Discover Bangkok's Hidden Oasis: The Ad Lib Hotel
Welcome to our latest travel blog post! Today, we're excited to share our experience at the Ad Lib Hotel in Bangkok. Our family adventure and research trip took us to this hidden gem tucked away in the bustling urban jungle of Bangkok.
Not only was this trip a family vacation, but it also served as part of our ongoing research into potential business development activities: we explored optimal travel itineraries and hospitality options for customized Thailand road trips.
Why would you want to go to the Ad Lib Hotel?
Here are some standout features that made our stay memorable:
1. The Welcome Snacks. Upon arrival, we were greeted with some of the best welcome snacks we have ever had! These treats set the tone for the hospitality we were about to experience during our stay.
2. The Design of the Rooms and common areas. We tend to like modern designs but with greenery and warmth and Ad Lib hit the perfect balance for us. Just check out the first shot from our video review below and you will understand what we mean.
3. The A la Carte & Buffet Breakfast Combo. Breakfast at Ad Lib was also very good. We liked the combination of a la carte and buffet options. Highlights included vegan options for yogurts, blended fresh juices (like orange passion fruit, or beetroot apple). Included in the breakfast was an a la carte order and we always appreciate a well presented plate. The food itself was good but not outstanding (unlike the food served at the restaurant in the evening).
4. The Outdoor Pool. The rooftop saltwater pool is another highlight. Surrounded by lush greenery, it offered a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
5. Complimentary Tuk Tuk Rides to the Nearest Metro Station. The hotel is tucked away off one of the main roads (about a 10 min walk). So, it was nice to have access to complimentary Tuk Tuk rides that take you to the main road, although it is not available early in the mornings or later in the evenings (and we always walked back to the hotel).
6. Proximity to the "Park Connector" Walkway. Once you are on the main road there is an access to one of the dedicated park connectors (path with no motorized vehicles) which take you to two of the main “central parks” in Bangkok (~5 min run).
Few Negatives
There were only a few minor downsides, such as the limited views and Tuk Tuk service hours, and the ~10-minute walk to the metro. Some spots in the pool area could use some TLC but those are small details (but then we are talking about a 4 star hotel…).
Conclusion
Overall, Ad Lib Hotel is definitely on our recommended list. There is a lot for us to like and the downsides mentioned above do not bother us. We also like the fact that it is a local brand and has a distinctive Thai feel to it. We also like the fact that it is a smaller hotel, although we might not quite call it boutique. And we just love the design. That being said some travelers might prefer having direct access to the metro and some of the great shopping malls in the area. There would also be better options for those who favor city views or park views.
Watch Our Detailed Review Video
We have put together a comprehensive review of our stay at Ad Lib Hotel. Check out our YouTube video to see all the highlights and get a closer look at what makes this hotel special.