Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today (July 9, 2018): Top 10 best hotels in Bangkok.
Thailand’s capital Bangkok is is one the world’s most exciting cities. The metropole, home to 8 million people or 12.6 percent of the country’s population, is a true tourist paradise, proved by the growing number of travelers coming each year. Last year, the city hosted 20 million international tourists, making it the most popular tourist destination of 2017. The city offers a great variety of attractions, ranging from historic temples and royal palaces with elaborate architecture and art, to museums, parks, luxury shopping malls and street markets. Bangkok’s (in)famous nightlife is another highlight that has attracted many of tourists from all over the world. Bangkok is also home to some of the world’s greatest luxury hotels, which are a playground of jet setters and fashionistas. I hereby share with you the 10 best hotels in the city.
There’s more info below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel in Bangkok in the comments section, or take my poll below!
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10. COMO METROPOLITAN BANGKOK
A contemporary Bangkok stylish design hotel, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok is an urban escape located in the central business district of Sathorn, between the river and Sukhumvit District. The property is 10-minutes away from Silom’s buzzing nightlife scene and easily reachable by BTS Station or MRT train networks. The hotel combines passionate service with award-winning Thai restaurant, nahm, glow restaurant for COMO Shambhala Cuisine, and Met Bar. Created by Singapore interiors architect Kathryn Kng, COMO Metropolitan Bangkok has 169 generously sized rooms and suites. All of them are clean, crisp open spaces filled with natural light from floor-to-ceiling windows. Details include carefully sourced Asian antiques, furniture by contemporary designers and artists, mosaic and limestone bathrooms, Thai silk curtains and – in select suites – private terraces.
- Hotel website: COMO Metropolitan Bangkok
9. SO SOFITEL BANGKOK
In the heart of Thailand’s vibrant capital, SO Sofitel Bangkok is a luxurious urban hotel where design meets pleasure. A mélange of Thai culture and French elegance, this masterpiece embodies the five elements: Water, Earth, Wood, Metal and Fire. A collaboration of Thailand’s top five designers and world renowned fashion designer Christian Lacroix, SO Sofitel Bangkok is elegant and refined, yet casual and approachable. A seductive statement of art and design, this 30-story hotel offers enchanting views of Lumpini Park and the city skyline. Each guest room features Water, Wood, Earth or Metal elements, floor-to-ceiling windows, a lavish bathtub and a serene rain shower. After exploring the city, you can retreat to the hotel’s sparkling infinity pool to take in panoramic cityscape views.
- Hotel website: SO Sofitel Bangkok
8. ANANTARA SIAM BANGKOK HOTEL
Traditional Thai architecture, hand-painted silk ceilings, intricate artwork, an impressively scaled lobby and glorious gardens, the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel – a Four Seasons Hotel in an earlier life – offers exquisite accommodations and gracious hospitality strategically located in the corporate, diplomatic and shopping heart of Bangkok’s bustling core. Featuring 340 luxurious, oversized rooms, including 33 suites and eight unique garden cabanas, the property offers exquisite accommodations. The hotel offers seven international choices for dining, ranging from Thai and Italian cuisine to a Japanese eatery and a Manhattan-style grill restaurant The crowning masterpiece of the hotel is the lobby, which features grand columns with high ceilings adorned by exquisite hand-painted silk panels.
- Hotel website: Anantara Siam Bangkok
- Tip: get free VIP amenities at when booking Anantara Siam Bangkok via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, welcome tea upon arrival delivered to the room, fresh fruit platter upon arrival, and one Thai set lunch or dinner for two persons at Spice Market).
7. BANYAN TREE BANGKOK
Banyan Tree Bangkok is a vertical resort, towering 61 floors above the city providing some of the best views of Bangkok. The 327 rooms are the largest in Bangkok. In fact, all rooms, many recently refurbished, are mini-suites featuring a generous separate living area. Most come with amazing views and many have access to the club lounge. The sixteen two bedroom suites are perfect for families. Leisure facilities include an outdoor pool on the 21st floor, gym and fitness centre with Muay Thai and other fitness classes and Bangkok’s largest spa facility with 16 treatment rooms. Foodies won’t be disappointed at the Banyan Tree Hotel, since the hotel features 9 world-class restaurants and bars. The hotel is probably best known for its spectacular 61st floor rooftop, which features the fine dining restaurant Vertigo and the stylish and sophisticated Moon Bar
- Hotel website: Banyan Tree Bangkok
- Other accolades: Banyan Tree Bangkok also features in my top 10 lists the world’s most spectacular rooftops and world’s best restaurants with a view.
- Tip: get free VIP amenities at Banyan Tree Bangkok when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and one complimentary Thai set dinner for two at -Saffron restaurant on 52nd Floor).
- Review: read my review of Banyan Tree Bangkok here.
6. THE PENINSULA BANGKOK
Located on the bank of the scenic Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula Bangkok is one of Bangkok’s most famous hotels. The epitome of luxury Thai style and comfort, guest rooms (even minimum rate rooms offer a sitting area) and suites at hotel all command magnificent river views. Intelligently designed, marrying traditional style elements with all the conveniences of state-of-the-art technology and the legendary Peninsula 24-hour service, guests are guaranteed a stay to remember. The hotel’s shuttle boat service brings the hotel close to all major shopping areas and tourist attractions. There is a three-tiered outdoor swimming pool with Thai Salas, two outdoor floodlit tennis courts and fitness center. There are five outstanding dining venues however it is the restaurant Thiptara on the river that stands out.
- Hotel website: The Peninsula Bangkok
- Tip: get free VIP amenities at The Peninsula Bangkok when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, afternoon tea for 2 on one day during your stay, and a Thai Baht 800 spa gift certificate per person per stay for any treatment).
5. ST REGIS BANGKOK
Situated along Bangkoks renowned Rajadamri Road, in the heart of the citys dynamic commercial and business corridor, the St. Regis Bangkok wraps guests in a world of timeless elegance. From the iconic lobby, sweeping views through the floor-to-ceiling windows provide a panoramic of the city’s sparkling skyline, verdant parks, and rolling golf courses. Understated elegance also permeates the 174 guest rooms and 49 suites, which all feature a St. Regis bed with designer fittings meeting the sophisticated Thai-influenced décor. Smooth wooden floors, lush carpeting, and opulent upholstery complete the glamorous scene. Facilities include a rooftop pool, and Elemis spa, and several bars and dining venues. At all hours, signature St. Regis butlers are on hand to attend to guests every request, guaranteeing a memorable stay, whether for business or leisure.
- Hotel website: St Regis Bangkok
- tip: get free VIP amenities at the St Regis Bangkok when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. daily breakfast, room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, and one complimentary dinner at Jojo for up to two people per room).
- Review: read my review of the St Regis Bangkok here.
4. WALDORF ASTORIA BANGKOK
Blending Thai charm with luxurious comfort, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, is an iconic presence in the heart of Thailand’s bustling capital. Architect André Fu designed this hotel in Bangkok with bronze accents and soaring ceilings, reflecting the opulence and grandeur of the original Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Situated on the ultra-modern Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard, the hotel offers a wealth of amenities for discerning business and leisure travelers, including beautifully decorated rooms and suites, great dining options, and indulgent relaxation facilities, which includes a stunning rooftop pool.
- Hotel website: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
- Tip: get free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check in and late check out).
- Review: read my review of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok here.
3. MANDARIN ORIENTAL BANGKOK
Voted repeatedly as one of the best hotels in the world by reputed magazines including Institutional Investor and Conde Nast Traveler, The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is ideally situated on the banks of the Chao-Phraya River and in close proximity to Silom’s shopping and business districts. Since opening its doors in 1876, The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has captured the hearts and minds of royalty and heads of state, industrialists, authors and artists, as well as famed travelers from far away places. Facilities include the world-class Oriental Spa, which is located across the river with a hotel boat shuttling guests to and from the Spa. The Oriental also boasts 10 different dining options all located within this city-resort. The hotel has won many accolades in its 135 years and is renowned for its superb service and facilities.
- Hotel website: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
- Other accolades: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok also features in my top 10 list of the best hotels in Thailand.
- Tip: get free VIP amenities when booking Mandarin Oriental Bangkok via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily buffet breakfast, early check in, late check out, and one Thai Buffet Lunch for up to two persons at Sala Rim Naam).
- Review: read my review of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok here.
2. PARK HYATT BANGKOK
Embracing its enviable location in one of the world’s most popular tourist destination, Park Hyatt Bangkok offers a refined and uniquely Thai experience, reflecting the country’s rich culture and legendary gracious hospitality. The hotel is housed within Central Embassy, a 37-floor complex that has become one of Bangkok’s most iconic modern landmark since its opening, both because of its futuristic architecture and its ultra-luxury lifestyle mall, which can be directly accessed from the hotel. A devoted team of hosts dedicates themselves to providing Park Hyatt’s world-class discreet and sincere service. Park Hyatt Bangkok houses 222 luxurious rooms, including 32 suites, featuring unobstructed views of the capital. The exceptional drinking and dining venues all provide a level of service and hospitality that will wow even the most discerning travelers.
- Hotel website: Park Hyatt Bangkok
- Other accolades: Park Hyatt Bangkok also features in my list of the best new hotels of 2017.
- Review: read my review of Park Hyatt Bangkok here.
1. THE SIAM HOTEL
The Siam hotel – opened in 2013 – is in a category of its own and unique to the Thai capital. With only 39 suites and 3 acres of property along the river, guests are able to experience a resort atmosphere and a level of exclusivity that is not available at Bangkok’s larger luxury properties. The suites at the Siam are amongst the largest in city, all outfitted with plush furnishings, super-sized king beds and lofty ceilings. Each room has been individually designed with original turn of the century oriental artwork and antiques. Guests can also choose for an intimately private pool villa and bask in either Thai, Chinese or Colonial surrounds. Every villa is awash with lush internal gardens and features a private swimming pool and open-air roof terrace, perfect for private sunbathing, evening cocktails or tête-à-tête dining.
- Hotel website: The Siam Hotel
- Other accolades: The Siam Hotel Bangkok also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s best city hotels and the world’s best urban resorts.
- Tip: get free VIP amenities when booking The Siam via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, welcome gift, daily breakfast, $100 USD food & beverage credit, early check in and late check out).
- Review: read my review of The Siam here.
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No Shangri-La? I have stayed at couple of these, but I think the Shangri-La should be on this list. Ditch the Sofitel. It is overpriced for what it is.
I’ve stayed in 12 of the best hotels in Bangkok for the past year and my number 1 is Siam Kempinski….
Unbeatable in service, rooms and amenities, just my 2 cents.
Shangri la need to be refurbished, the rooms look very tired…
No Sukhothai??
Great list. I’ve had the chance to visit most of them (for work, not as a guest) and I must say, Mandarin Oriental is on another level. Not only the hotel itself but the service and the atmosphere is from another level.
Sukothai and Kempinski are probably the best.