The Atlanta Hotel, Bangkok - #7 (The Lobby).

This is the oldest Bangkok hotel lobby in its original state. It is also the most photographed hotel lobby in Thailand. It has a charm all its own. I’m not a great fan of retro look but have to admit that in Atlanta’s case, it did not appear cheap or glitzy but classy and unique.

This view is taken as I was descending from the stairs which is on the right of the first photo.

The switchboard is positively antique. I never expect to admire the beauty of a switchboard.

So is this simple chandelier hanging from the ceiling. At the bottom left of the picture is the rule and information book containing all sorts of interesting info that is both enlightening and amusing.

On ground level, this is the view from one end of the small lobby. Towards the end is the library and computers with internet connections. It has added some modern amenities.

This is the view of the other end showing the curving stairs and a reading corner.

This is the place you can sit to wait for your guest or to do some reading. The picture handing on the wall is that of the founder, Dr. Max Henn, a German adventurer, pharmacologist, boatbuilder and munitions-manufacturer.

That’s me taking a photo of the mirror showing the portrait of Mukda Buresbamrungkarn, a Thai aristocrat who married Dr. Max Henn.

The lobby is not a large empty space as most hotels are but many little corners having its own individual character.

This is our final look at this famous hotel lobby before we leaved. I’m sure I’ll be back one day. Would not mind staying here for an extended period of time while I took the opportunity to explore Bangkok and be one of the guests the hotel is famous for – “gentleman of leisure”.

As I left, I reminded of the little things in this hotel that made my stay there worthwhile. This seemed to be exemplified by the modern doll with hands clasped in a traditional Thai welcome next to this antique summoning bell on the reception table.

The End.

The Atlanta Hotel, Bangkok - #6 (The Stairs).

The stairs of the three floors of the Atlanta make for very interesting photography. The earth brown brick wall, the curving black solid wood banister, the light blue ceiling with the yellow border, the circular patterned metal bars, the winding steps all contrasted beautifully to give an intricately appealing look.

From the first floor, I looked up and saw the stairs leading up, inviting. As if there are a world to be discovered up there.

View of the first and second floor together.

This shot captured all three floors, each entirely different from the other. The light at the highest floor that shone on the brick wall was an invitation to discovery. The figure standing at the lighted corridor of the first floor struck a lonely figure. While the brightly lighted ground floor and lobby promised gaiety and warmth.

Contrast the two different worlds – the dimly lighted corridor and brightly lighted lobby, both empty.

Another angle from the corridor of the first floor to the lobby.

The simple yet beautiful pattern of the ornamental ironwork contrasted against the painted wall.

The steps leading down into the lobby.

From the stairs looking down at the lobby.

From the stairs looking down at the lobby from the other side.

The stairs opening out to the lobby.

The same view reversed on the mirror hanging on the wall.

The Atlanta Hotel, Bangkok - #5 (The Swimming Pool).

The Atlanta was the first hotel in Bangkok to have a swimming pool as this sign proudly declared. This was the original pool built in 1954. It said that everything you see is original except the water.

The pool itself is not in perfect condition but pretty good considering its age. As can be seen, there are many broken tiles. However the poolside had hold up pretty well.

The decoration of this place is quite interesting and is a throwback to the 1950s. It is quaint and yet has its own appeal.

If you need any service, just ring this bell.

And if you looked at the old pictures of guests in the pool area, you can imagine what this pool has witnessed the last 50 odd years

There were many old newspaper cuttings related to this swimming pool.

And many interesting pieces of history.

Lazy deck chairs by the poolside are expected but it is unusual to find hammocks.

I could not help climbing into one and put up my feet. If I do not have to rush for a meeting, I would have taken a nap here.

Or called for a drink and read a book by the pool.

And it is even lovelier if you have a friend to have a friendly chat over a beer at night.

The first hotel swimming pool in Thailand is now a grand old dame and she is still going strong after 50 odd years.

The Atlanta Hotel, Bangkok - #4 (The Garden).

The Atlanta has a small garden that is also a mini-jungle with fully grown trees and a slightly unkempt look that gave it a more authentic atmosphere than a perfectly manicured one.

You can comes across beautiful blooms or…

tall slender palms tree that provided a complete shade from the tropical sun.

This is the path that leads directly from the hotel lobby to the swimming pool. The garden is in-between and to both sides.

To the left, you came to a gated section that is partially hidden from the rest of the hotel. There is a lazy reclining chair inside. You can push the creaking iron gate to step into a little secluded world of its own. Considering that the hotel is so small, it is amazing that this little spot can give one so much solitude.

Like the rest of the hotel, there are surprising little finds littered all over the place.

Like this little Thai shrine hanging with fresh garden that all at once gave it an exotic atmosphere that is uniquely distinct.

Almost hidden by the plants is the coy figurine of a naked lady trying to shield herself. A rather erotic figure that gave you pause for it arose the same feeling as you would, had you stumble on a real bathing lady by accident.

On the other hand, you had a different sort of strange feeling when you came across this statue holding up the light like the statue of liberty. It would have been totally out of place in the company of the shrine and naked lady had this place been anything but The Atlanta. For here, a mish-mash of objects seemed perfectly acceptable even given its incongruity.

If you chose the path on the right, you came across this sign informing you of the oldest inhabitants of the hotel – Archibald and Doris who lived in this pond with their children. The hotel placed more importance to them and the cats than you, their guests especially if you misbehaved.

This must be one of the little one.

Across the pond, I saw the workers’ quarters. Through the screen, I saw this hotel worker ironing the bed-sheet. Thought it made an interesting picture.

Every section of the hotel has its distinct character unlike any you have made. This is a hotel with personality and as you acquaint yourself more with it, you tends to think it is one with multiple personalities.