Get Pampered in Bangkok: The City's Most Luxurious Stays

Some argue that the Peninsula sits on the wrong side of the Chao Phraya River, across from the downtown sprawl. But the views from the west bank are actually far superior, taking in all of Bangkok's old "Venice of the East" grandeur and its best new modern architecture, while a private pier and 5 minute ferry service running throughout the day and evening gets rid of any notion of inconvenience. With Bangkok firsts such as televisions in the bathtub and "diva for a day" programs for young ladies, no stone is left unturned by the youngest member of Bangkok's luxury property scene, and with the level of pampering you will receive from the award winning staff, you might be tempted never to even cross to the other side!

The Hansar prides itself as an urban boutique oasis. Set right in the heart of Bangkok, just steps away from the shopping meccas of Siam Paragon and Central World, and easily accessed by the Skytrain, the hotel is awash with convenience. Chic and modern, the 94 room suites all have free-standing terrazzo bathtubs and feature vertical gardens just outside. Each suite includes a complimentary mini bar, free wifi, and huge 50 inch flat screen televisions. Even the smallest suites in Hansar are enormous, with 59 square meters of living space, and despite the middle of downtown location, the nineteen floor hotel is tucked away in peace and tranquility. This brand new hotel is yet another fine addition to the choice of upscale pampering available in Bangkok.

Just perfect for an urban romantic weekend, the Sofitel So Bangkok is an elegant urban oasis that sets out to combine every aspect of the Bangkok experience. Designed by an elite group of Thai architects and interior designers, overseen by French haute couturier mogul Christian Lacroix, the hotel features rooms and public spaces designed around the theme of five elements. The rooms feature complimentary Apple Mac Mini's, and there are a staggering range of extremely romantic fine dining and drinking options on premises, including the Park Society and Hi So bar and restaurant, which offers moonlit cabanas and a glittering city view by night over Lumpini Park. The Sofitel So is minutes from the MRT subway Lumpini Station, giving easy access to all the shopping, dining and nightlife districts of central Bangkok.

For the ultimate in luxury pampering, try a romantic splurge at the Siam Hotel. Paying homage to the post-colonial early 1900's era of King Rama V, this ultra-luxurious boutique hotel is a design-lover's dream, and Bangkok's newest spot to lodge in sheer elegance. Vintage clocks, steamer trunks and straw fedoras are just some of the quirky antiques that grace the private villas that come with plunge pools and rooftop terraces. There's even a completely restored century-old teak pagoda-topped cottage that is the star piece of the resort. Everything here feels secluded and pampered, from the the first luxury Muay Thai gym in Bangkok to the Opium Spa with Sodashi therapies, to the gorgeous Chon Thai restaurant, which is set in old teak houses along the river. The Siam is the most expensive hotel in Bangkok, but you get what you pay for here; privacy, exclusivity and plenty of opulent charm.

With a location set right in the heart of central Bangkok, overlooking the Royal Sports Club, the Starwood's St Regis Hotel sets a new mark in elegance. This ultra fashionable player in the Bangkok boutique hotel scene offers 227 guest rooms and 51 suites, all elegantly decked out in exquisite contemporary furnishings, all featuring giant windows with wide city views. The infinity edge pool sprawls along much of the 15th floor, and the 12th floor Regis Bar also gives tremendous views of sunset, the city, as well as the horse races from the Sports Club! Entrance into the hotel comes straight out of the BTS Skytrain and the hotel's signature restaurant JoJo features the best Italian food in Bangkok. The central shopping and business districts are just 5-10 minutes away as well, making this a perfect urban retreat.

Where else in Bangkok can one have a direct entrance into the swimming pool from one's terrace? Only at the Siam Kempinski, located just steps from Bangkok's most fashionable mall, Siam Paragon, yet a hidden away world of its own, and a great choice for a romantic treat. Tucked away in a peaceful niche, the Siam Kempinski is sophisticated and extremely stylish, with refined suites and serviced residences surrounded by landscaped tropical gardens and cascading water fountains and pools, making it a real oasis in the heart of town. The 303 rooms here are ultra spacious, and most offer balconies with garden views. The hotel is full of modern art paintings and sculptures, features a 900 square meter Grand Ballroom, and is home to one of Bangkok's most innovative restaurants, Sra Bua by Kin Kin, brainchild of the Michelin winning Danish chef Henrik Yde-Andersen, which offers molecular Thai gastronomy, the first of its kind in Thailand. Easy access via Siam Paragon into the Siam Skytrain station ensures a holiday in which Bangkok's legendary traffic will not be around to trouble and travail.

Taking its cue from the royal former Thai capital of Sukhothai, this hotel of the same name outdoes itself with pampering and pleasing design and service. Everything from the architecture to the replicated pagodas or statues found throughout the hotel are pleasant to the eye, and the charming contemporary Thai villas and suites overlook lotus ponds and courtyard gardens, making the entire property feel like a complete urban escape. The Sukhothai also is home to the award winning Celadon Thai restaurant, along with fine Italian cuisine at La Scala, and the hotel features one of the best Sunday brunch buffets to be found in the city.

You might not be on the river, but for upscale romantic luxury, 137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok is unrivaled. The elegant hotel's sister property in Chiang Mai has received worldwide acclaim for its design and detail evoking Thailand's storied past, and the Bangkok property continues in the same tradition. There are 34 stylish suites here named after great royal periods in Thai history, all incredibly regal. Ranging from 64-125 square meters, the suites feature plush bedding, wood-paneled walls with modern artwork, spacious balconies with traditional rocking chairs, and marble-floor bathrooms with double vanity setups. You'll soak to contentment in the large stand-alone circular bathtubs that look out at the city, and there are plenty of ultra-modern perks like Japanese electric toilets (with heated seats!), espresso machines, touchpad mood lighting, iPod docks, huge digital IPTVs with Bose sound systems, and the 24-hour private butler service completes one terrific package. There are also 179 residences at 137 Pillars, ranging from studios to two-bedroom, offering an array of amenities suitable for both short and longterm stays. Even beyond the rooms, it's all about great visuals and superb service here. The hotel features two knockout infinity pools, one of which is only for suite guests up on top of the roof. There is also a private check-in lounge for suite guests, which also serves breakfast and does high tea as well as complimentary happy hours each evening. For dining, Nimitr restaurant is one of Bangkok's most astounding fine dining experiences, combining cutting edge Oriental cuisine with a bit of molecular-style magic, in a setting overlooking the cityscape, and upstairs from here, the Jack Bains Bar provides a classy setting for cocktails, cigars, and more. The neighborhood around the hotel is filled with an array of boutique shops and restaurants, and while the BTS skytrain station out on Sukhumvit is a bit of a walk (15-minutes), guests can avail themselves of the complimentary London cab shuttle service that the hotel offers. Those looking for an intimate and romantic city escape will feel well at home here.

This hotel on the Chao Phraya River, popular with visiting celebrities, still sets the bar for high-end Bangkok accommodations. The Author's Residence suites, made famous by visiting luminaries such as Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, and James Michener, are opulent and elegant affairs, with huge writing desks that look out upon the Chao Phraya. The spa across the river is one of Asia's best, and the sumptuous breakfast buffet out on the riverfront is just one of the eating options that includes elegant exotic restaurants such as China House (Cantonese), Le Normandie (haute cuisine French), and Sala Rim Naam (traditional Thai). If your pocketbook can manage it, easily Bangkok's classiest place to stay.

Capella is the brightest star in the northern constellation of Auriga, and this aptly named Bangkok luxury stay is the latest and brightest star to shine in the City of Angels. Built during the height of the Covid pandemic, the elegant Capella has weathered the tourist drought and now is one of Bangkok's most outstanding five-star hotels and is an intimate and boutique hotel connoisseur's dream. It occupies a beautiful lush spot on the Chao Phraya River just south of the Saphan Taksin bridge and ferry pier, and every room here features commanding river views to go with the exquisite decor and amenities and facilities on offer.

Travel&Leisure named the Capella Bangkok as the 4th best hotel in the world and it's easy to see why. Obviously, location means everything, but every detail here has been meticulously observed to ensure guests a pampering private experience. Check-in is done in the "living room," a private area hidden behind a wall for hotel guests only, from where one is served a welcome drink of high end champagne and then whisked up to the spacious rooms, which boast 650 square feet of space and feature balconies, claw tubs, espresso machines, and floor to ceiling windows to enjoy the river views. There are also seven villas with plunge pools set out at the river's edge, and all guests enjoy perks like complimentary happy hour drinks at the swank Stella Bar, free boat shuttle service to the skytrain and Icon Siam Mall, plus use of the 24 hour fitness center and giant swimming pool.

The Capella features two outstanding restaurants; the Michelin-starred Côte by Mauro Colagreco, where the chef personally designs his own tasting menus, and the Thai Phra Nakhon, which is set on the river's edge and serves authentic regional Thai cuisine based on ancient heirloom recipes, as well as being the site for the fabulous all you can eat a la carte breakfasts. The hotel even has their own artisans making cheese or bread that are far more akin to something you'd find in Germany or France than in Bangkok. Fine wines and pairings are offered at both restaurants, and both venues are equally as impressive and a top choice for any romantic or special occasion.

Additionally, Capella Bangkok offers its guests curated cultural experiences, from making traditional Thai desserts to Thai tie dye sessions, with a rotating program of events throughout the week. Combining great lodging with great food and the perfect location, you'd be hard pressed to find anything better in today's Bangkok, whether it be for a staycation or holiday. Your only regret here will be having to leave.