Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

With a 140-year history, the Mandarin Oriental is a luxury hotel that embodies the life and times of Bangkok in ways no other hotel can. Arguably the finest hotel in the city, the Colonial-styled property features multiple fine dining outlets, a world-famous spa, its own cooking school, and a bevy of other amenities that any high-end traveler will appreciate.

Rooms here come with butler service where they can help pack and unpack your belongings, shine your shoes, or get anything else you might need 24/7.

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

room

There is such a wide-array of accommodation options that it would be hard to list them all. Opt for river-view rooms as the hotel buttresses the Chaopraya River. Other options include suites with Thai and Colonial stylings, hardwood floors, and overhanging balconies. All rooms come lush silk robes, Bose speakers, and daily compliments of water, tea, coffee, and fruit.

For history buffs, try to secure a room in the original Mandarin Oriental building that has been refurbished with all modern amenities but keeps the design and style of the hotel when it was first built.

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

bathroom

Sunken tubs and walk-in showers are standard here, as are your choice of Aqua de Parma or Molton Brown products. Like all things in the hotel, every attention to detail can be found in the marble-laden bathrooms with soft towels and silk robes.

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

lobby

The lobby is decorated with a nod to its Colonial days and is a hang-out and meeting area with plenty of seating options and full food and beverage services. There’s an outdoor smoking lounge behind the large windows at the back.

YOU SHOULD KNOW The hotel has a dress code that’s partially enforced. So, at night, ditch the shorts and sandals and make yourself a little presentable.

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

pool

There are actually two pools at the hotel. One is dedicated to kids and families and the other for lap swimmers and those who don’t want to be splashed by other people’s children. Cabanas are first-come-first-serve and there’s a juice station with a full bar and food menu.

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

spa

The Oriental Spa is known around the world for its one-of-a-kind treatments and attention to detail. To access the facility, you have to take the hotel’s boat across the river where you’ll find 14 teak-wood treatment rooms that handles any and all pampering desires.

gym

The Fitness Centre has a wide range of workout equipment in addition to a refined locker room with sauna and steam options and a giant Jacuzzi. Class-lovers have a wide range of options with daily yoga, Thai boxing, core training, and more.

Beyond the gym, you’ll find tennis courts, badminton nets, and even a soccer area.

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

dining

There are eight restaurants at the hotel and, not surprising, they’re all incredible. For one of the best restaurants in the city, you can’t pass up Le Normandie for exquisite French cuisine. Alternatively, try Sala Rim Naam with an unbeatable Thai lunch buffet.

Check out the Authors’ Lounge in the original building for the best afternoon tea service in Bangkok. Or, you can take a Thai cooking class and make your own specialties.

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

drinking

The Bamboo Bar is a Bangkok institution and is known for its signature cocktails, nightly jazz, and classic Colonial atmosphere.

Photo: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok