Bangkok's Hidden Gem: Olive Hotel & Residence Sukhumvit 101/1 Luxury Awaits!
Olive Hotel & Residence Sukhumvit 101/1: Bangkok's Best-Kept Secret (Or Is It Now?) - A Review That's a Little All Over the Place… Just Like My Life!
Okay, people, buckle up. I’m about to spill the tea (and maybe some of the coffee from the in-room maker) on the Olive Hotel & Residence Sukhumvit 101/1. This place… it’s kind of a big deal. And honestly, I’m not sure how much longer it's going to stay "hidden." Because after my stay, I'm tempted to shout its praises from the rooftops… or, you know, write a ridiculously long review like this one.
Let’s start with the basics. Accessibility? Yep, they've got it. The elevator is glorious (important for a lazy chap like me!), and I saw ramps galore. They seem pretty geared up for guests with disabilities, which earns them serious brownie points. I didn't need to test it extensively (thankfully!), but the presence of Facilities for disabled guests, and the elevators, is a HUGE plus.
Internet? Listen, in this day and age, a hotel that doesn't offer decent Wi-Fi is a crime. The Olive doesn't disappoint. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! and Wi-Fi in public areas meant I could stay connected (and, let’s be honest, endlessly scroll through social media) without a hitch. They even had Internet access – LAN if you’re old-school (or have a work-related attachment, which I definitely do not have).
What To Do (And Ways To Relax!) Ugh, where do I even begin? The swimming pool is… well, let's just say I spent a glorious chunk of my time there. The Pool with view is a perfect touch. The Fitness center is actually decent, and they had a sauna, steamroom …and a spa! I'm not a huge spa guy, but I did treat myself to a massage. Pure. Bliss. They also have a foot bath, which, after pounding the Bangkok pavements, was a religious experience. I was tempted by the Body scrub and Body wrap but stayed true to my 'lazy vacation' agenda.
Now, let’s get to what REALLY matters: Dining, Drinking, and Snacking. This is where the Olive really shines.
- Restaurants: Multiple! They have an Asian cuisine in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, a Vegetarian restaurant (which, surprisingly, I loved!), and a Western cuisine in restaurant.
- Breakfast: They had a Breakfast [buffet] with an Asian breakfast AND Western breakfast. The coffee shop was great!
- Room Service: Room service [24-hour], which is a dangerous thing for a hungry traveler. I may (or may not) have ordered a late-night snack or two. The Snack bar was perfect to grab a bite at any point during the day and the Poolside bar was a must. The food and drinks are available to be delivered to your room.
- Drinks: They also have a Bar, and a Coffee/tea in restaurant
Honestly, the food was consistently good. They offered desserts. I was able to go to the Happy hour. I was able to opt for an Alternative meal arrangement if I needed to. I might be biased because I'm a huge eater, but the restaurants were top-notch. A la carte in restaurant, Buffet in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, and they served Bottle of water.
Alright, let's talk about Cleanliness and Safety. This is HUGE right now. The Olive takes it seriously. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, have Daily disinfection in common areas, Rooms sanitized between stays, and that all-important Staff trained in safety protocol. You can even opt-out of daily room cleaning (though, let's be real, I'm not THAT messy). Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items. The inclusion of Hand sanitizer and First aid kit are good signs. They have CCTV in common areas and CCTV outside property. You can even utilize the services of Doctor/nurse on call.
Getting Around: This is where it gets even better. They offer Airport transfer, but more importantly, they have Car park [free of charge], and Valet parking. Taxi service is also available, which is great, but the free parking in Bangkok is a life-saver. I was looking at the Car power charging station, but I didn’t have to use it. I did use the Bicycle parking
Services and Conveniences: This part is where the Olive really goes the extra mile. Concierge service? Check. Daily housekeeping? Double-check. Dry cleaning and Laundry service? Saved me from a wardrobe malfunction (which, trust me, is a real possibility for me). Express Check-in/out, Luggage storage, and Cash withdrawal make everything easy. They even have a Convenience store. The elevator is a blessing, especially after a long day of exploring. I was also impressed by the Air conditioning in public area! I was able to use Safety deposit boxes. And much more.
In-Room Experience: Did I Like My Room? You betcha! Air conditioning (essential in Bangkok!), a comfy bed, and a minibar. The Blackout curtains meant I could sleep in until noon, which I absolutely did. The bathtub was divine, and the bathrobes were fluffy. They even had Complimentary tea and Free bottled water. And a Coffee/tea maker? Game changer! It was all incredibly clean and well-maintained.
Here's a random memory: I turned on the on-demand movies one night, expecting the usual hotel-room dross. Instead, I found a surprisingly decent selection! I spent a whole evening in bed with a cheesy rom-com and a mountain of snacks. Pure. Perfection. The Seating area was a nice touch too. They even offer Interconnecting room(s) available if you're traveling with a group.
For the Kids? They've got Babysitting service and Kids facilities. I don’t need any of these, but if you are looking for Family/child friendly, or Kids meal, it's here!
Services and Conveniences, AGAIN! I'm going to repeat it, because they're so good. The Olive has all the obvious stuff: Front desk [24-hour], Doorman, and all the right things. It also got a lot of the unexpected: Invoice provided, Meeting/banquet facilities, and Audio-visual equipment for special events. Business facilities (including Xerox/fax in business center - fancy!).
Things to Consider… (And a Few Gripes):
- Location: It's in Sukhumvit 101/1, which is slightly off the beaten track. This is a plus for peace and quiet, but you'll need to use taxis or the BTS Skytrain to get around. However, the hotel offers Airport transfer and Taxi service.
- The Little Things: The little things… well, they do all add up.
- The Price: Honestly, the price is AMAZING for what you get. Seriously, I'd happily pay more.
The Verdict: Book This Hotel RIGHT NOW!
Look, I’m not one to gush, but the Olive Hotel & Residence Sukhumvit 101/1 blew me away. It’s got everything you need: comfort, style, great food, top-notch service, and a killer pool. It's close to everything, and it is super safe! Sure, the location is a tad off the beaten path, but that just adds to its charm. It's a true hidden gem. You absolutely should book it now!
And now, for a (slightly desperate) call to action:
Tired of the same old Bangkok hotels? Craving luxury without the eye-watering price tag? Then, look no further than the Olive Hotel & Residence Sukhumvit 101/1!
For a limited time only, mention this review and get a complimentary upgrade to a pool-view room and a free cocktail at the poolside bar! (Okay, I might have made that part up. But seriously, book it. You won't regret it.)
Book your stay at the Olive Hotel & Residence Sukhumvit 101/1 today and discover your own Bangkok paradise! Plus, get ready for a truly relaxing and unforgettable stay!
Indonesian Paradise Found: Villas Edenia Resort Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your sanitized, perfectly-packaged travel itinerary. This is my trip to the Olive Hotel & Residence in Bangkok, and you're coming along for the deliciously imperfect ride. I'm warning you now: it involves questionable food choices, existential crises over tuk-tuk rides, and a whole lotta me rambling.
BANGKOK BONANZA: A Chaotic Chronicle (Olive Hotel & Residence, Sukhumvit 101/1)
Day 1: Arrival of the Exhausted Tourist
Morning (aka: the black hole of jet lag): Landed in Suvarnabhumi Airport. Holy moly, the heat! Like, instantly felt my mascara melting off. Finding a taxi… pure chaos. The drivers are all hustling, everyone speaks (or pretends to speak) English. I finally negotiated a price that felt suspiciously high. But hey, I was tired. The car ride was a blur of neon signs, traffic jams that made the 405 look efficient, and my internal monologue screaming, "Are we there yet?"
Afternoon (Olive Hotel & Residence, Check-In Trauma): Finally, finally arrived. The Olive Hotel looked promising from the pictures. The lobby was all shiny, modern, and blessedly air-conditioned. Check-in? Painless. Room? Clean, spacious, and had a balcony with a glorious view of… well, a lot of buildings. But still, a view! Dropped my bags. The sudden burst of freedom from being in transit for 24 hours put me in a daze.
Afternoon (aka: Food Coma & First Impressions): Took a desperate walk to find food. Street food stalls everywhere! The smells… oh, the smells! Spicy, sweet, savory, utterly overwhelming in the best possible way. Spotted a stall with what looked like some kind of noodles…and ordered it, of course. No idea what was in it (probably contained things I'd rather not name), but it was DIVINE. Followed that up with a mango sticky rice that nearly made me weep. Food coma activated. Wandered back to the hotel, utterly wrecked with happiness, and then crashed.
Evening (Terrifying Tuk-Tuk Trials): Okay, so I needed to get to a specific shopping mall. I'd heard the tuk-tuks were an experience. Well, experience is an understatement. Negotiating the price felt like a high-stakes poker game. The driver zoomed through traffic like he was auditioning for a Mad Max sequel. Holding on for dear life, I'm seriously considering a life insurance policy, while I am simultaneously enjoying the thrill. Did I get ripped off? Probably. Did I have a minor panic attack? Yes. Would I do it again? Probably! Maybe.
Day 2: Temple Troubles and Market Mayhem
Morning (Temples and Inner Peace…or Lack Thereof): Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) – a must-see. The sheer scale of the Buddha? Jaw-dropping. Trying to find my zen amidst the crowds? Less successful. The sheer volume of tourists! It's like everyone on the planet decided to be here at the same time. Wandered around. Took too many photos. Got a little claustrophobic but mostly awestruck. Picked up some questionable souvenirs – the power of suggestion is real.
Afternoon (Chatuchak Weekend Market, The Sensory Overload): Okay, so someone told me about this market. They called it "massive." They were wrong. It is the earth's largest market. Seriously. A labyrinth of stalls selling literally everything imaginable: clothes, crafts, food, knock-off handbags (probably the best of the knock-offs), everything. Got hopelessly lost. Loved it. Bargained for a fake Ray-Ban of questionable quality. Ate things I couldn't pronounce. Sweat buckets. Bought a ridiculously oversized elephant-print pants. I look ridiculous, but I love them.
Evening (Hotel Poolside Reflections and Mango Sticky Rice Remorse): Okay, the pool at the Olive Hotel is actually pretty decent. Needed a little downtime after Chatuchak. Spent an hour just floating and feeling the world slowly melt away. Evenings are great at the hotel. The air is calm, so you can hear nature. I swear I'll order the mango sticky rice again tomorrow..
Day 3: (Bangkok) Floating Markets & Existentialism
- Morning (A Trip to the Floating Market): So, this was the day I decided to tour the floating market. I knew it was going to be a long trip, but it was worth it! The tour bus left at 7 AM. The trip was about two hours. I got on the boat, and it was awesome! The boats were colorful, and it was all new to me. We cruised through the canals, observing the houses. It's a completely different view of life. Then, we stopped at the actual floating market, which was packed with vendors. Everything from fruits, to noodles, to ice cream. The boat, so filled to the brim, wobbled precariously. I was terrified! I barely made it through without getting sick! So many people! So much stuff! I swear, if I could have, I would have gone back to the hotel immediately.
- Afternoon (Back to the Hotel, More Relaxation and Food): Back to the hotel, so needed to relax! I thought the floating market, once over, was a great experience, but it was way too much for me. I decided that I'd eat some more food and then relax by the pool. The food was great, I'm not going to lie. But after the market, the food tasted less exciting.
- Evening (One final time at the rooftop bar): I spent my final evening at the rooftop bar. It was beautiful. But I had the sensation that I had to leave sometime soon. I was going to have to leave this amazing country, and go back to the real world. Thinking about it made me sad. I was going to miss this so much. But it's time.
Day 4: Farewell, Bangkok!
Morning (Packing Panic & Last-Minute Regrets): Packing. Always a nightmare. Trying to fit everything I bought into my suitcase. Failed. Had to sit on it to close. The Olive Hotel's breakfast buffet one last time – pad thai, pineapple, more mango sticky rice (of course!) and one last cup of strong Thai coffee.
Afternoon (Airport and Goodbye): Back to the airport. A long travel. The flight was delayed. Said goodbye to Thailand as I took off… I miss you already!
Reflections:
Bangkok - a sensory overload. I lost track of my money, my waistline, and maybe even my sanity a little bit. But I also found a deep appreciation for delicious food, the relentless energy of a bustling city, and the sheer beauty of Thailand. It was messy, imperfect, and exactly what I needed. I'll be back. Probably with a bigger suitcase, and a stronger stomach.
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Olive Hotel & Residence Sukhumvit 101/1: The Truth (And a Lot of Opinions) About This "Luxury Awaits!" Place
So, is this "luxury" thing actually true? Or just marketing fluff?
Okay, let's be real. "Luxury" is a loaded word, right? I went in expecting the glitz and glamour, you know, the whole shebang. Marble floors, a personal butler named Bartholomew... (I may have watched too many movies). The *hotel*, bless its stylish little heart, definitely leans towards the luxurious side. The lobby? Chic AF. The rooms? Nicely appointed, though maybe not *palace* level. Think... really nice IKEA, upgraded. The *residence* side? A bit more "lived-in" luxury. You know the difference between a pristine hotel room vs. the slightly-more-lived-in feeling of a stylish apartment? That's the vibe. I'd say it's more "smart luxury" than "excessive luxury." Definitely a step up from your average backpacker hostel though, thankfully.
Let's talk location. Is Sukhumvit 101/1 actually... *hidden*? Because I need easy access to stuff or I'm a grumpy human.
Hidden? Debatable. It's not slap-bang in the middle of the crazy Soi Cowboy action, which, honestly, is a *blessing* if you crave sleep. It's down a bit further, which means you might need a taxi, ride-sharing service (like Grab), or BTS Skytrain to get into the thick of it. But the Skytrain, oh, the Skytrain! It's a short walk away, and it’s the BOMB. Bangkok traffic can be soul-crushing. Believe me, I speak from EXPERIENCE (more on that later). Being near the Skytrain *alone* is a major win. You can get anywhere from there, really. Plus, the neighborhood around the hotel isn't *dead*. There are some cool little cafes and restaurants popping up. It's got a nice local feel, which I secretly loved.
The rooms! Give me the dirt! What's a room actually LIKE?
Okay, here's the juicy stuff. I stayed in a room at the hotel side. Clean, modern, and the air conditioning? A GODSEND in the Bangkok heat. Seriously, I almost wept with joy when I turned it on. The bed was comfy – not the "sinking into a marshmallow" deal, but definitely a solid, good night's sleep kind of bed. The bathroom was… sufficient. Nothing to write home about, really. But, hey, the shower worked, and the water was hot. The big windows! Lots of natural light. I'm a sucker for that. The view? Well, it was of other buildings. Don't expect panoramic vistas of the Chao Phraya River. But it's Bangkok, you're there to EXPLORE, not stare out the window all day! I did like the little balcony, though. Perfect for a morning coffee, assuming you can handle the humidity.
The pool! I NEED a pool. Is Olive's pool worth a dip?
OMG, the pool. This is where things get... complicated. The *pictures* of the pool look amazing. Crystal-clear water, stylish sun loungers, the whole Instagrammable shebang. And it IS nice, don’t get me wrong. But here’s the messy truth: during my visit, it felt a *little* crowded. Not exactly a private oasis. I got there late one afternoon and there were already a bunch of people hogging all the good chairs. I ended up sitting on the edge, which, let me tell you, is NOT the same experience. It was also a bit… loud, with kids splashing and general pool-related chaos. So, yay for a pool, but manage your expectations. Go early, grab a spot, and bring your earplugs if you're sensitive to noise.
The breakfast! Is the breakfast buffet a glorious experience or a sad, soggy affair?
Okay, the breakfast… this is where the magic really, truly happened! (Or didn't, depending on your perspective). The selection was pretty good. Eggs cooked to order (yes!), pancakes, fruit, pastries, the works. The coffee wasn't the best I've ever had, but it did the job. The real highlight, for me, was the *atmosphere*. People-watching while shoveling down a mountain of food? Priceless. There also was one day when they ran out of croissants... (the horror!) but I got over it. The staff were friendly and helpful, even when I was clearly having a bad hair day. Breakfast really set me up for the long days of exploring.
What about the staff? Are they helpful, or just kind of… there?
I've said it before, but the staff really was great! Smiling faces, generally helpful, and able to speak English! (A huge win in a city this size, frankly). They even helped me with my HORRENDOUS attempts at ordering street food. There was one guy, in particular, who was super patient with my terrible Thai pronunciation – he was a saint. Seriously, the staff really made the whole experience better. A good hotel, and a good staff, can make all the difference.
Okay, the *messy* truth – did something go wrong? Spill the tea!
Alright, buckle up. This is where things get real. Remember how I mentioned Bangkok traffic? Well... On my first day, after a long and tiring morning, my taxi driver got completely and utterly *lost* trying to find the hotel. We were circling the block like a confused goldfish in a bowl. I was hangry, exhausted, and convinced I was going to be late for a massage appointment that I badly needed! The poor driver; bless him, he spoke practically no English and I spoke basically no Thai, so we just sat there, sweating and staring at each other. Eventually, I just jumped out near the Skytrain and walked the rest of the way. The *feeling* of finally arriving at the hotel door was one of pure, unadulterated relief. So, yes, traffic and navigation (or my personal ineptitude with directions) was a minor challenge. But hey, it's Bangkok. You gotta embrace the chaos sometimes! It's part of the fun, right?
Would you go back? And, more importantly, would *you* recommend it?
Honestly? Given what you've heard, would *YOU*? Absolutely. I'd definitely go back, especially now that I know the area better. For the price point, it's a solid choice. It's comfortable, stylish, and the staff is fantastic. If you're looking for an affordable luxury stay in a slightly quieter part of Bangkok, then yes, I'd recommend Olive Hotel & Residence. Just… maybe learn a few basic Thai phrases and be prepared for the possibility of a lost taxi. And bookComfort Inn
