuables dry.

By this point, I had forgotten what hot onsens and cold plunges feel like, and it was a much-needed shock to my body system. With Japanese minerals to recharge and rejuvenate the body, I could feel the strain in my shoulders and calves slowly ebbing away. Just be careful not to fall asleep as it’s dangerous.

Because the private onsen is an entirely separate space, time takes on its own pace once you enter. By the end of our pampering session, I knew I would sleep like a log in bed at night (you bet I did!)

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Most hotels in Bangkok sell the idea of having an infinity pool (or two) towering over the city for a metropolitan buzz. Not HOMM, though, which manages to set itself apart as a small urban oasis with its striking pool on the mezzanine floor.

The pool blends seamlessly into the property’s architecture and ties the outdoor areas together: set against a backdrop of lush vines that separate the property from its neighbours, water gently sloshes off the edge to create a water feature that guests can admire from the breakfast tables.  

We were lucky to have enjoyed the pool for a quiet afternoon before drying off and heading to the gym next door for a quick sweat before dinnertime.

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If you’re working on the go and prefer a quiet area separate from your guest room, the quaint office space overlooking the pool deck also offers privacy to get your focus game on.


Dining

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While HOMM currently does not feature a complete dining establishment, breakfast is served daily in the outdoor area by the pool. It’s an area where guests can relax and take in their surroundings slowly during the day. Menu items are made to order, with a complimentary platter of fruits served. Thais really know how to stay healthy!

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The original Olna x PY Roasters is a beautiful outdoor cafe in Khao Yai, and now they’ve taken up residence in HOMM. With glass walls and high ceilings, the lobby offers an inviting environment to grab a quick refreshment before heading out of the door or hopping onto the shuttle.


Thoughts

As written on HOMM’s cosy shuttle, “Home is a feeling, not a place.”

Neatly tucked away in one of Bangkok’s most dynamic neighbourhoods, HOMM’s location is hard to beat. Its relaxing ambience and tranquillity is a calming constant for travellers to return to after a long day of exploring. Add to the mix a serene pool deck and the enticing offer of a private Japanese onsen – you can be sure that we’ll be returning to this urban home for more relaxation and pampering.

A special thank you to the HOMM Sukhumvit34 team for a complimentary stay in exchange for press coverage. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we receive a commission when you click and make a purchase.


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