Colonial style building

With so many interesting things to see and do in Bangkok, when you'd rather stay in than go out, you know you've found real gem of a hotel. We had high expectations of the Cabochon Hotel & Residence and they were well and truly exceeded. Small - four levels and the hotel is comprised of just four studios and four suites - friendly and oh-so chic, it was an absolute delight. Opened only five months ago, it's been built to feel as though you're stepping straight back into the 1920s. Beautiful marble and tiled hallways and stairs lead to the rooms. On the ground floor the Joy Luck Club is reminiscent of a Gentleman's Club from yesteryear, complete with mounted zebra head, funky model planes suspended from the ceiling, dark timber paneled walls and floors and crowded with deliberately mis-matched sofas, armchairs and packing trunks serving as coffee tables. Breakfast is served here (a fine meal, included in our tariff), as well as evening drinks. There is a library right next door.

The Thai Lao Yeh Restaurant takes up the other end of the lower level and is furnished in a similarly quirky style. Authentic local cuisine is served and it is excellent - we ate there several times. Beware if you're a little chili shy, as most of the dishes have plenty of life. When the staff ask if you'd like fish sauce to accompany the meal, it's really a euphemism for a bowl of sliced chilies with a splash of sauce! And the staff, from front desk to the restaurant and club lounge are just wonderful. Staying there was like being welcomed into someone's family home and being taken care of as valued friends. The rooftop pool was big enough for decent laps and carried the same classy feel as the rest of the hotel.

Our suite was spacious with a large, separate living/dining area. Timber floors, white walls and simple furnishings in neutral tones create an invitingly cool tropical retreat from a bygone era. The bed was comfortable, there were quality linens and a private balcony accessed through french windows. With free WiFi, free phone calls and free (limited, non-alcoholic) mini bar, there was little to want. The bathroom was slightly squeezy and a little awkwardly configured but the finish was all class and the shower was roomy, with lots of strong, hot water.

The hotel is set back along a Soi (side street) from busy Sukhumvit Road so we found it wonderfully quiet, but a few minutes walk either way takes you to a wide array of restaurants, bars, spas and the Sky Train. Perfect location. We really enjoyed just staying in and making the most of the ambience and the great facilities. The Cabochon is a brilliant find and now that we've experienced it we wouldn't stay anywhere else in Bangkok.