1. Mandarin Oriental Hotel

Sublime in every aspect, Thailand’s first luxury hotel (established in 1876) situated right on the Chao Phraya river, offers an unparalleled hotel experience with spectacular rooms steeped in history, a mind-boggling variety of facilities, legendary service, and numerous activities and events. The stories and history of its prominent guests that include renowned authors, Heads of State and other luminaries, have been integrated into the hotel’s narrative and décor. Done up in a rich colonial style, the hotel features 324 rooms and 44 Suites (35 sq m to 326 sq m), with distinctive character. Rooms feature fantastic river views, high ceilings and an abundance of natural teaks, Thai silks, wide French windows, spacious living areas, and luxurious baths. Offers a historic author’s lounge that’s popular for tea. Award-winning spa offers the only Rhassoul bath in the city and special spa cuisine. The central Sathorn pier/BTS Saphan Taksin is 10 minutes away by boat. Nearby riverside attractions include Asiatique, River City Shopping center, Grand Palace, the Flower Market, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 659 9000)

2. Anantara Siam

Elegant luxury hotel featuring a classic blend of Thai and contemporary design. Has 354 beautifully decorated rooms (42 sq m to 126 sq m) and a unique Jim Thompson Explorer Suite. All rooms have complimentary smartphones with a digital city guide and free calls to ten countries. Plenty of indoor garden courtyards, koi ponds, shops, numerous dining options, squash courts, and more to explore. Wonderful outdoor pool. Gorgeous spa with adjustable hydraulic beds and inviting Roman style tubs. The hotel offers guests the chance to participate in a traditional Buddhist ritual of donating alms to monks. Enjoys a central location in Bangkok’s famous shopping district close to many malls and markets such as Central World, Pratunam Market and Siam Paragon.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 126 8866)

3. Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort

Classy resort-style riverside hotel featuring elegant Thai-inspired décor. Seven room types from cozy deluxe rooms (38 sq m) to spacious two-bedroom river suites (114 sq m); all include complimentary smartphones with free calls to ten countries. Highlights include a theatrical Teppanyaki dinner show by a personal chef, nightly Thai cultural shows against a river backdrop while dining riverside, dinner/overnight cruises in the hotel’s own restored rice barges and options to rent Thai-style wooden structures for proposals/special occasions. Asiatique (a popular night market/entertainment destination) is right across the river. Hotel is a 15-minute boat ride away from Central pier (BTS access to central Bangkok).
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 476 0022)

4. Ammata Lanta Resort

Outlandish resort hotel with 27 unique pagoda-shaped pool villas topped by flying Pegasus sculptures, clustered around a serene manmade lake. Four types of extremely spacious and luxurious villas starting with Superior villas (150 sq m) to a Family pool villa (266 sq m). Rooms sport opulent interiors in earth tones, with even bathrooms having air conditioners. Excellent facilities like CCTV displays in rooms to ensure privacy, outdoor private plunge pools, private gardens and sundecks, with spectacular views of the Swan lake or green fields. Magical architecture and design offers endless photo opportunities, especially when everything is lit up at night. Resort is ideally located to explore attractions on Bangkok’s outskirts as it’s a 15 minute drive away from Suvarnabhumi airport.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 175 1888)

5. Banyan Tree – Best Bangkok City Views

Modern 61-storey hotel with exceptional views of Bangkok city located in Bangkok’s business district. Has 325 lovely rooms (44 sq m to 143 sq m) with both modern and Thai elements. Famous for its unique helipad-turned rooftop restaurant and bar that offer an unparalleled experience of dining under the stars. Aside of its award-winning spa treatments, the hotel offers one-of-a-kind Spa Sanctuary Suite rooms, which include private massage rooms and unlimited massage treatments. Also operates an excellent dinner cruise (Apsara Cruise) on a vintage teak rice barge with personal chefs and customized menus. Great location for exploring the Silom area. Close to Lumpini park, Ce La Vie, Maggie Choos.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 679 1200)

6. Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok – Best Business Hotel

Fantastic business hotel with luxurious resort-style facilities that’s easily accessed via two BTS skytrain stations. Has 380 well-appointed rooms (40 sq m to 120 sq m), with plenty of dining options and a restaurant space that doubles as a pub in the evening. Offers delightful Spa Cottages with outdoor patios, spa treatment rooms and complimentary massages. Efficient 24 hour business center with dedicated business center officers and comprehensive secretarial services. Award-winning spa features a signature spa treatment for men. Excellent location in Bangkok’s Ratchaprasong shopping district, with direct convenient access to the BTS Chitlom station through the Erawan Bangkok mall.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 254 1234)

7. Hansar Hotel – Best Urban Design Hotel

Impressive boutique hotel with greenery and energy-efficiency thoughtfully integrated into the design. Has 94 fantastic, open plan rooms (59 sq m to 125 sq m) that appear even more spacious due to intelligent design elements like free standing tubs and mirrored partitions. Offers guest many perks such as a complimentary breakfast buffet, free massage for booking direct through their website, free one day BTS pass, 10% discount for repeat customers and more. Located in the Ratchaprasong shopping district within walking distance to Erawan shrine and many of Bangkok’s high-end malls.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 209 1234)

8. Ariyasom Villa – Best Traditional Thai Villa Experience

Stunning Thai Villa offering a luxurious home away from home experience in a central but secluded, lush tropical setting. Open plan, inviting rooms (34 sq m to 70 sq m) with plenty of warmth, color and artistic details. Welcoming library, meditation hall, food with subtle flavors and overall tranquility elevate the home-like experience. Offers meditation courses and a healthy Pescetarian restaurant menu. Its location close to Bumrungrad International Hospital makes it ideal for medical tourists. Attractions and shopping in the Ploenchit, Chitlom and Asoke areas are all within walking distance.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 254 8880)

9. SO Sofitel – Best Innovatively Themed Hotel

Innovative, trendy hotel with unique themed rooms based on 4 different natural themes. Has separate floors dedicated to each theme to give guests an experience of being in a different hotel with every visit. Décor has many storytelling elements reflective of local Thai culture. Has 238 memorable rooms (38 sq m to 138 sqm) with their own character, floor-to-ceiling windows, lavish bathtubs, AppleMac mini media solutions and totally complimentary in-room private bars. Offers spectacular views of Lumpini Park, which is within walking distance. Also close to Patpong night market, Silom market and MRT Lumpini.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 624 0000)

10. U Sathorn Hotel– Best French Colonial Design

Stylish resort-type hotel designed with a successful open flow concept that gives it an expansive and relaxing aura. Features a gorgeous French Colonial design with a modish twist and a soothing white-on-white palette that’s well utilized in its 86 rooms (32 sq m – 72 sq m). Offers charming suites with high ceilings, cute kitchenettes, open bathtubs, bird cage fixtures and inviting divans in the balcony. Most rooms overlook the hotel’s courtyard and swimming pool and with plenty of birdsong in the air, it’s easy to unwind. Has a very fair 24 hr check-in/check out policy that lets guests enjoy rooms exactly for 24 hrs after their check in-time. Located off Sathorn road; the hotel operates a shuttle service to MRT and BTS stations nearby. Close to Patpong night market, Silom road, Vertigo restaurant and the Moon bar.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 119 4888)

11. Le Méridien Bangkok – Best Travel-Oriented Perks

Glamorous 24-storey hotel with artsy décor featuring retro puppies and modern art. Only hotel in Bangkok to have rooms with circular beds and an ‘unlock destination’ keycard concept. (In negotiations with Siam Museum for hotel keycards to permit free access to 40 local museums). All of its 282 rooms have floor to ceiling views and contemporary Thai touches like silk panels and Thai poems on the wall. Offers a very popular Sunday brunch with a free health check-up and free nutritionist consultation on every last Sunday of the month. Located 5 mins walk away from MRT Sam Yan. Close to Silom, Patpong night market.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 232 8888)

12. Avani Riverside Bangkok Hotel – Best On-The-Go Design Hotel

Minimalistic and fresh, everything about the Avani Riverside is designed to address the hectic lifestyles of busy travelers. From paperless check-in at the lobby (under implementation), to grab-and-go airport style food displays and keycard gym access, all processes have been streamlined for maximum ease. Modern and spacious, its 248 rooms (30 sqm to 166 sq m) feature white and silver tones, space-saving furniture and insane views of the Chaophraya river. Being right behind Anantara Riverside Bangkok gives it an advantage as guests can opt for Anantara’s Muai Thai classes, tours and avail other benefits. The only hotel to have a car lift, and a ballroom with a hidden showcase kitchen that opens up for the surprise factor (weddings/events). Spectacular rooftop restaurant and bar with breathtaking river views. Takes 15 minutes to get to the Central/Sathorn Pier by boat. Nearby riverside attractions include Asiatique and the Riverside Shopping Complex.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 431 9100)

13. Sukothai Hotel – Best Ancient Kingdom Inspired Hotel

Old-world charm is the hallmark of the Sukothai Hotel which offers an oasis-like experience in the heart of Bangkok’s Sathorn district. With a profusion of chedis, stupas, beautiful lawns, open-air spaces, mirrors and sculptures, the hotel delights the senses with the majesty of the ancient Sukothai kingdom. Rooms are tastefully decorated with a few sporting balconies that overlook a beautiful inner courtyard and lotus pond. From numerous dining options to an Olympic-size swimming pool, there’s lots to explore in the 6 acre property. Close to Lumpini park and the nightlife on Silom road.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 344 8888)

14. The Okura Prestige – Best Thai-Japanese Fusion Hotel

Contemporary Thai-Japanese Fusion Hotel with 240 rooms and suites (43 sq m to 97 sq m), located in the heart of the city’s central business district on Wireless Road, with direct access to BTS Ploenchit. Classy rooms, with digital bedside panels, Japanese summer kimonos, Japanese bidet-style modern toilets and panoramic city views. Dramatic cantilevered infinity pool that seems to blend with the city’s skyline. Spa offers amethyst stone, bamboo rod and gold-based oil treatments, as well as seasonal treatments. Located close to a few embassies and within walking distance of many top shopping malls such as Central Embassy mall, Gaysorn Plaza and Central World.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 687 9000)

15. Chakrabongse Villas – Best Aristocratic Residence Experience

Spectacular, exclusive boutique hotel, and a former Royal Residence, right in the heart of Old Bangkok. Has 7 accommodation options (12 sq m to 155 sq m), featuring timeless suites, decorated in Chinese, Thai and contemporary styles and tiny Moroccan style rooms. Has luxurious suites, decorated with traditional silks and antiques, with stunning views of Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) from private terraces. Fantastic Thai pavilion restaurant serves special Royal Thai cuisine right by the riverside; ideal for private breakfasts and romantic candle-lit dinners, and observing life on the river, with Wat Arun as the backdrop. Hotel is within walking distance of many top attractions in Old Bangkok, such as the Museum of Siam, Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), the Grand Palace and the flower market.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 222 1290)

16. Shanghai Mansion – Best Vintage Chinese Design hotel

An ode to 1930’s Shanghai, Shanghai Mansion is a 79 room boutique hotel (27 sq m 76 sq m), located right in the center of Bangkok’s Chintown district, on Yaowarat road. Hotel’s design and décor reflects the glamour of Old Shanghai, with rooms, clustered around a large indoor courtyard peppered with Chinese lanterns and a beautiful water garden serving as the centrepiece. Rooms have plenty of old world charm with imperial furniture, intricately carved four poster beds, colourful patterned textiles, and free standing tubs. Unbeatable location on Yaowarat road, making the hotel an excellent base to explore the attractions of Chinatown, many of which are within walking distance – Wat Traimit, Sampaeng Lane etc. Very close to Little India and Pahurat market.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 221 2121)

17. Riva Arun Hotel – Best Old Bangkok & River Views

Distinctive ‘Chino colonial’ style boutique hotel, 25 rooms (22 sq m -73 sq m) situated along the Chao Phraya river that offers unmatched views from each side of its rooftop restaurant. Guests can admire 3 of old Bangkok’s star attractions – Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), Wat Pho (Temple of the Reclining Buddha) & the Grand Palace, and a panoramic view of the river. Elegant rooms done in a white and olive green color palette featuring carved wooden interiors and ornate ironwork. Highlights include special suites with private balconies that lets guests enjoy personal views of a sunset/sunrise over Wat Arun, lounging in their own outdoor Jacuzzi. Fantastic location with Wat Pho just across the road, and other major attractions in Old Bangkok within walking distance. Hotel recently constructed its own waterside dining front; a private pier with a café and open-air bar.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 221 1188)

18. Siam Kempinski – Best Palatial Resort-Style Hotel (& Best Shopping Location)

Extremely opulent, palatial hotel with a majestic aura, located right in the heart of Siam’s shopping district, with direct access to BTS Siam through the Siam Paragon mall. With massive teakwood doors that extend up to the ceiling, lighted staircases, Thai dancer nail-inspired lamps, vast corridors, and a décor done up in gold and earth tones, the hotel exudes a feeling of glamorous splendor. Has 401 lovely rooms and suites, spread out across multiple wings, around a central courtyard containing a garden and a free-form swimming pool. Only hotel in Bangkok to have unique cabana rooms that allow guests to dive into the pool, directly from their personal private terraces. Has an exclusive tropical resort-feel, yet it’s steps away from the BTS. Restaurants possess unique features like a traditional Thai pavilion (sala) inside the restaurant. Also offers guests the option to have a single dish cooked in different styles (Asian or non-Asian). Extremely convenient location in the Ratchaprasong shopping district with Siam Paragon shopping mall, MBK center, Bangkok Art & Cultural Center (BACC), Siam Discovery Mall, Central World, Pratunam market and Erawan shrine, a short walk away.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 162 9000)

19. Hotel Muse – Best 1920’s Themed Hotel

Hotel Muse, offers the chance to step back in time and experience what a 1920’s European hotel might look like intermixed with oriental influences. The travel themed boutique hotel offers 174 period style rooms (39 sq m to 111 sq m) named after Buddhist cosmology, with sophisticated touches and amenities. Handsome rooms with classy dark wood tones, vintage fixtures and claw foot bathtubs. A ‘SpeakEasy’ club-like lounge area spread out across two floors gives guests a large variety of comfortable lounging options. Has three architecturally gorgeous, private domes on the rooftop entitled ‘It’s Personal,’ ‘Private affair,’ and ‘Never tell’ which guests can hire for a one-of-a-kind dining experience. Has an Italian restaurant with stunning décor that offers live opera and cooking classes. Great location with Central World, Erawan shrine and Siam Paragon with walking distance.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 630 4000)

20. W Hotel – Best Chic Hotel (With Two Distinct Personalities)

Outrageously chic hotel with a quirky Thai design ethic that’s brilliantly integrated into its glittering décor. From a Swarovski phoenix tiger mural in the lobby, to golden Muai thai boxing ring screens, tuk tuk light installations, and an eyeball shaped swimming pool with underwater music & lights, everything about the W hotel is cutting edge. Only hotel to have two distinctive personalities; its fashion forward side occupies a 31 storey glass tower. The ‘House of Sathorn’ is its second, more traditional face – a 127 year old restored colonial mansion, adjacent to the main hotel that features neo-classic architecture. Has sophisticated rooms done in whites, blacks, golds and purples, with custom designed chrome furniture, crocodile skin padded beds, gold sequined boxing glove pillows and contemporary rocking chairs. Award-winning Woo bar is one of Bangkok’s coolest hang-out spots. Futuristic spa with glowing beds that change color, a hammam (Turkish bath), and Muai Thai boxing inspired treatments. Has a 24 hr whatever/whenever service concept that’s ready to make anything happen (Transport gourmet dishes from other countries, helicopter rides across the city etc.). Great location in Sathorn, with easy access to BTS Chong Nonsi, that’s close to both riverside and city attractions. Within walking distance – Ce La Vie nightclub, Silom night market and the nightlife on Sathorn sois 10 & 12.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 344 4000)

21. Shangri-La Hotel – Best Riverside Location

Sprawling two tower riverside resort with 802 rooms and suites (36 sq m to 235 sq m) that’s mere steps away from BTS Saphan Taksin/Sathorn pier. Awesome base for exploring riverside attractions. Has the longest river frontage of a riverside hotel (spanning almost a quarter of a mile), and offers fabulous river views. Its two towers encircle lush tropical gardens with a profusion of palm trees, orchids and flowers, giving the resort an oasis like-vibe. Has beautiful colonnaded lobbies, with high ceilings, crystal chandeliers and numerous fountains. Rooms are decorated in a contemporary Thai style with rich Jim Thompson silks, teakwood flooring and furnishings. Has two large swimming pools and one of the biggest fitness centers in Bangkok (10,000 sq m) offering a staggering 40 different fitness and sports options. Within walking distance of the Lebua State Tower (Hangover bar), Wat Yannawa (Boat temple). Asiatique, The Royal Barge Museum, Sriraj Medical Museum, The Grand Palace & Wat Pho, Wat Arun are short boat rides away. Its location close to BTS Saphan Taksin puts the shopping areas (Malls at Siam, Chitlom etc.) within easy reach.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 236 7777)

22. St. Regis – Best Tradition & Bespoke Butler Service.

Lavish and steeped in family traditions, the centrally located St Regis, Bangkok, with direct access to BTS Ratchadamiri, offers 227 spacious rooms (45 sq m to 250 sq m) that blend ornate artwork with contemporary décor and have dramatic views of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club’s golf course and the city’s skyline. Rooms have plenty of character with floor-to-ceiling windows, natural wood floors, lush carpets, plush upholstery, with larger suites sporting generous pantry space for extended stays. Has an exemplary 24 hr bespoke butler service authorized to streamline check-in procedures; they are also available through an e-butler application. Hotel conducts a wine sabering ritual in its bar every evening and an Aficionado program that offers guests special experiences. Erawan Shrine, Amarin Plaza, Central Embassy Shopping Mall, Central World, Siam Paragon are all within walking distance.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 207 7777)

23. The Siam – Best Antique & Themed Pool Villas

Phenomenal, antique-infused, riverside boutique hotel with 39 (80 sq m to 160 sq m) themed rooms in a sprawling 3 acre lush property, set in Bangkok’s Royal Dusit district. Offers 10 stunning, themed pool villas (Chinese, Art Deco and Thai Colonial) with rooftop terraces and themed suites reflective of different aspects of Thai culture (scriptures, maps, shop house signs etc.). Exquisitely designed with inner courtyards, wide marble corridors, antique galleries and landscaped gardens. Rooms have an exotic charm with high ceilings, lamps hanging from cloth ropes, huge tubs and dark teakwood. The substantial collection of priceless art, antiques and curios, offers plenty of options for exploration and discovery. Has historic Thai teakwood houses (by Jim Thompson) that have been transformed into a restaurant, a special Thai villa. Hotel has its own Muai Thai boxing ring, hammam-inspired bath house and a popular tattoo parlor which offers sacred temple tattoos. Has a butler for every guest and private cruises on a teakwood barge. Located close to Dusit Zoo and the Vimanmek Teak Palace. The central pier/BTS Saphan Taksin is 30 minutes away by boat.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 206 6999)

24. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit – Best City Center Location

Grand hotel with 420 rooms (40 sq m to 77 sq m) located in Asok, with a direct connection to the Skytrain and steps from the subway. With rich woods, teakwood chairs, elegant Thai silks, decorative pillows and plush carpeting, rooms offer a blend of Asian elements with classic design, with lovely city views or Ratchada lake views. Theme suites offer top-notch luxury with carved furniture, Jacuzzi bathtubs with televisions, patios and outdoor private Jacuzzis. Has a special luggage liaison service that offers door to door luggage delivery to any destination, eliminating the need for guests to carry luggage and check them in at airports. Offers a unique ‘dine in the dark experience,’ where guests sample food in total darkness, served by visually impaired guides. Spectacular location at Asok, with easy access to attractions along the BTS And MRT lines. Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, EmQuartier and Emporium Shopping mall, Dinosaur Planet and two parks are all within walking distance.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 649 8888)

25. Oriental Residence – Best Long Stay Hotel

Sophisticated boutique hotel in a sleek skyscraper with 145 serviced residences (45 sqm to 188 sqm) that are bright, airy and ideal for long stays. Has an aura of understated luxury with pastel-toned, apartment-style rooms and suites with well-equipped kitchenettes and generous bathrooms. Flanked by embassies, the hotel offers up a distinctive line up of signature drinks that are Ambassador favorites. Centrally located within walking distance of BTS Ploenchit and attractions in the Ratchaprasong area.
(Hotel Phone: +66 2 125 9000)

by Dave Santorini