Mandarin oriental bangkok

This is the crème de la crème. An icon of a city. The genesis of a world-renowned luxury brand. The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is simply perfect. Its a city hotel while being an urban recluse. Its historic yet modern. Its Thai yet international. It is where you must stay in Bangkok. 

Location: A

This is actually one of my favorite parts of the hotel. The riverfront location is iconic, just across the water from ICON SIAM and a quick shuttle ride to the BTS (Bangkok’s public transport rail). The views are spectacular and you are a stone’s throw to the tourist sights of the city. There is lots within walking distance, and the simple variety of options for how to get around from the Mandarin is wild. Train? Check. Tuktuk? Check. Ferry? Check. Longtail boat? Check. Metro? Check. Luxury limousine? It’s Mandarin, check, of course. 

Rooms: A

Perfect finishes, wonderful design, solid layout, plenty of storage, well-placed outlets, fantastic water pressure, the comfiest robes and slippers, views over the river, and intelligent lighting. Its just done right. They’ve put thought into every nook and cranny and it shows. My father even said, “It feels like I’m just at home”, which says a lot.

Amenities: A-

The ONLY reason there is a minus sign there is because of the fact that you have to cross a boat to get to where most of the amenities are. But once you do, there is a HUGE gym (complete with a Muay Thai rink), wonderful spa, and more dining options. On the main said of the hotel, there are two stunning pools (where the staff will bring you some snacks, sweets and water while you tan) and overall, for a city hotel, there is destination-level things to do on site. 

Dining: A

Breakfast? Impeccable (and on the river). Afternoon Tea? The greatest in the city (reserve in advance). The jazz Barr? Iconic. The restaurants? Michelin level. Dining at the Mandarin is a treat, no matter what you’re looking for.

Service: A-

So good almost to a fault honestly. Someone is there to open the elevators, to bring you new chocolates, to walk you to the ferry. It’s a constant stream of service, which isn’t necessarily suffocating by any means but it is a lot. 

Scene

Honestly, a little too foo-foo for me and pretentious, but that’s sort of to be expected at this legendary property. You’ll find a lot of older people here for sure, but we did make friends with some Australians poolside which was fun!