PHOTO: The Siam Hotel

Fodor's Expert Review The Siam Hotel

Name: The Siam Hotel
Address: 3/2 Thanon Khao, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand
Telephone: 02-206–6999
Price range: $$$$

3/2 Thanon Khao, Bangkok, 10300, Thailand See on Map Fodor's Choice

Paul Feinstein

Though it’s far from most major attractions in the city (and most everything else), number one, that's kind of the point and number two, it happens to be the nicest boutique hotel in Bangkok and possibly all of Asia. With a keen eye towards design, this urban luxury retreat is a feast for all of your senses. From the moment you arrive (by boat or car), you’re met by a welcoming staff that guides you into the oasis that is The Siam. The highest quality service, the most serene setting, and an unmatched level of comfort, The Siam is a must-stay property for anyone looking to be in the city and away from it at the same time.

room

There are two room types in the hotel: suites and pool villas. Every room has its own individual design touches and all come with complimentary breakfast, butler service, and a shuttle boat to the Taksin Pier. Additionally, guests are met with welcome drinks, free water, espresso machines, and tea. Pool villas come with their own courtyard with a plunge pool and sitting area--can't recommend this enough.

Each room comes with a portable Wi-Fi device that you can pair with your phone and take around the city so you can stay connected at all times.

Photo: The Siam Hotel

bathroom

The elegantly designed bathrooms have separate tubs, individual toilet and shower rooms, twin sinks, and lux toiletries. It might also have the softest toilet paper in Bangkok (just saying).

Photo: The Siam Hotel

lobby

The stunning atrium lobby features an enormous water feature with three-story-high palms that are surrounded by the suites in a Moroccan Riad style. Framed art hangs throughout along with teak wood accents and ancient Chinese artifacts.

Photo: The Siam Hotel

pool

The riverside infinity pool is a chill hangout for couples and newlyweds. There are plenty of lounge chairs facing the river, in addition to a shaded pool bar with full food and beverage service.

Photo: The Siam Hotel

spa

Opium Spa has five treatment rooms, all with their own sauna and steam facilities. Guests can choose between Thai or regular massage beds and indulge in a number of signature services.

Photo: The Siam Hotel

gym

A high-tech gym is equipped with Life Fitness machines and free weights. Trainers are available per request, and if you want, you can take Thai boxing classes inside their very own boxing ring.

Photo: The Siam Hotel

dining

Chon Thai Restaurant is an indoor/outdoor space made out of old teak wood houses that look over the river. Deco Bar & Bistro is behind Chon and extends inside for delightful breakfasts and healthy juices. Café Cha is a cute hideaway where guests can get coffee, tea, and pastries.

Try the hotel’s special afternoon tea. The whimsical room has live birds, chairs in the shape of tigers, and large daybeds.

drinking

Upstairs from Deco Bar & Bistro is a music-themed watering hole with a plethora of tubas as an art piece hanging over the bar. The musically gifted owners lined the area with zebra-print chairs and lots of comfy couches.

lounge

There are little secret finds around the hotel, and that includes The Library and the Vinyl Room. Distinct in their individual styles, the library has an ancient Chinese art collection along with chess boards and books, while the vinyl room has a piano and record player where guests can unwind after a long day.

theater

The hotel has its own soundproof screening room where you can plug in your own Netflix details and curl up for a movie night with your significant other.

activities

One of the most unique features of the hotel is at the Sak Yant Tattoo Studio. Here, the ancient tradition of Thai tattooing is performed by a tattoo master using the traditional khem style, which consists of tapping a metal rod sharpened to a point into the skin. No butterflies here, the tattoos are mostly geometric and/or Brahmanist and Buddhist symbols.

LOCATION

Getting Around

Depending on your perspective, the biggest drawback of the hotel might be its location. It’s perfectly safe, but The Siam is in the Dusit area, which is a royal part of town where no buildings can be higher than three stories. Getting anywhere from the hotel requires a boat down the river or a car as it's very far north, away from attractions, restaurants, bars, and shopping--but like we said--that's kind of the point. The hotel has its own boat that can ferry you down river to the Taksin Pier (about a 30-minute boat ride), or let you off at attractions, restaurants, and bars along the way. If boats aren’t your thing, you’ll need to rent a car or hail a taxi (they’ll do it for you). Walking is a little tough as you’re pretty far from most things.

Restaurants

Krua Apsorn (13-minute walk) is an excellent Thai lunch spot with authentic eats. If you love being on the water, take the hotel’s boat down to Steve Café (5-minute boat ride) with more authentic Thai cuisine that’s perfect for dinner.

Bars

Not exactly next door, but if you want to experience some out-of-this-world cocktails in a super secret spot, head to Ku Bar (14-minute drive) behind Brown Sugar and up three floors in a seemingly abandoned building. If you’re jonesing for good live music, check out Adhere The 13^th Blues Bar (13-minute drive) for smooth blues and great drinks.

WHY WE LIKE IT

There’s nothing not to like about The Siam. The service is far and away the best we’ve experienced, the restaurants are top-rate, and the special amenities are one-of-a-kind. While it’s pretty far from most things, The Siam provides guests with an all-inclusive experience that will make you not care about its location. The hotel truly goes above and beyond and if we could offer a sixth star, we totally would.