THE SUKHOTHAI, BANGKOK, Thailand  known for its unique blend of traditional Thai elements and modern embellishments, has been chosen among the top 10 boutique business hotels by London-based online newspaper Guardian Unlimited.

The article, by Guardian Unlimited’s management consultant Max Levene, talked about the best luxury hotels for turning a business trip into a holiday.

“A hotel is no longer just for conducting business, executing email and sleeping for six hours. It’s also for pleasure,” Mr. Levene said. “The pleasure of eating and drinking well. The joy of conducting business or just lounging with clients and colleagues in a beautiful environment. And the thrill of being able to fly in your friends and family for an indulgent, hedonistic weekend.”

The Sukhothai was named as a top choice for mixing business with pleasure in the world’s great cities. “The Sukhothai is an oasis of tranquillity may be a massively overused phrase in travel writing but it is a perfect description of this wonderful venue,” Mr. Levene said. “The ridiculous hustle and bustle of Bangkok is quickly forgotten on entering the Sukhothai’s beautifully sculpted grounds. Lounging by the pool and pottering around in your vast one-bedroom apartment are bound to be highlights.”

Commenting on the hotel’s established reputation for excellence, The Sukhothai’s General Manager George Benney said: “The Sukhothai does not feel at all commercial. In fact, it is quite residential, which is one of its many unique characteristics.”

Several new features have been introduced to The Sukhothai’s guestrooms in an effort to make guests feel even more at home. Since November 2006, all Deluxe Studios and Garden Suites have had iPod connections hardwired to the in-room sound system and TV. Wireless Internet connections throughout the hotel mean guests can contact loved ones and business associates any time of the day or night anywhere in the hotel.