Fodor's Expert Review Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
48 Oriental Ave., Bangkok, 10500, Thailand See on Map Fodor's Choice
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
LOCATION
Getting Around
It’s a nice area to walk in, but if you want to access more of the city, you can hop on the hotel’s river boat to take you up or down the river at all hours. The hotel also offers a free shuttle to the nearest BTS Skytrain station that can get you all over the city.
Restaurants
For more fine dining, combined with mesmerizing views, check out Mezzaluna (7-minute walk) on the 65th floor of the Tower Club at Lebua. If you want incredible Thai cuisine and a touch of ancient Thai dancing, head to Salathip (8-minute walk) inside the Shangri-La hotel.
WHY WE LIKE IT
Classic, refined, and historic, the Mandarin Oriental is a 5-star property with everything a high-end traveler can ask for. The restaurants are award-winning, the bar is a classic, the spa is world-class, and the service is off the charts. You’ll be treated like royalty here from the moment you walk in the door and after your visit, you’ll never want to leave. Arguably the best hotel in Bangkok, this 140-year-old gem doesn’t feel dated in the slightest and should be going strong for years to come.
QUICK FACTS
Fodor’s Awards
#1 Five Stars Aren’t Enough: Bangkok’s Most Luxurious Lodgings
#1 Service is Stellar: Bangkok Hotels That Treat You Like Royalty
#1 Tired of Thai Food? These Bangkok Hotels Will Sate Your International Appetite
#2 That is Suite: Here are the Best Hotel Rooms in Bangkok
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