Private islands are a hot trend as they ensure guests the ability to completely customize the experience without having to work around the needs of other customers. Think Richard Branson’s Necker Island in BVI or David Copperfield’s private island retreat in the Bahamas.
Bangkok has a plethora of high-end, luxury hotels, all made better by the warm and friendly hospitality that is the signature of the Thai people.
1. lebua at State Tower
2. The Siam, Bangkok
3. The Peninsula, Bangkok
4. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
5. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
6. St. Regis Bangkok
1. Lebua at State Tower
Voted by Travel + Leisure readers as the top hotel in this uber-competitive market of luxury properties, the magazine says of lebua at State Tower, “This year’s winner stands out for its location in one of Bangkok’s tallest high-rises, which makes it a perfect spot for sunset cocktails on the rooftop Sky Bar.”
It continues, “From here, the entire city stretches out in all directions. The guest rooms, meanwhile, attract readers who value space — standard rooms clock in at a huge 710 square feet, which would make them suites almost anywhere else.”
T+L editors add, “As you’d expect from one of the highest hotels in Asia, the views are a big selling point. And while Lebua doesn’t have the secluded garden setting of other Bangkok hotels, amenities here include an expansive swimming pool and a spa, where travelers can enjoy traditional Thai massages.”
The hotel is also known for its fine and fun dining. Sirocco and Breeze offer al fresco rooftop dining with breathtaking views of the city, while Mezzaluna is one of only two restaurants in Thailand to have earned two stars in Michelin’s first two years of rankings in the Kingdom. Its Chef’s Table restaurant opened earlier this year is led by Vincent Thierry, who oversaw three-star kitchens in Hong Kong and Paris.
The Hangover Suite
If you want to retrace the footsteps of the guys from the Hangover movie, you can choose this suite, however, it is identical to the Three Bedroom Tower Club lebua Suite in layout encompassing 2,863 sq. ft, with four balconies, two king bedrooms, one twin bedroom, two full baths and a guest bath, plus large living room and dining area. The differences are the furnishings, artwork as a tribute to the movie, and free daily re-stocking of the minibar plus as many Hangovertinis as you can imbibe.
2. The Siam, Bangkok
Travel + Leisure says, “The Siam is a beautiful, amenity-rich hotel designed by Bill Bensley that is equal parts compound and oasis on the river. During your stay, watch a movie at the private cinema or explore the hotel’s antiques collection. Full-day lessons are offered at the authentic Muay Thai boxing gym, and dinner at the Chon Thai restaurant is not to be missed.”
Connie’s Cottage
The 1,800 sq. ft. Connie’s Cottage is a century-old traditional Thai teak house chosen by the well-known American Silk tycoon, Jim Thompson for his best friend, Connie Mangskau that has been transformed into a rustic Thai pool cottage.
The venue offers an air of romantic mystery, layered with historical charm, without sacrificing in the least on comfort and convenience. There’s butler service plus a shuttle boat between the hotel and Bangkok’s central Sathorn pier.
3. The Peninsula Bangkok
Travel + Leisure says, “Located on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, the spacious rooms at The Peninsula (especially those on higher floors) offer guests stunning views of the River of Kings and the Bangkok skyline. Beat the Bangkok traffic by using one of the four ferry boats that shuttle guests between three different piers nearly 650 times each day.”
The Peninsula Suite
The 3,885 sq. ft. offers 34th-floor river views. Appointed throughout in an array of Thai silks, antiques, Oriental carpets, crystal chandeliers, and teak wood floors, guests arriving by helicopter are whisked via the exclusive Paribatra Helicopter Lounge directly from the rooftop helipad.
The Peninsula Suite has a master and guest bedrooms, walk-in closets and a butler’s room. The dining room seats up to 10 people and an expansive landscaped terrace offers the option to entertain under the stars.
4. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
T+L says, “It would be a shame for any visitor to come to Bangkok and miss the splendor of the Mandarin Oriental. For more than 135 years, this Travel + Leisure favorite hotel has been at the center of Bangkok life. The 339 rooms and 35 suites are spacious and elegant and enhanced by lush surroundings and serene riverside locale. The Authors’ Suites pay tribute to the long list of literary greats who have been long-time clients of Bangkok’s Grand Dame.”
Oriental Suite
The 4,047 two-bedroom Oriental Suite is a penthouse with a large terrace offering river views. Situated on the top floor of the hotel enjoy over 600 sq. ft. of outdoor space, a private dining room seating up to 12, an entertainment room, multiple sitting areas, and kitchen.
5. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
The 5th rated Bangkok hotel according to T+L readers, Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort also gained four stars from Forbes, which notes, :It opened in 2015 (it took over the building from the Four Seasons), the hotel already feels settled into its plush surroundings, exuding a classic, timeless feel.”
Two-Bedroom River View Chao Phraya Suite
The 1,250 sq. ft. two-bedroom suites feature contemporary Thai décor. There’s a dining area with kitchenette and wine cooler that flows into a sunlit lounge with a multimedia hub. The master bedroom offers a king bed adorned with Thai artistry and rich silks, while the second ensuite bedroom is configured with twin beds, perfect for families or small groups.
6. St. Regis Bangkok
Not making the T+L top five, but 5-star rating from Forbes, The St. Regis Bangkok is marked by its patterned furnishings and carpeting, white-marble surfaces and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Forbes notes, “Textured walls, patterned high-back furnishings, and smooth white marble define the chic Asian style of the Bangkok hotel. Its high-ceilinged lobby features a sophisticated color palette of purples, blacks and grays, with oversized black metal candles to one side of a plush lounge area.”
It adds, “Extravagant décor and gilded appointments are found throughout The St. Regis Bangkok’s public areas — areas that during the evening are more often than not also buzzing with hi-so clientele clamoring for tables at food and wine hot spots like Decanter, JoJo, and Viu.”
The Owner’s Penthouse
On the 44th and 45th floors, The Owner’s Penthouse Artistic is a three-bedroom residence features floor-to-ceiling windows throughout and on the balcony, a private 7-meter infinity pool that overlooks the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.
Overlooking Bangkok’s Sukhumvit, a private dining room can seat up to 16 guests. A fully equipped modern kitchen can be stocked to order. A wine room offers a fine selection of old and new world vintages specially chosen from our cellar by the house sommelier.
In each of three bedrooms is a king-sized bed. The master bedroom incorporates a study area with an oversized CEO desk, while an en-suite walk-in closet leads to the marble bathroom, where you’ll find a large freestanding bathtub and a separate custom shower.
Bespoke 24-hour St. Regis Butler service means two personal butlers ready to cater to your every need. From packing and unpacking to serving in-residence breakfast to making arrangements for a fully-catered dinner party, make your list.
