Tower Club at Lebua, Bangkok, Thailand – Review

Many hotels scream, `try us as we will provide a unique experience!` However I guess that few can truly live up to this claim. As you stand outside and look up at the hugely impressive Tower Club at Lebua building near to the banks of the Chao-Phraya River deep in central Bangkok, you are filled with a sense of anticipation that, if the experience lives up to the building`s potential, then you are about to witness something really special.

We were met in the large stylish lobby with fragrant towels and welcome drinks by one of the very friendly staff. Reservation formalities were completed swiftly and we were shown to our Tower Club One Bedroom Riverview Suite. Our first impressions were very positive indeed with the subtle honey beige and brown tones of the furnishings contrasting well with the white décor. There was a separate lounge/dining area with cooking facilities and a large bedroom featuring a sumptuous bed with top quality 100% Egyptian cotton sheets. The bathroom was superb with huge bath towels and an extensive range of top quality Bvlgari products to indulge ourselves in. However we saved the best experience to the last. The balcony of our room on the 54th floor afforded the most spectacular panoramic views that we have ever seen of Bangkok. The endless flow of boats far below on the river and being able to look down at other 5 star hotels and the sights below was mesmeric.

Our planned stay was unfortunately short so we set off to explore the rest of the hotel. We started off at the Mezzanine floor which housed the 50 metre infinity pool and children`s pool set amidst a stunning tropical landscape. There was also a huge fitness centre, sauna steam room and a range of massage facilities. Adjacent to the pool was Café Mozu which was a spectacularly vibrant Middle Eastern influenced restaurant boasting Lebanese, Indian, Italian and Thai cuisine.

As privileged Tower Club guests, we next headed for the 52nd floor where we were warmly welcomed into the plush lounge and offered complimentary high tea with a wide range of top quality alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages. This was an amazingly refreshing and relaxing experience and made us feel incredibly special as we tucked into canapés, fresh cream tea and 18 year old Johnnie Walker Gold Label whisky. True bliss!

However it was our next appointment that would illustrate beyond doubt the uniqueness of the experience that is the Tower Club at the Lebua. Taking the lift to the very top of the building, floor 64, our senses were assaulted by the sheer wonder and the vast awe inspiring views that were the Sky Bar. Sipping the hotel`s signature cocktail aptly named `sunset 63` in the fading light of the Bangkok skyline was an out of this world experience. The glass panelled walls and the subtle changes of colours of the lighting made this an unforgettable moment for us. We were probably as close to heaven as we are ever likely to be!

If we thought that this could not be bettered, we were well and truly mistaken. Climbing the large sweeping staircase to the subtle sounds of a string quartet we were warmly greeted at the Italian influenced Mezzaluna restaurant in `the Dome.` The walls of glass panels, gave us panoramic views across the city and creating fantastic reflections, which were mesmerising. The clever subtle lighting and the tranquility of watching the boats plying their wares 64 floors below just added to what was already a very romantic experience.

We chose the Chef`s Tasting Menu featuring five courses each very well matched with a different accompanying wine to complement the flavours of each course. The menu comprised:

• Atlantic langoustines, Lemongrass, organic green cress, quinoa, Thai mango
Pinot Grigio, Vignale, Veneto, Italy, 2008
• Spaghetti `Cacio e Pepe`, Parmegiano reggiano, black pepper, ossetra caviar
Chardonnay, Private Release, Penfolds, Australia, 2008
• Haddock slowly poached in olive oil, smoked tomatoes, rye bread, iced stockfish
Sauvignon Blanc, Anakena, Chile, 2009
• Slow cooked Wagyu beef tenderloin 9+ Piedmont autumn truffle, potatoes, olive oil jus
Pinot Noir, Laforet, Joseph Drouhin, Burgundy, France, 2007
• Apricot 40% Milk chocolate mousse and sponge, yogurt parfait or Mezzaluna cheese selection
Moscato d`Asti, Castello del Poggio, Piemonte, Italy

We would assess this as a brilliantly thought out menu with exciting flavour combinations. Within the space of one meal we had the pleasure of tasting so many delicacies, each superbly combined with just the right amount of spices that complement rather than over power the dish. Everything was obviously freshly cooked and fantastically presented from an open, calm and very professional kitchen. Glasses for the white wine were chilled before serving and lovely wines from all over the world exactly and skilfully complemented each dish. We would say that the beef was the best that we have ever tasted and would describe the chef as a real artist. The staff were extremely attentive without being intrusive in addition to being very knowledgeable about the food and wine accompanying each dish. It would be very easy at this point to descend into a range of superlatives, however it would suffice to say that this was fine dining at its very best and one of the most amazing eating experiences that we have ever had. We were treated like kings and it was an experience that we will never forget.

The five-star Lebua Hotel at State Tower in Bangkok, Thailand is a member of Preferred Hotels & Resorts.