Let’s take a trip to Thailand. My sister and brother-in-law are on a year long travel adventure around the world and they have already covered 29 countries. Are you jealous yet? Don’t worry, I have been for the past 9 months. Recently they stayed at the quirkiest hotel I’ve ever seen…and it’s in Bangkok of all places! Now let’s just imagine what it would be like to spend a few nights at the Phranakorn Nornlen Hotel.
It’s called a hotel because it’s a place where you can stay but I think Phranakorn Nornlen is much more than that. The family who developed the property built a home with so much care and an undeniable level of originality. The years of painstaking renovation of an abandoned building really paid off (read about their journey here). One of the first things that my sister noticed were the paintings on the walls — directly on the walls. Behind the front reception desk you’ll see a giant map of the area that has been handpainted by a local artist. And above the beds in the rooms are cheerful paintings of flowers in vases, books, and old phones that are made to look they they have always been there.
The amenities and furniture are not reminiscent of a five-star luxury hotel but I would rather stay here anyway, even just to browse the decor. Melissa came back (well, not quite, she’s in New Zealand now!) with a wealth of decorating ideas inspired by the friendly folks at Phranakorn Nornlen. They repurposed found objects — like using a teapot as a vase and vintage phones as sculptures that have been placed in long lines of display cabinets. Very simple but effective decor. The color palette consists of beautiful lime greens, pinks, purples, and blues that are balanced with natural woods and white-washed furniture.
Check out their kitchen. I love the 70s-style green and red pendant lights. And just imagine what delicious Thai food is prepared in there. They serve a healthy breakfast made from fresh ingredients from local farmers and they even cater towards the vegetarians. To unwind at the end of the day, you can spend the afternoon in the courtyard while sipping some daily squeezed fruit juice.
Oh, the more I read about this hotel, the more I want to jump on a plane headed towards Bangkok. If you are planning a trip, please consider staying at Phranakorn Nornlen. And make sure you tell me so I can live vicariously through you. Thanks sis for telling me about this little haven.
(Note: if you want to create your own polaroid shots, download a template from Canay’s Corner — a lovely digital scrapbooking blog)
Image credits: Phranakorn Nornlen
12 responses so far ↓
1 Canay : Feb 26, 2008 at 11:17 pm
The Polaroid looks great on your blog. I am so glad you could use it. Your blog looks like a lot of fun. I am adding it to my bloglines so I can come back when I have more time to browse around.
2 Tom Humes : Feb 26, 2008 at 11:45 pm
I found your site on technorati and read a few of your other posts. Keep up the good work. I just added your RSS feed to my Google News Reader. Looking forward to reading more from you.
Tom Humes
3 Kylie : Feb 26, 2008 at 11:46 pm
No, thank you! Your blog is very creative. I’m looking forward to reading more and learning some new techniques. Thanks again, Canay…
4 Kylie : Feb 26, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Tom - I’m so glad that you found my site and flattered that you like it. Looks like we have a lot to learn from you too.
5 this is glamorous : Feb 28, 2008 at 9:37 am
This hotel looks fantastic! (And I wish I knew about Canay’s Corner before I handmade all my polaroidsthe hard way
6 Kylie : Feb 28, 2008 at 11:00 am
this is glamorous — I think your polaroids are so worth it! I loved your plumo post and found a few things that I liked on their site. Then I realized how bad our exchange rate is right now so it’s going in my bookmarks.
7 all things bright and beautiful : Feb 28, 2008 at 11:19 pm
this hotel is gorgeous!! and your mosaics are looking fab!! Thanks too for the polaroid link
8 Kylie : Mar 2, 2008 at 8:08 pm
all things bright and beautiful - Glad it will be useful! I started reading your blog a few weeks ago and love the fact that you showcase some GREAT designers. Will continue reading…
9 rainbow : Jul 13, 2008 at 11:18 am
I was born in Bangkok (now relocated to NY with my husband). I heard about this hotel but never been there. Fab hotel. It reminds good old day
like when we were young. My husband and I planned to visit our family by the end of this year. I’ll book 2-3 nights there 
Thanks for always sharing good things. Your blog are brilliant…loaded with style … lively and always made me smile.
Sunshine!
10 bandelle : Jul 13, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Rainbow - thanks so much for your sweet comments. If you end up staying there, please let us know. My sister absolutely loved it and said that the staff were really friendly. Hope you are enjoying the weekend.
11 Gina : Sep 22, 2008 at 11:06 am
I am a freelance photographer living in Phuket so I am often in Bangkok. But I never heard of this place and it looks incredible. I am going to stay there next time I am in the city.
12 retty-O : Apr 19, 2009 at 2:44 am
hi… love this place… will go and visit it someday… thanks for introducing us to it… its one of a kind…
fingers crossed I’l have my honeymoon there
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