Frommer's Review
Bangkok's oldest and most elegant hotel has been frequented by Thai royalty and glitterati, and a long roster of sports and film stars have stayed here. Established in the 1860s, the hotel's original building (today's Authors' Wing) has expanded and evolved into a modern, functional venue known for its exceptional service. But this Grande Dame does not rest easily on her laurels. During 2006 and 2007, the hotel saw the creation of two delightful new pools, both with private pavilions; a newly remodeled Verandah restaurant with an open kitchen; and the entirely revamped Thai restaurant, Sala Rim Nam. The addition of an Ayurvedic Penthouse at the Oriental Spa and a dramatic new black and red interior for its stand-alone Chinese restaurant, China House, proves it is at pains to keep up with the times.
Rooms and suites are furnished in Thai silks using soft earthy tones or vivid hues; the newer Garden Wing faces southwest onto the river and, though the two-level rooms here get rather warm, the wing offers truly picturesque views. West-facing corner suites in the River Wing, which have balconies overlooking the water, are the biggest treat. The Oriental's restaurants are all regarded as top notch.
Restaurant Le Normandie offers the city's finest French dining, while the glittering seafood restaurant, Lord Jim's, is perennially popular. The Oriental's cookery school and Oriental Spa sit on the other side of the river, next to the new-look Sala Rim Nam, where classical Thai dancers mesmerize diners. Private riverboats provide a shuttle service to River City mall, Saphan Taksin BTS, and Sala Rim Nam (behind which lie the hotel's gym and squash and tennis courts). Sunset dinner cruises are taken aboard a delightfully restored rice barge, the Maeyanang. Dress up for this; backpacks, rubber sandals, and singlets are not deemed suitable. Even if you are not a guest here, you will be treated like royalty. You might want to visit to sip a cocktail beside the river at The Verandah, just as Noël Coward did in the 1930s.
Facilities: 7 restaurants; lounge; bar (smoking permitted) w/live jazz; 2 outdoor pools; 2 lit outdoor tennis courts; fitness center; squash court; spa w/Ayurvedic treatments; complimentary ferry service; tour desk; airport transfer; business center; shopping arcade; salon; 24-hr. room service; babysitting; same-day laundry service/dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; cooking school.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
