Fresh three-room club
You’ll never be short of somewhere to drink on Sukhumvit Soi 11 and there seems to be a continual increase in the number of new bars and clubs opening their doors. Competition is stiff, but Levels is proving to be one of the most successful launches. Hop in the lift to the sixth floor at Aloft Hotel, and you’ll find a deceptively big club of three distinct sections, each with its own DJ.
The front section is a roof bar, where patrons can prop themselves up against high tables or plop themselves down on the sofas that overlook soi 11 below. A spot for intimate chats and smokers, it tends to be one of the busier spots in the club.
Inside, the main section is dominated by a round bar which sits in the middle of the room Efficient staff whip up drinks costing 190 baht for a standard, such as whiskey coke or gin and tonic. A fun mix of chart hits and mainstream tracks are people pleasers, and ensure Levels draws a big crowd of party-goers every night including locals, expats and tourists.
But, if you’ve come to really strut your stuff, the back room is designed for you. Its vast size, low-ceilinged, well-respected DJs and coloured lasers make it stand out from the R&B orientated, brightly lit dance floors that are such a common sight in Bangkok.
In the tough, competitive area of Sukhumvit Soi 11, Levels has managed to create a niche, offering a club atmosphere with affordable drinks and a slightly more convenient location than nearby Q Bar.
Like any newish venue, there are a few teething problems. Firstly, getting people into the back room is proving to be a challenge. Secondly, stairs up to the toilet are needlessly dark – especially if you’re already battling tipsiness and painful heels. Thirdly, the club has the unfortunate tendency to throw the odd ill-advised party; think ‘pretties’ on swings hanging from the ceiling, Playboy parties and pole dancers — these can be alienating and, quite frankly, a bit seedy. Those parties are still fairly irregular, and we hope it remains that way.
Address: 6th Floor, Aloft Hotel, Sukhumvit Soi 11
T: (082) 308 3246
http://www.levelsclub.com
Coordinates (for GPS): 100º33'22.91" E, 13º44'39.87" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Reviewed by
Gaby Doman
Our top 10 places to eat and drink around Sukhumvit