REVIEW | The Quarter Silom by UHG hotel, Bangkok

The Philippines in 1996-1997, China in 2000, Vietnam in 2009, Japan in 2013 and 2025, South Korea in 2014 and 2024, Taipei and Taiwan in 2017 (the starting point of Trip By Trip), Singapore in 2018, Hong Kong and Macau in 2023. I like travelling to East Asia. Yet I never visited Thailand, for many westerners the starting point of Asia travels. Unexpectedly, my request for time off in January 2026 was granted, so I decided to not stay home. I booked flights to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia for a ten-day gay solo trip.

The Quarter Silom by UHG is a modern mid-range hotel located in the heart of Bangkok’s Silom district, one of the city’s most dynamic and walkable neighbourhoods. Operated by Thailand’s Universal Hospitality Group (UHG), the hotel positions itself firmly in the four-star segment, offering contemporary accommodation and a solid range of facilities at a relatively accessible price point.

Its location is one of its strongest assets. Situated in Suriyawong, just a short walk from both BTS and MRT stations such as Sala Daeng, Chong Nonsi and Silom, the hotel offers excellent connectivity across Bangkok. Lumpini Park, Siam’s (the neighbourhood) major shopping centres, and the Patpong area are all within easy reach, while the surrounding streets are packed with restaurants, bars and convenience stores.

Silom’s dual identity as a financial district by day and a nightlife hub after dark makes it an attractive base for both business travellers and city-break visitors.

The hotel itself is mid-sized, with around 140 rooms designed in a contemporary urban style. Rooms tend to be compact, as is typical for central Bangkok, but are well equipped with air conditioning, large televisions, free Wi-Fi, minibars, kettles, safes and modern bathrooms with rain showers. Some rooms offer bathtubs or balconies, adding a touch of comfort for longer stays.

Facilities are generous for a hotel in this price category. Guests have access to an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness centre, sauna and steam room, as well as a restaurant serving buffet breakfast. A business centre, 24-hour front desk and airport transfer services cater to business and international travellers, and Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.

Guest feedback generally highlights the hotel’s excellent location, modern rooms and good value for money, with the pool and gym seen as notable bonuses for a mid-range city hotel.

Common criticisms include relatively small room sizes, occasional Wi-Fi issues and a breakfast offering that some guests find unremarkable. Noise can also be a factor, depending on room orientation, given Silom’s lively nightlife scene.

Within Bangkok’s hotel landscape, The Quarter Silom sits comfortably between budget chains such as ibis or Holiday Inn Express and higher-end properties like Banyan Tree or SO Bangkok. It appeals particularly to solo travellers, couples, digital nomads and business visitors who prioritise centrality and amenities over luxury or large room sizes.

Overall, The Quarter Silom by UHG represents a pragmatic, well-located choice in Bangkok’s central business district: modern, functional and good value, but not positioned as a luxury destination in its own right.

Said to be cruisy

I was inspired by Gayifiers to book the place. “The Quarter Silom is right in the heart of this gay district, just a few minutes walk from the famous gay nightclub DJ Station, and with the Prime Massage parlor right next door”, the gay guide says.

The gym is not only open to hotel guests, but also to locals. The gym and pool are said to be popular for cruising and flirting.

A visit: checking in

Checking in was smooth and friendly. My room wasn’t ready, so I went for a late lunch at Mango Tree and underwear shopping Central Department Store at the Silom Complex.

At 15:00 or 3PM my room was ready

The room

The internet says the rooms are compact. I think the room size is good. The very large bed can accommodate more that two people if necessary. So there’s room for plenty of fun. The mattress is hard, which I like.

The desk is narrow but long. There a few European and American compatible power sockets. Not an abundance, but enough.

I had a small balcony. The air conditioning worked well and was easy to operate.

There is a kettle, coffee, tea and some snacks. Water bottles are complimentary and are being restocked. Also on offer: a condom. I think that’s nice.

There’s no real closet. I don’t think the room is designed for long stays.

The bathroom

The bathroom is what you expect: one sink, one toilet, one shower. I had towels for two. The toilet has a ‘bum gun’, which turns out I prefer over a Japanese toilet. Later in this series more on that subject.

Toiletries are branded UHG.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in tower 2 – there are three towers – which is my tower. There quite a lot of seats, but it was never crowded. The buffet area is well-stocked but rather small. As I am very maladroit with buffet settings, an attendant helped me. That was so kind, but a little pushy.

The offering features expected items such as English breakfast elements, cold cuts, cheese, bread, pastries, cereals, yoghurts and fruits. In Asia, you can also expect Asian options such as dumplings, rice, noodles and curries

Perhaps a little less obvious was: Italian pasta. Yes, for breakfast.

And of course, coffee, tea, milk, juices and water.

Besides the buffet, you could order egg dishes such as an omelet. You just had to fill out a form.

At 249 Thai baht, this breakfast is a super bargain. The only downside is perhaps there is little variation in the offering day by day. Another slight issue you had to content with one set of cutlery: a fork, a knife, a spoon. Nowhere were there others.

The pool

The pool is open from 6:00 to 21:30 which are generous hours. There aren’t many sunbeds and no mattresses. But the pool is nice. Beware, the surroundings are very slippery

The gym

The gym is open from 6:00 to 22:00 and is attended. You can book a personal trainer. The gym is also open to outsiders. I’d say the bulk of patrons are outsiders. That was very obvious on Sunday.

Is The Quarter cruisy?

Is Is The Quarter Silom cruisy? I didn’t try, but the percentage of gays at the gym and pool was high. There were a few hotties showing themselves. So I guess yes.

And thus

As The Quarter Silom by UHG was recommended by Gayifiers, I expected a gay hotel. It isn’t. But it gets cruisy on Sunday. So it’s not not gay. I would return to this hotel, although I usually don’t do that, returning to a hotel.

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