Maru Ekkamai 2: Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret? (BTS Ekkamai)

Maru Ekkamai 2: Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret? (BTS Ekkamai)
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the "BEST Kept Secret" – or, as it's officially known, Maru Ekkamai 2 in Bangkok. Let's be real, "best kept secret" is a bold claim. Does it live up to the hype? Let's find out, shall we?
SEO-palooza! (The Boring Bits We Gotta Do First)
First off, let's hammer in those keywords because, you know, gotta make Google happy. This review is for: Maru Ekkamai 2 Review, Bangkok Hotels, BTS Ekkamai Hotel, Best Hotel Ekkamai, Accessible Hotel Bangkok, Spa Hotel Bangkok, Luxury Hotel Bangkok, Family-Friendly Hotel Bangkok, Hotel with Pool Bangkok, Bangkok Hotel Wi-Fi, Ekkamai Hotel Deals. Got it? Good. Now, let's get messy.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Mostly Good!)
Okay, here’s the thing. I really appreciate a hotel that tries to be accessible. Maru Ekkamai 2, bless its heart, mostly does. Elevator? Check. Facilities for disabled guests? Appears to be, yes! The biggest hurdle to get over in Bangkok is the roads and sidewalks themselves. Getting to the hotel, well, you'll be fine. Check-in/out [express]: Smooth as silk. Perfect for jet-lagged folks who just wanna crash. Facilities for disabled guests: I didn’t personally need them, but the layout seemed promising, with wider doorways and the like.
The "Secret" Unleashed: Initial Impressions & The Wi-Fi Saga (Oh, the Wi-Fi!)
Right, so you’re on the BTS, zipping towards Ekkamai. You get off, and you're… well, you're in Ekkamai. It’s a cool area, but the "secret" part starts when you actually find the hotel. It’s a little tucked away, which adds to the whole "hidden gem" vibe.
Now, about the Wi-Fi. They scream "Free Wi-Fi in all rooms!" and "Wi-Fi in public areas!" and all that jazz. I'll spare you the long, drawn-out saga of my internet woes, because I have so many. Instead, I will say the wifi sucked. It's the one thing that really grated on me. I’m talking sporadic drop-outs, slow speeds - the works. I kept using my phone as a hotspot.
Rooms & the Rest of the Good Stuff:
Okay, room time! My room was clean. Immaculately clean, actually. I was impressed and relieved. The Air Conditioning was a LIFESAVER. I even had Blackout Curtains. Bless. Complimentary tea and Free bottled water? Yes, please! A refrigerator to keep my Chang beers chilled? Score! The bed? Super comfortable, with a crazy-long Extra Long Bed. Soundproof rooms? Believe it. You can't hear the city, which is pure gold. Bathroom phone? Honestly, I didn't even know I had one. I doubt anyone uses it.
I mean, the In-room safe box, Hair dryer, Bathrobes, Slippers, etc. – all the little touches were there. It felt luxurious without being pretentious. Like, you can actually live in this space, not just pose for a picture.
Food & Drink: A Feast for the Senses (and Possibly an Empty Wallet)
Alright, so Restaurants, Coffee shop, Bar, Poolside bar, Snack bar – they’ve got the foodie basics covered. There’s an A la carte in restaurant, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Desserts in restaurant, International cuisine in restaurant, Salad in restaurant, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant…the list is exhaustive. The Room service [24-hour] is a godsend, and I took advantage of it more than I’d like to admit, ordering up room service late one night and it was chef’s kiss perfection.
My absolute favorite part was just wandering around and finding something new to eat.
And the Happy hour? Don't even get me started. Let's just say my bank account and my liver took a slight hit. But hey, you only live once, right?
Spa & Relaxation: Finding My Zen (Eventually)
Okay, here's where Maru Ekkamai 2 really shines. The Spa, Sauna, Steamroom, Massage, Spa/sauna, Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath…all the things! I spent a solid afternoon in the spa area, and let me tell you, I emerged a new person. The Pool with view is incredible. I'm a sucker for a stunning pool, and this one did not disappoint. Floating there, watching the city lights twinkle… pure bliss.
For the Fitness Fanatics
Fitness center, Gym/fitness - They've got you. No excuses.
Cleanliness & COVID-19: Safety First (Mostly)
The hotel takes cleanliness seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer, Hygiene certification, Individually-wrapped food options, Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays, Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment. I was impressed. The staff were masked, and I felt pretty safe, even though I'm usually a germaphobe.
Services & Conveniences: The Little Things That Matter
They have Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center. The laundry service was a lifesaver, especially after a week of sweaty adventures. The concierge was super helpful with recommendations, too.
Things to Do & See: Ekkamai & Beyond
Okay, so you're in Ekkamai. There’s tons to do. The best part? Accessibility. Getting around Bangkok is easy, thanks to the BTS. You're super close to the station.
The Bottom Line:
Would I Recommend Maru Ekkamai 2? Absolutely. It's got a lot going for it: Great location, comfortable rooms, a killer spa, and a decent level of service.
My Grumbles (Because I’m Human)
- The Wi-Fi! Oh, the Wi-Fi. It needs some serious upgrades.
- While the rooms were clean, some areas in the public spaces could use a little extra TLC.
Final Verdict: Four out of Five Stars (Losing a star for the internet)
The Unofficial Offer You Can't Refuse (Because I Built It):
Tired of cookie-cutter hotels? Crave a little soul?
Here's the deal: Book a stay at Maru Ekkamai 2 NOW and get:
- 20% off your luxurious room. (Because you deserve it!)
- A complimentary spa treatment. (Because you need to unwind!)
- Free breakfast for your stay. (Because, bacon.)
- Guaranteed strong Wi-Fi (hopefully!). (I'll ask them to put a tech on speed dial).
- Plus, a special "secret" welcome gift from me. (Maybe some local snacks? A BTS card? You'll have to book to find out!)
This offer is only available through this review and is valid for a limited time. Don't miss out on Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret! Click the link below to book your escape!
(Insert Booking Link Here)
Go on, treat yourself. You deserve it!
Goa's Calangute Residency: Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly polished travel brochure itinerary. This is the messy, glorious, slightly off-kilter account of me, fumbling my way around Ekkamai, specifically Maru Ekkamai 2, which, let's be honest, is a mouthful. Consider this… me, unfiltered.
Day 1: Arrival, Jet Lag, and the Urgent Need for Pad Thai
- 10:00 AM (Bangkok Time): Arrival and Initial Panic at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK). Oh. My. God. Bangkok. The humidity hits you like a warm, slightly suffocating hug. Immigration? A blur. Finding my pre-booked airport transfer (blessedly air-conditioned)? A minor miracle. My brain is screaming "DEHYDRATE" but my body is screaming "NAP."
- 11:30 AM: Taxi to Maru Ekkamai 2. The taxi ride is a sensory overload: tuk-tuks zipping past, motorbikes weaving through traffic like caffeinated ants, the general, glorious chaos of Bangkok life. I see the building from the taxi and it is Beautiful, but also a little bit too modern, and makes me feel too old.
- 12:00 PM: Check-in and the Deepest, Most Wonderful Nap of My Life. Honestly, the concierge at Maru Ekkamai 2 was a saint. Helped me with my bags, smiled patiently as I mumbled about not needing a 10 am booking, which I obviously did need. The room is clean, yes. The bed? Cloud-like. I fall into a coma for about three hours. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
- 3:00 PM: The Great Pad Thai Hunt Begins. I wake up, disoriented, and ravenous. Pad Thai is my mission. Google Maps directs me to a place that looks promising. I step out of the condo and feel the heat hit me like a wall again. I walk, half-dazed, and I pass many stalls, and each stall smells like heaven.
- 4:00 PM: Pad Thai Triumph (and Immediate Regret). I find it! A tiny, bustling spot with a woman furiously wielding a wok. The Pad Thai arrives, a mountain of noodles, peanuts, and shrimp. I devour it in record time, oblivious to the chili-induced sweat pouring down my forehead. (Note to self: Ask for "mai phet" next time. Definitely).
- 5:00 PM: Shopping for snacks and water. I make a quick trip to 7-Eleven down the road and buy big bottle of water and some weird snacks. I have no idea what they are, but I will find out.
- 7:00 PM: Back at the Condo, Regretting my life choices.. I feel so full. I watch some TV. Some Thai drama, but I don't understand a word. It looks good, though.
Day 2: Temples, Taxis, and Tourist Traumas
- 9:00 AM: Attempting to be a "Cultural Explorer." Okay, I pull myself out of bed, armed with my Lonely Planet guide and a vague sense of adventure. I want to go to Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn. This is where the plan starts to unravel… I feel as if I should grab some coffee.
- 9:30 AM: The BTS (Sky Train) Fiasco. The BTS is, in theory, a brilliant way to get around. In practice, it's a bit of a puzzle. I buy a day pass, which is already confusing, then I get squished in with what feels like the entire population of Bangkok during rush hour. I make it to my destination. I think.
- 11:00 AM: Wat Arun (Stunning, Actually!): The temple is gorgeous. Seriously, the intricate detail of the mosaics, the towering structure… it's breathtaking. I wander around, slightly overwhelmed, taking a million photos. Then I get accosted by a persistent vendor selling trinkets. "No, thank you," I say, repeatedly. He doesn't understand English. I run away.
- 12:00 PM: The Taxi Debacle. Getting a taxi back is a nightmare. They either don't want to use the meter OR they are already going to take someone, or they don't even speak English. Eventually, I bribe one into taking me. Somehow, the ride is 1,000 Baht. What a scam.
- 1:00 PM: A Quick Bite (and a Near Meltdown). I try to find a place open to eat lunch and get more coffee, but nothing is open. The shop assistant at the place I was in didn't know English. And I didn't know much Thai, other than "Sawasdee." I am almost about to cry.
- 2:00 PM: Nap (Again, Because Bangkok). I need a recharge. Again.
- 4:00 PM: Evening Stroll and Street Food. I decide to redeem myself. I go for a walk, and I find delicious street food. I taste a mango sticky rice and it is a new experience. Amazing!
- 7:00 PM: Trying to Find a Bar. I want a drink. I search. I fail. I surrender and collapse in my condo, and drink the bottle of water I bought yesterday.
Day 3: The Ekkamai Exploration (Or, Trying to Find My Chill
- 10:00 AM: Brunch in Ekkamai. I find a trendy cafe in Ekkamai. Beautiful coffee, Instagrammable avocado toast. I feel like I actually belong here. For a brief moment.
- 11:00 AM: Strolling the hip streets of Ekkamai. This area feels different from the center of Bangkok. More relaxed, more local. I see some cool shops, some art galleries, and some beautiful people. I suddenly feel inadequate.
- 1:00 PM: Massage (Finally!). Bliss. A traditional Thai massage is exactly what I needed. A tiny lady practically kneads the knots out of my soul while I slowly drift into a relaxed state.
- 3:00 PM: Back to the apartment to stare at the laptop. I actually have to work. Ugh.
- 7:00 PM: Last Dinner. I find a Thai restaurant. I drink a Singha. I eat a delicious green curry. I think I actually like Thailand. I think I might be sad to leave. (Don't tell anyone).
The Imperfections, the Real Stuff:
- The Language Barrier: My Thai vocabulary consists of "Sawasdee" (hello), "Khop khun" (thank you), and "mai phet" (not spicy). It's challenging, hilarious, and humbling.
- The Heat: It's relentless. The humidity is a constant companion.
- The Constant State of Fullness: I'm eating constantly. I'm always hungry.
- The Unexpected Moments: The stray dog napping in the middle of the sidewalk. The woman selling birdseed, her face wreathed in smiles. The overwhelming kindness of strangers, even when they don't understand me.
- The Emotional Rollercoaster: I'm exhausted, overwhelmed, elated, slightly terrified, and completely in love with this crazy city.
Final Thoughts:
Bangkok is a chaotic, beautiful, maddening, and magical place. It's not perfect. It's messy. It's incredibly human. And I wouldn't have it any other way. This itinerary? Consider it a starting point. The best experiences are the ones you don't plan. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need another Pad Thai. And maybe a nap.
Joey Apt @ Skyhouse BSD: Your Dream Tangerang Paradise Awaits!
Maru Ekkamai 2: Bangkok's "Secret" - Or, Is It Really? Let's Dig In (BTS Ekkamai)
Okay, so everyone keeps saying Maru Ekkamai 2 is a secret. Is it *really*? Because... it feels like everyone *knows* it.
Haha, the "secret" thing? Yeah, that's what they *want* you to think. Look, in Ekkamai, a place brimming with swanky condos and craft beer dens, *everything* is pretty well-known. Maru 2, like its older, slightly grumpy brother, is popular. It's a known quantity – a trendy, modern apartment complex. But the "secret" is probably more about the *experience*. It's like... you know that local gem of a restaurant that's "secret" until you walk in and see Instagram practically exploding with photos? That's this. It's *relatively* low-key compared to, say, the mega-malls, but the cat's outta the bag, folks. Still, it *feels* special, you know?
What's so great about Maru Ekkamai 2 *specifically*? What's the fuss?
Okay, brace yourself. I’m going to be brutally honest: the hype is partially justified. It comes down to a few things. First, location, location, location! Right near BTS Ekkamai. That convenience is HUGE in Bangkok. Second, the *vibe*. Think clean lines, minimalist design, infinity pools (yes, plural!), and that general sleek, "I've-got-my-life-together" aesthetic. It *works*. It's the kind of place that makes you feel a little more grown-up, even if you're just ordering instant noodles in your apartment. Third, the views. Oh, the views! Cityscapes are amazing. You might even catch a sunrise and feel like you’re about to star in a music video.
And then, a minor thing, but a massive plus: the gym. It's surprisingly good. I'm talking decent machines, AC that *actually* works, and enough space to avoid that awkward "looking-directly-at-the-buttocks-of-the-person-in-front-of-me" moment on the treadmill. Because, let's be real, that ruins the whole workout, doesn’t it?
Is Maru Ekkamai 2 actually worth the often-pricey rent? And what are the common gripes?
Worth it? That's a tough one, and it really depends on your definition of “worth it” and your budget. Let's face it, it's not cheap! You're paying for luxury, convenience, and the *image* of living in a cool place. If you're a minimalist with champagne tastes, it might make perfect sense. If you are on a budget, maybe not.
The gripes? Okay, here we go. I have *heard* the following from residents (and, let's be honest, probably experienced a few myself):
- Thin Walls: Ugh, the bane of apartment living. You *will* hear your neighbor's late-night karaoke sessions, their arguments (even if you don't want to!), and the occasional dog barking. Invest in earplugs and a good sense of humor.
- Maintenance Delays: Sometimes, things break. Sometimes, they take a while to be fixed. Patience is a virtue in Bangkok, especially when dealing with repairs.
- The Pool Swarms: During high season/weekends, the stunning rooftop pool can be packed. Prepare for friendly jostling for a sun lounger and the occasional errant water balloon.
- The "Influencer" Factor: The complex's good looks attract social media types. Be prepared to share your space (and sometimes your elevator rides) with people doing photo shoots. You might even catch one or two.
Okay, let's talk *specifics*: what kind of apartments are available in Maru Ekkamai 2?
Mostly modern, minimalist style. Think one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and a few larger units. They're generally well-designed, utilizing space efficiently. The finishes are good – nothing outrageously opulent, but definitely a step above the average. Balconies are a plus (especially for the city views!), but they vary in size. The kitchens are usually small but functional. You’ll find built-in cabinetry, induction cooktops, and sometimes, a microwave. Don't expect a fully-equipped chef's kitchen, but they get the job done. The layouts are modern, open-plan, with floor-to-ceiling windows (more light!). Seriously, light is a big deal. And the bathrooms? Clean, modern, and generally with nice showers. (Although, I'm picky... the water pressure can be a bit... *variable* sometimes)
What's the surrounding neighborhood like at Maru Ekkamai 2? Is there anything to do besides... well, live there?
Ekkamai is fantastic! That’s why I’m so passionate about it. Everything is very close. You'll be spoiled for choice.
First, of course: the BTS (Skytrain)! Ekkamai Station is *right there*. Convenience score: 10/10.
Food, food, food! Ekkamai is a food lover's paradise. You've got trendy coffee shops, stylish restaurants, street food galore... everything. From Japanese izakayas (Soi 63 is amazing for this) to upscale brunch spots, you will never be hungry. My personal recommendation? Get an easy Thai meal from a local restaurant if you want to be in the vicinity of Maru 2. There's also a 7-Eleven practically on every corner, so you'll never starve.
Nightlife! Ekkamai is a hotspot. The bars and clubs are varied, from low-key chill spots to thumping dance clubs. You'll find your vibe, whatever that is.
Shopping! You're close to the Gateway Ekkamai mall (which is alright, but not the best), and you can easily hop on the BTS to other shopping destinations.
Overall, the neighborhood is vibrant, lively, and well-connected. You're not exactly isolated on a desert island.
The infinity pools! Tell me more! Are they as amazing as the pictures?
Alright, let's dive deep into the pool situation. Yes, the pictures are pretty darn accurate. The infinity pools at Maru Ekkamai 2 are gorgeous. The views from the rooftop pool are fantastic. You're essentially swimming above the city. The lighting at night is lovely, the water is generally clean and well-maintained.
Now, the *reality*... can sometimes fall aScenic Stays


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