The 25 Best Hotels in Bangkok
1. Mandarin Oriental Hotel
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 659 9000)
Sublime in every aspect, Thailand’s first luxury hotel (established in 1876) situated right on the Chao Phraya river, offers an unparalleled hotel experience with spectacular rooms steeped in history, a mind-boggling variety of facilities, legendary service, and numerous activities and events. The stories and history of its prominent guests that include renowned authors, Heads of State and other luminaries, have been integrated into the hotel’s narrative and décor. Done up in a rich colonial style, the hotel features 324 rooms and 44 Suites (35 sq m to 326 sq m), with distinctive character. Rooms feature fantastic river views, high ceilings and an abundance of natural teaks, Thai silks, wide French windows, spacious living areas and luxurious baths. Offers a historic author’s lounge that’s popular for tea. Award-winning spa offers the only Rhassoul bath in the city and special spa cuisine. The central Sathorn pier/BTS Saphan Taksin is 10 minutes away by boat. Nearby riverside attractions include Asiatique, River City Shopping center, Grand Palace, the Flower market, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
The best luxury hotel in Bangkok.
Notes on Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Opened in 1876. Celebrated its 140 anniversary in 2016.
324 rooms and 44 suites. Has 16 room types.
Historic hotel that’s hosted the Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Barbara Cartland etc.
Wide lobby with warm wood tones decorated with a forest/tropical décor theme (changes according to season). Features gorgeous hanging wooden bells and a large fountain. Lots of browns and reds and gold colors give it a rich aura.
Hotel has a timeless colonial feel, spacious sparkling white corridors, and teakwood accents. Has three wings – the 16-story River Wing houses the Royal Oriental Suite, Selandia and Siam Suites and two-bedroom suites. The Authors’ Wing has four famous Heritage Authors’ Suites which have a fresh palette – lots of white rattan with bamboo. The Garden Wing has unique split level Premier Rooms that overlook the River and the main swimming pool. Rooms have traditional Thai silk, teak furnishings and are served with fresh fruits and exotic flowers daily. Has a butler for every floor. (Has 1200 staff with a ratio of 3 staff for every 1 guest). Part of the hotel is set across the river and there are private teakwood shuttle boats that ferry guests to its Thai cooking school, the hotel’s Thai restaurant, spa and health centers.
Garden suites (80 sq m) – Are exquisite. Very colonial with either a flat or split-level layouts. All rooms are front facing, overlooking the river. Has a mini- apartment feel with a space-saving kitchenette and cocktail set. Butler sets out a different cocktail menu for the guests daily and homemade coconut ice cream is kept in the freezer. Large marble bathroom with large bathtubs, with audio in the shower.
Grand Royal Suite (600 sq m) – Majestic six-bedroom suite; occupies the entire first floor of the Authors’ Wing. Extremely luxurious with private elevator access. Highlights include a light-filled Victorian-inspired glass conservatory and a restored open balcony with stunning river views.
Has 8 restaurants – Sala Rim Naam Thai Restaurant with a Thai classical dance show every night (Dances from the east & a 15-minute masked puppet show on the Ramayana. Ornate restaurant with a grand stage. The menu has a sample of all of Thailand’s dishes. Tables and floor seating with leg space cutouts). Le Normandie, fine French dining venue (Bangkok’s oldest French restaurant, Famous dish – mashed potatoes with caviar and sea urchins). Ciao, an outdoor Italian bistro (seasonal) (Famous for pumpkin pizza). The China House with avant-garde 1930s Shanghai Art Deco interior. Lord Jim’s with a seafood buffet lunch. The Verandah Coffee Shop. BBQ Riverside Terrace.
Authors’ Lounge – Four salons named after famous authors who were guests of the hotel – Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Noël Coward and James Michener, with signed books on display. Very picturesque with plenty of old world charm. Decorated with turn-of-the-century style wicker furniture with hand-painted fabrics. Very popular for afternoon tea, society weddings and elegant events. Also offers a selection of high-end brand of teas ‘Mariage Freres’ and a signature afternoon tea set.
The Bamboo Bar – Bangkok’s first ever jazz bar with a sensual jungle-like ambiance – Has a mirrored ceiling, vintage mirrors in black bamboo frames, bar stools with tiger skin print patterns. Very masculine with dark teakwood, rattan furniture, and rattan fan wing blades. Has colonial apothecary-style wall cabinets that showcase bottle and barrel-aged cocktails. Offers personalized alcohol bottles – guests can be served with bottles bearing their own name. Décor has sextons, compasses, and pictures of former patrons, including Louis Armstrong, Mick Jagger and Audrey Hepburn etc. Features a live band and jazz performances.
Events – Hotel routinely conducts many events such as art exhibitions, music and dance events, culinary events such as wine tasting, cheese tasting etc.
Mostly leisure guests – Guests staying more than 7 nights get long stay benefits.
Cooking school – Across the river in an old Thai house. Different menu every day (menu changes each month). Dedicated room for theory classes where the chef gives a lecture. Master chef-style cooking stations. Best classes are over the weekend which includes a market trip. Also offers a week-long cooking program.
Spa is housed in a classical Thai-style 4-story building made from golden teak wood and has 14 suites. Offers a Rhassoul Bath, the first and only in Thailand, based on ancient Moroccan expertise in health and beauty. Has digital detox treatments to reconsider relationship with gadgets. Offers a special spa cuisine menu with organic ingredients and Thai herbs to rejuvenate the body. Has Kerala Ayurvedic treatments and treatment rooms. Offers tailor-made yoga sessions from yogic lifestyle trainer from India.
Family friendly – Has a little kids club. Offers baby amenities during check-in.
Dedicated wedding coordinator – Offers dedicated wedding services and special wedding day touches.
Fantastic facilities – Has 2 outdoor swimming pools, a 24 hr fitness center, tennis and squash courts, and an outdoor jogging track.
Has a separate space for learning Muay Thai boxing, cross fit and movement based training. Offers complimentary fitness classes from Pilates and Tai Chi to Yoga and guided meditation programs. State-of-the-art technology business center. Has shopping arcades including a flagship Louis Vuitton store, a beauty parlor and barber shop.
Attractions nearby – River city mall (antique shopping), Jewelry and silver shops in the surrounding area. ‘Jam Factory’ across the river. Asiatique, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun are all a boat ride away.
Plans to offer Mandarin Oriental residences in the future.
2. Anantara Siam
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 126 8866)
Elegant luxury hotel featuring a classic blend of Thai and contemporary design. Has 354 beautifully decorated rooms (42 sq m to 126 sq m) and a unique Jim Thompson Explorer Suite. All rooms have complimentary smartphones with a digital city guide and free calls to ten countries. Plenty of indoor garden courtyards, koi ponds, shops, numerous dining options, squash courts, and more to explore. Wonderful outdoor pool. Gorgeous spa with adjustable hydraulic beds and inviting Roman style tubs. Hotel offers guests the chance to participate in a traditional Buddhist ritual of donating alms to monks. Enjoys a central location in Bangkok’s famous shopping district close to many malls and markets such as Central World, Pratunam market and Siam Paragon.
Bangkok's Anantara Siam Hotel
Notes on Anantara Siam
Opened in April 1983 (formerly the Four Seasons Bangkok), centrally located in the Ratchaprasong shopping and entertainment district, steps away from BTS Ratchadamri.
13 room types, 354 rooms totally (42 sq m to 126 sq m). Has one Jim Thompson Explorer Suite (198 sq m) and one Presidential Suite (344 sq m).
Grand lobby with high vaulted ceiling featuring intricate Thai artwork. Spectacular wall mural facing the main entrance. Lobby features stately columns, hand-painted silk panels, silk lamps and lights, lighted torches on walls, grey velvet furniture and a magnificent frescoed ceiling with 19 panels and daily live entertainment. Has warm wood tones and a well-appointed bar with 3 types of tea from France created exclusively for Anantara.
Hotel features a blend of traditional Thai and contemporary design with artifacts, teak furnishings, and silk fabrics. Has massive corridors, three courtyard areas and environment friendly scents. Rooms feature warm, contemporary décor, light hues, comfy furnishings with signature Thai touches such as Thai artwork on the headboards of beds. Rooms have views of tropical gardens, the pool, and the Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s private golf course. Garden Terrace rooms and suites are splendid featuring private entrances with white columns, Thai statues, domed marble bathrooms and dining patios overlooking the pool. One Bedroom Corner suites have guest powder rooms.
Classic rooms are good for single travelers. Recommended rooms for couples and families – Dream Suite and Nirvana. The newly renovated Premier rooms and the deluxe room with Thai murals are recommended for the views of the golf course and pool.
Special two Bedroom Jim Thompson Explorer Suite – Wonderful suite with the aura of a Thai summer home. Décor includes tongue and groove ceilings, painted paneled walls and polished teak floors. Open plan living and dining room, office library, and two spacious marble bathrooms with tubs and a guest powder room. A partition can be used to create two apartments of the space.
Anantara Presidential Suite – Overlooks the pool and garden. Interiors feature woven carpets and elegant Thai silk. Master bedroom has a dressing room, massage suite, deep soaking tub and whirlpool.
All rooms have in-room handy smartphone with unlimited local calls and unlimited international calls to 10 destinations. Very useful feature eliminating the hassle and expense of data roaming and high phone bills. Comes loaded with travel apps and a digital city guide. Can be used while guests are out and about to locate restaurants, attractions or utilize hotel features eg: – book spa appointments at Anantara. All personal data is removed on check out.
Hotel has 10 restaurant and dining options, from all-day dining to a steakhouse, sushi bar & tatami-style dining room, fine Thai cuisine, Italian, Mediterranean and a European Pop-Up Wine & Charcuterie. Thai restaurant has music & fruit carving shows. Hotel an open-air garden and cocktail lounge with soothing views of greenery and is famous for its Sunday brunch that features a live band and free flowing champagne.
Three restaurants interconnect at Parichart Court, a courtyard which features lush tropical gardens, shops and koi ponds. Shops consist of two art galleries, a tailor shop, jewelry shops and the Charcuterie (Famous for its sausage rolls. Sells>50,000 per month). Can dine anywhere – in the lobby, pool, or terrace – and order from any restaurant.
The Wedding Galleria – Anantara Siam Bangkok’s own one-stop wedding shop whose themes change every two months. Offers personal consultation with an expert Wedding Specialist to plan weddings and honeymoon experiences. Specializes in extravagant Indian weddings.
Large beautiful 25 m outdoor swimming pool.
Anantara Spa – Signature Spa Treatment – Siam 2482 (90 Minutes) includes a bamboo stick massage, herbal compresses and gold paste. Beautiful Spa with 2 couple suites, 1 deluxe couple suite, and 4 single suites. Can order lunch at the spa. Allows couples a romantic bath for 30 min. Has a private Roman style tub or steam room, manicure and pedicure room, in-room and poolside massages etc. Spa is very popular for facials.
Spa also has cool hydraulic beds that can fold up/be adjusted to the guest’s body for comfort. Guests can also choose music (5 albums with Anantara spa sounds).
Shopping Guru Experience – Tailors shopping tours with VIP treatment and a private chauffeur driven limousine, accompanied by one of five Shopping Gurus, each boasting a different area of local expertise.
Attractions within walking distance – Erawan shrine, Gaysorn shopping mall, Central World, Central Embassy Shopping mall and Siam Paragon. Free Tai chi classes at Lumpini park
Special features – Hotel allows guests to experience a traditional Tak Bart Buddhist ritual at 6:20 am in the lobby (needs one-day advance notice) – Buddhist monks are invited to receive alms (foods, flower and incense) presented by hotel guests, who receive a blessing chant in return.
Very Family friendly – Has a mini playground, babysitting services, children’s amenities. Kids get their own bathrobes, toiletries and bedtime treats. Children’s menus available at every hotel restaurant. (Permanent kids room planned for later).
Signature dishes – Award-winning Steakhouse with a salt guru who helps choose between 7 different types of salts (truffle salt, red wine salt, parsley salt and more), ‘Grain fed 300 day Wagyu Marble No 4,’ chicken in coconut soup served in a whole coconut. Italian restaurant is famous for its 2 cheese combination pizza.
Outstanding array of facilities that include a barber shop, squash court, huge 24 hr gym, aerobic and yoga rooms, jacuzzi and steam room.
Competition – Four points, Movenpick, Grand Hyatt, Intercontinental, Siam Kempinski, Mandarin Oriental.
Activities – Can book a cooking class in advance. Can also request to book the golf course.
More business guests than leisure.
3. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 476 0022)
Classy resort-style riverside hotel featuring elegant Thai-inspired décor. Seven room types from cozy deluxe rooms (38 sq m) to spacious two bedroom river suites (114 sq m); all include complimentary smartphones with free calls to ten countries. Highlights include a theatrical Teppanyaki dinner show by a personal chef, nightly Thai cultural shows against a river backdrop while dining riverside, dinner/over night cruises in the hotel’s own restored rice barges and options to rent Thai-style wooden structures for proposals/special occasions. Asiatique (a popular night market/entertainment destination) is right across the river. Hotel is a 15 minute boat ride away from Central pier (BTS access to central Bangkok).
Bangkok's Anantara Riverside Resort and Hotel
Notes on Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Located in Thonburi on the opposite side of the river from central Bangkok. 11 acre, roughly U-shaped resort hotel, 396 rooms (101 suites), opened in 2010.
Hotel operates own shuttle boats. 15 minute boat trip from the Central (Sathorn) pier with views of Asiatique and the Krungthep bridge en-route.
Lobby on the ground floor devoted to group tours decorated with ancient Thai pottery; features specialty shops and wide couches, and. Massive main lobby on the first floor with marble and wood flooring, huge teakwood sofas, triangulated Thai pillows. Feels very Thai and lush overall, with warm colors dominating inside and palm trees and sculptures outside. Natural khlong (canal) runs through the hotel premises. Hotel has wide, well-lit corridors with 3D patterns on the carpets.
7 room types across 3 buildings – Deluxe Premier Room, Deluxe Premier River View Room, Deluxe Premier Riverfront Room, Junior Premier Suite, Junior Premier River View Suite, Anantara Riverfront Suite and the Two Bedroom Chao Phraya River Suite. An additional 2 Cruise Staterooms can be booked on a 100 year old rice barge.
Every room (on land) includes a complimentary ‘Handy’ smartphone with unlimited free international calls to 10 countries and free internet mobile access. (The Anantara Riverside hotel and the Anantara Siam hotel are the only two hotels in Bangkok that offer this feature). Rooms have an in-room bar, tea and coffee making facilities, internet access, an LCD TV, DVD player and iPod dock.
Airy and bright rooms, with high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows that offer either garden or river views. All rooms have private balconies. River view rooms have fantastic views of the Krungthep bridge. Contemporary Thai design touches such as etched Sanskrit inscriptions on panels and doors, Thai silk curtains, and art pieces give rooms an elegant aura. Bathrooms feature bathtubs and separate rain showers and are accessed by sliding doors in the bedroom which expands the sensation of space.
Top rooms include a) The ‘Anantara River Front Suite’ with two work stations, a separate bar along with a dining area and a cozy lounge. Bathrooms have double sinks and a powder room with a white marble finish. Both the living room and bedroom open out onto a wraparound balcony with spectacular river views. b) The huge ‘Two bedroom Chao Phraya River Suites’ are ideal for small families and groups of friends.
Has 10 restaurants and bars in total, serving up Japanese, Italian and international cuisine, with riverside dining options. Bar options include an outdoor, indoor and poolside bar. (All salad greens are sourced from the hotel’s own 3000 sq m hydroponic farm).
Trader Vic’s is famous for its Sunday Brunch, and features an immense wood-fired Chinese oven, and an array of the brand’s unique ‘Mai Tai’ drinks. Tables need to be booked in advance at the Japanese steakhouse Benihana, as there’s a personal chef at every table who puts on a Teppanyaki show – a big hit with kids. The Riverside Terrace restaurant has nightly barbecues, a seafood buffet and live cooking stations. Guests can dine to costumed dancers performing cultural shows like the ‘Journey of Hanuman’ on a torch-lit stage set against the river backdrop.
Attractive pool with a Jacuzzi enclosed by greenery gives it a private feel.
Spacious 24 hour fitness center. Can take boxing lessons in a Muai thai boxing ring and cooking classes (only for adults) at the cooking school called Spice spoons (includes a market trip).
Spa rooms are luxurious-the couple room, in particular, has its own garden and ‘sala’ (Thai-style wooden house). Golf courses nearby.
Two types of ‘gurus’ are on hand to offer advice or guide guests regarding activities. The ‘Khlong guru’ can take a maximum of 6 people on a long-tail boat to explore Bangkok’s old canals (small authentic floating markets, shops on stilts, hidden villages etc.) The ‘Streetwise guru’ offers private guided street tours in Bangkok city.
Family friendly – Kids club with play area offers classes like making pizza and sushi. There’s even an adorable kids sized toilet in the main toilet area. Families can take khlong, street and cycling tours together.
Hotel offers two-hour dinner cruises along the Chao Phraya river (Manohra cruise) and longer overnight luxury cruises to Ayutthaya on an antique teakwood boat.
Special features include ‘Dining by design’ where guests can rent a riverside sala or have a picnic under the trees, with a personal chef, music etc. for wedding proposals, anniversaries and dinners. Hotel is also popular for destination weddings with grooms/brides arriving on everything from jet skis, horses, tuk-tuks to Harley Davidsons. (Size of property – 11 acres – ensures seclusion).
Hotel supports charities related to elephants and conducts a 3-day elephant polo match in March in a nearby vacant lot which guests can attend. (Elephants are brought in from Chiang Mai).
Riverside attractions are easily accessible by boat – Riverside plaza shopping mall, Central pier (BTS access) and Asiatique (night market) across the river. Free shuttle boat to central pier all day and Asiatique (starting at 9 pm) every 30 minutes.
Guests are mostly leisure-oriented. Many repeat and long stay guests stay here from 3 months to a year.
Competition – Mandarin Oriental and The Peninsula, along the river.
4. Ammata Lanta Resort
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 175 1888)
Outlandish resort hotel with 27 unique pagoda-shaped pool villas topped by flying Pegasus sculptures, clustered around a serene manmade lake. Four types of extremely spacious and luxurious villas starting with Superior villas (150 sq m) to a Family pool villa (266 sq m). Rooms sport opulent interiors in earth tones, with even bathrooms having air conditioners. Excellent facilities like CCTV displays in rooms to ensure privacy, outdoor private plunge pools, private gardens and sundecks, with spectacular views of the Swan lake or green fields. Magical architecture and design offers endless photo opportunities, especially when everything is lit up at night. Resort is ideally located to explore attractions on Bangkok’s outskirts as it’s a 15 minute drive away from Suvarnabhumi airport.
Bangkok's magical Ammata Lanta resort-style hotel
Notes on Ammata Lanta Resort
27 unique pagoda-shaped pool villas surrounding an artificial lake, spread out over 15 acres, established in late 2015.
Fantasy-like setting, with over-the-top design – Thai, Oriental, European, Khymer and Balinese influences on décor. Has Golden flying Pegasus horses and parts of boats on the roofs, swallow nest inspired pagoda-shaped ceilings in bedrooms, brick finish (thick brick walls to cut down noise).
Extensive use of fine woods and coconut shells in the opulent earth tone interiors.
Environment features terracotta sculptures, palm trees, bonsai trees, paintings mounted in boats, little stupas and boats everywhere. Resort is exquisitely lit up at night giving it a magical feel. Many day time and night time photo shoot opportunities. Great venue for weddings for overlooking the Swan lake.
Two boats resting against each other make up the entrance to the lobby area, which also has an antique boat suspended on top of the reception area. Plenty of details to admire everywhere.
Reception is reminiscent of an old goldsmith shop, medium-sized lobby with many antiques, velvet chairs, genuine crystals.
Lobby connects to spa which is rustic and decorated with Thai artwork. Has a gleaming standalone copper tub.
Rooms are lavish with plush animal rugs, coconut shell chandeliers, teakwood deer heads, antiques and more. Some have waterfalls at the entrance and plunge pools accessed via the bedroom. Quiet and opulent exuding an aura of luxury.
Air conditioner inside the spacious bathrooms. Wooden steps provided to step up to tub.
Small CCTV device in room entrances that offers a video display of visitors at the door to ensure privacy.
Villas are centered around an artificial manmade lake, occupied by swans-tranquil atmosphere. 4 story observation deck for guests to enjoy sunset and sunrise views.
15 minutes away from Suvarnabhumi airport, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a one-of-a-kind Thai luxury accommodation close to the airport. (Not noisy).
Extremely spacious rooms as the lowest category starts at 150 sq m.
Has 14 Grand pool villas, 7 Superior Villas, 5 Deluxe villas and 1 Family pool villa. Best villas are the Grand pool and Family pool villas, which offer excellent views of the lake.
Family pool villa (266 sq m) – Spacious 2 bedroom villa with a fantastic view of the Swan lake, large outdoor terrace and private pool.
Grand pool villa (156 sq m) – Lovely view of Swan lake, has an outdoor garden with sun beds and private plunge pool overlooking the lake.
Deluxe Jacuzzi villa (150 sq m) – Swarovski chandeliers, secluded garden, upper living room, with large outdoor terrace and open air Jacuzzi, views of fields and waterways.
Superior Villa (150 sq m) – Private garden and outdoor terrace, secluded sun bed, view of waterway and lush green fields.
2 bars and 2 restaurants, offering gourmet Thai and international cuisine.
Has one 8 shaped infinity pool with lights and a pool bar.
Majority of guests are leisure oriented.
Offers small bikes for kids to bike around. Biking area is nearby for bikers, but they need to bring their own bikes.
Nearby attractions include the Snake farm, Crocodile farm, Mega Bangna shopping mall and golf courses.
Hotel conducts a photo contest for the general public with an extremely generous cash prize.
5. Banyan Tree – Best Bangkok City Views
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 679 1200)
Modern 61-storey hotel with exceptional views of Bangkok city located in Bangkok’s business district. Has 325 lovely rooms (44 sq m to 143 sq m) with both modern and Thai elements. Famous for its unique helipad-turned rooftop restaurant and bar that offer an unparalleled experience of dining under the stars. Aside of its award-winning spa treatments, the hotel offers one-of-a-kind Spa Sanctuary Suite rooms, which include private massage rooms and unlimited massage treatments. Also operates an excellent dinner cruise (Apsara Cruise) on a vintage teak rice barge with personal chefs and customized menus. Great location for exploring the Silom area. Close to Lumpini park, Ce La Vie, Maggie Choos.
The sky-high Moonbar restaurant at Bangkok's Banyan Tree Hotel.
Notes on Banyan Tree
Opened in January 2002, 61 storey building, located on Sathorn road.
325 rooms and suites (10 types) ranging from (44 sq m to 143 sq m) – Horizon, Oasis Retreat, Serenity Club, One and Two Bedroom Suites, Spa Sanctuary Suites, and Presidential Suite (204 sq m).
Lobby has a modern Thai feel and a lovely indoor greenery display. Lots of Thai art with flowing wave patterns on the wall, huge dark teakwood circular pillars, classy and spacious with Thai sculptures and a mini bar.
The hotel is famous for its open-air rooftop Vertigo Grill restaurant and Moon Bar (converted helicopter deck) on the 61st floor, which looks like a ship’s deck and offers a stunning 360 degree unobstructed view of the city, thanks to escalated platforms and low walls. Great experience of dining under the stars with wonderful views of Bangkok.
7 restaurants and 2 bars – Dining options include fine Japanese dining (has a sake menu that features nearly 100 different bottles – one of the largest collections in South East Asia), nouvelle Chinese cuisine, Thai cuisine and Southeast Asian specialties, international, juice bar.
Rooms are designed to reflect Thai heritage with a modern touch. All rooms have a personal aromatherapy oil burner with daily changing scents. Presidential suite (204 sq m) is a two-level duplex with a spiral staircase and a private jet pool and jet shower.
Serenity Club rooms are great for their city and river views.
Spa Sanctuary Suites (118 sq m) – These suites feature private couples massage room, where guests can enjoy unlimited massage treatments. Includes a meeting with a spa therapist to plan treatments.
Award-winning Spa – Has a crystalline lighted bamboo display, pebble walkways and 16 Spa Treatment Suites. Can choose treatments originating from the Royal Thai Palaces or Banyan Tree’s signature Tropical Rainmist experience.
Has a very small outdoor pool and sundeck. Hotel offsets this by offering a free complimentary massage every day for guests for around 5 to 10 min.
Health club has scheduled fitness classes including Muai Thai, yoga. Small 24 hr gym. Guests are 50%/50% business and leisure.
The Shopping Companion Service gives guests the chance to shop with experts.
Offers cooking classes which are very popular with guests.
The Apsara Dinner Cruise (64 guests) – Hotel offers a drinks and dinner cruise down the Chao Phraya river with a personalized menu and personal chef, and is one of the best cruises to be had on an elegant teak rice barge. Book in advance to reserve your spot.
Small Kids club on 19th floor.
Repeat guests are more than 30%.
Special features – The Vertigo bar on the rooftop of the hotel is available for photo shoots to guests getting married in the hotel. Hotel also conducts an annual marathon called the Vertical Marathon, which raises funds for specific needs, which involves guests running up the stairs (groups of 10) from the ground floor to the 61 floor. (1500 steps approximately). Participants get a certificate. 700 guests participated in 2015.
Nearby places of interest include Lumpini Park, Ce La Vie, Maggie Choos and Silom road.
Long stay guests typically stay for a month.
Competition- Sukothai, So Sofitel, W hotel.
6. Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok – Best Business Hotel
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 254 1234)
Fantastic business hotel with luxurious resort-style facilities that’s easily accessed via two BTS skytrain stations. Has 380 well-appointed rooms (40 sq m to 120 sq m), with plenty of dining options and a restaurant space that doubles as a pub in the evening. Offers delightful Spa Cottages with outdoor patios, spa treatment rooms and complimentary massages. Efficient 24 hour business center with dedicated business center officers and comprehensive secretarial services. Award-winning spa features a signature spa treatment for men. Excellent location in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong shopping district, with direct convenient access to the BTS Chitlom station through the Erawan Bangkok mall.
The lobby of Bangkok's Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel
Notes on Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Opened December 1991, Located close to 2 skytrain stations, BTS Chitlom and BTS Rachadamiri.
Has 380 rooms in total (Ranging from 40 sq m to 120 sq m). Its 44 suites include a Presidential Suite (240 sq m), and a Diplomat Suite (160 sq m), one-of-a-kind Spa Cottages and Premier Suites. All rooms have a walk in closet area and a voice link message system. Can request rooms for physically challenged guests.
Two six-foot-high three-headed bronze elephants grace the hotel’s main entrance. Has a cathedral-like lobby with very high ceilings and flowing arches. Lots of warm wood tones, wooden window blinds and wooden parquet flooring makes it quite picturesque. The glass ceiling above lets in natural light and permits blue sky views.
6 Unique Spa cottages (100 sq m) – Cottages are clustered around a green courtyard and consist of a bedroom, living room, a spa treatment room, bathroom with an oversized tub & wall mounted TV and a private outdoor patio for relaxing and dining. Cottages are gorgeous with high ceilings and are very popular over the New Year as they offer fantastic views of the fireworks over the Central World mall. Cottages come with a complimentary one hour massage.
9 dining options and 2 bars – Serves up all day dining, Italian, International, Thai, Asian cuisine. The Italian restaurant has live music in the evening and transforms into a pub after 10 pm (has a dance floor).
Has a 24 hr business center – Dedicated Business Centre officers provide complete secretarial services, including sending faxes, making business cards, photocopying and bookbinding. Can also arrange language translation, interpreters, messengers, couriers and offers business appointment services.
Has a 24 hr glass fronted gym featuring the latest Technogym fitness equipment.
Movement studio – Offers daily schedule of aerobics, yoga, holistic activities or exercises classes.
Power Plate Studio – First hotel in Bangkok to have Power Plate® equipment. (Uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration).
Facilities include a 25-meter free-form swimming pool and whirlpool, Nail Bar and Hair Salon.
Spa offers an award-winning ‘Man Space’ treatment that includes facial treatments, body massages, body envelopment treatments and more, for men.
Has one floodlit tennis court and an air-conditioned squash court.
Special features – Has a campus-themed meeting room that’s popular for weddings. Super easy to access as it is directly linked to the BTS station through the skywalk. Has a popular signature tea set in the Tearoom.
Guest ratio – Business to Leisure – 60/40.
No kids corner or special activities for guests.
Long term guests stay for 1 month.
Within walking distance – Erawan shrine, Amarin Plaza, Siam Square, Siam Discovery.
7. Hansar Hotel – Best Urban Design Hotel
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 209 1234)
Impressive boutique hotel with greenery and energy efficiency thoughtfully integrated into the design. Has 94 fantastic, open plan rooms (59 sq m to 125 sq m) that appear even more spacious due to intelligent design elements like free standing tubs and mirrored partitions. Offers guest many perks such as a complimentary breakfast buffet, free massage for booking direct through their website, free one day BTS pass, 10% discount for repeat customers and more. Located in the Ratchaprasong shopping district within walking distance to Erawan shrine and many of Bangkok’s high-end malls.
Bangkok's Hansar Hotel has spacious, open plan rooms.
Notes on Hansar Hotel
Boutique hotel opened in January 2011, Very close to BTS Ratchadamri.
94 rooms and suites (5 room types) ranging from (59 sq m to 125 sq m), Studio Suites (32), Urban suites (33), Edge suites (15), Vertigo suites (12), Loft Suites (2) with and without balcony.
Exterior has a bronze metallic mesh façade inspired by Bangkok’s temples. Lobby is on the first floor. Has live music six days a week and features local bands. Music varies between house music, opera, jazz music and more. Hotel has a Thai and contemporary design. Lots of wood, teak and Jim Thompson silk. Has Narrow and tight corridors that give a feeling of intimacy and privacy in public areas. Energy efficient design – all corridors have natural light and ventilation (no AC). Studio rooms have kitchenette and washing machines.
Rooms have a very urban, open layout and a masculine design. Excellent utilization of space makes every room appear more spacious. Sliding mirrored partitions are used to separate areas. Fantastic walk-in bathrooms with beautiful marble freestanding tubs and vanities. Touch panels to control air conditioning. Headboard over beds are unique – each custom designed pattern features woven Thai antique silks with metallic beads. All rooms come with a complimentary breakfast buffet. Ask for rooms with golf course views.
Studio Suites (59 sq m) – Have an integrated kitchenette with full sink, stove top, full height refrigerator and washing machine and dryer.
Urban Suites (71 sq m) – Entrance features a unique interior garden wall alive with tropical greenery, silk-paneled suite. Signature suite – all main areas can be partitioned off from one another for more privacy.
Edge Suite (77 sq m) – Has a vertical green (plant) wall and a cantilever daybed.
Vertigo Suites (82 sq m) – Very spacious. Two lounging areas and two separate working desks.
Loft Suites (125 sq m) – Duplex style. Has working, living, dining and powder room areas with floor to ceiling windows for natural light.
Has a good-sized salt water pool (not heated).
Very strong art focus – Holds art exhibitions throughout the year. Has its own design and architecture studio and local artist’s works up for sale. Has an award-winning floral team who exclusively design and sculpt floral artworks.
Does not cater to groups or families with kids.
Guest ratio – business to leisure – 40 to 60 percent.
Has 2 bars and 2 dining options. Own organic coffee brand sourced from Chiang Mai and the coffee is sold in-house. Restaurant has a French Mediterranean menu. Has Anzuki (Japanese restaurant) on premises but doesn’t belong to Hansar.
Both the swimming pool and fitness center are shared with Hansar residence guests. (Not crowded though). The swimming pool and 19th floor terrace are cantilevered over the main structure which gives guests excellent views of the golf course nearby.
Special features – Guests can check out, leave luggage at the lobby and hang out at pool area where they can freshen up and take a shower before departing. Offers a 10% for guests who have stayed before to encourage them to come back. Also has a promotional offer which includes a one day BTS pass. Guests who book directly through the hotel’s website get a free massage or a dining voucher & free drinks.
The VIP spa room can be booked for special occasions.
Sky terrace is available only for events corporate end of the year parties and weddings.
Competition in the Boutique segment – Sofitel, Hotel Muse.
Doesn’t offer any activities for guests as such.
Nearby attractions include Erawan Shrine, Siam Paragon, Gaysorn Shopping Mall.
8. Ariyasom Villa – Best Traditional Thai Villa Experience
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 254 8880)
Stunning Thai Villa offering a luxurious home away from home experience in a central but secluded, lush tropical setting. Open plan, inviting rooms (34 sq m to 70 sq m) with plenty of warmth, color and artistic details. Welcoming library, meditation hall, food with subtle flavors and overall tranquility elevate the home-like experience. Offers meditation courses and a healthy Pescetarian restaurant menu. Its location close to Bumrungrad International Hospital makes it ideal for medical tourists. Attractions and shopping in the Ploenchit, Chitlom and Asoke areas are all within walking distance.
Bangkok's AriyasomVilla Hotel
Notes on AriyasomVilla
Opened in August 2008. Centrally located, a short walk away from BTS Ploenchit.
Exquisite 4 floor leafy villa, with 24 spacious rooms with Thai art, painted doors, lots of silk and old teakwood furniture. Very wide wooden corridors and small cubby holes for artistic Thai decorations. Artwork has South East Asian, Burmese, Chinese, Thai and Khymer elements.
Ambience is warm and comforting with plenty of color. Lots of greenery. Designed to give guests an experience of living in a Classic Thai home. Timeless feel.
Good sized outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi.
Rooms range from 34 sq m to 70 sq m. 10 Studio rooms (34 sq m), 8 Deluxe (42 sq m) rooms, 3 Executive Deluxe (60 sq m) rooms. 3 Executive Suite (70 sq m) rooms.
Charming rooms with open plan bathrooms, pebbles on the bathroom floor. Some studios come with balconies. Executive Deluxe rooms have sit out areas with great pool views. Most popular room- Executive Deluxe Room 211.
Warm and spacious library where wedding and engagement ceremonies are held.
One massive wooden meditation hall with an altar. Miniscule gym with very little equipment. Has a private massage room, a couples massage room, and an open traditional massage area.
Has one restaurant that serves no meat. Menu includes only seafood and vegetarian food with subtle flavors. (Recommended dishes – deep fried spring rolls and Penang curry with vegetables).
Activities – Holds meditation courses, every other weekend (not regular). Sculpting courses (making a Buddha image) which can be transformed into a resin or brass Buddha. Potential tours include a horticultural tour and food tours.
Mostly leisure guests – 85 to 90 percent. Medical tourism (Hotel is close to Bumrungrad Hospital).
Competition – Chakrabongse villas.
Nearby areas include Central Embassy Shopping Center, Penis shrine, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Terminal 21, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Also close to the canal boat transport.
9. SO Sofitel – Best Innovatively Themed Hotel
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 624 0000)
Innovative, trendy hotel with unique themed rooms based on 4 different natural themes. Has separate floors dedicated to each theme to give guests an experience of being in a different hotel with every visit. Décor has many storytelling elements reflective of local Thai culture. Has 238 memorable rooms (38 sq m to 138 sqm) with their own character, floor-to-ceiling windows, lavish bathtubs, AppleMac mini media solutions and totally complimentary in-room private bars. Offers spectacular views of Lumpini park, which is within walking distance. Also close to Patpong night market, Silom market and MRT Lumpini.
Rooms at Bangkok's luxury SO Sofitel Hotel are designed around the Four Elements.
Notes on SO Sofitel
Opened in 2012.
Trendy and innovative, So Sofitel’s unique themed rooms give guests the experience of staying at a different hotel each time.
238 rooms from 38 sq m to 138 sqm (Including one So VIP room of 233 sq m)
Room categories – So Cosy, So Comfy, So Club, So Studio, So Suite Spa, So Suite, So Lofty, So VIP.
Hotel’s exterior is inspired by a hardbound book (With a story inside).
Unique themed accommodation inspired by Lumpini park and Feng Shui. Rooms are decorated in Water, Earth, Wood, Metal themes, with the restaurant reflecting a Fire theme. Past, Present and Future also come across in the design – with the guest lobby reflecting the past (doors engraved with ancient lettering), the main lobby – the present and the rooftop bar – the future.
Can request a hotel tour to discover interesting elements about Bangkok/Thai culture, incorporated in the hotel architecture, beginning for instance with the 2 levels of doors in the main entrance. (In ancient times, small doors were used for the public, big doors were opened for royalty and parades).
Guest lobby on the ground floor features has a flashy pop art store.
Main lobby on 9th floor has contemporary furniture, perforated flower patterns on the walls that continue to the ceiling, warm wood tone paneled floor, comfortable low seating and a fantastic view of Lumpini Park. (Handmade lights in the lobby mimic the floating clouds outside).
Welcome drink served in test tubes which guests can mix. Staff have 3 styles of colorful uniforms. Trendy arty motifs in lift with mood lights.
Three to four floors are devoted to each theme (such as earth, water etc.) so guests have the experience of staying in a different hotel each time.
All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a lavish bathtub, Apple© Mac mini media solution and complimentary in-room private bar (everything in the minibar is free) and a choice of Lumpini Park or city skyline views. iPad use for suite guests.
Metal themed rooms – Décor features white colors, glass and metal. Has a pristine elegant feel. Metal cloud details over the bed. Silver corridors and fuzzy digital prints for room signs.
Wood themed rooms – Old Siamese sketches on the walls, Wood highlighted by featured lighting. Has a tranquil feel.
Earth themed rooms– Unforgettable blue colored rooms with curved flowing lines and primeval Thai paintings on walls and curtains. Refreshing and unique feel that guests either love or hate. Bathrooms feature marble against blue, black and white tiles.
Water themed room – Lots of greys, marbled floor, elegant circular tubs. Great views of the city from every point in the room.
So VIP Suite – 27th floor, is water themed, has white veined black marble floors, 2 bedrooms, open plan and a large Jacuzzi.
Fire themed restaurant – Immense red oven dominates. Food market inspired décor.
Club signature – colorful, dominated by the tree of life symbol.
Roof top bar – trendy, futuristic. Plenty of mirror work that allows guests to enjoy the view from anywhere in the bar.
Spa – Inspired by the mythical Himmapan Forest – Decorated with tree trunks. Walls have forest paintings with birds. Dark tones are used to give an aura of mystery.
24 hr Sofit gym offers so Fit signature fitness routines, iPod with personalized music, Professional personal trainer, Aerobic & yoga classes, KINESIS machine- 2,500 exercise routines. Guests can get borrow cycles to enjoy Lumpini park.
Small infinity pool, has great views of the park.
Guests are mostly leisure oriented.
Lacks kids area.
Competitors – W hotel, Hotel Indigo.
Signature drink – Lindsey rose (Sweet but not strong).
Signature dishes – Tom Yum Goong Risotto.
Special features – Has a very popular pool party on the last Sunday of every month. Has a 50 sq m area called The Box suspended in mid-air on the 9th floor that can be used for private gatherings, parties etc. The Fête de la Musique is a worldwide Sofitel event for music lovers, held every June.
5 restaurants and bars. Has thematic cuisine. MIXO has molecular cocktails put together by mixologists.
Chocolab is a chocolate boutique that offers dessert making classes.
Lumpini park is within walking distance. Also close to Silom nightlife and the Patpong market.
Pillow menu offers a choice of pillows for comfort.
10. U Sathorn Hotel– Best French Colonial Design
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 119 4888)
Stylish resort-type hotel designed with a successful open flow concept that gives it an expansive and relaxing aura. Features a gorgeous French Colonial design with a modish twist and a soothing white-on-white palette that’s well utilized in its 86 rooms (32 sq m – 72 sq m). Offers charming suites with high ceilings, cute kitchenettes, open bathtubs, bird cage fixtures and inviting divans in the balcony. Most rooms overlook the hotel’s courtyard and swimming pool and with plenty of birdsong in the air, it’s easy to unwind. Has a very fair 24 hr check-in/check out policy that lets guests enjoy rooms exactly for 24 hrs after their check in-time. Located off Sathorn road; the hotel operates a shuttle service to MRT and BTS stations nearby. Close to Patpong night market, Silom road, Vertigo restaurant and the Moon bar.
The U Sathorn is the best colonial French-designed hotel in Bangkok.
Notes on U Sathorn Hotel
Opened in November 2014. 86 rooms totally (32 sq m – 72 sq m), Superior (20), Superior Garden (38), Deluxe Gardenb(24) and Suite(4) accommodation.
French Colonial design with a contemporary twist. Excellent use of space with big pillars & windows. Most rooms have swimming pool views which accentuates a resort feel.
24-hour room check-in/check-out – Very fair to the guests; can enjoy the room for a full 24 hours from arrival time.
Breakfast whenever/wherever facility – Orders are served anywhere in the complex. Every room comes with breakfast.
Online U Choose program – lets guests choose pillows, minibar items, teas and soap.
Massive sweeping entrance to the hotel with Cinderella-like Chariot on the lawn. Ballroom near the entrance for convenience.
Huge, breezy, marble lobby with circular seating that directly opens out onto the pool lounge area. Birdcage chairs in the lobby, porcelain table tops, afternoon tea is served in birdcages.
Hotel consists of three low rise wings set around a green courtyard with the swimming pool as the centerpiece.
J’AIME French restaurant designed in an ‘upside down’ interior design concept. Has piano hanging upside down from the ceiling, a wine cellar, a private dining room with book motif on the walls. Lots of green, purple and silver silks. Upside down bottles in the bar area. Serves innovative and classic French cuisine with comfortable, shared Asian tables allowing dishes to be easily accessed.
Compact elegant rooms with stone finish corridors. Lots of white and gold accents in the décor. Rooms on the ground floor have pool access via the garden. All bathrooms with rain showers have a very handy sit down area in the shower.
Superior Rooms (32 sq m) are the lowest category. Superior Garden (38 sq m) rooms have a lovely view of the courtyard.
Deluxe Garden (34 sq m) – Airy rooms with picturesque views of the courtyard.
Guests can choose between a complimentary signature cocktail in the library (bar) or afternoon tea with pastries or cookies per person per stay.
Suites (72 sq m) – Best rooms. Feel like mini-apartments with high ceilings that extend the sense of space. Has a kitchenette, open bathtub, with paintings and bird cage fixtures. Big divan in balcony.
Small 24 hr gym.
Free bike hire for all guests.
Special features – ‘U Make a Difference’ program- A community relations activity where the hotel contributes USD 1 for every night a guest stays at the hotel, to charities, support kids) twice a year. Weekly scheduled visits to the charity are available to guests interested in witnessing the improvements being made by their contributions.
Activities include biking and jogging in the Bang Krachao area on Saturdays (coming soon), jogging in Lumpini Park.
Clubs and bars nearby – Maggie Choos, Babylon (club for gay men), Moon bar.
Competitors – Sukothai hotel.
No kids club (provides nanny service).
Guests are mostly leisure oriented. Long stay guests typically stay for 2 weeks.
Located off Sathorn Road – Provides shuttle van every 1 hr or so to MRT Lumpini and BTS Sala Daeng stations.
11. Le Méridien Bangkok – Best Travel-Oriented Perks
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 232 8888)
Glamorous 24-storey hotel with artsy décor featuring retro puppies and modern art. Only hotel in Bangkok to have rooms with circular beds and an ‘unlock destination’ keycard concept. (In negotiations with Siam Museum for hotel keycards to permit free access to 40 local museums). All of its 282 rooms have floor to ceiling views and contemporary Thai touches like silk panels and Thai poems on the wall. Offers a very popular Sunday brunch with a free health check-up and free nutritionist consultation on every last Sunday of the month. Located 5 mins walk away from MRT Sam Yan. Close to Silom, Patpong night market.
Bangkok's Le Meridien Hotel has great travel-oriented perks.
Notes on Le Méridien Bangkok
Opened in December 2008.
Has 282 rooms medium sized rooms (36 sq m to 78 sq m), 209 Vista rooms (includes 3 rooms built for disabled guests), 28 Vista Plus (corner rooms), 11 Circular rooms, 32 Aventec Suites, 1 Avantgarde Suite (162 sq m), 1 Grand Avantgarde Suite (162 sq m).
Hotel has a modish appearance with black marble tiled flooring. Big lobby, with lots of black metal, grey and black seating, dark wood tones on walls. Lots of retro puppy art and figures. Main hotel entrance features a large picture of a man holding a dog and walking to symbolize a carefree lifestyle. Steel finish concierge stations in the lobby. Lobby has curated music and hotels arty keycards as a wall display. Fans are cleverly hidden in the layout to disperse the hotel’s scent. The latitude lounge, turns into a sparkling area for get-togethers in the evening. Decent sized corridors with bamboo theme carpets.
Rooms have touch screen IP phones with virtual office functions, over-sized tubs, floor to ceiling views of the city and poems on the wall for a romantic Thai touch. Opt for rooms on non-smoking floor as the smell of smoke can be quite strong on the smoking floors. Best rooms in the hotel are the 4 corner circular bedrooms.
Circular rooms are popular with honeymooners. Avantgarde Suite has its own steam room, while the Grand Avantgarde Suite has a six meter high ceiling, a steam room and a private pond in the living room area.
1 restaurant and 2 bars – Restaurant has a café concept, gets lots of natural light (huge windows).
Bamboo bar – Chic bar with lighted flooring and a bamboo motif.
All 7 spa rooms are circular, intimate and cozy – rooms are connected to each other.
Medium size 24 hr fitness center.
Has a shallow pool (4 ft depth) and a small bar pool.
No kids club.
Special features – Popular with locals, especially families for its healthy Sunday brunch. (Hotel consults doctors on ways to make the buffet healthier). The free health check-up at the month’s end includes BMI, cholesterol levels etc. Doctors from a nearby hospital also give short (10-20 min) lectures on specific topics. Hotel tries to partner with other brands to offer guests special experiences such as the unlock destination concept with the hotel’s keycard.
Guests are more corporate than leisure.
MRT Sam Yan is 5 min walking distance. Also close to MRT Lumpini.
Close to Lumpini Park, Patpong Night Market, Vertigo and Moon Bar, Silom Road.
Competition – Crowne plaza, Pullman.
1. Mandarin Oriental Hotel
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 659 9000)
Sublime in every aspect, Thailand’s first luxury hotel (established in 1876) situated right on the Chao Phraya river, offers an unparalleled hotel experience with spectacular rooms steeped in history, a mind-boggling variety of facilities, legendary service, and numerous activities and events. The stories and history of its prominent guests that include renowned authors, Heads of State and other luminaries, have been integrated into the hotel’s narrative and décor. Done up in a rich colonial style, the hotel features 324 rooms and 44 Suites (35 sq m to 326 sq m), with distinctive character. Rooms feature fantastic river views, high ceilings and an abundance of natural teaks, Thai silks, wide French windows, spacious living areas and luxurious baths. Offers a historic author’s lounge that’s popular for tea. Award-winning spa offers the only Rhassoul bath in the city and special spa cuisine. The central Sathorn pier/BTS Saphan Taksin is 10 minutes away by boat. Nearby riverside attractions include Asiatique, River City Shopping center, Grand Palace, the Flower market, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
The best luxury hotel in Bangkok.
Notes on Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Opened in 1876. Celebrated its 140 anniversary in 2016.
324 rooms and 44 suites. Has 16 room types.
Historic hotel that’s hosted the Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Barbara Cartland etc.
Wide lobby with warm wood tones decorated with a forest/tropical décor theme (changes according to season). Features gorgeous hanging wooden bells and a large fountain. Lots of browns and reds and gold colors give it a rich aura.
Hotel has a timeless colonial feel, spacious sparkling white corridors, and teakwood accents. Has three wings – the 16-story River Wing houses the Royal Oriental Suite, Selandia and Siam Suites and two-bedroom suites. The Authors’ Wing has four famous Heritage Authors’ Suites which have a fresh palette – lots of white rattan with bamboo. The Garden Wing has unique split level Premier Rooms that overlook the River and the main swimming pool. Rooms have traditional Thai silk, teak furnishings and are served with fresh fruits and exotic flowers daily. Has a butler for every floor. (Has 1200 staff with a ratio of 3 staff for every 1 guest). Part of the hotel is set across the river and there are private teakwood shuttle boats that ferry guests to its Thai cooking school, the hotel’s Thai restaurant, spa and health centers.
Garden suites (80 sq m) – Are exquisite. Very colonial with either a flat or split-level layouts. All rooms are front facing, overlooking the river. Has a mini- apartment feel with a space-saving kitchenette and cocktail set. Butler sets out a different cocktail menu for the guests daily and homemade coconut ice cream is kept in the freezer. Large marble bathroom with large bathtubs, with audio in the shower.
Grand Royal Suite (600 sq m) – Majestic six-bedroom suite; occupies the entire first floor of the Authors’ Wing. Extremely luxurious with private elevator access. Highlights include a light-filled Victorian-inspired glass conservatory and a restored open balcony with stunning river views.
Has 8 restaurants – Sala Rim Naam Thai Restaurant with a Thai classical dance show every night (Dances from the east & a 15-minute masked puppet show on the Ramayana. Ornate restaurant with a grand stage. The menu has a sample of all of Thailand’s dishes. Tables and floor seating with leg space cutouts). Le Normandie, fine French dining venue (Bangkok’s oldest French restaurant, Famous dish – mashed potatoes with caviar and sea urchins). Ciao, an outdoor Italian bistro (seasonal) (Famous for pumpkin pizza). The China House with avant-garde 1930s Shanghai Art Deco interior. Lord Jim’s with a seafood buffet lunch. The Verandah Coffee Shop. BBQ Riverside Terrace.
Authors’ Lounge – Four salons named after famous authors who were guests of the hotel – Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, Noël Coward and James Michener, with signed books on display. Very picturesque with plenty of old world charm. Decorated with turn-of-the-century style wicker furniture with hand-painted fabrics. Very popular for afternoon tea, society weddings and elegant events. Also offers a selection of high-end brand of teas ‘Mariage Freres’ and a signature afternoon tea set.
The Bamboo Bar – Bangkok’s first ever jazz bar with a sensual jungle-like ambiance – Has a mirrored ceiling, vintage mirrors in black bamboo frames, bar stools with tiger skin print patterns. Very masculine with dark teakwood, rattan furniture, and rattan fan wing blades. Has colonial apothecary-style wall cabinets that showcase bottle and barrel-aged cocktails. Offers personalized alcohol bottles – guests can be served with bottles bearing their own name. Décor has sextons, compasses, and pictures of former patrons, including Louis Armstrong, Mick Jagger and Audrey Hepburn etc. Features a live band and jazz performances.
Events – Hotel routinely conducts many events such as art exhibitions, music and dance events, culinary events such as wine tasting, cheese tasting etc.
Mostly leisure guests – Guests staying more than 7 nights get long stay benefits.
Cooking school – Across the river in an old Thai house. Different menu every day (menu changes each month). Dedicated room for theory classes where the chef gives a lecture. Master chef-style cooking stations. Best classes are over the weekend which includes a market trip. Also offers a week-long cooking program.
Spa is housed in a classical Thai-style 4-story building made from golden teak wood and has 14 suites. Offers a Rhassoul Bath, the first and only in Thailand, based on ancient Moroccan expertise in health and beauty. Has digital detox treatments to reconsider relationship with gadgets. Offers a special spa cuisine menu with organic ingredients and Thai herbs to rejuvenate the body. Has Kerala Ayurvedic treatments and treatment rooms. Offers tailor-made yoga sessions from yogic lifestyle trainer from India.
Family friendly – Has a little kids club. Offers baby amenities during check-in.
Dedicated wedding coordinator – Offers dedicated wedding services and special wedding day touches.
Fantastic facilities – Has 2 outdoor swimming pools, a 24 hr fitness center, tennis and squash courts, and an outdoor jogging track.
Has a separate space for learning Muay Thai boxing, cross fit and movement based training. Offers complimentary fitness classes from Pilates and Tai Chi to Yoga and guided meditation programs. State-of-the-art technology business center. Has shopping arcades including a flagship Louis Vuitton store, a beauty parlor and barber shop.
Attractions nearby – River city mall (antique shopping), Jewelry and silver shops in the surrounding area. ‘Jam Factory’ across the river. Asiatique, Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun are all a boat ride away.
Plans to offer Mandarin Oriental residences in the future.
2. Anantara Siam
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 126 8866)
Elegant luxury hotel featuring a classic blend of Thai and contemporary design. Has 354 beautifully decorated rooms (42 sq m to 126 sq m) and a unique Jim Thompson Explorer Suite. All rooms have complimentary smartphones with a digital city guide and free calls to ten countries. Plenty of indoor garden courtyards, koi ponds, shops, numerous dining options, squash courts, and more to explore. Wonderful outdoor pool. Gorgeous spa with adjustable hydraulic beds and inviting Roman style tubs. Hotel offers guests the chance to participate in a traditional Buddhist ritual of donating alms to monks. Enjoys a central location in Bangkok’s famous shopping district close to many malls and markets such as Central World, Pratunam market and Siam Paragon.
Bangkok's Anantara Siam Hotel
Notes on Anantara Siam
Opened in April 1983 (formerly the Four Seasons Bangkok), centrally located in the Ratchaprasong shopping and entertainment district, steps away from BTS Ratchadamri.
13 room types, 354 rooms totally (42 sq m to 126 sq m). Has one Jim Thompson Explorer Suite (198 sq m) and one Presidential Suite (344 sq m).
Grand lobby with high vaulted ceiling featuring intricate Thai artwork. Spectacular wall mural facing the main entrance. Lobby features stately columns, hand-painted silk panels, silk lamps and lights, lighted torches on walls, grey velvet furniture and a magnificent frescoed ceiling with 19 panels and daily live entertainment. Has warm wood tones and a well-appointed bar with 3 types of tea from France created exclusively for Anantara.
Hotel features a blend of traditional Thai and contemporary design with artifacts, teak furnishings, and silk fabrics. Has massive corridors, three courtyard areas and environment friendly scents. Rooms feature warm, contemporary décor, light hues, comfy furnishings with signature Thai touches such as Thai artwork on the headboards of beds. Rooms have views of tropical gardens, the pool, and the Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s private golf course. Garden Terrace rooms and suites are splendid featuring private entrances with white columns, Thai statues, domed marble bathrooms and dining patios overlooking the pool. One Bedroom Corner suites have guest powder rooms.
Classic rooms are good for single travelers. Recommended rooms for couples and families – Dream Suite and Nirvana. The newly renovated Premier rooms and the deluxe room with Thai murals are recommended for the views of the golf course and pool.
Special two Bedroom Jim Thompson Explorer Suite – Wonderful suite with the aura of a Thai summer home. Décor includes tongue and groove ceilings, painted paneled walls and polished teak floors. Open plan living and dining room, office library, and two spacious marble bathrooms with tubs and a guest powder room. A partition can be used to create two apartments of the space.
Anantara Presidential Suite – Overlooks the pool and garden. Interiors feature woven carpets and elegant Thai silk. Master bedroom has a dressing room, massage suite, deep soaking tub and whirlpool.
All rooms have in-room handy smartphone with unlimited local calls and unlimited international calls to 10 destinations. Very useful feature eliminating the hassle and expense of data roaming and high phone bills. Comes loaded with travel apps and a digital city guide. Can be used while guests are out and about to locate restaurants, attractions or utilize hotel features eg: – book spa appointments at Anantara. All personal data is removed on check out.
Hotel has 10 restaurant and dining options, from all-day dining to a steakhouse, sushi bar & tatami-style dining room, fine Thai cuisine, Italian, Mediterranean and a European Pop-Up Wine & Charcuterie. Thai restaurant has music & fruit carving shows. Hotel an open-air garden and cocktail lounge with soothing views of greenery and is famous for its Sunday brunch that features a live band and free flowing champagne.
Three restaurants interconnect at Parichart Court, a courtyard which features lush tropical gardens, shops and koi ponds. Shops consist of two art galleries, a tailor shop, jewelry shops and the Charcuterie (Famous for its sausage rolls. Sells>50,000 per month). Can dine anywhere – in the lobby, pool, or terrace – and order from any restaurant.
The Wedding Galleria – Anantara Siam Bangkok’s own one-stop wedding shop whose themes change every two months. Offers personal consultation with an expert Wedding Specialist to plan weddings and honeymoon experiences. Specializes in extravagant Indian weddings.
Large beautiful 25 m outdoor swimming pool.
Anantara Spa – Signature Spa Treatment – Siam 2482 (90 Minutes) includes a bamboo stick massage, herbal compresses and gold paste. Beautiful Spa with 2 couple suites, 1 deluxe couple suite, and 4 single suites. Can order lunch at the spa. Allows couples a romantic bath for 30 min. Has a private Roman style tub or steam room, manicure and pedicure room, in-room and poolside massages etc. Spa is very popular for facials.
Spa also has cool hydraulic beds that can fold up/be adjusted to the guest’s body for comfort. Guests can also choose music (5 albums with Anantara spa sounds).
Shopping Guru Experience – Tailors shopping tours with VIP treatment and a private chauffeur driven limousine, accompanied by one of five Shopping Gurus, each boasting a different area of local expertise.
Attractions within walking distance – Erawan shrine, Gaysorn shopping mall, Central World, Central Embassy Shopping mall and Siam Paragon. Free Tai chi classes at Lumpini park
Special features – Hotel allows guests to experience a traditional Tak Bart Buddhist ritual at 6:20 am in the lobby (needs one-day advance notice) – Buddhist monks are invited to receive alms (foods, flower and incense) presented by hotel guests, who receive a blessing chant in return.
Very Family friendly – Has a mini playground, babysitting services, children’s amenities. Kids get their own bathrobes, toiletries and bedtime treats. Children’s menus available at every hotel restaurant. (Permanent kids room planned for later).
Signature dishes – Award-winning Steakhouse with a salt guru who helps choose between 7 different types of salts (truffle salt, red wine salt, parsley salt and more), ‘Grain fed 300 day Wagyu Marble No 4,’ chicken in coconut soup served in a whole coconut. Italian restaurant is famous for its 2 cheese combination pizza.
Outstanding array of facilities that include a barber shop, squash court, huge 24 hr gym, aerobic and yoga rooms, jacuzzi and steam room.
Competition – Four points, Movenpick, Grand Hyatt, Intercontinental, Siam Kempinski, Mandarin Oriental.
Activities – Can book a cooking class in advance. Can also request to book the golf course.
More business guests than leisure.
3. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 476 0022)
Classy resort-style riverside hotel featuring elegant Thai-inspired décor. Seven room types from cozy deluxe rooms (38 sq m) to spacious two bedroom river suites (114 sq m); all include complimentary smartphones with free calls to ten countries. Highlights include a theatrical Teppanyaki dinner show by a personal chef, nightly Thai cultural shows against a river backdrop while dining riverside, dinner/over night cruises in the hotel’s own restored rice barges and options to rent Thai-style wooden structures for proposals/special occasions. Asiatique (a popular night market/entertainment destination) is right across the river. Hotel is a 15 minute boat ride away from Central pier (BTS access to central Bangkok).
Bangkok's Anantara Riverside Resort and Hotel
Notes on Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
Located in Thonburi on the opposite side of the river from central Bangkok. 11 acre, roughly U-shaped resort hotel, 396 rooms (101 suites), opened in 2010.
Hotel operates own shuttle boats. 15 minute boat trip from the Central (Sathorn) pier with views of Asiatique and the Krungthep bridge en-route.
Lobby on the ground floor devoted to group tours decorated with ancient Thai pottery; features specialty shops and wide couches, and. Massive main lobby on the first floor with marble and wood flooring, huge teakwood sofas, triangulated Thai pillows. Feels very Thai and lush overall, with warm colors dominating inside and palm trees and sculptures outside. Natural khlong (canal) runs through the hotel premises. Hotel has wide, well-lit corridors with 3D patterns on the carpets.
7 room types across 3 buildings – Deluxe Premier Room, Deluxe Premier River View Room, Deluxe Premier Riverfront Room, Junior Premier Suite, Junior Premier River View Suite, Anantara Riverfront Suite and the Two Bedroom Chao Phraya River Suite. An additional 2 Cruise Staterooms can be booked on a 100 year old rice barge.
Every room (on land) includes a complimentary ‘Handy’ smartphone with unlimited free international calls to 10 countries and free internet mobile access. (The Anantara Riverside hotel and the Anantara Siam hotel are the only two hotels in Bangkok that offer this feature). Rooms have an in-room bar, tea and coffee making facilities, internet access, an LCD TV, DVD player and iPod dock.
Airy and bright rooms, with high ceilings and floor to ceiling windows that offer either garden or river views. All rooms have private balconies. River view rooms have fantastic views of the Krungthep bridge. Contemporary Thai design touches such as etched Sanskrit inscriptions on panels and doors, Thai silk curtains, and art pieces give rooms an elegant aura. Bathrooms feature bathtubs and separate rain showers and are accessed by sliding doors in the bedroom which expands the sensation of space.
Top rooms include a) The ‘Anantara River Front Suite’ with two work stations, a separate bar along with a dining area and a cozy lounge. Bathrooms have double sinks and a powder room with a white marble finish. Both the living room and bedroom open out onto a wraparound balcony with spectacular river views. b) The huge ‘Two bedroom Chao Phraya River Suites’ are ideal for small families and groups of friends.
Has 10 restaurants and bars in total, serving up Japanese, Italian and international cuisine, with riverside dining options. Bar options include an outdoor, indoor and poolside bar. (All salad greens are sourced from the hotel’s own 3000 sq m hydroponic farm).
Trader Vic’s is famous for its Sunday Brunch, and features an immense wood-fired Chinese oven, and an array of the brand’s unique ‘Mai Tai’ drinks. Tables need to be booked in advance at the Japanese steakhouse Benihana, as there’s a personal chef at every table who puts on a Teppanyaki show – a big hit with kids. The Riverside Terrace restaurant has nightly barbecues, a seafood buffet and live cooking stations. Guests can dine to costumed dancers performing cultural shows like the ‘Journey of Hanuman’ on a torch-lit stage set against the river backdrop.
Attractive pool with a Jacuzzi enclosed by greenery gives it a private feel.
Spacious 24 hour fitness center. Can take boxing lessons in a Muai thai boxing ring and cooking classes (only for adults) at the cooking school called Spice spoons (includes a market trip).
Spa rooms are luxurious-the couple room, in particular, has its own garden and ‘sala’ (Thai-style wooden house). Golf courses nearby.
Two types of ‘gurus’ are on hand to offer advice or guide guests regarding activities. The ‘Khlong guru’ can take a maximum of 6 people on a long-tail boat to explore Bangkok’s old canals (small authentic floating markets, shops on stilts, hidden villages etc.) The ‘Streetwise guru’ offers private guided street tours in Bangkok city.
Family friendly – Kids club with play area offers classes like making pizza and sushi. There’s even an adorable kids sized toilet in the main toilet area. Families can take khlong, street and cycling tours together.
Hotel offers two-hour dinner cruises along the Chao Phraya river (Manohra cruise) and longer overnight luxury cruises to Ayutthaya on an antique teakwood boat.
Special features include ‘Dining by design’ where guests can rent a riverside sala or have a picnic under the trees, with a personal chef, music etc. for wedding proposals, anniversaries and dinners. Hotel is also popular for destination weddings with grooms/brides arriving on everything from jet skis, horses, tuk-tuks to Harley Davidsons. (Size of property – 11 acres – ensures seclusion).
Hotel supports charities related to elephants and conducts a 3-day elephant polo match in March in a nearby vacant lot which guests can attend. (Elephants are brought in from Chiang Mai).
Riverside attractions are easily accessible by boat – Riverside plaza shopping mall, Central pier (BTS access) and Asiatique (night market) across the river. Free shuttle boat to central pier all day and Asiatique (starting at 9 pm) every 30 minutes.
Guests are mostly leisure-oriented. Many repeat and long stay guests stay here from 3 months to a year.
Competition – Mandarin Oriental and The Peninsula, along the river.
4. Ammata Lanta Resort
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 175 1888)
Outlandish resort hotel with 27 unique pagoda-shaped pool villas topped by flying Pegasus sculptures, clustered around a serene manmade lake. Four types of extremely spacious and luxurious villas starting with Superior villas (150 sq m) to a Family pool villa (266 sq m). Rooms sport opulent interiors in earth tones, with even bathrooms having air conditioners. Excellent facilities like CCTV displays in rooms to ensure privacy, outdoor private plunge pools, private gardens and sundecks, with spectacular views of the Swan lake or green fields. Magical architecture and design offers endless photo opportunities, especially when everything is lit up at night. Resort is ideally located to explore attractions on Bangkok’s outskirts as it’s a 15 minute drive away from Suvarnabhumi airport.
Bangkok's magical Ammata Lanta resort-style hotel
Notes on Ammata Lanta Resort
27 unique pagoda-shaped pool villas surrounding an artificial lake, spread out over 15 acres, established in late 2015.
Fantasy-like setting, with over-the-top design – Thai, Oriental, European, Khymer and Balinese influences on décor. Has Golden flying Pegasus horses and parts of boats on the roofs, swallow nest inspired pagoda-shaped ceilings in bedrooms, brick finish (thick brick walls to cut down noise).
Extensive use of fine woods and coconut shells in the opulent earth tone interiors.
Environment features terracotta sculptures, palm trees, bonsai trees, paintings mounted in boats, little stupas and boats everywhere. Resort is exquisitely lit up at night giving it a magical feel. Many day time and night time photo shoot opportunities. Great venue for weddings for overlooking the Swan lake.
Two boats resting against each other make up the entrance to the lobby area, which also has an antique boat suspended on top of the reception area. Plenty of details to admire everywhere.
Reception is reminiscent of an old goldsmith shop, medium-sized lobby with many antiques, velvet chairs, genuine crystals.
Lobby connects to spa which is rustic and decorated with Thai artwork. Has a gleaming standalone copper tub.
Rooms are lavish with plush animal rugs, coconut shell chandeliers, teakwood deer heads, antiques and more. Some have waterfalls at the entrance and plunge pools accessed via the bedroom. Quiet and opulent exuding an aura of luxury.
Air conditioner inside the spacious bathrooms. Wooden steps provided to step up to tub.
Small CCTV device in room entrances that offers a video display of visitors at the door to ensure privacy.
Villas are centered around an artificial manmade lake, occupied by swans-tranquil atmosphere. 4 story observation deck for guests to enjoy sunset and sunrise views.
15 minutes away from Suvarnabhumi airport, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a one-of-a-kind Thai luxury accommodation close to the airport. (Not noisy).
Extremely spacious rooms as the lowest category starts at 150 sq m.
Has 14 Grand pool villas, 7 Superior Villas, 5 Deluxe villas and 1 Family pool villa. Best villas are the Grand pool and Family pool villas, which offer excellent views of the lake.
Family pool villa (266 sq m) – Spacious 2 bedroom villa with a fantastic view of the Swan lake, large outdoor terrace and private pool.
Grand pool villa (156 sq m) – Lovely view of Swan lake, has an outdoor garden with sun beds and private plunge pool overlooking the lake.
Deluxe Jacuzzi villa (150 sq m) – Swarovski chandeliers, secluded garden, upper living room, with large outdoor terrace and open air Jacuzzi, views of fields and waterways.
Superior Villa (150 sq m) – Private garden and outdoor terrace, secluded sun bed, view of waterway and lush green fields.
2 bars and 2 restaurants, offering gourmet Thai and international cuisine.
Has one 8 shaped infinity pool with lights and a pool bar.
Majority of guests are leisure oriented.
Offers small bikes for kids to bike around. Biking area is nearby for bikers, but they need to bring their own bikes.
Nearby attractions include the Snake farm, Crocodile farm, Mega Bangna shopping mall and golf courses.
Hotel conducts a photo contest for the general public with an extremely generous cash prize.
5. Banyan Tree – Best Bangkok City Views
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 679 1200)
Modern 61-storey hotel with exceptional views of Bangkok city located in Bangkok’s business district. Has 325 lovely rooms (44 sq m to 143 sq m) with both modern and Thai elements. Famous for its unique helipad-turned rooftop restaurant and bar that offer an unparalleled experience of dining under the stars. Aside of its award-winning spa treatments, the hotel offers one-of-a-kind Spa Sanctuary Suite rooms, which include private massage rooms and unlimited massage treatments. Also operates an excellent dinner cruise (Apsara Cruise) on a vintage teak rice barge with personal chefs and customized menus. Great location for exploring the Silom area. Close to Lumpini park, Ce La Vie, Maggie Choos.
The sky-high Moonbar restaurant at Bangkok's Banyan Tree Hotel.
Notes on Banyan Tree
Opened in January 2002, 61 storey building, located on Sathorn road.
325 rooms and suites (10 types) ranging from (44 sq m to 143 sq m) – Horizon, Oasis Retreat, Serenity Club, One and Two Bedroom Suites, Spa Sanctuary Suites, and Presidential Suite (204 sq m).
Lobby has a modern Thai feel and a lovely indoor greenery display. Lots of Thai art with flowing wave patterns on the wall, huge dark teakwood circular pillars, classy and spacious with Thai sculptures and a mini bar.
The hotel is famous for its open-air rooftop Vertigo Grill restaurant and Moon Bar (converted helicopter deck) on the 61st floor, which looks like a ship’s deck and offers a stunning 360 degree unobstructed view of the city, thanks to escalated platforms and low walls. Great experience of dining under the stars with wonderful views of Bangkok.
7 restaurants and 2 bars – Dining options include fine Japanese dining (has a sake menu that features nearly 100 different bottles – one of the largest collections in South East Asia), nouvelle Chinese cuisine, Thai cuisine and Southeast Asian specialties, international, juice bar.
Rooms are designed to reflect Thai heritage with a modern touch. All rooms have a personal aromatherapy oil burner with daily changing scents. Presidential suite (204 sq m) is a two-level duplex with a spiral staircase and a private jet pool and jet shower.
Serenity Club rooms are great for their city and river views.
Spa Sanctuary Suites (118 sq m) – These suites feature private couples massage room, where guests can enjoy unlimited massage treatments. Includes a meeting with a spa therapist to plan treatments.
Award-winning Spa – Has a crystalline lighted bamboo display, pebble walkways and 16 Spa Treatment Suites. Can choose treatments originating from the Royal Thai Palaces or Banyan Tree’s signature Tropical Rainmist experience.
Has a very small outdoor pool and sundeck. Hotel offsets this by offering a free complimentary massage every day for guests for around 5 to 10 min.
Health club has scheduled fitness classes including Muai Thai, yoga. Small 24 hr gym. Guests are 50%/50% business and leisure.
The Shopping Companion Service gives guests the chance to shop with experts.
Offers cooking classes which are very popular with guests.
The Apsara Dinner Cruise (64 guests) – Hotel offers a drinks and dinner cruise down the Chao Phraya river with a personalized menu and personal chef, and is one of the best cruises to be had on an elegant teak rice barge. Book in advance to reserve your spot.
Small Kids club on 19th floor.
Repeat guests are more than 30%.
Special features – The Vertigo bar on the rooftop of the hotel is available for photo shoots to guests getting married in the hotel. Hotel also conducts an annual marathon called the Vertical Marathon, which raises funds for specific needs, which involves guests running up the stairs (groups of 10) from the ground floor to the 61 floor. (1500 steps approximately). Participants get a certificate. 700 guests participated in 2015.
Nearby places of interest include Lumpini Park, Ce La Vie, Maggie Choos and Silom road.
Long stay guests typically stay for a month.
Competition- Sukothai, So Sofitel, W hotel.
6. Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok – Best Business Hotel
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 254 1234)
Fantastic business hotel with luxurious resort-style facilities that’s easily accessed via two BTS skytrain stations. Has 380 well-appointed rooms (40 sq m to 120 sq m), with plenty of dining options and a restaurant space that doubles as a pub in the evening. Offers delightful Spa Cottages with outdoor patios, spa treatment rooms and complimentary massages. Efficient 24 hour business center with dedicated business center officers and comprehensive secretarial services. Award-winning spa features a signature spa treatment for men. Excellent location in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong shopping district, with direct convenient access to the BTS Chitlom station through the Erawan Bangkok mall.
The lobby of Bangkok's Grand Hyatt Erawan Hotel
Notes on Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok
Opened December 1991, Located close to 2 skytrain stations, BTS Chitlom and BTS Rachadamiri.
Has 380 rooms in total (Ranging from 40 sq m to 120 sq m). Its 44 suites include a Presidential Suite (240 sq m), and a Diplomat Suite (160 sq m), one-of-a-kind Spa Cottages and Premier Suites. All rooms have a walk in closet area and a voice link message system. Can request rooms for physically challenged guests.
Two six-foot-high three-headed bronze elephants grace the hotel’s main entrance. Has a cathedral-like lobby with very high ceilings and flowing arches. Lots of warm wood tones, wooden window blinds and wooden parquet flooring makes it quite picturesque. The glass ceiling above lets in natural light and permits blue sky views.
6 Unique Spa cottages (100 sq m) – Cottages are clustered around a green courtyard and consist of a bedroom, living room, a spa treatment room, bathroom with an oversized tub & wall mounted TV and a private outdoor patio for relaxing and dining. Cottages are gorgeous with high ceilings and are very popular over the New Year as they offer fantastic views of the fireworks over the Central World mall. Cottages come with a complimentary one hour massage.
9 dining options and 2 bars – Serves up all day dining, Italian, International, Thai, Asian cuisine. The Italian restaurant has live music in the evening and transforms into a pub after 10 pm (has a dance floor).
Has a 24 hr business center – Dedicated Business Centre officers provide complete secretarial services, including sending faxes, making business cards, photocopying and bookbinding. Can also arrange language translation, interpreters, messengers, couriers and offers business appointment services.
Has a 24 hr glass fronted gym featuring the latest Technogym fitness equipment.
Movement studio – Offers daily schedule of aerobics, yoga, holistic activities or exercises classes.
Power Plate Studio – First hotel in Bangkok to have Power Plate® equipment. (Uses the principles of Acceleration Training™ to stimulate the body’s natural response to vibration).
Facilities include a 25-meter free-form swimming pool and whirlpool, Nail Bar and Hair Salon.
Spa offers an award-winning ‘Man Space’ treatment that includes facial treatments, body massages, body envelopment treatments and more, for men.
Has one floodlit tennis court and an air-conditioned squash court.
Special features – Has a campus-themed meeting room that’s popular for weddings. Super easy to access as it is directly linked to the BTS station through the skywalk. Has a popular signature tea set in the Tearoom.
Guest ratio – Business to Leisure – 60/40.
No kids corner or special activities for guests.
Long term guests stay for 1 month.
Within walking distance – Erawan shrine, Amarin Plaza, Siam Square, Siam Discovery.
7. Hansar Hotel – Best Urban Design Hotel
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 209 1234)
Impressive boutique hotel with greenery and energy efficiency thoughtfully integrated into the design. Has 94 fantastic, open plan rooms (59 sq m to 125 sq m) that appear even more spacious due to intelligent design elements like free standing tubs and mirrored partitions. Offers guest many perks such as a complimentary breakfast buffet, free massage for booking direct through their website, free one day BTS pass, 10% discount for repeat customers and more. Located in the Ratchaprasong shopping district within walking distance to Erawan shrine and many of Bangkok’s high-end malls.
Bangkok's Hansar Hotel has spacious, open plan rooms.
Notes on Hansar Hotel
Boutique hotel opened in January 2011, Very close to BTS Ratchadamri.
94 rooms and suites (5 room types) ranging from (59 sq m to 125 sq m), Studio Suites (32), Urban suites (33), Edge suites (15), Vertigo suites (12), Loft Suites (2) with and without balcony.
Exterior has a bronze metallic mesh façade inspired by Bangkok’s temples. Lobby is on the first floor. Has live music six days a week and features local bands. Music varies between house music, opera, jazz music and more. Hotel has a Thai and contemporary design. Lots of wood, teak and Jim Thompson silk. Has Narrow and tight corridors that give a feeling of intimacy and privacy in public areas. Energy efficient design – all corridors have natural light and ventilation (no AC). Studio rooms have kitchenette and washing machines.
Rooms have a very urban, open layout and a masculine design. Excellent utilization of space makes every room appear more spacious. Sliding mirrored partitions are used to separate areas. Fantastic walk-in bathrooms with beautiful marble freestanding tubs and vanities. Touch panels to control air conditioning. Headboard over beds are unique – each custom designed pattern features woven Thai antique silks with metallic beads. All rooms come with a complimentary breakfast buffet. Ask for rooms with golf course views.
Studio Suites (59 sq m) – Have an integrated kitchenette with full sink, stove top, full height refrigerator and washing machine and dryer.
Urban Suites (71 sq m) – Entrance features a unique interior garden wall alive with tropical greenery, silk-paneled suite. Signature suite – all main areas can be partitioned off from one another for more privacy.
Edge Suite (77 sq m) – Has a vertical green (plant) wall and a cantilever daybed.
Vertigo Suites (82 sq m) – Very spacious. Two lounging areas and two separate working desks.
Loft Suites (125 sq m) – Duplex style. Has working, living, dining and powder room areas with floor to ceiling windows for natural light.
Has a good-sized salt water pool (not heated).
Very strong art focus – Holds art exhibitions throughout the year. Has its own design and architecture studio and local artist’s works up for sale. Has an award-winning floral team who exclusively design and sculpt floral artworks.
Does not cater to groups or families with kids.
Guest ratio – business to leisure – 40 to 60 percent.
Has 2 bars and 2 dining options. Own organic coffee brand sourced from Chiang Mai and the coffee is sold in-house. Restaurant has a French Mediterranean menu. Has Anzuki (Japanese restaurant) on premises but doesn’t belong to Hansar.
Both the swimming pool and fitness center are shared with Hansar residence guests. (Not crowded though). The swimming pool and 19th floor terrace are cantilevered over the main structure which gives guests excellent views of the golf course nearby.
Special features – Guests can check out, leave luggage at the lobby and hang out at pool area where they can freshen up and take a shower before departing. Offers a 10% for guests who have stayed before to encourage them to come back. Also has a promotional offer which includes a one day BTS pass. Guests who book directly through the hotel’s website get a free massage or a dining voucher & free drinks.
The VIP spa room can be booked for special occasions.
Sky terrace is available only for events corporate end of the year parties and weddings.
Competition in the Boutique segment – Sofitel, Hotel Muse.
Doesn’t offer any activities for guests as such.
Nearby attractions include Erawan Shrine, Siam Paragon, Gaysorn Shopping Mall.
8. Ariyasom Villa – Best Traditional Thai Villa Experience
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 254 8880)
Stunning Thai Villa offering a luxurious home away from home experience in a central but secluded, lush tropical setting. Open plan, inviting rooms (34 sq m to 70 sq m) with plenty of warmth, color and artistic details. Welcoming library, meditation hall, food with subtle flavors and overall tranquility elevate the home-like experience. Offers meditation courses and a healthy Pescetarian restaurant menu. Its location close to Bumrungrad International Hospital makes it ideal for medical tourists. Attractions and shopping in the Ploenchit, Chitlom and Asoke areas are all within walking distance.
Bangkok's AriyasomVilla Hotel
Notes on AriyasomVilla
Opened in August 2008. Centrally located, a short walk away from BTS Ploenchit.
Exquisite 4 floor leafy villa, with 24 spacious rooms with Thai art, painted doors, lots of silk and old teakwood furniture. Very wide wooden corridors and small cubby holes for artistic Thai decorations. Artwork has South East Asian, Burmese, Chinese, Thai and Khymer elements.
Ambience is warm and comforting with plenty of color. Lots of greenery. Designed to give guests an experience of living in a Classic Thai home. Timeless feel.
Good sized outdoor swimming pool with Jacuzzi.
Rooms range from 34 sq m to 70 sq m. 10 Studio rooms (34 sq m), 8 Deluxe (42 sq m) rooms, 3 Executive Deluxe (60 sq m) rooms. 3 Executive Suite (70 sq m) rooms.
Charming rooms with open plan bathrooms, pebbles on the bathroom floor. Some studios come with balconies. Executive Deluxe rooms have sit out areas with great pool views. Most popular room- Executive Deluxe Room 211.
Warm and spacious library where wedding and engagement ceremonies are held.
One massive wooden meditation hall with an altar. Miniscule gym with very little equipment. Has a private massage room, a couples massage room, and an open traditional massage area.
Has one restaurant that serves no meat. Menu includes only seafood and vegetarian food with subtle flavors. (Recommended dishes – deep fried spring rolls and Penang curry with vegetables).
Activities – Holds meditation courses, every other weekend (not regular). Sculpting courses (making a Buddha image) which can be transformed into a resin or brass Buddha. Potential tours include a horticultural tour and food tours.
Mostly leisure guests – 85 to 90 percent. Medical tourism (Hotel is close to Bumrungrad Hospital).
Competition – Chakrabongse villas.
Nearby areas include Central Embassy Shopping Center, Penis shrine, Siam Paragon, Siam Discovery, Terminal 21, Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre. Also close to the canal boat transport.
9. SO Sofitel – Best Innovatively Themed Hotel
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 624 0000)
Innovative, trendy hotel with unique themed rooms based on 4 different natural themes. Has separate floors dedicated to each theme to give guests an experience of being in a different hotel with every visit. Décor has many storytelling elements reflective of local Thai culture. Has 238 memorable rooms (38 sq m to 138 sqm) with their own character, floor-to-ceiling windows, lavish bathtubs, AppleMac mini media solutions and totally complimentary in-room private bars. Offers spectacular views of Lumpini park, which is within walking distance. Also close to Patpong night market, Silom market and MRT Lumpini.
Rooms at Bangkok's luxury SO Sofitel Hotel are designed around the Four Elements.
Notes on SO Sofitel
Opened in 2012.
Trendy and innovative, So Sofitel’s unique themed rooms give guests the experience of staying at a different hotel each time.
238 rooms from 38 sq m to 138 sqm (Including one So VIP room of 233 sq m)
Room categories – So Cosy, So Comfy, So Club, So Studio, So Suite Spa, So Suite, So Lofty, So VIP.
Hotel’s exterior is inspired by a hardbound book (With a story inside).
Unique themed accommodation inspired by Lumpini park and Feng Shui. Rooms are decorated in Water, Earth, Wood, Metal themes, with the restaurant reflecting a Fire theme. Past, Present and Future also come across in the design – with the guest lobby reflecting the past (doors engraved with ancient lettering), the main lobby – the present and the rooftop bar – the future.
Can request a hotel tour to discover interesting elements about Bangkok/Thai culture, incorporated in the hotel architecture, beginning for instance with the 2 levels of doors in the main entrance. (In ancient times, small doors were used for the public, big doors were opened for royalty and parades).
Guest lobby on the ground floor features has a flashy pop art store.
Main lobby on 9th floor has contemporary furniture, perforated flower patterns on the walls that continue to the ceiling, warm wood tone paneled floor, comfortable low seating and a fantastic view of Lumpini Park. (Handmade lights in the lobby mimic the floating clouds outside).
Welcome drink served in test tubes which guests can mix. Staff have 3 styles of colorful uniforms. Trendy arty motifs in lift with mood lights.
Three to four floors are devoted to each theme (such as earth, water etc.) so guests have the experience of staying in a different hotel each time.
All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a lavish bathtub, Apple© Mac mini media solution and complimentary in-room private bar (everything in the minibar is free) and a choice of Lumpini Park or city skyline views. iPad use for suite guests.
Metal themed rooms – Décor features white colors, glass and metal. Has a pristine elegant feel. Metal cloud details over the bed. Silver corridors and fuzzy digital prints for room signs.
Wood themed rooms – Old Siamese sketches on the walls, Wood highlighted by featured lighting. Has a tranquil feel.
Earth themed rooms– Unforgettable blue colored rooms with curved flowing lines and primeval Thai paintings on walls and curtains. Refreshing and unique feel that guests either love or hate. Bathrooms feature marble against blue, black and white tiles.
Water themed room – Lots of greys, marbled floor, elegant circular tubs. Great views of the city from every point in the room.
So VIP Suite – 27th floor, is water themed, has white veined black marble floors, 2 bedrooms, open plan and a large Jacuzzi.
Fire themed restaurant – Immense red oven dominates. Food market inspired décor.
Club signature – colorful, dominated by the tree of life symbol.
Roof top bar – trendy, futuristic. Plenty of mirror work that allows guests to enjoy the view from anywhere in the bar.
Spa – Inspired by the mythical Himmapan Forest – Decorated with tree trunks. Walls have forest paintings with birds. Dark tones are used to give an aura of mystery.
24 hr Sofit gym offers so Fit signature fitness routines, iPod with personalized music, Professional personal trainer, Aerobic & yoga classes, KINESIS machine- 2,500 exercise routines. Guests can get borrow cycles to enjoy Lumpini park.
Small infinity pool, has great views of the park.
Guests are mostly leisure oriented.
Lacks kids area.
Competitors – W hotel, Hotel Indigo.
Signature drink – Lindsey rose (Sweet but not strong).
Signature dishes – Tom Yum Goong Risotto.
Special features – Has a very popular pool party on the last Sunday of every month. Has a 50 sq m area called The Box suspended in mid-air on the 9th floor that can be used for private gatherings, parties etc. The Fête de la Musique is a worldwide Sofitel event for music lovers, held every June.
5 restaurants and bars. Has thematic cuisine. MIXO has molecular cocktails put together by mixologists.
Chocolab is a chocolate boutique that offers dessert making classes.
Lumpini park is within walking distance. Also close to Silom nightlife and the Patpong market.
Pillow menu offers a choice of pillows for comfort.
10. U Sathorn Hotel– Best French Colonial Design
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 119 4888)
Stylish resort-type hotel designed with a successful open flow concept that gives it an expansive and relaxing aura. Features a gorgeous French Colonial design with a modish twist and a soothing white-on-white palette that’s well utilized in its 86 rooms (32 sq m – 72 sq m). Offers charming suites with high ceilings, cute kitchenettes, open bathtubs, bird cage fixtures and inviting divans in the balcony. Most rooms overlook the hotel’s courtyard and swimming pool and with plenty of birdsong in the air, it’s easy to unwind. Has a very fair 24 hr check-in/check out policy that lets guests enjoy rooms exactly for 24 hrs after their check in-time. Located off Sathorn road; the hotel operates a shuttle service to MRT and BTS stations nearby. Close to Patpong night market, Silom road, Vertigo restaurant and the Moon bar.
The U Sathorn is the best colonial French-designed hotel in Bangkok.
Notes on U Sathorn Hotel
Opened in November 2014. 86 rooms totally (32 sq m – 72 sq m), Superior (20), Superior Garden (38), Deluxe Gardenb(24) and Suite(4) accommodation.
French Colonial design with a contemporary twist. Excellent use of space with big pillars & windows. Most rooms have swimming pool views which accentuates a resort feel.
24-hour room check-in/check-out – Very fair to the guests; can enjoy the room for a full 24 hours from arrival time.
Breakfast whenever/wherever facility – Orders are served anywhere in the complex. Every room comes with breakfast.
Online U Choose program – lets guests choose pillows, minibar items, teas and soap.
Massive sweeping entrance to the hotel with Cinderella-like Chariot on the lawn. Ballroom near the entrance for convenience.
Huge, breezy, marble lobby with circular seating that directly opens out onto the pool lounge area. Birdcage chairs in the lobby, porcelain table tops, afternoon tea is served in birdcages.
Hotel consists of three low rise wings set around a green courtyard with the swimming pool as the centerpiece.
J’AIME French restaurant designed in an ‘upside down’ interior design concept. Has piano hanging upside down from the ceiling, a wine cellar, a private dining room with book motif on the walls. Lots of green, purple and silver silks. Upside down bottles in the bar area. Serves innovative and classic French cuisine with comfortable, shared Asian tables allowing dishes to be easily accessed.
Compact elegant rooms with stone finish corridors. Lots of white and gold accents in the décor. Rooms on the ground floor have pool access via the garden. All bathrooms with rain showers have a very handy sit down area in the shower.
Superior Rooms (32 sq m) are the lowest category. Superior Garden (38 sq m) rooms have a lovely view of the courtyard.
Deluxe Garden (34 sq m) – Airy rooms with picturesque views of the courtyard.
Guests can choose between a complimentary signature cocktail in the library (bar) or afternoon tea with pastries or cookies per person per stay.
Suites (72 sq m) – Best rooms. Feel like mini-apartments with high ceilings that extend the sense of space. Has a kitchenette, open bathtub, with paintings and bird cage fixtures. Big divan in balcony.
Small 24 hr gym.
Free bike hire for all guests.
Special features – ‘U Make a Difference’ program- A community relations activity where the hotel contributes USD 1 for every night a guest stays at the hotel, to charities, support kids) twice a year. Weekly scheduled visits to the charity are available to guests interested in witnessing the improvements being made by their contributions.
Activities include biking and jogging in the Bang Krachao area on Saturdays (coming soon), jogging in Lumpini Park.
Clubs and bars nearby – Maggie Choos, Babylon (club for gay men), Moon bar.
Competitors – Sukothai hotel.
No kids club (provides nanny service).
Guests are mostly leisure oriented. Long stay guests typically stay for 2 weeks.
Located off Sathorn Road – Provides shuttle van every 1 hr or so to MRT Lumpini and BTS Sala Daeng stations.
11. Le Méridien Bangkok – Best Travel-Oriented Perks
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 232 8888)
Glamorous 24-storey hotel with artsy décor featuring retro puppies and modern art. Only hotel in Bangkok to have rooms with circular beds and an ‘unlock destination’ keycard concept. (In negotiations with Siam Museum for hotel keycards to permit free access to 40 local museums). All of its 282 rooms have floor to ceiling views and contemporary Thai touches like silk panels and Thai poems on the wall. Offers a very popular Sunday brunch with a free health check-up and free nutritionist consultation on every last Sunday of the month. Located 5 mins walk away from MRT Sam Yan. Close to Silom, Patpong night market.
Bangkok's Le Meridien Hotel has great travel-oriented perks.
Notes on Le Méridien Bangkok
Opened in December 2008.
Has 282 rooms medium sized rooms (36 sq m to 78 sq m), 209 Vista rooms (includes 3 rooms built for disabled guests), 28 Vista Plus (corner rooms), 11 Circular rooms, 32 Aventec Suites, 1 Avantgarde Suite (162 sq m), 1 Grand Avantgarde Suite (162 sq m).
Hotel has a modish appearance with black marble tiled flooring. Big lobby, with lots of black metal, grey and black seating, dark wood tones on walls. Lots of retro puppy art and figures. Main hotel entrance features a large picture of a man holding a dog and walking to symbolize a carefree lifestyle. Steel finish concierge stations in the lobby. Lobby has curated music and hotels arty keycards as a wall display. Fans are cleverly hidden in the layout to disperse the hotel’s scent. The latitude lounge, turns into a sparkling area for get-togethers in the evening. Decent sized corridors with bamboo theme carpets.
Rooms have touch screen IP phones with virtual office functions, over-sized tubs, floor to ceiling views of the city and poems on the wall for a romantic Thai touch. Opt for rooms on non-smoking floor as the smell of smoke can be quite strong on the smoking floors. Best rooms in the hotel are the 4 corner circular bedrooms.
Circular rooms are popular with honeymooners. Avantgarde Suite has its own steam room, while the Grand Avantgarde Suite has a six meter high ceiling, a steam room and a private pond in the living room area.
1 restaurant and 2 bars – Restaurant has a café concept, gets lots of natural light (huge windows).
Bamboo bar – Chic bar with lighted flooring and a bamboo motif.
All 7 spa rooms are circular, intimate and cozy – rooms are connected to each other.
Medium size 24 hr fitness center.
Has a shallow pool (4 ft depth) and a small bar pool.
No kids club.
Special features – Popular with locals, especially families for its healthy Sunday brunch. (Hotel consults doctors on ways to make the buffet healthier). The free health check-up at the month’s end includes BMI, cholesterol levels etc. Doctors from a nearby hospital also give short (10-20 min) lectures on specific topics. Hotel tries to partner with other brands to offer guests special experiences such as the unlock destination concept with the hotel’s keycard.
Guests are more corporate than leisure.
MRT Sam Yan is 5 min walking distance. Also close to MRT Lumpini.
Close to Lumpini Park, Patpong Night Market, Vertigo and Moon Bar, Silom Road.
Competition – Crowne plaza, Pullman.
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