This stylish high-rise on Sukhumvit Road is distinguished by rectangular projections giving it an almost cubist shape. Inside, the geometric patterns continue in the polished gray-and-silver lobby -- from the criss-crossed rug to the decorative cut-away wall panels and polygonal ceiling fixtures -- setting a cool, contemporary vibe for the hotel. On the floors above, assorted dining and drinking options (including a faux loft, a Cuban cigar bar, and a club that wouldn’t look out of place in Miami) are distinctly decorated, but all are fashionable and high-end. Ditto for the infinity pool and adjoining city-view bar, which serve as a hangout for guests. Clientele tend to be a mixed bag of Asians and Europeans as well as Bangkok’s trend-seekers.

Compass Skyview is in Soi 24 -- a particularly luxe and lively section of Sukhumvit Road that’s popular with expats and Thai professionals. Proximity to Phrom Phong Skytrain Station, a mere two-minute walk away, makes the hotel convenient for both business travelers and sightseers. And well-heeled shoppers need only take a short stroll to find tony retailers (the Emporium and EmQuartier malls are less than 10 minutes away on foot). Dining and entertainment venues are also plentiful; and when a break from the urban bustle is required, nearby Benjasiri Park offers a literal breath of fresh air.

• Two-minute walk to Phrom Phong BTS Station
• Four-minute walk to Benjasiri Park 
• Five-minute walk to Emporium Mall
• Seven-minute walk to EmQuartier Mall 
• 17-minute drive to Jim Thompson House
• 26-minute drive to Wat Pho
• 28-minute drive to Khao San Road
• 28-minute drive to Wat Arun
• 28-minute drive to the Grand Palace
• 31-minute drive to Suvarnabhumi International Airport
• 32-minute drive to Don Muang International Airport

Many choices here aren’t as spacious as you might expect in a new hotel of this caliber; however, all are attractively furnished and well equipped. Sophisticated contemporary decor runs throughout the units: warm woods predominate in both the clean-lined furniture and accent paneling, with cocoa-caramel carpeting and crisp white bedding completing the look. Floor-to-ceiling windows also give majestic cityscape views. All rooms come with air-conditioning, minibars, coffee/tea-making equipment, free bottled water, laptop safes, 43-inch LED TVs and free Wi-Fi. 

Upgrading to a club-floor room brings extra benefits, including a complimentary buffet breakfast and access to the Silver Lining Lounge, where guests enjoy perks like private check-in/out, happy hour cocktails and canapes, plus business-center services. Suites add separate open-plan living room and kitchenette areas complete with full-size fridges, microwaves, cook-tops and washer/dryers. In all categories, the modern, tawny-toned marble bathrooms standout: walk-in rainfall showers are standard, but some also boast freestanding soaking tubs positioned in front of a wall of windows to maximize the views.

Compass Skyview has a lavish list of features that's extensive to the point of sounding more like a resort than a hotel. The dining scene is anchored by sister eateries that use exposed brick, matte-black metal and industrial-style lighting to cultivate a loft-like appearance: Prime (an all-day restaurant focused on international fare) and the more intimate Prime Plus (an evening-only “urban grill”). The latter has an attached wine bar, but there are also several other choices for drinks. For instance, the stunning eighth-floor infinity pool adjoins a classy open-sided bar that serves libations and light bites. Alternately, guests can ascend to Mojjo, a Havana-esque venue specializing in cocktails and cigars (inside it’s all dark wood and tufted leather, outside a classic checker-board terrace continues the Cuban theme); or they can amp things up at the top-floor Vanilla Club where DJs spin until the wee hours.

The other major common areas are a big, bright fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment and a 3,315-square foot ballroom with event coordinators and in-house caters who can orchestrate any kind of function. Additional amenities include an around-the-clock reception desk with concierge; a club-floor business center; 24-hour security; room service and laundry/dry-cleaning service; airport transfers; free on-site parking and free Wi-Fi throughout.