OARING above the ceaseless adrenalin thrum of Bangkok, the Centara Grand at CentralWorld is a remarkable edifice. Its iconic lotus-petal crown presides over an integrated development encompassing the convention centre, hotel, cinemas, dining, and some of the best shopping in the city – by the acre – at the CentralWorld mall.

At the epicentre of commerce and shopping, seamlessly connected to the BTS SkyTrain, this is among the best Bangkok business hotels to grace the changing skyline, and a top Bangkok conference hotel to boot. The versatility is not an accident. It is by design. Resultantly, the hotel is able to stretch effortlessly from catering for corporate pin-stripers to leisure travellers in need of a serious unwind. Expect bright and airy rooms, mod yet classic, with Broadband, satellite TV, in-room safe, and a multimedia connector for video, camera, MP3, laptop, games or iPod.

The 51st floor World Executive Club conjures up butlers, complimentary Internet, DVD players, and a spacious lounge with wraparound views for breakfast, afternoon tea and evening canapés. Private meeting rooms are available.

However, it is in its signature role as one of the best Bangkok conference hotels that this venue really sparkles. The Bangkok Convention Centre (BCC), with over 10,000sq m of space and imposing 13m-high ceilings, is a 6,000-capacity pillar-less conferencing environment. The World Ballroom seats 800. Later, pop by SPA Cenvaree, try aerobics at the fitness centre, plunge into the pool or swing out at tennis.

Pick from nine restaurants and bars. Don’t miss Fifty Five, dramatically perched on the 54th and 55th floor with unbeatable views, or Red Sky, a wine and martini rooftop bar. Easy to see why this is among the top Bangkok business hotels.