Bangkok & Beyond: Top Hotels & Whispers of the River City

©Exploramum – Siam Kempinski

When choosing Bangkok as your next travel location, you may well find yourself spoilt for choices when it comes to quality hotel properties, so we’ve researched several that we think are of a premium quality that you should consider. Ranging for quality and affordable 4-star options to luxury 5-star private suites. We have selected five for you to choose from in no particular order:

  1. Siam Kempinski – 5 Star
  2. Dusit Thani – 5 Star
  3. Novotel Bangkok Platinum – 4 Star
  4. Mandarin Oriental – 5 Star
  5. The Vince – 4 Star
  1. Siam Kempinski – 5 Star

If you’re looking for a centrally located luxurious place to stay in Bangkok, then let us recommend the prestigious Siam Kempinski to you. We prefer to stay in this central shopping district for at least part of our vacation, often moving to an other city location or two later, so we spread out our unique Bangkok experiences.

The peak of refined resort-style accommodation can be found in the Exquisite Suites here at Siam Kempinski. Experience one of the five thoughtfully curated prestigious suites: 

Royal Suite, Presidential Terrace SuitePenthouse SuitePresidential Suite and Terrace Suite.

Each suite is curate with incredible Thai elegance, couple with exceptional comfort and bespoke interior design which silently invites you to savour every moment in style.

From the moment you check-in to any Kempinski property around the world you will be treated with style and care. The staff will greet you with warm welcomes as you are led to your private suite. Enjoy the many in-suite privileges, along with every detail that has been carefully curated in order for you to enrich your stay with luxury and sophistication.

©Exploramum – A ride in the Vintage style car to Siam Kempinski Mall entrance

Some of the many Siam Kempinski Inclusions at this property:

  • Fast-track service at Suvarnabhumi Airport, offering a seamless arrival and departure experience with expedited immigration and baggage claim, complemented by golf cart service (subject to gate location).
  • Arrive in style with the all-new BMW Series 7 limousine service.
  • Enjoy two complimentary hours of BMW Series 7 limousine service per stay throughout your stay.
  • A Warm Welcome in Style:
  • Elegant in-suite welcome amenities, presented upon arrival.
  • DIY cocktail reception, featuring a curated selection of premium liquors and spirits.
  • Complimentary in-room minibar, replenished daily.
  • Laundry and pressing services, up to six garments per day (perfect for ladies like myself who love wearing linen and lovely dinner dresses).
  • Personalised bathrobes and pillows, tailored to your comfort and preferences with advance notice of 48 hours.
  • Dedicated Lady in Red service, providing bespoke trip planning and personalised concierge assistance.
  • Private chef service for daily in-suite breakfast, freshly prepared to suit your taste.
  • Luxury Bvlgari bath amenities, accompanied by a toiletry travel pouch with a curated travel essentials – an elegant finishing touch to your in-room experience.

We thoroughly enjoyed shopping at the adjacent Malls which included a fun vintage style car ride right to the hotel access door.

These include Exclusive shopping privileges at Siam Paragon, Siam Center, Siam Discovery or a trip to ICONSIAM. It also includes personalised Private Shopping Assistant through the Siam Paragon Ambassador service, adding to our great retail experience. We fund ourselves twice exploring beautiful NEXTOPIA in the adjacent Mall on level 5.

©Exploramum – Afternoon in the lobby at Siam Kempinski

I personally enjoyed afternoons in the lobby chatting and listening to the gorgeous resident harp player.

We love Kempinski style and hope you do too!

2. Dusit Thani – 5 Star

We adore Dusit Thani properties and have stayed in several in the past. However we were in for a surprise this time with our third time at Dusit Thani Bangkok. The once regal old Dusit Thani Hotel Building has been replaced with a modern pinnacle that rises high into the clouds.

We located the same fountain my son used to sit by that used to grace the lobby area year sago and discovered the architecture had carefully made it several levels higher.

©Exploramum – Dusit Thank Bangkok

Dusit Thani Bangkok towers over Lumpini Park where many locals and tourists gather at sunset. The new Dusit Thani Bangkok hotel redefines luxury with every accommodation boasting an all park-view. Head to the top floors for unforgettable experiences with world-class dining, in-guest afternoon complimentary private lounge and rooftop happy hours and a public and guest rooftop bar.

With connection to the interchange of BTS Skytrain Sala Daeng Station and MRT Underground Silom Station, Dusit Thani Bangkok is a hub in the heart of the city, and is adjacent to the Dusit Central Park Shopping Mall where luxurious comfort meets locals and international shoppers and lifestyles. Its prestigious city-centre location as part of Dusit Central Park.

We love the gracious Thai hospitality and we both agree the rooftop experiences here are our favourites for sunset relaxation.

© Exploramum – Novotel Bangkok Platinum

3. Novotel Bangkok Platinum – 4 Star

When in Bangkok I love to shop. And so even if it is just for 2 or 3 nights, we both find staying centrally here in one of Accor’s premium 4-star properties at Novotel Bangkok Platinum advantageous.

If staying here I’d suggest your routine to be:

Wake to a Bangkok view and a Buffet Breakfast.

Then head out in the cool of the morning for a few hours sightseeing.

The BTS is a short walk or have fun on a Tuk-Tuk.

© Exploramum – The Place – Louis Vuitton Museum

Nearby is the Louis Vuitton The Place – Visionary Journeys that is a fun and fabulous experience.

I’d then enjoy dining at any of the many restaurants in the shopping malls before heading back to the Novotel Platinum for a relaxing swim and a rest.

An early sunset dinner is a must at the View Bangkok Rooftop restaurant. The Mediterranean Cuisine is both exotic and unique. the staff are freindly and the music and lighting show is worth staying for.

Then pop out for some night time fun at one of the many discount malls nearby as most are open until 9pm or 10pm.. Shop til you drop, then back to the bar for a pick-me-up cocktail and hit the night clubs or local bars for some fabulous experiences.

We’ve stayed at several Dusit Thani locations in Thailand like Pattaya and Hua Hin and recommend them for their high standard of service.

4. Mandarin Oriental – 5 Star

For our final part of our time in Bangkok, I’d recommend staying in luxury style down by the Chao Phraya River that snakes it’s way through Bangkok city. One of the oldest and architecturally aesthetic hotels in Bangkok has to be the Mandarin Oriental recently celebrating 150 years. Boasting charm of yesteryear with perfectly manicured gardens, Conservatory style Tea Rooms, long relaxing lobby area, outdoor swimming pool with gazebo resting areas, and my favourite – The Bamboo Bar.

You’ll find elegant old world Thai-style rooms and suites – each with enjoying its own distinct and unique character and interior style.

One of the advantages of staying here is the traditional river boat that transports hotel guests directly to the Icon Siam. Here you need to explore the large ground floor with the indoor floating market. Then meander up the floors for unique stores, including a giant moving dog and robotics. “Sunshine” is a 13-meter-long, “breathing” mechanical Dachshund lifelike sculpture located at the Tamburins Haus Nowhere store on the M Floor.

Right at the top is a water fountain display that is not to be missed. There are many things to do in the area if you are travelling with children and we’ve a few ideas for you here.

Here you are close to temples for daytime sight-seeing (tip: wear easy on-off shoes like slides or moccasins, not lace-ups or socks and make sure to be respectfully covered).

Wander Chinatown or Song Wat Road with your camera and explore this great area. There is enough to stay at Mandarin Oriental Hotel for a minimum of 3 to 4 nights; and ideally a week if you can.

Rooftop bars are also a great experience if you face opposite the Wat Aran Temple.

Of course, a dinner river cruise is a must to finish your stay in Bangkok. I suggest a smaller older style Thai traditional dinner boat. We enjoyed the Banyan Tree Apsara dinner cruise on our last visit

5. The Vince – 4 Star

The Vince Hotel is full of surprises and is perfect for both young and old. It seems to be booked out all the time mainly due to their complimentary extras they include I think, so reserve early. With a rooftop bar with swimming pool and gym, this boutique hotel is off the main roads, so it’s a little quieter, even though it’s quite near the Central Bangkok shopping precinct.

Some of the great extras that are included are:

  • Free Daily Buffet Breakfast (6.30 AM – 11.00 AM)
  • Free Nightly Buffet Supper in the rooftop retro-themed ‘The Diner’ (9.00 PM – 11.00 PM)
  • Early Check In 12 PM (subject to availability)
  • Late Check Out 2 PM (subject to availability)
  • 10% discount on food and beverages at ‘Gowings’ Restaurant
  • Privilege of Thai costume photoshoot (need advance reservation by email)
  • Complimentary Head and Shoulders Massage (bookings required)
  • Complimentary Golf Cart and mini-van Shuttle to local area
  • Welcome drink at ‘The Drink’ rooftop bar
  • Complimentary room decorations and birthday surprises (book in advance)

We loved our stay at The Vince.

The friendly breakfast staff remembered us ever day. They went the extra mile with my birthday, and it has a fun vibe to the entire 7 floor building. If you are you looking for a value for money breakfast experience in Pratunam? Your search ends at Vince Hotel Pratunam, where breakfast is more than just a meal—it’s an essential part of your journey and includes an expansive breakfast buffet with many areas. It also includes a design your own Local X Breakfast station.

The restaurants here all include Vegetarian, Indian and Muslim-Friendly cuisine options. Line up before 9pm for The Diner on the rooftop as it does get very busy with the complimentary supper. The will give you a busier so you can sit at ‘The Drink’ bar or enjoy the poolside city skyline.

We found The Vince Hotel was quiet and within walking distance to local restaurants, cafes and shopping. It was an easy walk to Pratinum Shopping Malls. Definitely a value for money hotel for those who are budget conscious.

We hope you have a wonderful time in Bangkok wherever you choose. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself back here again soon. Bangkok has a distinct charm and appeal. Here is a list of several 5-star luxury hotels we would recommend or have stayed at in the past – in no articular order:

Siam Kempinski • Dusit Thani • Mandarin Oriental Bangkok • Capella Bangkok • Sukhothai • Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River • The Siam • Aman Nai Lert • Banyan Tree BangkokAmari Watergate

©Exploramum – Novotel Bangkok Platinum ‘The View’

And if you’re looking for ideas on what to explore in Bangkok, please read our latest suggestions here.