Lumpini Ville Sukhumvit 77: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (You NEED to See This!)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We're diving headfirst into the supposed "best-kept secret" of Bangkok: Lumpini Ville Sukhumvit 77. Now, I'm not easily impressed, but after my stay, I'm starting to think those superlatives might actually… hold some water. This review isn't gonna be all sunshine and rainbows – believe me, I've seen my share of questionable hotel coffee – but I'll try to paint a REAL picture.
First Impressions: The Accessibility Angle - Or, Can You Get Around?
Okay, let's be real, accessibility is a HUGE deal. And I'm happy to report… they try. Now, I'm not a wheelchair user myself, but I’ve kept my eyes open. Elevators? Check. Ramps? Seemed adequate. But, and this is a big BUT, navigating the sheer size of this complex could feel like a marathon. Consider the on-site amenities and how far you have to go to access them. It's not a hotel you can just dash through. It's a destination.
Food, Glorious Food (and the occasional food coma): Dining, Drinking, and Snacking
Alright, where do we even start with the food? Lumpini Ville 77 doesn’t mess around here!
- Breakfast: The breakfast buffet? chef's kiss. The usual suspects – eggs, bacon (surprisingly good bacon!), pastries that could get a pastry chef smiling, and a decent Asian selection to boot. There's also a small kitchen, which can make it a bit slow.
- Restaurants: There are a few restaurants, including Asian cuisine, international cuisine -- I recall a lovely Pad Thai. The ambience is nice.
- Poolside Bar: Yeah, you had me at "poolside." The drinks? Refreshing. The view? Priceless. The service? Sometimes a little… "Thai Time," let's call it. But hey, you're on vacation, right? Embrace the chill!
- Snack Bar: Convenient, but let's be honest, the snacks aren't exactly Michelin-star material. But hey, for a quick bite, it does the trick. And there's a coffee shop on site too!
My Breakdown: The "Best Kept Secret" Credentials
What Makes It Special? (The "Secret" Sauce)
- The Community Vibe: This isn't just a hotel; it's a mini-city. Lush greenery, families, expats – it's got that living feel that’s hard to find in sterile hotels. I loved it.
- The Pool with a View: The infinity pool overlooking the city? Epic. I spent an entire afternoon just… existing in it. Pure bliss.
- The On-site Amenities: You’ve got everything you need: gym (good, not great), shops, a convenience store… you could literally stay here for a month and never leave. (Not that you should, but you could.)
- Accessibility: it seem that they've worked on accessibility -- for the physically challenged.
The “Meh” Moments (Because Nobody's Perfect)
- Location, Location, Location: It's not right in the heart of the action. You need to factor in some travel time. But on the plus, this gives you a bit of an escape.
- Service Quirks: Sometimes the service is fast, sometimes… not so much. It’s Thailand, embrace the vibes!
- Internet Issues: Ok, this is where things got a bit hairy. Free Wi-Fi, yes. But reliable Wi-Fi? Not always. Sometimes the signal was awesome; other times, I felt like I was back in the dial-up era. If you need to be constantly connected for work, consider an alternative.
Accessibility Details
- Wheelchair Accessible: Yes, or so it seems. However, be prepared for potentially long distances between facilities.
- Elevator: Yes, but again, consider the distances.
- Rooms: Available in all rooms.
- Services:
- Facilities for disabled guests.
Things To Do and Ways To Relax: The Spa and Fitness
- Fitness Center/Gym: The gym is decent, offering a solid collection of equipment -- nothing fancy.
- Pool: They have a pool with a view, but if you're looking for more, then look elsewhere.
- Spa:
- Body Scrub
- Body Wrap
- Foot Bath
- Massage
- Spa
- Spa/Sauna
- Sauna
- Steamroom
Internet Access: The Digital Reality
- Wi-Fi:
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!
- Wi-Fi in public areas.
Cleanliness and Safety: Sanitization and Health
- Daily Disinfection in Common Areas
- Hand Sanitizer
- Hygiene Certification
- Rooms Sanitized Between Stays
- Professional-Grade Sanitizing Services
- First Aid Kit
- Doctor/Nurse on Call
Rooms, Rooms, Rooms (And the Amenities!)
- Air Conditioning: You betcha! Bangkok without AC is a no-go.
- Internet [LAN]: Some rooms have it.
- Free bottled water: Always a plus.
- Additional toilet
- Bathrobes
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Satellite/cable channels
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
For the Kids / Family Friendly
- Babysitting service
- Family/child friendly
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
Services and Conveniences
- Air conditioning in public area
- Air conditioning
- Airport transfer
- Alarm clock
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Babysitting service
- Bicycle parking
- Breakfast [buffet]
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Business facilities
- Car park [free of charge]
- Car park [on-site]
- Car power charging station
- Cash withdrawal
- Cashless payment service
- Check-in/out [express]
- Check-in/out [private]
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Couple's room
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Desserts in restaurant
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Exterior corridor
- Family/child friendly
- Fire extinguisher
- Food delivery
- Food delivery
- Front desk [24-hour]
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Happy hour
- Hotel chain
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Kids facilities
- Kids meal
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- Non-smoking rooms
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Pets allowed unavailable
- Poolside bar
- Proposal spot
- Projector/LED display
- Restaurants *
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into a messy itinerary for experiencing the delightful chaos that is life near Lumpini Ville Sukhumvit 77, Thailand. This isn't some sterile, Instagram-perfect travelogue. This is real life. My life. Your life, eventually, if you choose to follow along.
The "Totally-Not-Scheduled-But-Kinda-Is" Lumpini Ville 77 Adventure:
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Noodle Hunt (Plus Existential Angst… and Mango Sticky Rice)
Morning (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Okay, so the flight was… a flight. You know the drill. Cramped, airplane food that tries too hard, and the constant hum of the engines drilling into your skull. But! We're here. And the air… the air is thick and sweet. That's a good sign, right? Arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Grab a taxi (negotiate a price before you get in, trust me), and pray to the traffic gods you don't spend 3 hours in a gridlock. Arrive at Lumpini Ville (check-in is… optimistic).
- Anxiety level: Mild panic, but hey, we made it!
Late Morning (10:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Unpack. Try to ignore the fact that my clothes are permanently wrinkled from the flight. Then, the most important quest of the day begins: The Great Noodle Hunt. This is my standard first-day-in-Thailand ritual. I need to find authentic, soul-soothing, street-side noodles. Google Maps provides a dizzying array of options. Try to ignore the glowing reviews… they are a liar, it's Thailand after all.
- Anxiety Level: High. What if I choose the WRONG noodle place? That’s a rookie mistake, seriously. I need to make the right first impression.
Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): Find a noodle shop. Embrace the chaos. Sit on a tiny plastic stool, sweating profusely (it's hot, okay?!). Order. Wait. Observe the locals. Try to look less like a tourist and more like someone who accidentally wandered into a noodle shop. Slurp noodles, and maybe cry a little (tears of joy, hopefully).
- Anxiety Level: Approaching zero. Noodles are a comfort food.
Afternoon (1:00 PM – 4:00 PM): Explore the surrounding area. The area around Lumpini Ville is actually pretty cool. You can walk to places. Explore the malls… the air conditioning hits you and you actually feel like you're in a fridge.
- Observation: The sheer amount of motorbikes is staggering. They weave through traffic like some sort of metal ballet. It's beautiful, and terrifying, all at once.
- Anxiety level: Back to mild, navigating the sidewalks without getting run over is surprisingly difficult.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Mango sticky rice detour. This is non-negotiable. Find the best mango sticky rice vendor (trust me, the hunt is worth it). Eat the sticky rice. Feel pure, unadulterated bliss.
- Emotional Reaction: YES. Just… YES.
- Anxiety Level: Mango sticky rice erases all worries.
Evening (5:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Unwind. Maybe take a dip in the Lumpini Ville pool (if I can fight off the hordes of screaming children). Or just collapse on the bed and stare at the fan. Contemplate the meaning of life. Realize I haven't actually done anything today. Feel mildly guilty.
- Emotional Reaction: A deep, profound sense of… just being. And maybe a touch of existential dread. You know, the usual.
Evening (7:00 PM – Late): Dinner at a random street food stall. Try something ridiculously spicy and regret it later. Bargain for another beer. Stumble back to the apartment, probably covered in sweat and a little bit of chili oil. Pass out immediately.
- Anxiety Level: Nonexistent, until I wake up at 3 AM, gasping for water and regretting my life choices.
Day 2: The "Don't-Get-Scammed" Market Experience & More Noodles!
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): This is where the fun begins… or should I say, the learning (read: getting ripped-off) begins. We're heading to a local market! This is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The colors, the smells, the sheer energy of it all is intoxicating.
- The Art of Haggling (and Maybe Failing): I am not good at haggling. I try, I really try, but I usually end up paying more than I should. Today, I swear I will stand my ground and resist the all-too-charming smiles of the vendors! I'm gonna get a bargain on some… things. Let's go with "things."
- Buying the Wrong Thing: Let go of the need to be perfect. You will probably buy something you don’t need. Last time I bought a ceramic frog at a market: It's useless, takes up space, and is currently sitting and staring at me. But it’s a reminder, isn't it? A souvenir of a moment, a fleeting bargain.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): MORE NOODLES!!! This time, I'm going rogue. I'm ditching Google Maps and following my instincts. Just walking around and finding the most chaotic, crowded-looking noodle shop. Pray for the best.
- Observation: The best food is almost always found in places that look like they should be condemned by health inspectors.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Revisit one of the malls! Because, air conditioning.
- Emotional Reaction: The sweet, sweet embrace of climate control.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): Foot massage. Mandatory.
- Emotional Reaction: Bliss. Pure, unadulterated bliss.
Evening (5:00 PM - Late): Dinner with a friend! We will try to eat at some obscure restaurant, the kind of place that has only 4 tables and the owner does everything. We would then chat about life, laugh, and make plans for more adventures.
Day 3: The "I'm-Probably-Going-To-Get-Lost" Adventure
Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): I think I might try and get to the park. I would need to check the route, but I’m easily distracted, so this won't be easy. I like to get lost, and I have a terrible sense of direction, so this should be a great time.
- Anxiety Level: Moderate at first. Then, it's going to go up substantially.
Lunch (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM): Let there be no regrets, and let there be more noodles.
- Observation: Don't even think about judging the food. Just eat.
Afternoon (1:00 PM - 4:00 PM): I need to get to the shops! I'd like to buy some gifts for my friends.
- Emotional Reaction: I wonder what they'll want.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM): The foot massage will have to suffice for this.
- Emotional Reaction: Yes. Just yes.
Evening (5:00 PM - Late): I need to prepare for my departure back home. The time has flown by. I want to feel as if I made the most of it.
- Emotional Reaction: I wonder when I’ll be back?
And so on… This itinerary is a mere suggestion. The real adventure is letting go, embracing the chaos, and allowing yourself to be surprised. Don't be afraid to get lost, to make mistakes, and to laugh at yourself along the way. Thailand is a place that will test you, frustrate you, and ultimately, enchant you. Just go with the flow, and bring plenty of antacids for all the spicy food. And remember… life is short. Eat the mango sticky rice.
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Lumpini Ville Sukhumvit 77: The "Best Kept Secret?" (Don't Take My Word for It!) FAQs
Okay, seriously... is Lumpini Ville 77 REALLY that good? I see the hype, but...
Alright, look. "Best kept secret" is a MASSIVE overstatement. Maybe. Depends on what you're into. It's like... imagine a good friend, but slightly flawed. You *know* them well, and you love them *despite* their quirks, not *because* of them. That's Lumpini Ville 77. It's not gleaming luxury, okay? Forget the polished Instagram aesthetic. Think practical, affordable, and with a decent dose of... life.
I went in with ridiculously high expectations, fueled by blog posts and YouTube videos. (I swear, I saw one guy practically salivating over the pool. The pool is fine, people. It's not *swimming in diamonds* fine.) Reality? Bit more dusty. Bit more traffic. But... I found myself actually enjoying it. Weird, huh?
What's the vibe like? Like, am I going to be surrounded by tourists in Speedos?
No Speedos, thankfully (mostly). It's *mostly* a mix of Thai families, young professionals, and a smattering of expats who seem to have REALLY embraced the whole "live like a local" thing. You’ll see more flip-flops than designer shoes, let's put it that way.
It's pretty chill, actually. Less party-hardy, more "grocery shopping in your pajamas on Sunday morning" vibes. Okay, maybe not pajamas ALL the time. But honestly, that's part of the charm. You can actually *live* there. I saw a guy walking his THREE dachshunds the other day! Three! My heart nearly exploded from the cuteness overload. Try finding that in a skyscraper condo in downtown Bangkok!
Okay, let's get real. What about the cons? Spill the tea!
Alright, buckle up. Because this is where things get... real.
Traffic. Oh, the traffic. Getting in and out during rush hour? Prepare for a slow, sweaty crawl. It's not *always* terrible, but it can be soul-crushing. You practically need a motorcycle to navigate some days. (I don't have one, and I'm secretly terrified.)
The "Amenities." Okay, so they have a pool. And a gym. But let's be honest, they're not exactly cutting-edge. The gym equipment looks like it's been around since the Jurassic period. I tried the treadmill once. Once! It squeaked, and I was afraid it was going to launch me into the abyss. The pool is… fine. Clean enough. Just don't expect a resort-style experience.
The Construction. Someone's *always* building something. Noise, dust, the occasional inconvenience. Classic Bangkok, right? But it’s definitely something to consider. And the parking… well, let's just say it's a bit of a lottery.
I keep hearing about the accessibility to the BTS and other transportation. Is it as good as people say?
Okay, this is a BIG plus. The BTS (sky train) is actually pretty accessible. You can take a shuttle bus (that also kind of feels like a lottery – sometimes on time, sometimes… not so much) OR a taxi to the nearest station. But the shuttle, even if it's a bit chaotic, is a lifesaver. I've waited for the shuttle and felt like I was waiting for the end of the world, but then it arrived! And I was saved!
But it *isn't* a stone's throw from the BTS. It's more like a reasonably-sized-stone-throw away. And the walk (or the taxi ride) in the scorching Bangkok heat? Yeah, that can be a bit brutal. So, factor that in. You will get sweaty.
Talk about the food options! Are there any hidden gems?
YES! The food is a MAJOR reason I'm even *slightly* obsessed with the place! Forget the fancy restaurants. It's all about the street food and the local eateries.
There's this little place – I'm not telling you the name! – that serves the MOST incredible Pad Thai. It's run by this tiny, incredibly fierce woman. She practically glares at you as she cooks (which, honestly, makes the food taste even better). I went there *every* week for a month. I contemplated moving in and becoming a permanent customer, just to make sure I never missed out. The noodles, the peanuts, the shrimp… perfection. *Pure* street food bliss. Okay, I'll give you a hint, it's near the 7-Eleven. Good luck finding it!
But in all honesty, the restaurants can be a bit… repetitive. You'll be alright though, as long as you love Thai food.
Is it good for families?
Yes, actually, it's pretty family-friendly! There are parks, green spaces (relatively speaking), and a generally safe atmosphere. You see kids playing around, which is a good sign. However, you have to be VERY vigilant about traffic, ESPECIALLY if you have little ones. I've seen some near misses... it can be a bit nerve-wracking.
The school situation is decent. Lots of international and local schools are nearby. Plus, community is the glue of Thailand. If you're willing to integrate, then you're in for a life changing experience.
What's a realistic budget to live in the Lumpini Ville 77 area?
Okay, this is the good part. It's surprisingly affordable! Apartments (the ones I've seen) are good value for what you get – especially when compared to the more central areas. You can find a decent studio or one-bedroom place for a manageable amount. BUT! Remember to factor in ALL the costs. Utilities, internet, maybe a motorbike (trust me, consider it), and your transport costs into the heart of the city. It all adds up.
Also, and this is important, don't be afraid to negotiate. It's part of the culture. Be polite, be friendly, and see if you can squeeze out a better price! You got this!
