Are you familiar with the hotel brand "Hotel Indigo"? This lifestyle boutique brand, launched by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2004, had 112 locations primarily in Europe and the Americas as of January 2019. While "Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora" just opened on January 24, 2019, this marks the brand's debut in Japan. Many may not yet be aware of it.

The "Hotel Indigo" brand champions contemporary design that encapsulates the spirit of each city, along with curious and personal service. The history and culture of the locale are reflected in the building itself, the interior design of public spaces, the guest room amenities, and the menus of the restaurants and bars. Consequently, while it's a hotel chain, each hotel uniquely presents its own distinctive design and services.

I've actually stayed at Indigo hotels in Singapore and Helsinki before. Because they allow you to experience the city's atmosphere while staying and are relatively affordable, I always check them when traveling for business or leisure. I recently had the opportunity to stay at "Hotel Indigo Bangkok Wireless Road" (hereafter "Indigo Bangkok"), and it was incredibly comfortable!

"Indigo Bangkok" opened in 2015 as the first "Indigo" brand in Southeast Asia. First off, the location is superb. It's about a 5-minute walk from Ploenchit Station on Bangkok's elevated train system (BTS). Incidentally, Ploenchit Station is just two stops from Siam Station, Bangkok's premier shopping destination.

The hotel is full of highlights, resembling a small art museum. The stylish exterior is said to be inspired by Lumpini Park, a nearby landmark. The reception area features retro furniture, and a nostalgic, retro-modern interior is scattered throughout the hotel. A vintage Bangkok rickshaw is displayed in the lobby, serving as a popular photo spot.

Several radio sets were displayed in front of the elevator. The street name, Wittayu (meaning radio in Thai) Road, or Wireless Road, originates from the construction of Thailand's first radio station on this site, and the hotel's design pays homage to this history.

The infinity pool, where you can swim while gazing at Bangkok's skyscrapers, is located on the 22nd floor. There's also a pool bar, making it a perfect spot to lose track of time.

There are a total of 192 guest rooms. Even before opening the door, I was captivated by the room number signs, designed to resemble Thai car and motorcycle license plates.

The first thing that caught my eye upon entering the room was the minibar, designed like a stainless steel trunk case – a custom piece, of course. The illustration on the bedboard was created by an artist inspired by Bangkok. The bathroom, designed with a "spa" concept, also features playful touches. The gold vanity and the towels arranged in an antique-style trunk are stylish. The amenities are from "Panpuri," a popular Thai spa brand. Oh, and the U.S. Embassy is directly in front of the hotel, offering a lush green view below.

And I highly recommend visiting the rooftop bar, "Char Bangkok." Rooftop bars have been incredibly popular in Bangkok for the past few years, and this one is excellent. Located on the 26th floor, "Char Bangkok" isn't huge, but its western exposure offers a prime sunset view. The sun setting between the skyscrapers is the epitome of "The Bangkok." Even if you're not staying at the hotel, I strongly recommend visiting.

At the 25th-floor restaurant, you can enjoy creative grilled dishes prepared by a chef with previous experience at "Noma," accompanied by the night view of the Ratchadamri skyscrapers through floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

The "Metro on Wireless" on the 2nd floor is an all-day dining restaurant. The Thai cuisine here is also exceptionally high-level! Chef Jimmy, as he's known, is quite a character. He adds his unique touch to traditional Thai dishes. By the time I finished eating, in fact, quite early on, I had already decided I had to return on my next trip to Bangkok.

Being able to stay while feeling the pulse of the city is the concept and greatest selling point of "Hotel Indigo." It truly stimulates the "traveler's spirit." And on January 24 (Friday), "Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora" opened as the first "Hotel Indigo" brand hotel in Japan.

"Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora" features interior design inspired by the nature and culture of Gora. Hakone's essence is expressed throughout the hotel. As for the hot springs, in addition to a communal bath, all 98 guest rooms will have baths with mineral-rich hot spring water. This is something to look forward to not only for inbound tourists but also for residents of Japan.

The communal hot spring bath, which can be used with swimsuits, and the all-day dining restaurant themed around "fire," along with a bar lounge themed around "water" inspired by Hakone's clear streams, are said to offer culinary experiences inspired by Hakone's unique ingredients. "Hotel Indigo Hakone Gora," where you can immerse yourself completely, marks the arrival of another distinctive hotel in Hakone.