Mandarin Oriental :: Bangkok, Thailand

It boasts of being the first hotel in Thailand. It has received numerous awards; often heralded as the best hotel in the world. Built in 1876 and elegantly overlooking the Chao Phraya River, Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok, Thailand is a very successful experiment in luxury. With nearly 400 rooms (thirty five über-sumptuous suites among them) each uniquely and lavishly decorated, Mandarin Oriental is a destination all on its own. Playing host to kings, queens, presidents, myriad celebrities, authors, and other rich and famous, it is a place to see and be seen. And you’ll want to be seen in Oriental Spa; their lauded and applauded over the top Ayurvedic spa is an experience no one can live without. Having recently undergone a glorious renovation and celebrating its 130th birthday in 2006, Mandarin Oriental is gearing up for more glamour, style, and of course the finest service to be found anywhere.

Although most of the original 19th century structure is now gone, some of the finest accommodations to be had at Mandarin Oriental are in the Authors Wing. Also known as the Original Wing, it is the last hold out of the initial construction. The suites here are elaborate and exquisite. Dedicated to famous authors, each holds a particularly distinctive personality just like their namesakes. In fact, they go so far as to provide guests with unique silk robes for each of the 35 suites and live Christmas trees during the holiday season decorated to complement the rooms’ magnificent furnishings. Not to be outdone, the rooms in the main hotel are nothing to be scoffed at. Filled with silk and teak, each has a view of the Chao Phraya and some include floor to ceiling windows, chandeliers, and balconies that afford a panoramic view of this ancient city. Standard accommodations consist of private butler service, Bose CD players with a CD library, and fresh fruit and flowers daily. With staff outnumbering rooms three to one, you know Mandarin Oriental is dedicated to high quality service. And let us tell say, be you a famous emissary or a casual tourist, you will be made to feel like a king.

One thing can be said for sure of Mandarin Oriental: you will not starve. With ten restaurants and cafés, there is something to tempt anyone. Traditional Thai cooking (and astounding classical dance performances) can be found at Sala Rim Naam and its outdoor sibling Terrace Rim Naa. Afternoon tea is a sweet break at the Authors’ Lounge. High end French or Italian dining await you in Le Normandie and Ciao. Then there is amazing seafood (Lord Jim’s), contemporary Cantonese (The China House), and of course Continental cuisine and drinks at Riverside Terrace, The Verandah, L’Espace, or The Bamboo Bar. When not indulging in a gluttonous orgy of delicious food, wile away your days in a pool side cabana, learn tai chi, enjoy lessons at the Thai Cooking School, take up a game of tennis or squash, or immerse yourself in the vibrant and amazing Thai traditions in the Thai Cultural Program. Mandarin Oriental is the kind of place you can go and never leave as there is nothing left wanting. It’s also central to many of Bangkok’s biggest attractions including temples, museums, homesteads, and magnificent city centers. Fall in love with the majesty and the wonder of an ancient and glorious city in it’s crown jewel, the Mandarin Oriental.

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