Accor’s first Sofitel So-branded city hotel signals a fresh new direction for the French group, with a jazzy, fashion-forward ambience aimed squarely at the hipster jetset crowd. Christian Lacroix designed the staff uniforms, blending the fabrics of Thai hill tribes with smart runway cuts.

The 238 rooms and suites—all with Mac Mini entertainments systems and other nifty gadgetry—come in four elemental themes, each conceived by a prominent Thai designer: Metal rooms are starkly modernist with silver trimmings; Earth rooms are a startling blue punctuated with sketches of forest animals; Wood rooms have parquet floors; and Water rooms, the most subdued of all, come with wavy-veined marble and big tubs positioned next to the window. Make time for a cocktail at the alfresco Hi So Bar on the 30th floor, which offers soaring views over Lumpini Park and the high rises flanking Sukhumvit Road.

2 North Sathorn Rd.; 66-2/624-0000; sofitel.com; doubles from US$202.

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