The buzz: Ideally located on the corner of Sukhumvit 57, right next to Soi Thonglor, the recently opened Marriott Hotel just introduced its multi-level rooftop bar Octave, which boasts an impressive trendy-but-mature vibe that’s accentuated by striking views from the top floor.   

The décor: Octave boasts a stylish modern-industrial décor, heavily reliant on light brown wooden furniture and steel accents, with a blue theme running throughout. The first level, located on the 45/F, features a long balcony filled with sculpture-like sofa seating to one side and proper wooden dining tables to the other. Take the stairs up to the second level and you’ll find a couple of private rooms, while the third level is another balcony bar area though without seating. The real highlight, though, is the rooftop floor which offers an unimpeded 360-degree view of Bangkok and features a circular open bar in the middle.
The music: DJs spinning smooth and funky house that’s not too loud. 

The crowd: The place is still too new to say, but so far mostly celebrities and young executives trawling for a classy new drinking spot.     

The price: The signature cocktails created by an in-house mixologist provide welcome twists on the classics; try Otto HZ (vodka, port, blackberry, B320), Bangkok 57 (saffron-infused vodka mixed with Champagne, B350), Bloom Over The Roof (mojito-like recipe; red berries tea infused vodka, mint leaf, elderflower syrup, B320) and Golden Tai (rum, Grand Marnier, OJ, pineapple juice, almond syrup, Ron Zacapa, B350). Wine starts from B1,200-1,500 by the bottle, Champagne B1,200-5,500 by the bottle and beers like Singha, Heineken, Phuket and Asahi are B170 while bottles of Hoegaarden and Leffe are B280. The food menu is more focused on Asian-themed bar snacks than proper meals, featuring nibbles like prawns yakitori with chili tomato sauce (B350), potted foie gras terrine, campote and toast (B350) and snowfish, glazed miso paste (B370). As for something sweet, the cheesecake is cutely presented with strawberry sauce in a tube (B70/each).

Why you’ll come back: This is a proper rooftop bar. The stunning urban views on offer speak for themselves and are some of the most impressive in town. Add in some tasty cocktails and a stylish but unobtrusive soundtrack and you’ve got a fine recipe for a chill evening. Vasachol Quadri