Bangkok Glow Hotel: Guide to VELA Dhi GLOW & Sukhumvit 5

If you are searching for a clear, fact‑based overview of the GLOW hotel brand in Bangkok, this guide is for you. We break down the three main properties—VELA Dhi GLOW Pratunam, GLOW Sukhumvit 5, and GLOW Bangkok Riverside—using verified data from official listings, neutral review platforms, and travel databases. You will learn room details, prices, location trade‑offs, and the truth behind the pop‑culture rumour linking GLOW to The Hangover film. All facts below were current as of early 2026.

Last checked: 2026-06-21

Property name (primary search result): VELA Dhi GLOW Pratunam, Bangkok · Property type: Hotel located within Shibuya 19 Fashion Mall · Estimated guest rating range (from TripAdvisor): 4 stars typical · Known for: Located in Pratunam commercial hub; features outdoor pool & restaurant · Pop culture connection: Lebua at State Tower appears in The Hangover (not GLOW brand) · Alternative GLOW property: GLOW Sukhumvit 5 (official website: sukhumvit5.glowhotels.com)

What are the rooms like at Glow Pratunam?

VELA Dhi GLOW Pratunam offers 169 guestrooms spread over the 7th to 20th floors of Shibuya 19 Fashion Mall. According to a detailed 2015 blogger review, Deluxe rooms typically include a safe, day lounger, TV, fridge, kettle, and four complimentary water bottles daily. The same reviewer noted a two‑way wardrobe connecting the bathroom for easier changing. A FlyerTalk guest mentioned a master control panel beside the bed for lights and air‑conditioning, a convenience not common in every mid‑range Bangkok hotel at that price point.

Trip.com lists the hotel as 4‑star, with an average starting price around USD 186 and distances of about 25 km from Suvarnabhumi Airport and 23 km from Don Mueang International Airport. The property was last renovated in 2020, which likely refreshed furnishings and common areas. One consistent observation across platforms is that Pratunam rooms offer strong city views from higher floors. The writer of the 2015 blog stayed on the 20th floor and described “strong views” as a highlight.

The bottom line: rooms are functional and well‑equipped for the 4‑star category, with the 2020 renovation helping to keep them current. The trade‑off is that the hotel sits atop a mall, so views and quiet may vary depending on floor orientation.

Is there food served at Glow Bangkok?

Yes, both major GLOW properties in Bangkok have on‑site restaurants. At VELA Dhi GLOW Pratunam, buffet breakfast is served from approximately 06:00 to 10:00 daily. Agoda lists the breakfast surcharge around THB 350 per adult and THB 175 per child. The property also has a bar and lounge.

At GLOW Sukhumvit 5, the on‑site restaurant is called Centro Cafe. Based on Booking.com data, breakfast is a buffet offering Halal, Asian, and American options. Guest scores for breakfast at this property average about 7.3 out of 10—adequate but not exceptional. Some reviewers noted that the selection could become repetitive if staying multiple nights.

GLOW Bangkok Riverside also provides dining, though fewer specifics appear in the sources reviewed. A 2015 reviewer of the Pratunam property gave breakfast only 5/10, citing limited and repetitive items, but that rating is older and may not reflect current offerings.

The pattern: breakfast is available at all three properties. Pratunam’s breakfast is paid separately (around THB 350), while Sukhumvit 5’s breakfast is sometimes included in room rates. If a strong breakfast is a priority, Sukhumvit 5 appears to score slightly higher in recent feedback.

How far is Glow Pratunam from the airport?

VELA Dhi GLOW Pratunam is approximately 25 km from Suvarnabhumi Airport and about 23 km from Don Mueang International Airport (as noted in the Trip.com listing linked above). A typical taxi or ride‑share trip takes 30–50 minutes depending on traffic. The hotel offers an airport drop‑off shuttle for a surcharge—Agoda quotes around THB 1,500 per vehicle.

For metro connections, the nearest stations are Ratchathewi MRT (about 0.88 km) and Phloen Chit BTS (about 1.93 km). Many guests opt for taxis or hotel shuttles because the Pratunam area is not directly on the Skytrain line.

What this means: the hotel’s location is excellent for shoppers but requires a short ride or walk to reach rail transit. First‑time visitors should budget for transport costs to and from the airport (roughly THB 400–700 by taxi).

Which Bangkok hotel was in The Hangover?

The hotel that appears in the 2011 film The Hangover Part II is Lebua at State Tower, a five‑star riverside property. It is not part of the GLOW brand, nor is any GLOW hotel shown in the movie. This confusion often arises because both GLOW and Lebua are in Bangkok and share a certain “glow” in name, but the film’s iconic balcony scene was filmed at Lebua’s Sky Bar.

To clarify: VELA Dhi GLOW Pratunam, GLOW Sukhumvit 5, and GLOW Bangkok Riverside have no connection to The Hangover. If you are a pop‑culture fan seeking the Hangover hotel, your destination is Lebua at State Tower, located in the Silom area.

The implication: the GLOW brand is budget‑ to mid‑range and does not claim a film pedigree. Travellers expecting the Hangover experience should book Lebua, which commands significantly higher rates.

What is soi 11 famous for?

Sukhumvit Soi 11 is one of Bangkok’s most well‑known nightlife strips, lined with rooftop bars, clubs, and international restaurants. It runs off Sukhumvit Road near the Nana BTS station. GLOW Sukhumvit 5 is located just off Sukhumvit Soi 5, which is also a lively area but quieter than Soi 11 itself. Soi 11’s famous venues include Above Eleven, Levels Club, and the nightlife complex at Soi 11/1.

For guests staying at GLOW Sukhumvit 5, Soi 11 is about a 10‑minute walk or short taxi ride. The hotel’s own neighbourhood on Soi 5 is more residential but still has a handful of bars and restaurants. Many guests highlight the area’s convenience for nightlife while noting the hotel remains quiet thanks to its set‑back position.

The trade‑off: you get easy access to Soi 11’s energy without sleeping directly on top of it. However, late‑night noise from neighbouring streets can still be audible on lower floors.

Where is the best place to stay in Bangkok for first timers?

First‑time visitors to Bangkok often face a choice between the shopping‑focused Pratunam area, the central Sukhumvit corridor, or the serene Riverside. The GLOW brand offers a property in each zone, making it a useful case study for understanding the trade‑offs.

For first‑time visitors who want to be in the middle of shopping action—Platinum Fashion Mall, Pratunam Market—VELA Dhi GLOW Pratunam is the logical pick. Its location atop Shibuya 19 means you are steps from the malls, but you trade off immediate BTS access (the nearest station is about a 20‑minute walk). Reviews on Country Hop gave location 9/10, though distance to transit was noted as a drawback.

For first‑time visitors who prioritise BTS connectivity and nightlife, GLOW Sukhumvit 5 offers better value. It sits about one block from Nana BTS, and the area around Sukhumvit Soi 5 is packed with restaurants, bars, and convenience stores. A YouTube review from January 2025 cited rates around US$41 per night including breakfast, making it one of the cheapest options in central Sukhumvit. Booking.com guest scores average 8.1/10, with cleanliness at 4.4/5 and sleep quality at 4.6/5.

For first‑time visitors who prefer a calmer base with river views and a pool deck, GLOW Bangkok Riverside is the choice. A YouTube review describes the 126‑room property with an outdoor riverside pool and deck. It is ideal for travellers who plan to use river taxis rather than the BTS, or who want a retreat after sightseeing.