> > by Tanya Joslin
After nearly a decade of simply using Bangkok as a transit point, I recently returned to this exciting city for a four night break.
We chose to stay at what was always my favourite Bangkok hotel and I am pleased to say that some things don’t change! The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is still one of the city’s best hotels. Walking back into the stunning lobby was like stepping back ten years ago, when the hotel was known as The Regent Bangkok, not a thing seemed to have change. I’ve known people who have come to the hotel for a drink just to see thegorgeous Thai murals, decadent gold artwork on the ceiling and sweeping staircase - the hotel’s lobby is a showpiece in itself!
THE ROOMS
Rather than aiming for an austere, modern style that so many newer properties seem to go for these days, the ambience of the rooms is more ‘traditional Thai’ - think beautiful dark teak, exotic Thai silks, local artifacts. However, all rooms are contemporary when it comes to modern conveniences offered, such as the oversized marble bathrooms, large TVs and high-speed internet. The hotel is not small- 354 rooms and suites - but there is an intimate ambience, or perhaps the feeling is more one of exclusivity. For couples, the Cabana Rooms and Suites (pictured right) are perfect, a private sanctuary by the tropical pool area. Book the Cabana Suite and you’ll be enjoying 77 sq metres, your own tropical escape that is a world away from the frantic pace outside.
TASTE TEMPTATIONS
What a quandary – you’re in a city that is known for its amazing food, yet when you are a guest of Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok you’ll find it hard to drag yourself out to eat, given that the hotel is home such acclaimed restaurants as Spice Market, said to serve Thai food so good that even the locals flock there, and Biscotti, the hotel’s Italian restaurant which is so highly regarded that US Conde Nast Traveler wrote it up as one of the world’s most exciting restaurants! Then there is Japanese restaurant Shintaro, and Madison, a classic Manhattan-styled steakhouse (pictured left) designed by New York style-guru Tony Chi who has worked with famous chefs like Wolfgang Puck. The hotel is also home to the famous Sunday Brunch, a bit of a Bangkok institution for locals and expats alike and the perfect opportunity to try specialties from each of the four award-winning restaurants.
VENTURING OUT
You have the best of Bangkok at your fingertips including the famous shopping district of Siam (via skytrain). Or walk down the road to the acclaimed Central World Mall for some of the world’s best luxury brands. For an incredible cultural day arrange a tour to the ancient city of Ayutthaya. Or enjoy a romantic dinner cruise in a lavishly restored 100-year-old teak barge with Manhora Cruises. Ideally you can combine the two for the ultimate ‘Thousand Golden Temples Cruise’ spending two nights cruising to Ayutthaya and back in the luxurious surrounds of ‘The Orient Express of the River’. For more ideas based on your personal sightseeing interests the Four Seasons Bangkok’s concierge cannot be underestimated.
COUPLES WILL LOVE
The location is fabulous - you’ve a skytrain station just a few minute’s walk away and Ratchadamri is known as one of the city’s most exclusive enclaves. There is an air of luxury with the whole hotel but it is the Four Seasons’ staff that are truly outstanding. From what is sincerely the best concierge service we’ve ever experienced (Khun Nimit and the team are amazing and a great concierge can raise your holiday experience to a new, higher level) to the slick service in the restaurants and the attitude of every staff member you encounter, everything about our stay at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok was perfect!