We are spending a few nights in Bangkok. Which hotel would you recommend the Oriental or the Peninsula? It is a very special trip for us and we want to stay in the best available. Perhaps another hotel would work better over those two?

Thank you for your help.

The Oriental versus Peninsula debate has been running on this forum for quite some time. You could do a search and bring up all kinds of information. We have only stayed at the Oriental. If you do stay there, make sure you reserve a room in the Garden Wing. On our next trip we will definitely be staying at the Peninsula as it is now rated one of the top hotels in the world and is an excellent value compared to the Oriental.

Ladia -
As Craig states, this has been running on the boards for awhile. The numbers are in favor of the Peninsula and their rates are much better,if still available (but still less than the Oriental.

The hotels are opposite one another on the river and the Peninsula Ferry docks at the foot of the Oriental.

The Standard Rooms in the Pen are all Jr. Suites, with every possible amenity and wait till you see those bathrooms. Of course, there are larger rooms, if you choose. All face the river. And the price they've been offering - about $150/nt can't be beat.

You can always ferry across to the Oriental for lunch or dinner.

But you won't be disappointed in the Peninsula.

I've stayed at the Pen and the Oriental, both on the same trip (with a trip to Phuket in between). I did a + and - chart to compare the two. They were sooooooo close in so many ways, but I prefer the Pen.
Now that it has just been rated #1 hotel in the world by Travel/Leisure, I would look for the Pen to be booked up and maybe a price increase! Good luck. You'll love it. It's a great hotel!

i favor the peninsula and have said so many times on this site....i have not stayed at the oriental but have been there many times for other things....the pen is quieter somehow and of course it is newer....there seems to be much more going on at the oriiental--meetings, people everywhere, parties, royalty, etc...i prefer a quieter time....
the rooms can't be beat anywhere and as said all face the river in one direction or the other...i prefer looking down the river...

i can't think that for a special occasion you could choose two better options...i don't think the other bkk hotels stand up to these two....

seriously what is the most luxuries, expensive thus best hotel in town;.?.