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The SQ Boutique hotel is situated on Sukhumvit Soi 19, between the Terminal 21 mall and the Westin hotel. It is easily accessible by both the BTS and MRT transportation systems.

This no-frills hotel boasts no restaurants, meeting rooms, spa, or swimming pool, but what it lacks in facilities, it more than makes up for in ambience, making it an oasis of tranquillity amid the city’s hubbub.

The Reception area is discreetly tucked away in a corner; what one walks into instead is someone’s lovingly done-up living room. Tastefully furnished in a deep aquamarine colour theme, with books, bric-a-brac, and well-placed lamps, it imparts a very homely and welcoming atmosphere.

SQ Boutique Hotel Hotel Lobby

This lovely boutique property has 39 rooms, done up in a daringly flamboyant colour palette accentuated by bold swirls of magenta, crimson, and yellow in the circular rugs. Rooms are categorised as Standard (20 sqm), Superior (22 sqm), and Deluxe (28 sqm).

Apart from the size, all the fitments are the same.

Walking along the corridors, I sense a hushed atmosphere in the hotel, which is a welcome change from the screaming children and noisy tourists one might otherwise encounter.

Inside the room, an unabashed riot of colours works well with the aquamarine cabinets and wall behind the bed. The colourful rugs lend a playful touch to the room, offsetting the blazing orange and stark black cushions on the settee. The room size is really large and exceedingly comfortable, especially if one is considering an extended stay. Still, unfortunately, the same can’t be said of the rather cramped bathrooms.

SQ Boutique Hotel Restaurant

All rooms provide modern comforts such as a large-screen TV, electronic safe, minibar, tea/coffee making facilities, two complimentary bottles of drinking water, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, and a fully kitted-out range of toiletries. There are no bathtubs at this property. Housekeeping is done daily. There is free Wi-Fi across the hotel.

The bed is very comfortable and, since I must read before I sleep, I can’t praise the overhead lighting enough.

The air conditioning system is efficient enough; however, the same can’t be said of the boiler, which doesn’t heat at full power.

The prized location has pros and cons. The downside is that it remains quite noisy even late at night. Perhaps some double glazing on the windows will alleviate this.

As I mentioned, the SQ has no on-site restaurants. However, there is an Indian restaurant on the premises (owned by a private owner). Furthermore, the hotel can arrange breakfast at a nearby cafe at a separate payable rate.

SQ Boutique Hotel Room

The lack of F&B outlets is hardly a shortcoming, as there are plenty of eateries, a 7-Eleven just outside the hotel, and massage parlours.

The hotel has outsourced its security to a local firm, and the guards can be abrupt and careless, which doesn’t create a very pleasant first impression.

However, the smiling, friendly, and efficient Front Office ladies (a special shout-out to Khun KK here) make up for it. I also want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Housekeeping team, who are remarkably attentive to guests’ needs.

As mentioned, SQ Boutique Hotel is near the skytrain BTS Asoke and MRT Sukhumvit. Asoke is the upmarket business district, with the Queen Sirikit Convention Centre, but also home to the trendy Terminal 21 mall and the sprawling Benjakitti Park. One BTS stop away is Phrom Pong, with luxury malls such as EMQuartier, Emporium and EMSphere, and the serene Benjasri Park, or Thonglor, with upmarket pubs and eateries. A few stops in the opposite direction will get you to Siam, which has more malls, restaurants, and roadside shopping; the popular MBK mall is also within this area. Apart from this, there is plenty to do in Bangkok; you can take in a day tour of the Grand Palace; visit Wats (temples) such as Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Arun, Wat Sam Phran (Dragon Temple); do a ferry cruise down the Chao Phraya river, stopping at China Town, Little India, or Khaosarn along the way; visit a Floating Market, the Flower Market and countless Night Markets. The Chatuchak Market is open only on the weekends, 6 am-6 pm. You can also do day trips to Ayutthaya, Sukhothai (both erstwhile capital cities of Thailand), Kanchanaburi and the Bridge over the River Kwai, Khao Yai with some Thai vineyards, or Pattaya and Koh Samet.

All major airlines fly into Bangkok, many of which are low-cost. From Suvarnabhumi airport to SQ Boutique Hotel, a taxi should cost approximately THB 300 (plus the airport surcharge of THB 50.) Alternatively, you can reserve a hotel car. You can also reach the hotel via the BTS if you’re feeling adventurous and don’t have much luggage; take the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai station on the Sukhumvit line (THB 45) and from Phaya Thai, switch to the BTS to Asoke station.