travelsusan

For brief moment in Bangkok anyone advise whether to stay at Shangri La or Mandarin Oriental

Thanks much

crellston

Both are great hotels. The MO is a lot "stuffier" than other hotels, the SL more relaxed. If you want the river location then I prefer the Peninsula.

Guenmai

I've stayed at both although it was years ago that I stayed at the Oriental, but just stayed at the Shangri-La last month for 1 night to try it out. I usually rent an apartment during my 3 weeks in Bangkok and then hotel hop for a few days to try out different ones.

At the Shangri-La there is airport-style metal detectors and an x-ray machine, so be prepared to stand in line to enter the hotel each time that you need to go back into it. As for the Oriental, I don't think they have that system as I didn't notice it. My dressmaker, of over a decade, is located in the Oriental Place building right across the street from the Oriental Hotel and I pass that hotel a lot on my way to her place for my fittings. There is at least one guard, in an elevated guard tower, outside of the Oriental Hotel.

The Shangri-La was quite nice and the food, at the restaurant that overlooks the river, had good food at lunch and the breakfast buffet was good, at the same restaurant, although incredibly crowded with folks as there were a lot of folks there who were attending some kind of work conference.

As for the Oriental, I really liked it when I stayed there. However, the Shangri-La is right at the Saphan Taksin sky train station (BTS) which makes transportation very easy. At the Shangri-La, I had a corner room with a glass door and terrace and another big side window with a cut-out, alcove area with sofa. There were also windows in the bathroom so I got a lot of sunlight which was nice.

Happy Travels!

rhkkmk

I too prefer the peninsula, although I have not stayed at MO

Smeagol

I am not a fan of the S La ( aside from its very convenient location) it misses the boat compared to other 5 star hotels in BKK
I actually liked the MO ( I LOVE their Bamboo bar and always go for cocktails and Jazz- when we stay in Bangkok) but like the others I much prefer the Peninsula ( and I think it is better priced than the MO )

lcuy

I've stayed at all three.

My favorite is the Peninsula, and have returned several times. Nicest rooms, better views, faster elevators, excellent, fast boat service to Saphan Taksin or their waiting room right across the river. The food is great, the spa is wonderful, though pricey.

Shangri-La has a convenient location and friendly service, but way too many people there. Views can be terrific if you're lucky

The Oriental is historic, but the rooms were smaller, somewhat dated, and unless you pay very top top price, the views aren't very good. The staff can be stuffy. The location is nice for heading out to walk, and the boats to Saphan Taksin are also frequent. I'd recommend just going to the brunch buffet in their Lord Jim.

Rahavision

Shangri la best location

HappyTrvlr

We had a wonderful stay at the Shangri-La but were on the Concierge Floor so no crowds at breakfast or for cocktails. Excellent and very warm service from the staff.I loved watching the boats go by on the river at night from our room, all decorated with little lights.

Guenmai

I've also stayed at the Pen, but some years ago, and maybe on the same trip that I stayed at the Oriental. Personally, I liked the Oriental better. I might go back to the Oriental, for one night, on the 2017/2018 to see how it is now and also one night at the Pen. I have tried a lot of different hotels in Bangkok, for one night, even though I usually have an apartment. But, there are always friends or coworkers who are asking where to stay in Bangkok so I like to try to keep updated on various hotels.

Happy Travels!

travelsusan

Thank you all so very much for your advice. Most appreciated

jobin

Wow! Surprised that Peninsula Hotel Bangkok can charge US$300 per night, cheapest rate, and fill the rooms. I must be missing something: yeah, lots of extra cash.

Cyansiam

Stayed at the Shang Krungthep Wing a couple of months ago...quiet and very good.