The Siam Hotel – Thailand
One of Bangkok’s most elegant hotels, The Siam enjoys a prime location on the banks of the river. It’s just a short cruise to the city’s main temples and museums, which the ever-helpful staff will organise for you as part of a personalised itinerary. The boat trip here is just the beginning of the experience, and when you arrive you’re greeted by a butler and guided smoothly to your suite or villa.
The art deco old world glamour design is thanks to the celebrated hotelier Bill Bensley, showcasing a mix of black and white marble, Buddhist antiques and vintage prints. The manicured and tree-lined grounds give out a resort feel, with guests visiting here for its relaxed vibe and excellent service.
At A Glance
Boutique Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its tranquil riverside setting, exquisite Bill Bensley design, and ultra-personalised butler service for that private sanctuary feel.Style:
Oriental art deco luxe.Location:
On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, close to the historic heart of Bangkok – reachable by the hotel’s own riverboat, a 30 minute cruise from the city’s central pier.Rooms:
Serene and spacious suites and private villas with pools.Swimming:
A long infinity pool overlooking the river.Children:
Families with children of all ages are given a very warm welcome.Accessibility:
Many of the suites and the majority of the communal areas are accessible to guests with limited mobility.Price:
Available on requestrooms
This is an all suite affair, with a handful of luxurious private villas with their own plunge pools on the riverfront. They are so luxuriously spacious and stylish, there’s a danger you might not want to set foot outside, Monochrome décor, with antique prints and artwork on the walls, enormous beds, Spa-like bathrooms, all make them feel like a royal sanctuary. Some look out over the gardens, and others over the river. The villas are out of this world!
food
Dine on exquisite Thai cuisine at Chon, set in a set of historic teakwood houses. Using traditional recipes and local ingredients, the menu is varied and delicious. Try the chef’s tasting menu. For a more international menu, head to Story House, where the chef puts an innovative spin on classic dishes. Poolside snacks and light lunches can be enjoyed from your sunlounger facing the river, and later, it’s the ideal place for a sundowner.
activities
You’ll find some guests come here just for the service and to soak up the serene vibe around the pool. And you actually needn’t venture that far to fill your time. You can learn to cook Thai dishes under the expert guidance of one of the hotel’s chefs, having visited a local market earlier by Tuk-Tuk for ingredients. Test your fitness levels with a Muay Thai (kickboxer) trainer, then end the day with a sunset cruise with drinks and canapés.
It’s easy to reach the main sights of Bangkok – the hotel’s riverboat can drop you at any number of piers – it really is the best way to travel around. To immortalise your stay, The Siam also has a couple of unique experiences – it has its own Sak Yant parlour where you can get a sacred tattoo, or sit for the hotel’s photographer for a daguerreotype portrait – a truly unique memento.
And when you’ve done all that, indulge in a treatment in the Opium Spa, where you’ll find and almost endless list of sublime treatments.
family
Whilst there is very much a grown up and honeymoon feel to The Siam, families are very welcome. Children love the private cinema, and teens can be pampered in the Spa. Add to this, Thai kick boxing lessons and special cookery classes.
sustainability
Committed to making sustainability and philanthropy a core part of the business, the hotel has a number of green initiatives and charity projects in place. You will find no single use plastic here, and are given a complimentary water bottle, fillable from water stations around the hotel.
Location
The Siam Hotel
On the banks of the Chao Phraya River, close to the historic heart of Bangkok – reachable by the hotel’s own riverboat, a 30 minute cruise from the city’s central pier.
