The last time I was in Bangkok was around this time last year—a mother-daughter trip powered by Thai milk tea, mango sticky rice, and overflowing shopping bags. It’s a city that never plays just one note, which feels fitting given its full ceremonial name, “The City of Nine Gems.” This time, my return brought a different kind of adventure: A stay at Kromo Bangkok, the first property in Thailand under Hilton’s Curio Collection.
This growing portfolio spotlights properties known for their distinctive architecture, locally inspired design, and curated experiences that evoke a strong sense of place. Andrew Ling, Senior Director of Lifestyle Brands for Hilton Asia Pacific, describes it perfectly: “Every Curio Collection by Hilton hotel is one of a kind, handpicked for its individuality and designed to capture the spirit of its location.”
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Gem-inspired Treasures
As I quickly discovered, Kromo Bangkok, located in the heart of Sukhumvit, is unlike any other hotel I’ve visited. Embracing the mythology of the nine gems with a contemporary twist, the 28-storey property is envisioned as a “cabinet of wonders” brought to life by Thai creatives at DIN Studio. The design doesn’t rely on obvious references; instead, it engages guests through subtle cues—an adult version of hidden Mickeys—where textures, colours, shadows, and artworks spark curiosity from the moment you arrive.
Every corner represents a gem, as Jennifer Vivian, the hotel’s general manager, explains during our tour. It begins with the property’s glittering, diamond-inspired façade, which reflects and refracts light throughout the day. From there, guests step into a garnet-themed arrival garden, where I drew a tiny rattan box from a cylindrical cabinet—a personal fortune, or mantra, for the day. Even the lift lobby becomes a jewel box: A moonstone-inspired showcase of patterns, with lunar-themed elevators and hallway tiles by loqa (made from 95 per cent recycled materials) echoing both creativity and the moon’s cyclical nature.
On the 10th floor, emerald and earthy tones envelop the reception area. Sculptural clouds and trees by Korakot Aromdee float overhead, whimsical seed sculptures by Patapian punctuate the space, and Angel Hat lamps hover from the ceiling. Meanwhile, at Vilah Social Creative Space, a communal hub where I crafted my own crystal silver jewellery, the spirit of cat’s-eye chrysoberyl takes shape through glowing panels, hand-painted illustrations by Studio Jew+, carved cat stools, and a paper-book installation by Likaybindery.
Upstairs, the rooftop pool mirrors zircon’s fiery brilliance at sunset, while bar and bistro Colette channels blue and yellow sapphire through suspended and wall-mounted metal Siamese fighting fish crafted by Pin Metal Art.
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The storytelling continued when I checked into my corner junior suite, where a playful mix of colours, textures, and surfaces blend seamlessly. Adding a touch of whimsy were Thai artist Nakrob Moonmanas’ abstract illustrations of Thai culture, which appeared on bathrobes, mirrored panels, and even inside the drawers.
The bathroom, wrapped in garnet-hued tiles and featuring a deep soaking tub, quickly became my sanctuary after long days of exploring. Outfitted with Harnn’s bespoke Siam jasmine and pear amenities, it felt indulgent without being over the top. Even the small touches—gemstone-inspired glassware, a curated Spotify playlist, and a soft lavender scent—made the space feel thoughtfully personal.
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Creature Comforts
My stay there was further enhanced by the experiences Kromo Bangkok had to offer. The 24-hour gym is great for getting a quick workout, but if you’re looking for something slow-paced with a view, sunrise yoga at the wellness terrace is the spot to be.
For foodies, French-inspired Colette offers an à la carte menu featuring all-day breakfast, bar snacks, hearty mains, and specialty cocktails inspired by different Curio Collection properties. For brunch, I recommend the Full Colette, a French take on the All-American breakfast, served with a side of pea and mint purée. Another favourite is the lobster tagliatelle, crafted with fresh Maine lobster, dill Parisienne sauce, and bottarga.
Pair your meal with a cappuccino from one of three house blends by homegrown roaster Rise Coffee, whose flagship café is just a 10-minute walk away. For something more spirit-forward, I particularly enjoyed The Silk Route, a rum-based cocktail with familiar flavours of Thai iced tea, lemongrass, and mango sticky rice.
Out and About
My days at Kromo Bangkok were filled with as much discovery inside the hotel as out around the neighbourhood. With its cafés, boutiques, and art galleries, Sukhumvit offers a slice of everything. “It’s a great place because there is so much to see and do,” my driver posits, while navigating the 30-minute journey to Soi 29 from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Just a five-minute walk from Kromo led me to Emporium Mall, where I booked an appointment at Harnn Heritage Spa for an Inner Balance massage to fix my tech neck and shoulder aches. After that, I headed over to neon-lit Chenin in Soi 31, which serves modern Italian nosh.
For a little retail therapy, Emsphere, on the same side of Sukhumvit Road, is an eight-floor shopping and lifestyle hub that curates a multitude of Thai labels. Some of my favourites include lifestyle store Daddy And The Muscle Academy, Thai streetwear brand Matter Makers, and Journal, a Thai fragrance brand.
A 15-minute walk from the hotel takes me to Lost in Thaislation, a quaint hole-in-the-wall in the Watthana district serving comfort local eats and food-inspired cocktails. If you’re feeling bougie, you must book a table at Goat Bangkok nearby. This Michelin guide restaurant is located within a Sino-Portuguese house and serves elevated Thai-Chinese cuisine with a focus on sustainable practices and locally sourced ingredients.
If there's time for a day trip, a ride on a bumboat along Bangkok's century-old canals of the Chao Phraya River never gets old. Neither does a visit to Wat Paknam Phasi Charoen temple, home to the largest Buddha statue in the city. End the excursion with a feast at Wat Arun, Baan Ploen Dee, one of the last surviving klongside restaurants offering authentic Thai cuisine.
Bangkok has always been a city of treasures, and now I had the perfect cabinet from which to explore them. Kromo Bangkok offers more than just a place to sleep; it creates an immersive experience that unfolds throughout your stay. From my perspective, the meticulous attention to detail made the experience all the more impactful and meaningful. “We hope guests leave with a sense of discovery and connection,” says Ling. “Kromo Bangkok is designed to spark curiosity, encourage exploration, and celebrate creativity at every touchpoint.”
Kromo Bangkok is located at 525 Sukhumvit Rd. (Soi 29), Klongtoey Nua Watthana, Bangkok, 10110, Thailand. Tel: +66 (0) 2 078 8488. For more information, visit their website.
No place is the same when it comes to the Curio Collection. Here are three that we have bookmarked for our next vacation.
La Festa Phu Quoc
Located on the island of Phu Quoc in Vietnam, La Festa brings together Amalfi Coast-inspired architecture with unparalleled seaside views for the ultimate resort getaway. Guests are spoilt with pristine white beaches, an infinity pool, eight restaurants and bars, a spa, and nightly fireworks.
La Festa Phu Qoc is located at Sunset Town An Thoi, Kien Giang Phu Quoc, 91000 Vietnam. Tel: +84 297 3525 555. For more information, visit their website.
Shu Hua Tianmu Mountain
Nestled in the lush landscape of Tianmu Mountain in Hangzhou, Shu Hua Tianmu Mountain brings peace and harmony for a serene retreat. Guests can expect cosy rooms, a unique dining experience, a spa and pool, and 7,000+ sqm worth of event space for business events or grand soirees.
Shu Huan Tianmu Mountain is located at No. 666, Yaojia, Qiandong Village, Yuqian Town, Lin'an District, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 311300, China. Tel: +86 571 6370 8888. For more information, visit their website.
Sloh by Roach Bengaluru
Opening in 2026 in Bengaluru in India, Sloh by Roach Bengaluru takes inspiration from the tranquil Malnad coffee estate. A quiet sanctuary within a bustling cityscape, guests can expect to experience local as well as global cuisines and an outdoor swimming pool.
Sloh by Roach Bengaluru is located at 100/6, Varthur Main Road Siddapura, Karnataka, Bengaluru, 560066, India. For more information, visit their website.