Visitors tend to stay in the buzzy Siam area near popular malls such as Siam Paragon and CentralWorld; busy Silom and Sathom, where most businesses are based; or by the Chao Phraya River, where the grand dames of Bangkok’s luxury hotel scene like the Mandarin Oriental and The Peninsula are located.

I tend to enjoy the action and convenience of Ratchaprasong and Siam, which are very well connected to the rest of the city by the unbeatable Skytrain system – a godsend in such a sprawling and traffic-prone metropolis.

On a recent visit, however, I decided to venture a little further out on Sukhumvit, the major artery in the heart of Bangkok also served by the Skytrain. Located on Soi 39 just off Sukhumvit and a short walk from the Skytrain, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok is part of a Thai-based hospitality group that also owns one hotel in the northern city of Chiang Mai. (The name of the company refers to the heritage building that is now the Chiang Mai property and was built upon 137 pillars.)

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Befitting its expat-friendly neighbourhood, Phrom Phong, which has a very Japanese vibe thanks to the Japanese community that calls it home, the property feels more like a private residence rather than just a hotel. The suites come with beautiful balconies overlooking the massive urban stretch of Bangkok and feature large sleeping quarters, lovely sitting areas and spacious bathrooms with free-standing bathtubs. The decor is far from the cookie-cutter and minimalist approach of most hotels these days, with warm tones, materials such as dark wood and subtle nods to Thai culture.

One of the highlights of my visit was dinner at Nimitr Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, situated on the 27th floor of the building. The recently opened fine-dining establishment offers an elegant take on Thai food with delicious dishes such as miang kham king scallop, a seafood appetiser, and hearty fare such as nua yang nam jim jaew, decadent morsels of beef cooked Thai style, not to mention an a ice-cream version of mango and sticky rice, kao neaw mamuang.

Check out Bangkok Trading Post Bistro & Bar, on the ground floor, for a more casual dining experience. For a truly memorable photo opportunity, head to the 35th floor, which houses the highest infinity pool in Bangkok. The pool is often ranked as one of the most spectacular hotel pools in the world by travel publications. (Another pool on the 27th floor is ideal for swimming and sunbathing.)

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Because of the residential vibe of the area and the nature of its accommodation, a stay at 137 Pillars Suites & Residences will make you feel less like a passing tourist and more like an expat living in the city.

If you know Bangkok well and want to explore a neighbourhood that offers the perks of the city’s touristy areas without the incessant buzz, you’d be hard pressed to find a better spot that marries charm and convenience.