The Sukhothai Bangkok

Sathorn is where Bangkok keeps its embassies and its offices, neither much given to lotus ponds, and The Sukhothai has spent six acres of the district on them. Kerry Hill and Ed Tuttle designed it round courtyards, and it opened in 1991 named after Thailand's ancient capital, whose chedis and pagodas are rendered in the stonework of the gardens. Inside, the floors are teak and the furniture wears Thai silk and Jim Thompson fabric. Celadon, the green-glazed ceramic that shares its name with the Thai restaurant, turns up in the rooms as well. In the Garden Suites, the ones to ask for, it clads the shower beside a deep-soaking tub. Their doors open onto terraces over the lotus ponds of the central courtyard.

Recommended for anyone who wants Bangkok kept on the far side of a garden, and for families who can manage without a kids club: there is babysitting, and a Deluxe Room connects to a Deluxe Suite. The 25-metre saltwater pool runs its infinity edge out among the trees and lotus ponds, and the Pool Terrace Café and Bar keeps the cold towels coming. The wellness centre beside it teaches Muay Thai, for anyone who finds lengths too peaceful. When the city is wanted, Lumpini Park is five to ten minutes' walk and Patpong's night market fifteen.

Celadon serves regional Thai cooking on terraces ringed by water, with traditional Thai performances at half past seven and half past eight. It ends on Bua Celadon, red beans, osmanthus ice cream and coconut jelly made in the shape of a pink lotus: the one in the hotel anybody is allowed to pick.