Above: A room at Aloft Bangkok.

Making their Southeast Asian debut, two next-generation urban hotel brands are bringing their crisp, tech-savvy vibe to the Thai capital. Opening in December, Aloft Bangkok (35 Sukhumvit Soi 11; 66-2/207-7000; starwoodhotels.com; doubles from US$150), a select-service property whose group motto is “style at a steal,” will deliver snazzy, well-priced rooms and a signature Aloft w xyz bar for the party set.

Slated to open in the Bangrak area in February, Sofitel SO Bangkok (2 North Sathorn Rd.; 66-2/624-0000; sofitel.com; doubles from US$202) will be wired to the teeth with Apple-based gear. With a Mac Mini in every room and an iPad in every suite, guests may very well never have to leave their rooms for entertainment.  –Angela Leenhouts

Originally appeared in the December 2011/January 2012 print issue of DestinAsian magazine (“New Brands for Bangkok”)