The Return of an Icon: A Journey into the Refined World of Dusit Thani Bangkok

A Reinvented Hospitality Institution Facing Lumpini Park

A timeless symbol of Bangkok, the Dusit Thani Bangkok stands at the heart of the bustling Silom district, with its iconic golden spire overlooking Lumpini Park, the city's green lung. Its privileged location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring the Thai capital, offering immediate access to shopping centers, vibrant street markets, as well as numerous trendy restaurants and bars in the area.

After a spectacular transformation as part of the Dusit Central Park project, the Dusit Thani Bangkok reopened its doors in September 2024, marking the beginning of a new era for this institution of Thai hospitality. This renewal is part of a vast development that will also include ultra-luxurious residences, a modern office tower, a high-end shopping center, and a rooftop park, with gradual openings scheduled for 2025. True to its heritage of elegance and hospitality, the hotel continues its role as a benchmark in the luxury universe of Bangkok.

When André Fu Rewrites the History of Dusit Thani Bangkok

The Dusit Thani Bangkok is reborn in a redesigned form, affirming its status as an icon while embracing a decidedly contemporary vision of luxury. Built in 1970, the original establishment was one of the first prestigious hotels in the Thai capital, attracting the local high society and travelers in search of refinement. Its demolition in 2019 sparked a wave of emotion, as it was an integral part of the Bangkok landscape. But far from being a mere reconstruction, the new hotel, now more intimate with 257 rooms compared to 517 previously, is a true reinterpretation of its heritage, combining Thai traditions and modern design under the direction of the talented André Fu.

Renowned interior architect, André Fu is recognized for his unique approach, harmoniously blending cultural heritage and contemporary sophistication. His studio, responsible for iconic projects such as The Upper House in Hong Kong (our article:Trendy Stay in Hong Kong: Welcome to The Upper House), Claridge's in London, and La Villa La Coste in Provence (our article: Art, Gastronomy, and Luxury Hospitality at La Villa La Coste), infuses the new Dusit Thani with an aesthetic where discreet elegance and the fluidity of spaces create a soothing atmosphere. Every detail of the hotel has been designed to evoke a subtle and timeless luxury, where history and innovation converse with perfect coherence.

Upon arrival, the majestic lobby pays homage to the original Dusit Thani by reinterpreting the architecture of traditional Thai pavilions. The triple height of the lobby enhances this sense of space and grandeur, while carefully reintroduced iconic elements contribute to this immersive atmosphere. Art also plays a significant role in this new incarnation, with a mural by emerging Thai artist Sakon Malee and traditional pottery from Koh Kret, strengthening the hotel's deep connections with the local culture.

When Design Meets Contemplation

The rooms of the Dusit Thani Bangkok have been redesigned to offer an immersive and refined experience, where André Fu's design enhances the natural surrounding environment. Each room features a large bay window providing panoramic views of Lumpini Park and the sparkling skyscrapers of Bangkok. True to his heritage-inspired approach, André Fu has reinterpreted the spirit of the traditional sala asai – a space for rest and contemplation – by integrating an elegant daybed that extends along the entire length of the window, inviting guests to immerse themselves in the beauty of the landscape. The architecture of the new hotel, with all rooms situated on one side of the building, guarantees a breathtaking view and a rare sense of exclusivity in the heart of the Thai capital. During our stay, we had the privilege of experiencing this approach in a 50 m² Deluxe room, where Thai design is reinvented in a contemporary version.

The interiors of the rooms achieve perfect harmony between heritage and modernity, with a color palette of soft and soothing sage green, celadon, pale champagne, and gold. Warm wooden floors, silk carpets, and pistachio wood paneling are combined with bronze details to create an intimate and elegant atmosphere. Each bed is adorned with a golden fabric panel, handwoven by local artisans, while decorative elements evoke the refinement of traditional Thai design in a contemporary form. The cream marble bathrooms, equipped with large soaking tubs and Japanese toilets, add a final touch of luxury.

Pavilion: The Art of Thai and Chinese Gastronomy in One Place

The Pavilion restaurant offers a refined gastronomic experience where Thai, Chinese, and international flavors meet in an elegant and bright setting. Open all day, it is particularly renowned for its sumptuous breakfast, featuring a varied buffet of creamy coconut yogurts, tropical fruits, artisanal pastries, as well as eggs made to order and spicy Thai noodles.

The large dining room invites guests to savor signature dishes while the central pergola, enhanced by a spectacular blown glass chandelier, provides a warm and sophisticated atmosphere. The experience continues in the Kitchen Chamber, where the open kitchen showcases the bustle of culinary arts, and in the Waterfall Glasshouse, a light-flooded space adjacent to a terrace adorned with hanging lanterns. During our dinner, we savored satay skewers, a Chiang Rai moo yang that elevated grilled black pork, and delicate dim sums, including a Ha Gao Kai Pla Nà with shrimp and fish eggs. The Puek Tod Sai Ped Ni, a crispy taro fritter filled with duck confit, and a pineapple and crab fried rice completed this feast of enchanting flavors, perfecting each bite with a balance between tradition and modernity. For dessert, we tried the Inthanin le Nga Kee Mon i, an emerald dumpling with pandan soaked in young coconut syrup and perilla seeds, as well as the Pudding Mamuang Sago ib, a mango pudding delicately topped with Phichit pomelo and tapioca pearls in coconut milk, offering a sweet and refreshing finish to an exceptional meal.

Spire Rooftop Bar: A Chic and Vibrant Rooftop to Admire Bangkok by Night

The Spire Rooftop Bar at the Dusit Thani Bangkok stands out as a must-visit venue for admiring the city from a new angle. Nestled atop the hotel, this elegant bar offers a cozy and sophisticated ambiance, ideal for an evening under the stars. With a stunning view of Bangkok's twinkling skyline, Spire redefines the rooftop experience by combining inventive mixology and a refined atmosphere. I opted for a Star Dust, a delicate cocktail made with gin, grapefruit, lemon, and homemade rhubarb compote, providing a tangy and subtly sweet touch. Meanwhile, my husband chose a Rocksteady, a bold blend of Jameson Irish whiskey, coffee, coconut orgeat, and bitters, offering a deep and enchanting aromatic depth.

And Other Delights of the Dusit Thani Bangkok

The Dusit Thani Bangkok offers a varied and refined gastronomic selection, where each culinary space reveals a unique ambiance and exceptional flavors. In an elegant setting with paneled walls and a sculpted teak ceiling, Cannubi by Umberto Bombana celebrates the wine tradition of Piedmont and fine Italian cuisine. Under the direction of the three-starred chef Umberto Bombana, guests discover a sophisticated menu that highlights exceptional products.

Perched on the 39th floor, the 1970 Bar transports guests into a glamorous world inspired by the icon Elsa Peretti. In a cozy atmosphere with vintage accents, audacious cocktails are enjoyed with an unbeatable view of Bangkok. Each creation is designed to evoke the elegance and carefreeness of the 1970s, making this bar both an intimate and sophisticated venue.

For a gourmet break throughout the day, Dusit Gourmet offers an exquisite selection of artisanal pastries, light snacks, and specialties to go. This contemporary café-bakery stands out with its impressive Italian marble counter and mineral blue mosaic floor, offering a warm setting for a hearty breakfast or a relaxed lunch with a view of a peaceful waterfall.

Located at the heart of the hotel, the Grand Lobby Bar is an elegant meeting place where one can enjoy a sophisticated afternoon tea, highlighting organic Thai ingredients. In the evening, the atmosphere becomes more subdued, perfect for sipping signature cocktails or discovering one of Bangkok's finest wine selections, accompanied by delicate bites. A chic and friendly place to unwind in elegance.

Infinity Pool, Spa, and Yoga: The Sensory Escape of Devarana Wellness

Nestled on the fifth floor of the Dusit Thani Bangkok, Devarana Wellness offers a serene interlude in the heart of urban bustle. Spanning 1,045 m², this wellness sanctuary combines elegance and expertise for a revitalizing experience. Facilities include a 25-meter infinity pool, offering a stunning view of Lumpini Park, a state-of-the-art gym, as well as a sunlit yoga studio. The luxurious spa stands out with its four individual treatment rooms and a dedicated couples' lounge, each accompanied by its own outdoor bungalow, creating an intimate and soothing atmosphere. Between ivory linens, beige limestone, natural wood, and artisanal plaster, each detail is designed to promote deep relaxation and reconnection with oneself.

My Review

The Dusit Thani Bangkok brilliantly embodies the rebirth of a legend, combining its rich heritage with a contemporary vision of luxury. Its ideal location opposite Lumpini Park, its refined design by André Fu, and its sophisticated atmosphere make it an exceptional address in the heart of Bangkok. Each space, from the elegant rooms to the refined restaurants, reflects a perfect balance between tradition and modernity, offering an immersive and exclusive experience. Add to this a spectacular rooftop and a soothing wellness sanctuary, and you have a hotel that brilliantly redefines Thai hospitality.

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Practical Information

A big thank you to the Dusit Thani Bangkok for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my comments in this article!