Somerset Lake Point Hotel
Serviced Apartments:
Bangkok’s solution for Digital Nomads
Experience
Looking for decent serviced apartments can be a challenge in Bangkok, a city of over 14 million people. Factoring in location, amenities, price, contracts (often annual), and customization of your inclusions are often an impossible combination. These are common challenges of the digital nomad – those who choose to live and work from their computers, on a location independent ‘freedom’ – freedom which often comes at a cost of stress and endless hours of research. Somerset Lake Point Hotel in central Bangkok may be the solution for established digital nomads who are sick of living out of hostels, or crumby hotels and often faced with the hefty compromise of annual contracts if they wish to stay in condos in the ‘big mango’ – Bangkok, Thailand.
The first thing I noticed of The Ascott Ltd property was that it was in an almost unbeatable location! Somerset Lake Point Hotel is situated in between Terminal 21 shopping plaza along the famous Sukhomvit road, and Lumphini Park – one of the city’s largest outdoor green spaces, located close to Sathorn – another popular and busy street in the heart of the city. Being close to every line of public transit makes it extremely accessible to almost every part of the city! This includes several of Bangkok’s co-working spaces – modern internet cafes frequented by digital nomads, with perks of long term office space use, networking, and often planned events.
Upon entering my room, I could tell this was quite different from most hotels I’d stayed in before in Bangkok (or even from most condos I’ve lived in too!). First of all, there was the makings of a fairly complete kitchen… this is rare in Thailand, as street food is so prominent (and cheap) – but there’s times you just want to eat at home! The room was very spacious and modern, and I had a balcony which overlooked the lake nearby. I was quite high up (27th floor) so the view was fantastic! Everything was very comfortable and nicely laid out, which gave the feeling of coming home every time I walked in the door.
Of course, one of the biggest needs as a digital nomad is good wifi, and I really had no complaints on that end either. Though I didn’t do a speed test while there, Somerset Lake Point’s bandwidth was sufficient for all my uploading and downloading.
Cruising downstairs, I found the restaurants were fantastic. There are two located in the two towers in addition to a coffee shop and a convenience store! I popped upstairs to the outdoor pool and gym a few times during my visit too, which was a welcome break to my daily routines. Though I didn’t get the chance to use the spa or go for a massage while there, they were available regardless and I’m sure they would have been awesome! If there was any reason you had to lock yourself up for a week at the Somerset Lake Point, I’m positive you’d survive… quite comfortably!
The thing that impressed me the most, however, was the incredible friendliness of the staff. From the front desk staff, to the shuttle drivers, to the staff in the restaurants – everyone was incredibly friendly, helpful and always happy to chat and assist you! This can be a make or break for me during my experience with a hotel or apartment building. If the staff are rude, you don’t feel welcome – and the staff couldn’t have been more friendly! I have to give a special thanks to khun Yada and khun Nigel for their incredible hospitality!
SEE – Photos & Videos
GO – Getting There
Centrally located, these modern apartments in Bangkok’s city centre let you experience the vibrant city of Bangkok while indulging in the comfort and security of a serviced residence. Stroll at your leisure to the many destinations just walking distance from the residence. The Asoke Skytrain (BTS) and Sukhumvit Subway (MRT) stations are conveniently close. Free hotel shuttle services to and from the public transit make it fast and easy to get to and from the hotel. Paid taxis and tuk-tuks offer access to destinations throughout the city.
Address: No 41 Sukhumvit 16, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, Thailand
You can find the location on our WSE Travel Post Map using the sidebar navigator.
Do – Activities & Attractions
There are so many amenities and services available in the Somerset Lake Point buildings alone, you almost never need to leave! These services include:
Of course, Bangkok itself has countless other activities to see and do, and being centrally located, this makes them very accessible. Please visit our blog for more recommendations on Things to do in Bangkok.
Stay – Accommodation
Somerset Lake Point Hotel and Serviced Apartments
The 429 serviced residences, ranging from studio to three-bedroom units are designed for the distinguishing tastes and needs of the international traveller. Providing the comforts of a private home, each spacious air-conditioned residence offers a comfortable living and dining area, fully-equipped kitchen, balcony (in selected residences), and bedroom furnished with contemporary fittings. Modern conveniences such as wireless internet access and DVD players are available in every residence.
Eat – Restaurants
Being in the city centre, there is no shortage of incredible food nearby the Somerset Lake Point Hotel. That being said, if you are looking for convenience, and quality, there are every two restaurants located inside the building itself! Not only that, they provide room service without even having to leave the comfort of your apartment!! #biwinning
Garibaldis Bangkok is serving up the very best in incredible regional Mediterranean cuisine.
Cool Chilli is a cosy gem of a place providing all day Thai & international dining, drinks and entertainment.
Time – Seasonality & Schedules
The Somerset Lake Point offers the same high standards of service on a year round basis, and being situated in the tropical city of Bangkok, even the outdoor pool is useable year round. There are favourable times of year for everyone depending on their own expectations – dry, cooler weather from Nov-Feb, hot dry heat from Mar-May, hot with occasional tropical showers from Jun-Aug, and the wet monsoon season (very green, fewer tourists) from Sep-Oct. Choosing a time really depends on your own interests, objectives and tolerance to either heat or rain. This is the freedom that digital nomads have, of course, when choosing where to live next.
Safety – Possible risks
The Somerset Lake Point does provide 24-hour security, and is not located in a notoriously dangerous neighbourhood. This can be an added bonus to digital nomads who travel with, and store in their room, all the high end tech often needed to run and manage an online business.
Please Note: Travel inherently comes with an element of risk (just like crossing the road does). You are putting yourself in elements that are unfamiliar and foreign to your usual lifestyle and with that, become more susceptible to fall victim those who try to play off those unfamiliar to their local scams. There are also potential dangers in the environments to which you may not be accustomed to.
Please take extra care in travelling, ensure that you have adequate travel medical insurance (accidents seem to happen when you least expect them), and have let a trusted colleague, family member or friend know your whereabouts and activities.
Where Sidewalks End travel advises you to travel at your own risk, and to be extra aware of your surroundings (without letting it spoiling your time).
Pay – How much does it cost?
Somerset Lake Point Hotel and Serviced Apartments can be booked on a nightly basis, just as any hotel. These prices can change seasonally and are also dependent on the room type you choose.
If you are a digital nomad looking to stay long term at the Somerset Lake Point hotel, you’ll be better off calling the hotel directly to enquire about all the services available. You can customize your room and inclusions exactly to your needs!
Responsible Travel – Best Practices
Something I was really impressed with was that the Somerset Lake Point – and The Ascott Ltd in general – are very focused on CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Each Ascott residence is obligated to find a project to support, in addition to finding new initiatives to raise the standards of their own imprints – both on the environment, and in their community.
The main project that the Somerset Lake Point has been working with is a school located in Chiang Rai Province called Doi Wiangpha Pittaya school. The school’s primary ethnicity groups that it helps educate are Lahoo, Lahyee, Karin and Lana. Of the 500 students this school serves, 70 of them actually board there, as otherwise they would have to travel half day to school. They sleep on the hard floor of school dormitory and return home twice a year. The Government school was established in 1986 under the auspices of Thai-UN Hill-tribe Aid and Development Project. Their main objective is to provide access to basic education for the hill tribes of Chiang Rai with the aim to move them away from nomadic lifestyle and opium production.
I always stress the importance of companies operating in a region to give back to local communities, and this is clearly a great cause. It was a strong selling point in my decision to stay with Somerset Lake Point, knowing that as a result of my stay, this school would also benefit!
Reality Check – Be Aware
Due to the high standards set by the Somerset Lake Point (and other Ascott locations), this hotel may not be ideal for long stays if you are a digital nomad just starting out on a shoe-string. There are certainly cheaper alternatives in the city, though often at the sacrifice of either amenities, location or just overall quality of living conditions. This is an ideal choice for entrepreneurs who are already successful and are looking for comfort and convenience, while staying with a company that focuses on positive impacts in their community. I personally loved my stay with the Somerset Lake Point hotel, though recognize it may not be within everyone’s reach… yet.
JOIN US! WSE Travel Packages
This sounds like quite the adventure, right? We thought so too! Though we realize it can be pretty intimidating to get out there into the world on your own, especially when travelling to some of these off the beaten path locations. We love it when our readers give it a shot and try it for themselves! In fact, please leave us feedback if you do!! If trying something ‘this’ adventurous on your own is just a bit outside of your comfort zone, WSE Travel is here to help!
Follow this link for our ‘Choose Your Own Adventure’ Tours – packages that are highly personalized and tailored at your request.
Additional Resources:
Somerset Lake Point Hotel (Official website)
Trip Advisor – Somerset Lake Point Hotel
Have you found it difficult to find long-term serviced apartments in Bangkok without the hassle of annual contracts? Where did you end up staying? Would you consider the Somerset Lake Point Hotel as a future option? Share your comments below!
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Serviced Apartments: Bangkok’s solution for Digital Nomads
Great information shared and nice post on somerset lake point. Keep sharing more!