The Boutique Hotel

Tugged away in the heart of Bangkok is the Shanghai Mansion, the boutique hotel that housed us for a couple of nights.The external looks humble and when the cab stopped in front of her gates, we wondered if it was the right place.

When you do not intend to plan for anything and when something appears out of sheer cravings, you will end up on a trip that is really free and easy. So, when dad said he needed a break, I was eager to go somewhere not so far.Bangkok sounded perfect. It was to Bangkok then. Air Asia knocks on your door without persuasion and the offer was just too attractive. So a simple booking landed us at the mansion.

Of course the invitation went out to the girls but it was poorly received.

So dad and I took up the pleasure; without the girls.

We were greeted with a very Chinese interior.In all Chinese homes, the fish is a symbol of life and longevity. So there were fishes everywhere to the delight of dad.Overlooking the courtyard pond, are Chinese lanterns that lit up the place warmly. Yes, it was a picturesque sight.

Accompanying the pond, fishes and lanterns, are Mandarin characters which depict long life, wealth, health, happiness and joy. So, some of these good wishes were hung on top of doors as one enters the room. So, Shanghai Mansion is a typical representation of the Chinese crowd. The customers are made to feel good.

At each level of the hotel, are spots for reading, relaxation and small talks. They are cosy corners and evoke many thoughts. However, if you are in Bangkok, there is really hardly any quiet moments for you to relish and be quiet.There is action near and far.

Shanghai images are a reminder of the theme of this boutique hotel; they really keep you aware of the Chinese ethos.

As you move around the place, the typical Teresa Teng music echoes in the background and nostalgia arises.

It reminded me of the trip to China in 2010 and the man who played the er-hu to us.

This man's singing rang in my ears as we moved around the place ; strange how a place can evoke emotions and moods of all forms.

 

The path leading to rooms in the upper floors are laced by lanterns and it reminded me of the movie; 

"Raise the Red Lanterns".

I do not think my mother will like this place as it would remind her of too olden times and old memories of pains and sufferings. But to the arty, this is a good expression of creativity. 

Dad straight away commented on the polished cement rendering floor. He says this simple floor rendering is coming back in great popularity. Clients look for the beauty in the minimalism concept.

The bedroom is also so typically Shanghai. No coffee; only Chinese tea. Almost all forms of covers are made of Chinese silk, and occasionally some Thai silk comes into place too. However, the toiletries are typically Thai; all in some forms of coconut concoctions...shampoo, soap and fragrances.

Though not very impressive from the external, the insides of the boutique hotel do justice to the name of the place.We were in for a treat when daddy decided that we would be having real hospitable treatment as we looked for places to scour. 

When you don 't plan from the beginning, we had to fall into plans from the hotel !

Slapped right in the middle of China Town which seemed to promise excitement and fun, Shanghai Mansion became the point of action for us.

We wanted to have a real look at the China Town. 

Back home, dad will never concede to the plan of walking around Petaling Street though I definitely would.

In Bangkok he is coerced into it; you don't fly thousands of miles to sleep only, do you?