Concept CM2

Having recently passed the ripe age of 11 years old, Novotel Siam Square Banhgkok Concept CM2 nightclub is never going to be one of Bangkok's devastatingly hip haunts. No Thai glitterati or pop-stars are likely to slink down its steps, no groups of models turn up demanding the red carpet treatment. But who needs them?

The fickle nature of clubs in Bangkok means most that get tarred with the oh-so-hip brush die a slow, painful death when the crowds move on anyway. And besides, Concept CM2, with its undeniably commercial but well conceived events, has been as about as successful as hotel clubs get over the last decade, packing them in night after sticky night.

How exactly? Aside from drawing streams of hotel guests downstairs, this success probably has something to do with the eclectic, something-for-everyone music policy. As long as you're not looking for Bavarian folk music or the latest tech-house beats, and can dance with a hint of 'when in Rome', then you should find a night to please your feet here.

The result: instead of surly models or celebrities you find a multi-cultural mix of all shades, ages, shapes and sizes. Fresh off the planers, sun-glazed couples and European beer boys shake hips happily alongside Japanese execs, jiving Africans and slightly-too friendly girls, all combining to give the place a colourful, eclectic face.

It's also pleasantly unpretentious. Instead of burly doormen who look you up and down while shaking their heads, on our visit during Boogie Nights - a dance-fever style '70s night - staff were donning bouncy afro wigs, Bermuda shirts, and oversized aviators. Those who turned up without the obligatory flairs, medallions and hair chest certainly weren't chided. In other words, despite being part of a swanky hotel, it's a friendly place.

And an enormous one at that - with modishly lit nooks and crannies galore and a cavernous feel, this place is more entertainment complex than club. Take a roam around and you come across places to dance, eat or chat, as well as sit back, play pool or nestle up to a lovely.

The newest of Concept CM2's many finds is Bar @ Siam Square. Dark and snazzy, it's a separate bar aimed at the after work crowd and those seeking pub-style entertainment (open from 17:00 - 02:00). Lots of sleek comfy chairs and 13 plasma screens screening sports, pool tables, arcade games and a pinball machine lend it a definite bachelor pad feel, though the cocktail, wine list and food menu should appeal to girls to. Don't miss the Interactive Happy Hour Game (until 22:00) in which after ordering drinks you press a buzzer to try and stop flashing lights as they shine on 'Free' or 'Half Price!'. Afterwards, the wall here slowly raises, the venue merging with Concept CM2's showpiece: its dark sprawling main room (those dining or drinking here get free entry to Concept CM2).

Focused around a stage for live shows or DJ's, its here that talented house act, the All Stars Band, delivers high energy dance routines alongside lively pop, hip-hop and rock renditions. An eight-strong ensemble, they're a bit like S Club 7, only better looking, easier on the ear and they can play their own instruments.

In between their breathless performances, DJ's Bom, Kriss and Ex serve up similarly commercial sounds, spicing things up with promo competitions and light crowd-rousing banter. If you're not taken with the dance floor there are plenty of raised tables and stools fringing it.

Loud upfront hip-hop can also be found in the adjoining industrial styled Boom Room next door (everyday except Wednesday, when it takes over the main room). With moody lighting, furiously scratching DJ's and TVs screening everything from Snoop to Timberlake videos, it's suitably ghetto and pulls in hordes of Bangkok's bump and grind aficionados.

As you'd expect there's an extensive drinks menu, with cocktails, wines, spirits, beers, even champagne available. Service is quick and friendly with plenty of table waiters roaming the floor. Be aware that all drinks are double-shots - half the time at the bar of course, but then twice the damage! Thursdays and Sundays are when to come if you want to get plastered courtesy of buy-one-get-one-free offers.

One final feather in Concept CM2's glam feather boa is its 02:00 closing time. However, to avoid disappointment be sure to bring ID. A few sage words of advice: there are usually a fair few freelancers (local ladies who ask for taxi money the morning after, but a special one that costs a limousine ride), so be careful who you stumble home with. ;P

Monday nights before 23:00 ladies gain free entry, but otherwise from Sunday through to Thursday entry is free before 22:00, 250 baht before 23:00 and 350 baht after (one free drink included in the price). On weekends, entry costs 450 baht before 22:00 (one free drink), 550 baht before 23:00 and 650 baht after (two free drinks).