Meet Ad Lib, the Best Boutique Hotel in Bangkok that You’ve Probably Never Heard Of
Looking for a cozy boutique hotel with a rooftop pool in Bangkok, Thailand? Read on for my review of Ad Lib!
Ask around for Bangkok boutique hotel recommendations and you’ll hear the same list of usual suspects over and over again. If you’ve read some of my hotel recommendations in the past, you’ll know that I look for cozy, stylish and unique hotels that offer something more than the typical cookie-cutter hotel experience. This is where Ad Lib comes in.
Earlier this month, we had a 24 hour layover in Bangkok, Thailand, so I pored over what must have been dozens of hotels in Bangkok before being drawn into the funky design at Ad Lib and the consistently high guest ratings. If you’re looking for an amazing boutique hotel in Bangkok away from the crowds, look no further than Ad Lib – a hidden gem tucked away in the Sukhumvit Soi 1 district.
Don’t have much time in Bangkok? Click here for my guide to enjoying a lazy layover in Bangkok!
The rooms at Ad Lib Hotel in Bangkok
Ad Lib has 58 rooms across a range of room categories – from the “Plush” room at 25 square meters to “Sublime Plus” room which comes in at an incredible 89 square meters and boasts its own private jacuzzi as well as outdoor BBQ and dining area. It’s obvious that a lot of thought has gone into the design of the rooms at Ad Lib – everything is where it should be, and the room just works. Our Plush room featured seriously cool urban design with lots of polished concrete offset by warm earthy tones and crisp white accents.
The king-sized bed was extremely comfortable and we happily sank into the hypo-allergenic pillows after a long day of travel. We also had a small seating area, universal plug outlets all around the room including on both sides of the bed (believe me, this is rare, even in some of the fanciest hotels around the world), a massive flat screen TV and spacious bathroom. Ad Lib is one of the best design boutique hotels in Bangkok, see for yourself!
Ready to book your stay at Ad Lib boutique hotel in Bangkok? Click here to check current rates and availability!
The facilities and dining at Ad Lib Hotel in Bangkok
In the common areas, Ad Lib has utilized plenty of lush greenery (just look at their cafe and bar space!) and is home to a massive banyan tree right outside its main entrance. Foodies will love the in-house restaurant and bar where you can taste delicious western classics as well as Thai favorites.
If you’re too tired to leave the room after a full day of sightseeing, take advantage of the 24 hour room service with a full menu (not just limited to soup or a club sandwich!) – Ad Lib has amazing truffle fries and green curry. Make sure you order extra roti. Because we landed late on the first night in Bangkok and couldn’t be bothered going out on the second night, we actually ordered room service on both nights – I have no regrets.
Breakfast ends late (11 AM) for those who prefer a lie-in. If your room rate doesn’t include breakfast, it will cost you an additional 550 Baht per person which is, unfortunately, pricier than if you were to go out for brekkie so I would recommend booking an inclusive room rate.
There is no shortage of rooftop pools in Bangkok, and I bet you’re wondering, “BUT DOES IT HAVE A ROOFTOP POOL?” And the answer is, yes, Ad Lib is also home to an outdoor rooftop pool on the third floor, complete with skyscrapers as a backdrop.
The best part of this outdoor pool space? The adjacent pool bar! Gym bunnies can also take advantage of the small fitness room on the same floor.
Ad Lib boutique hotel in Bangkok doesn’t have hundreds of rooms, so make sure you book ahead! Click here to check current rates and availability at Ad Lib.
How to get to Ad Lib
Ad Lib is conveniently located in Sukhumvit Soi 1. To your west is the old city where you’ll find the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun, or head east for up-and-coming neighborhoods filled with trendy new restaurants and cafes. To get around you can either take a taxi, tuk tuk or catch the BTS skytrain.
A cab from the airport cost us just 330 Baht (approx. US$10) and took us just over half an hour from door-to-door, but if you ask the hotel to organize a taxi for you back to the airport it will cost 500 Baht. Getting to the closest BTS skytrain station, Ploenchit, will take you just 10 minutes or so on foot, or you could hop in a tuk tuk or taxi if you’re short on time.
The staff at Ad Lib are extremely friendly, polite and accommodating. If you’re planning on visiting, Ad Lib is one of the best boutique hotels in Bangkok to check out!
Ready to book your stay? Click here for current rates and availability at Ad Lib in Bangkok!
What to do in Bangkok
Have a few days to kill and wondering what to do in Bangkok? Visit the Grand Palace, go temple hopping at Wat Pho and Wat Arun, check out the Chao Phraya river, eat at one of the many food courts, or venture to one of the many floating markets. Make sure you go for a sunset drink at The Speakeasy rooftop bar in the Muse Hotel as well! Book online here to get up to 50% off on food.
If you want to head out of Bangkok for a day trip, visit the archaeological site of Ayutthaya or chase waterfalls at Erawan National Park. If you’re planning a trip to Thailand, make sure you also check out this Thailand itinerary for more ideas on what to see, where to go and how much time to spend in each destination!
Click here to book your amazing stay at Ad Lib in Bangkok, or click here to check out some other highly rated hotels in Bangkok!
You might also enjoy these related destination guides:
- Check out this 1 day Bangkok itinerary to make the most of your time in the city
- You might also want to plan a day trip to the UNESCO-listed ancient city of Ayutthaya from Bangkok. Here is what to see in Ayutthaya
- Food, culture, temples, beaches, islands, boutique hotels, rooftop bars and more: experience the highlights with this 10 day Thailand itinerary
- Looking for even more Thailand content? Click here for more Thailand destination guides and travel tips
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I stayed at Ad Lib as a paying customer, the opinions on Yogawinetravel.com are, and always will be, my own!
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