Bangkok: a bustling metropolis where old meets new, and the East collides with the West. Despite the chaotic streets and notable nightlife, Thailand’s capital isn’t like any city you’ve ever been to.
One moment you’re dining at a Michelin restaurant; the next, you’re prowling the back streets looking for an underground dance club you’ve heard some backpackers whisper excitedly about. It’s like a different experience each time.
If you want to really live it up though, then you need to be at the center of it all. And these luxe hotels can help you with that.
1. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
If you want to stay at the best address in town, simply follow the Chao Phraya River, in the historical Charoenkrung district, and you’ll find Thailand’s first luxury hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok.
Established in 1876, it just celebrated its 140th year in 2016. But this timeless colonial hotel is more than just luxurious rooms containing dark teak wood, soft Thai silk, and panoramic views. Expect nothing but superb service and extravagant arrangements: everything, from their famed Author’s Lounge, Bamboo Bar, all the way to their 8 dining options.
Yes, it can be too overwhelming. But don’t worry, your personal butler will make it all better.
2. Sukhothai Hotel
Located at Sathorn Road, one of the city’s busiest areas, Sukhothai Hotel shines like a fresh lotus flower. Paying their respects to Siam’s first capital, Sukhothai Kingdom, this hotel is like a work of art – beautiful and enduring.
Find inspirations from this bygone era among their terra cotta sculptures, silk panelling, bronze accents, enormous pots, and polished teak wood and marble materials. Stay at their spacious Garden Suite to enjoy relaxing views of the lotus ponds and their verdant gardens.
With Thai fabrics supplied by Jim Thompson, a pillow menu from Parker & Morgan, and bathroom essentials from James Heeley, English perfumer/designer, you know you’ve chosen an excellent place to spend the night.
3. Anantara Siam
Want something more personal? Then allow the staff from Anantara Siam to redefine what luxury should mean for you. Conveniently located at Ratchaprasong shopping and entertainment district, this hotel will make your days run as smooth as silk.
If you’re a single traveler, you can revel in their Classic Rooms with cityscape views and a complimentary smartphone to boot. But upgrade to their suite, and enjoy Kasara privileges, such as daily buffet breakfast at the Kasara Executive Lounge, evening drinks, access to their extensive library, as well as 10 percent off on regular treatments at Anantara Spa.
Love shopping? Aside from being close to well-known shopping centers like Siam Paragon, Anantara can provide you with your very own shopping guru to help you snag the best bargains!
4. The Siam Hotel
A stay at The Siam is like going back in time – a private haven away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok, this is a place you’ll fall in love with the minute you dock onto their private pier.
Set on 3-acres of private, lush lands, they are known for their massive themed suites, ranging from modern Art Deco, to traditional Thai teak cottages with their own private pools. Inside, you’ll revel at exclusive services, which include wellness and spa treatments, cooking classes, tailored Muay Thai lessons, and a chance at getting Sak Yant tattoos from their very own studio.
One can say that The Siam definitely goes out of their way to create unique experiences for their guests. So, what are you waiting for?
5. SO Sofitel Bangkok
Hip, vibrant, and different everytime – that is the signature SO Sofitel Bangkok experience for everyone daring enough to come through their doors. Created with elemental themes (earth, air, fire, and water), each room will make you feel like you’re in a different hotel.
Featuring floor to ceiling windows with the view of Lumpini park; Choco Lab cafe with chocolates from Bonnat (the world’s oldest chocolatier in France); plus raving pool parties every last Sunday of the month at the Water Club’s outdoor pool, it’s the hippest, most innovative hotel to grace the city to date.
For a SO special getaway, now you know where to go. Just head on over to 2 North Sathorn Road for something unexpected each and every time.
6. Oriental Residence Bangkok
At Bangkok mainly for business? Make your extended stay worthwhile at Oriental Residence Bangkok. A favorite of ambassadors, this 32-storey luxury hotel sits at 110 Wireless Road, close to the American and Dutch embassies, and shopping district.
It boasts of understated elegance from their spacious lobby, all the way to their fully-equipped suites. All rooms come with full amenities, such as a kitchenette and dining area, as well as large marble bathrooms.
Take a break from your meetings with a refreshing dip at their half open-air pool; or invite associates for brunch at Cafe Claire. Also, don’t miss dining at their Savelberg Michelin-starred restaurant. It’s the perfect end to a busy day, after all.
7. The Peninsula Bangkok
For those in search of the most dramatic views of the Chao Phraya River and the Bangkok skyline, then book your stay at The Peninsula Bangkok. All rooms have either partial or panoramic views, plus state-of-the-art technology to truly customize your room experience. Imagine making calls, adjusting your bed, or even controlling the temperature in the room – all at a touch of a button.
If you want to really treat yourself and your friends, arrive by helicopter and allow them to whisk you away to their exclusive Peninsula Suite. Featuring Thai silks, Oriental carpets, crystal chandeliers, teakwood floors, and all kinds of antiques, this ups the luxury game to whole new level.
But to complete the experience, make sure to sample world-class cuisines from any of their seven dining options.
8. W Bangkok
Who says luxury can’t be synonymous with fun? W Bangkok changes the game by introducing ‘casual luxury’ with the international jetsetter in mind. There are no creams and pastels here. Expect nothing but serious R&R in the morning and a vibrant, jumping atmosphere at night.
Located at Sathorn near BTS Sky Train, it’s easy to get out and about whenever you feel like it. But then again, why bother? Their fun, playful rooms featuring translucent, colored glass planks and their W Signature Beds is so inviting, you will want to sleep in! In fact, W gives you all the right reasons not to with their 24-hour in-room dining service.
Oh, and did we mention that they’re pet-friendly?
9. Banyan Tree Bangkok
Located at 21/100 South Sathon Road, in Sathon, Banyan Tree Bangkok is a modern 61-storey hotel that feeds your senses through their rooms, dining experiences, and their award-winning spa treatments.
Don’t just stay here for their luxurious rooms. Allow them to pamper you with their signature spa treatments that will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed. Top it off with some of the tastiest meals from their famous helipad-turned rooftop restaurant and bar (Vertigo and Moon Bar).
Or why not create romantic moments with their dinner cruise (Apsara Cruise) offering? It is set on a traditional teak rice barge, complete with personal chefs and bespoke menus. Simply delightful!
10. Shangri-La Bangkok
Thanks to their strategic location on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Shangri-La Bangkok remains to be one of the top luxury accommodations in a city filled with top-notch hotels and resorts.
It has maintained its golden status partly for its outstanding service, and in part as well because they have the longest river frontage of all the riverside hotels in the area. That guarantees guests beautiful views of the river, no matter which room they book.
Boasting of more than 800 rooms and an array of 9 dining options, this is one staycation you won’t soon forget. While it can be tempting to explore the buzzing Charoenkrung neighbourhood surrounding the hotel, their splendid offerings will certainly pull you back in.
Taste the world through their international cuisines, or work up a sweat at their world-class fitness center. Want to savor the last moments of your stay? Try strolling through their lush tropical gardens of palm trees and exotic orchids.
