Those who place great importance on fashion and art will undoubtedly check whether they have a conceptual place to stay that will lift their spirits when choosing a travel destination.

After all, finding the perfect hotel can create an overwhelming sense of excitement even before the trip begins. Even the time spent counting down the days until departure, letting your imagination run wild based on the photos and descriptions on websites and in guidebooks, can bring a certain pleasure.

If you want to indulge in such a fun, imaginative journey, why not consider Bangkok as your next destination? Our recommended place to stay is SOFITEL SO BANGKOK, a five-star luxury hotel that commands an unparalleled presence in the city. Sofitel So is a brand of Sofitel Hotels, which operates luxury hotels worldwide. In addition to Bangkok, the hotel also has locations in Singapore and Mauritius. It opened in March 2012. Located in the heart of Bangkok at the intersection of North Sathorn Road and Rama IV Road, the hotel is within walking distance of Lumpini Station on the subway and Saladaeng Station on the elevated railway, making it ideal for both tourists and business travelers. Its convenient location means a taxi ride of approximately 300 baht (approximately 1,109 yen as of early June 2015, 1 baht = 3.69 yen) from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, where direct flights from Narita arrive. All 238 guest rooms and suites offer complimentary minibars, Illy coffee machines, and Mac minis. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Suites also feature iPads. The design is based on the five elements of nature (water, earth, wood, metal, and fire). It was created through a collaboration between five top Thai interior designers and award-winning architects, along with the internationally renowned Christian Lacroix. Each of the five creators is responsible for one of three themes: water, earth, wood, metal, or fire. Each of the several floors is decorated with a different theme, resulting in completely different rooms on each floor. The "Water" room, designed by internationally renowned architect Pongthep Sagulku, embodies the mystical qualities of clear, colorless water. It's calm, comfortable, and yet somehow erotic. This is symbolized by the bathroom, located by a window facing the street. Bathing while overlooking the neon-lit city at night is sure to inspire sensuality. In contrast, the "Earth" rooms, exuding a primordial warmth of the earth, are designed to resemble Thai caves. The rooms are rounded, with blue walls decorated with mural-style illustrations. Another key feature is a large stalactite sculpture in one corner of the floor where the "Earth" rooms are located. The "Wood" room, designed by architectural luminary Nithi Sthapitanonda, features a wood-grain interior, evoking the soothing atmosphere of a long-established hot spring inn. For Japanese guests, this is perhaps the most relaxing space. Apparently inspired by ancient Thai architecture, a painting of a typical house from that era hangs on the wall next to the bed, sparking interest in Thai history.

The "Gold" room, which combines lustrous metal with pure white to create a refreshing feel, is designed with the image of "Bangkok in the daytime" in mind, giving it a brighter impression than the other rooms. However, once you step outside, you're suddenly transported to a mysterious atmosphere, as the corridors are designed to evoke the image of "Bangkok at night."

So, which room would you like to stay in? Please use the photos to expand your imagination and think about it.

In addition to the floors, there are plenty of things to enjoy, such as a lively restaurant and cafe built with the image of "fire" in mind, and a lounge designed by Lacroix. You're sure to be captivated by the gorgeous staff uniforms, also designed by Lacroix. Your journey has already begun, as you fantasize about what kind of time you'll spend at this artistic design hotel.