A hotel review of Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium from Travel Update UK.
The Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium is the new name for the previously named Avani Atrium. The hotel was previously acquired by the AVANI group and given a 12 million dollar renovation back in 2014.
Having now been taken over by the Accor group, it has been renamed as the Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium and has been operating under that name since January 2023.
This a non-sponsored travel agent review is of a 2 night stay in February 2023.
The welcome
The initial impression of the hotel is impressive, you’re welcomed into a large stylish lobby and invited to check-in. The check-in process was smooth and efficient. I was given a free upgrade to the next room up for being a repeat guest.
To be able to charge hotel purchases to your room, you need to provide a credit card – if you don’t have one or don’t want to provide, then your account is marked and you for your purchases as you go.
They recommend you sign-up to the Accor hotel program for future benefits and perks.
The rooms at Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium
The Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium has a total of 568 rooms & suites. I stayed in a deluxe room with 1 extra large double bed. There are over 10 different room types plus 3 types of suites.
On entering the room, you begin to notice that 9 years have passed since the last renovation. Whilst the facilities are there that you would expect from a 5 star in Bangkok, the overall finish is tired and weary.
Threadbare carpets and worn cabinets, ruin what was once probably a lovely room. A control panel by the bed to control various elements in the room was too faulty to use.
Booking.comWhilst starting to tire, the rooms are still very comfortable and provide a great night’s rest. The beds are especially comfortable, plus you don’t experience any sound disturbances in the rooms from outside traffic or fellow guests.
Facilities in the room such as work desk, wifi and iron / iron board – make the Grand Mercure Avani hotel a good choice for a business trip. Several airlines use the hotel to accommodate their crew on layovers.
The bathroom
The once contemporary bathrooms now look a little rough around the edges. Temperature control was very difficult to get to an ideal temperature.
Basic toiletries are provided including toothbrush & toothpaste, shower / hair gel and body lotion.
Facilities at Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium
Gym & Spa
The Grand Mercure Atrium does have a fantastic full size gym that is superior to other hotel gyms in the same price bracket. It offers enough equipment to accommodate even serious gym bunnies. The hotel sells memberships to non guests of the hotel, but the gym is still never over-crowded.
The hotel massage Spa offers a range of treatments that are very reasonably priced for a hotel. I experienced a 90 minute oil massage and it was complete bliss. If staying at the Grand Mercure Atrium I do highly recommend booking in for a massage treatment.
The Pool & pool bar
The outdoor pool is fairly small for a hotel of this size but does allow for a little swim. It’s surrounded by very comfortable sunbeds, perfect for reading a book and having a rest from busy Bangkok.
The pool bar is manned by very attentive staff that go out of their way to ensure you are comfy, fed & watered. Food and drink prices are not extortionate and they have a daily happy hour with some drinks 2 for 1 etc.
One would expect the pool to be busy for a hotel of such size, but with most people out sightseeing or doing business you will never struggle to find a sunbed or table around the pool.
Public at Grand Mercure Atrium
The main restaurant and bar of Grand Mercure Bangkok Atrium is PUBLIC. It serves a wide range of cuisines and beverages and is popular with locals / non residents too.
Public caters very well to different dietary requirements (things like Beyond burgers for vege) – and the menu is extensive enough that everyone can find something delicious to eat.
If you don’t want a full sit down meal, you’re welcome to take a seat and enjoy a coffee and a cake -or a few beers.
BENIHANA
For a dining experience a little more special the hotel has Benihana as a restaurant choice. Think Steak, seafood and veggies right from the tabletop grill to your plate Benihana is a chain with several restaurants in Bangkok.
The Location
The location of the Grand Mercure Atrium will suit some but deter others. It isn’t in a vibrant neighbourhood or tourist area. If you like to step out the hotel and be excited by shops and restaurants right on your doorstep, it isn’t the right choice for you.
The blue MRT line (Petchaburi) – is a 10 minute walk from the hotel, which doesn’t sound too bad, but it isn’t the most walkable of walks and in sub 40 degree heat, it can be bothersome. The hotel offers a free shuttle to the MRT at set times. From MRT Petchaburi – the rest of the city is very accessible.
There’s a 7/11 right outside the hotel entrance that is convenient for buying snacks etc. There’s also one massage shop offering Thai & Foot massage.
There are a handful of average restaurants near the hotel and a few street food places too. The Singha complex (next to the MRT) – has a bigger choice of restaurants, but mainly chains offering western style food at inflated prices.
If your stay in Bangkok is mainly going to be touring – getting collected for tours via taxis / tour bus etc, then the hotel is in a great location. If you’re more of an independent traveller, that prefers to use public transport – then I recommend looking for a hotel nearer the MRT / BTS transport.
Overall
The Grand Mercure Hotel can often be booked for around £40 per night on a room only basis on booking.com – for this price then the hotel is still great value for money, despite its flaws and urgent need of a renovation.
If you want a hotel around this price range, but want a better location a less tired look – check out Park Plaza Soi 18. if your budget allows I recommend paying an extra £40-60 per night and staying at the Sindhorn Midtown Bangkok
I’m confident that the Accor group will soon renovate the rooms and bring them up to today’s standard – but it is likely they will then also increase the room rate.
The Grand Mercure Atrium is still a great budget option for your stay in Bangkok. I especially recommend to those that want a good hotel gym and guests that will not be needing to use public transport much.
The staff at The Grand Mercure Atrium are always especially friendly and helpful and do make a difference to your stay.
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