Hi, just planning a vacation in Bangkok with my girlfriend. I wish to stay at one of the most luxurious hotel. I was suggested to choose either lebua at State Tower or the Oriental...your comments please !!

I would not consider the Lebua as one of the top hotel in Bangkok. Here are the hotels that I believe are the best and most luxurious in Bangkok:

The Mandarin Oriental - old world charm, posh, and on the river.
The Peninsula - Newer, ultra modern and on the river(the other side of the river bank almost opposite the Oriental).
The Four Seasons - Close to the shopping area but I think more suitable for a business visit.

Banyan Tree?

Kinda out of the way of the Malls and the attractions, but their 'luxury' massages are great.

If its your first trip to BKK -- then stay on the river. Mandarin, Peninsula, Shang Krungthep Wing. Have fun.

There are much better hotels with more desirable locations than LeBua. Its a nice hotel nonetheless.

I agree with others, I'd cross LeBua off the list - not at all in the same league as the Oriental or the Pen. The Four Seasons is very nice, as is the Sukothai, but I would consider both to be more business hotels. The Pen and the Oriental both have the advantage of being on the river.

The Krungthep Wing of the Shangri La offers the distinct advantage of a free breakfast and free evening cocktails/canapes in its private lounge. Some rooms in the Oriental have better views of the river than others. While all 3 hotels are luxurious, my favorite is the Penn - fantastic views of the river and the city beyond plus an al fresco breakfast by the river that can't be beat.

I definitely wouldn't have the Lebua on my list. I've been there and been taken all around and seen the place as it's a serviced apartment building. I live in a serviced apartment building when I'm in Bangkok and am always curiously checking out different ones.

As for luxury hotels. I stayed at the Four Seasons for years, before getting a serviced apartment. I love that hotel and the location. I still go there for some of my meals.

As for other 5 stars, I've also stayed at the Pen and the Oriental and personally I pick the Oriental over the Pen. Folks on this forum, however, are Pen fans.

As for other hotels, I loved the Metropolitan.

Greetings 'O' - (and welcome to fodor's)

... now, luxury in Bangkok ... where to begin ...

(If you want luxury and sublime beauty before even arriving at a Bangkok hotel, one suggestion is to fly into BKK from Singapore, with those sensational Singapore Girls putting you in a most uplifting mood. Enjoy.)

Now, as for some of the hotels already mentioned, and some of my all-time cherished Bangkok business travel (and occasional pleasure) favourites:

Before meeting mrs. m: 1) Four Seasons, 2) Peninsula, 3) Shangri-La 'K' Wing, 4) Oriental. Reason: classified.

After meeting mrs. m: 1) Oriental, 2) Peninsula, 3) Four Seasons, 4) SL K Wing. Reason: Getting a bit sentimental these days, with the Oriental's wonderful GM 'Mr. K' soon stepping down. (And his superb staff did arrange for a rather special wedding ceremony / reception / brief honeymoon.)

Wherever you stay, savour your tender Thai times ... (and don't forget those late-night, in-room massage treatments) ...

macintosh (robert)


... "Mr. _, your guest has arrived. Shall I send her to your room?" ...