Utterly cutting edge, yet with an extraordinary sense of calm, the Shangri-La has emerged as one of Bangkok's very best hotels, surpassing the more-famous Oriental. The palatial marble lobby here is illuminated by crystal chandeliers; the adjacent lounge offers a marvelous view of the Chao Phraya River through floor-to-ceiling windows. The peace of the gardens is interrupted only by the puttering of passing boats. Many of the rooms, decorated in soothing pastels, are beginning to show their age, however. In the luxurious Krungthep Wing, a separate tower across the garden, the slightly more expensive rooms are larger and quieter, with balconies overlooking the river—a surprisingly rare thing in Bangkok. Pros: breathtaking lobby; private balconies available. Cons: some construction in older wing; restaurants not top-notch.
Reviewed by rhkkmk from Boston, MA on 9/19/09
firstly i consider the location to be riverside rather than silom.
this huge hotel is pure lux which you quickly realize from its sweeping driveway and its marble lobby areas. but best of all the hotel is located directly next to the skytrain at taskim station.
their riverside location is lovely with several outside dining venues. the italian restaurant is one of the best in bangkok...the hotel has two wings....the shangri-la wing and the more lux and sedate krungthrup wing.
rooms are comfortable and large. most rooms have partial or full river views...in the lux wing many rooms have balconies.
the breakfast buffet is the most complete and best i have had in bkk, and in fact the world.
Reviewed by AskOksena from Singapore / Thailand on 4/24/09
This hotel is easily one of my all-time favourite business (and occasional pleasure) travel locales. (And please note my overall rating of 'sub-5' is simply due to my belief the hotel is two rather distinct properties: the larger, busier 'Main Wing', and the somewhat quieter and most discreet 'Krungthep Wing'.) ... For some years, the Krungthep side has been my cherished Shangri-La Bangkok home, with my 'special room', which the KW staff knows 'by heart'. The KW staff: 'family', in the best sense. ... My normal SL arrival is late-night, flying TG from Hong Kong, TG or UA from Narita, and if all is going particularly well, SQ from Singapore, with those sensational Singapore Girls. Upon arriving at the KW front door, I'm presented with a lovely 'hand garland' and a staff member will 'bang a gong' in my honour. Welcome back to the City of Angels, indeed. ... Most efficient in-room check-in, then, if so desired, the hotel's on-site Health Club offers 24-hour, in-room massage treatments with some of the most accommodating and joyous masseuses. ... (And, not a problem arranging for masseuses from outside agencies to venture over to your softly lit room.) ... The KW's fine 'personal butlers' are a delight and have always anticipated my various preferences. To the entire KW staff: thank you for years of service and joy. ... Savour your special Shangri-La times, perhaps, with a special someone, watching the river flow...
Reviewed by charli from Cape Cod, MA on 12/27/06
We enjoyed our 3 night stay at this lovely hotel overlooking the Chao Praya River. Room was very comfortable, atmosphere of the public rooms and restaurants very nice - as was the food. Service excellent, great spa you knew was clean and sanitary. Location can't be beat. Traffic is awful, lots to walk to and skytrain close by.
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