Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

22 November 2015

Words: Andrew Nagy / Images: Mandarin Oriental

There’s an air of serenity that envelopes the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, which is unusual as in this city, chaos normally comes as the standard setting. Of course the place has had plenty of time to achieve this particular level of five-star calm. It was the city’s first hotel and opened as The Oriental in 1776. Since then it’s become a legendary property, synonymous with unwavering service – there are three members of staff to every room – and it has attracted almost every visiting celebrity and royal you could care to mention.

Despite the 135-year history, the Author’s Wing is the only remaining structure you’ll find here from the 19th century, which has just undergone a renovation set to re-open this month. Whether you’re taking tea in the colonial-style lobby, relaxing in one of the 339 rooms (almost all of which come with a view of the Chao Phraya river) or heading for a treatment at the stunning spa and wellness centre, you’ll find this a hotel almost impossible to fault.

Need more convincing? Five words for you: black cod fish finger sandwich. To our mind, a room service revelation.

mandarinoriental.com/bangkok