Nesting in Nana

Just a short walk from Nana Skytrain station, the convenient location of this fivestar hotel competes with anything nearby on Sukhumvit Road. And judging by the "suits" hanging around the lobby in the morning, it seems to have won the hearts of the business crowd. It could hardly be described as busy, though: Sitting in the airy and hushed surroundings, I'm tempted to take a catnap.

The soothing atmosphere is thanks to the understated contemporary Thai decor, highlighted by the lovely sight of a fresh orchid that greets me in my room. It's one of 441 rooms at the JW Marriott Bangkok, which opened its doors in 1997. Since then, my deluxe must have been through several facelifts - everything from the furniture to the carpets looks immaculate.

Its wood-panelled walls house a 32inch LCD television, safe, alarm clock, mini bar and tea/coffee-making facilities. Obviously designed with business travellers firmly in mind, the room also comes with high-speed Internet access and no less than three two-line telephones, offering call waiting, conference calling, international direct dialling and voice mail. For jetsetters who need to check what city they're in, the desk right by the window offers a view of the Bangkok skyline. It's a relief to discover that the sight of the city isn't accompanied by its sounds (often a problem in downtown hotels), and I sleep well in the king-size bed after watching the late-night football on TV.

The Bangkok Marriott has 24hour room service, but I would guess that many guests don't bother. This buzzing area of Sukhumvit offers a multicultural feast of flavours all night long, while the hotel itself has six restaurants - more than enough to fill the biggest stomach.

In keeping with other branches of the hotel, the lobby's Marriott Cafe serves breakfast until 10.30am during the week, and adds a brunch buffet to the menu (11.30am to 3.00pm) on weekends. For lunch and dinner your options are Man Ho restaurant for Chinese, the White Elephant for Thai, and Tsu restaurant or Nami Teppanyaki for Japanese. Or seek out the source of the sizzling coming from the second floor, where the famous New York Steakhouse serves up prime cuts of American and Australian in elegant surroundings.

Suffer an attack of the munchies anytime between breakfast and bedtime and the Bangkok Baking Company will step with its toothsome assortment of cakes, pies, rolls and pastries, to take away or eat on the outdoor terrace.

After helping you piling on the pounds, the hotel provides you with the chance to bust that gut. JW's Health Club is open to both guests and outside members, which is why it has its own entrance from the parking area on the sixth floor. As well as a gleaming array of modern gym equipment, it boasts an 11x18metre swimming pool with Jacuzzi. There are also yoga classes and other group sessions offered on an all-day menu of activities designed to help you burn off the fat. If you're looking for something a little less energetic, choose from the myriad methods of relaxation at spa.

Waking in the morning, the view from my 15th floor window is a real eye-opener. A Skytrain snakes by at my feet, vehicles scuttle on the expressway, cars jam Sukhumvit Road and commuters bustle on the sidewalk. This is no time to lie in bed - I need to get out there and grab a slice of the action! 

AT A GLANCE

High Point: Lively and convenient location. Seems to have everything for everyone - business travellers, tourists, diners, spa addicts and gym freaks.

Low Point: No longer the brandspankingnew hotel it was 12 years ago.

Find it: JW Marriott Bangkok, 4 Sukhumvit Soi 2, Bangkok 10110

Pay for it: The business package starts at Bt6250 a night; the shopping package is Bt6,800 inclusive of foot massage and butler service.

Call it: (02) 656 7700

Browse it: www.Marriott.com/bkkdt