Best Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand: Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
I don’t like throwing superlatives around lightly. But whenever I talk about the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, I find myself boldly declaring that it is one of the best luxury hotels in the world. After more than 10 years traveling the entire planet and staying in exquisite hotels and resorts, I feel confident in saying that the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok is truly a cut above the rest.
It’s not because it’s the flashiest, with the sleekest designs and the most high-tech amenities. It’s none of those. It does not have a beautiful beach, and its pool isn’t on the roof, nor is it an infinity pool. But what the hotel has is history, heart, and a warmth that makes any guest feel like straight royalty.
Yes, of course it is a five-star hotel in one of the greatest cities in the world. But it’s the way that the hotel makes you feel that puts it in a category all on its own. I absolutely adore the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, and anyone who has the opportunity to experience one of the best hotels in Bangkok, Thailand will soon come to realize why it is such a legend.
So now that I’ve made quite the buildup, let’s get down into the meat of it. If you find yourself in Bangkok and want to book a room for yourself at one of the best resorts in the world, you can do so right here.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok Overall Score: Extremely Memorable
Hotel in Bangkok: The Vibe of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Overall Score: Extremely Memorable
If I could score the vibe at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok “Best Ever,” then I would. But the way the ranking system works, the numbers don’t quite shake out that way. Still, it did score pretty close to “Best Ever.”
The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is the most historic hotel in the city. I believe it may even be the oldest hotel in Thailand. Travelers would come from all over the world to stay at The Oriental Hotel. You can see the historic hotel still on property, which today houses an event space and a lounge dedicated to the famous figures who have passed through the hotel over the decades. The history of the hotel still lives and breathes and you feel as though you are stepping seamlessly between past and present. It’s such a remarkable spot,a nd easy to see why it’s one of the best luxury hotels in the world..
The service, in my opinion, was the best service I have ever experienced at a resort anywhere in the world. Thailand is already known for its legendary hospitality, but the Mandarin Oriental goes above and beyond to not only make you feel welcome, but to make you feel like royalty, no matter who you are.
Case in point: David and I were not expecting to stay at a five-star resort on our three-month backpacking trip in Thailand. Needless to say, we didn’t pack enough appropriate attire for a resort of the quality of Mandarin Oriental. That said, not once during our stay did anyone make us feel like we did not belong there. I never felt gawked at, I never felt less than. I never felt anything other than I was exactly where I was supposed to be. That, for me, is the epitome of world-class service and luxury, and why this is one of the best resorts in the world.
Best Hotels in Bangkok, Thailand: The Amenities at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Overall Score: Extremely Memorable
The hotel is technically a city hotel, but with so many wonderful restaurants, bars, terraces, a pool, spa, gym, and a fleet of river boats, it feels much more like a resort. We loved sitting out on the verandah overlooking the Chao Phraya River, watching the activity pass by all day.
Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is also in one of the top locations in the city, near other best hotels in Bangkok, luxury shopping, historic sites, and attractions. It’s in a very safe neighborhood, as well, should you want to go strolling around and exploring on foot.
Best Luxury Hotels in Bangkok: The Rooms at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Overall Score: Extremely Memorable
The hotel recently underwent one of the largest renovations in its history, and that included its guest rooms. While the rooms still exude a historic vibe, packed with art, artifacts, and historic furniture, there is plenty that has taken this hotel in Bangkok into the 21st century.
We stayed in the Jim Thompson Suite, one of the signature corner suites that overlooks the Chao Phraya. It was a stunning space with a sprawling bathroom, floor-to-ceiling windows, a large terrace, and a plush, comfy bed.
Best Resorts in the World: The Dining at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Overall Score: Extremely Memorable
I adored every meal that we had at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Our first evening we ate Italian food alfresco by the river at Ciao Terrazza. It was a fabulous meal with lobster over linguine, succulent steak, and delicious wine.
We spent breakfast and lunch at The Verandah. The breakfast buffet is spectacular, as to be expected at most five-star resorts in Thailand, with western, Thai, Chinese, and Japanese offerings. I love dim sum next to my Eggs Benedict for breakfast.
Our final night was a true treat when we had the opportunity to experience the two-Michelin-starred Le Normandie by Alain Roux. If you know me, you know that I don’t exactly swoon over three-hour, multi-course meals with haute portions and service. But I will make an exception for Le Normandie because everything about this meal was divine.
Our sommelier, a young man from France, actually spent his teenage years growing up not far from my hometown in New York, so we had a lot to chat about in between sipping the world’s finest champagnes.
The spectacular dining room is decorated with plush sofas, elaborate floral arrangements, glimmering chandeliers, and tiny tables overlooking the sparkling Bangkok skyline over the river. It is a must for gentlemen to wear jackets, but if you don't have one the restaurant will provide one for you.
We sat down for the set menu, complete with wine pairing. It was a spectacular, once-in-a-lifetime experience. And for someone who doesn't love to be at a meal for more than an hour, we closed the restaurant down. If you eat one thing at this meal, let it be the roasted Challandais duck, which is carved table side.
Best Luxury Hotels in the World: The Wellness at Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
Overall Score: Extremely Memorable
Wellness is an important part of any Thai hotel experience. But the wellness at Mandarin Oriental is really something for the bucket list. The spa and gym are located across the river at The Oriental Spa. Simply hop one of the free river boat shuttles for the one-minute river crossing and arrive at the wellness complex. The gym is located over here, as well.
We were treated to a wonderful Holistic Wellness Break experience, which included a romantic soak in our private spa suite, followed by a deep tissue massage mixed in with traditional Thai massage. The entire experience had us feeling tenderized, bendy, and full of energy.
I also thought the gym was wonderful, with lots of space and plenty of machines. Plus, the gym has sparkling water on tap and that, to me, is all I ever need to know.
Stay at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok
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