If you had to choose the top three most luxurious hotels in Bangkok, The Siam would definitely be one of them. With only 39 villas and suites, this boutique hotel is the temporary home to an exclusive happy few. This fabulously luxurious place took my breath away with its rich collection of antiquities and its exquisite 1.5 hectare park along the banks of the Chao Phraya River. More on my dream experience below!
A Surprising and Original Look
Since its opening in 2012, The Siam Hotel has become an institution in Bangkok. A “Preferred Hotels” member, this boutique hotel displays a mix of influences, offering a veritable haven of tranquility to its select guests who have come to discover the city. As soon as I passed through the doors, the hustle and bustle of Bangkok seemed far away, as the hotel makes every effort to ensure a peaceful environment for its guests. The owners chose Bill Bensley, an internationally renowned architect, to design this unique interior, with a combination of Art Deco and Thai-inspired influences. The entrance of the hotel leads directly to a central courtyard surrounded by marble corridors, Art Deco-style details such as mosaics and black and white hues, and a profusion of plants, giving the impression that you’re constantly outside.
A Veritable Art Gallery
The owner’s rich collection of antiquities, dispersed throughout the hotel as well as in the suites and villas, offers this establishment its atypical and chic style. You’d think you were in a cabinet of curiosities; I spent numerous moments exploring statues, antique books and photos, period costumes, and more. This focus on the beauty of days gone by contributes to The Siam’s own unique universe.
A Select Few Rooms for Guaranteed Privacy
Only a handful of rooms – that’s what The Siam Hotel promises its guests for a truly intimate setting. The six room categories include suites and villas with a unique look and personality, offset by a few carefully chosen antiques. I settled into the River Suite: with its 100 m², it features large picture windows overlooking the lush river landscape below. Solid wood, a majestic bed, an enormous bathroom with a designer bathtub – a mix of styles that swept me off my feet!
Immersion in the Local Culture
In terms of activities, there’s no lack of things to do. Obviously there are trips into the city with its magnificent temples arranged by the concierge, but guests can also continue their Thai immersion experience inside the boutique hotel. You can take Thai cuisine classes with the chef, indulge in a Muay Thai initiation, or get a tattoo from a salon that follows sacred ancestral traditions (not to worry, I didn’t take the plunge!). But the activity you can’t miss is the cruise along the river, especially during sunset! On board a restored rice barge, this hour-long cruise offers a view of the city from the river, including Bangkok’s most gorgeous temples which are illuminated after nightfall.
Afternoon Plans: Total Relaxation!
I spent several hours in the late afternoon curled up on a deckchair alongside the infinity pool, situated near the river’s edge. Amidst the green, leafy setting, this generously-sized pool offers plenty of space to do a few laps. It’s a great place to hang out for a few hours, with an adjoining bar providing snacks and drinks to complement your lazy day.
More rest and relaxation awaits guests at the Opium Spa. There, you’ll be pampered by therapists with a facial, body treatment, or massage, all with natural products from the Sodashi brand. For sportier guests, there’s a boxing ring for a Muay Thai initiation class, as well as yoga and tai chi studios to top off this elegant spa.
Thai Cuisine in a Sublime Atmosphere
In the evening, we headed to the Chon Thai Restaurant with its unique Thai ambiance. It includes three houses made of teak, and looking at them, you’d think you were in Ko Samui or Phuket (without the ocean of course) – that’s how far removed it feels from urban Bangkok! Chef Damri pays homage to Thai cuisine with delicious and flavorful dishes. Offering modern recipes, he was perfectly able to adapt to our request for a less spicy meal. The menu included soups, curry, and fried rice, not to mention sticky rice with mango and coconut milk for dessert. Pure bliss!
The Siam Hotel also thrills its guests at the Deco Bar & Bistro, offering international cuisine and a jazzy ambiance in an Art Deco-inspired restaurant room. There’s also the Café Cha, a rallying point for lovers of sweets with its coffee, tea, and pastries, available throughout the day.
An Exotic Breakfast
The following morning, we discovered an impressive breakfast buffet with several dishes prepared on request. On the menu were classics such as eggs benedict, as well as local flavors like waffles with coconut or caramelized bananas (my favorite!). As for the drink selection, there was no need for plain old orange juice – I opted instead for fresh pineapple juice!
The Verdict
Since opening in 2012, this prestigious urban sanctuary has become Bangkok’s most luxurious boutique hotel. The Siam Hotel draws on its proximity to the river and its natural surroundings to create a gorgeous, exotic atmosphere. This unique style continues into the villas and suites, and also into the hotel common areas which feature a superb collection of antiquities. But the hotel’s best asset remains the peace and privacy it offers, allowing guests to get away from the hubbub of the capital city. A glamorous five-star establishment that I won’t soon forget!
I loved:
- A veritable haven of peace that allows you to get away from the chaos of Bangkok!
- With its numerous artworks, you’d think you were in a cabinet of curiosities!
- The very large pool, with a perfect location along the river’s edge
I disliked:
- Certain areas displayed a lack of maintenance, such as the pool deck.
Practical Information
- More information available on their website
- River Suite starting at 890 € per night in January 2019
Thank you to The Siam Hotel for the invitation to explore their establishment. Of course, the content of this blogpost was left entirely up to me!
