MANDARIN ORIENTAL Bangkok @ La Grande Dame of Luxury

Luxury just can't describe enough on Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. For more than once being awarded as the world best hotel, the balanced blend of culture, heritage and modernism in sophistication with endearing service from the heart are part of the best kept secret of successes are now being unveiled with utmost pride. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok offers more than just a bed, bath and beyond. Indeed, what you see is what you get, this is the place that feels like it was made for you. The Oriental Journey for you to look back at its vivid history and discover the stories of its illustrious past, for now and then - one of a kind luxury. mylifestylenews get a taste of the legendary La Grande Dame hospitality.....

Having the Europe best buzz and being the first hotel built in Thailand in 1876 as The Oriental, the hotel has gained many loyal return guests for its nostalgic good old times experience. Located along the Chao Phraya river, a remarkable landmark for one of the most obvious reasons for a truly grand hotel. We arrive on a leisurely Sunday afternoon and check in to the river view deluxe room located on the higher floor of the hotel. The room is elegantly refined and sumptuously designed featuring traditional Thai style with inviting modern touches such as teak furniture and lovely silk accompaniments with its own distinct character, classy yet stylish with sophistication. A personal butler service is designated to our room at our disposal for particular needs. Sweet and warm to make you feel likes home.

Luxury amenities, warm-hearted welcome drinks, fruit basket and personalized stationary are part of the La Grande Dame hospitality in room experience.

The bathroom is spacious with a separate soaking bath and walk-in shower with luxurious amenities including silk bathrobes, his and her twin vanity area. Not forgetting the upgraded modern technology that includes fast, high quality bandwidth, both wired and wireless, superlative HD LCD televisions and high quality audio system that allows ipod and MP3 integration.

Room interior, you may call it old yet it has been refurbished in a classic nostalgia mood with modern and contemporary facilities. The details of human touch are the key of behind the sublime service and hospitality.

Our room with a view overlooking for legendary Chao Phraya river on a leisurely Sunday afternoon.

A neo-classic exterior of the hotel building exterior.

Room with a view looking down at the inviting 25-metre long main swimming pool.

After briefly unpacking our suit case, we decide to go for a swim and lay by the pools follow by late afternoon lunch. Light snacks are served with complimentary seasonal fresh fruits and light refreshment. We order the classic Pad Thai while chilling with gin and tonic by the cabana before we head for our spa treatment.

The main pool is surrounded by aligned sun loungers and cabana, it is ideal for swimming laps. 

Another smaller swimming pool is best for relaxation and recreation as well as family with kids with more shallow end.

A tranquil surrounding with giant banana fan trees and palm trees often attracts uninvited visitors like squirrels hopping around and birds chipping catching your attention.

Our Spa treatment is booked at 6:30pm before dinner at the Sala Rim Naam restaurant. A private water taxi is organized to take us across the bustling Chao Phraya river to the other side of the hotel where it houses a group of antique Thai houses set amidst lush tropical gardens such as The unrivaled Oriental Spa, Thai Cooking School and Thai Culture Centre, Tennis Courts, Jogging Track, Sala Rim Naam Restaurant and Terrace Rim Naam Restaurant in style and luxury.

The infamous Oriental Spa is a temple of well being and a unique of peace. It has been voted <Best Spa of The World> time and time again by leading international leisure and travel publications, the gentle ministration of the therapists blending traditional Thai herbal remedies and ancient techniques with modern Western treatments, stimulate, rejuvenate and soothe the spirit. On top of that, even a nourishing spa cuisine is available. The Oriental Spa boots a serene design and luxurious atmosphere. Decor inspired by the classic Siamese aesthetics in the restored century-old house handed down through countless generations.

We treat our mind, body and soul by choosing the 1.5 hours Oriental Signature Treatment. The unique "Oriental" includes a signature massage with a concentrated blend of essential oils extracted from plants, which release the soothing properties into the skin. Combining the technique with Thai and European styles, it eases muscle tension and energizes the body with acupressure movements and stretching. The experience ends with a localized shoulder and spinal herbal compress containing lemongrass, turmeric and plai. It is indeed a true stimulate rejuvenation.

All the natural ingredient used feature delicate oils, aromatic herbs, spices, rare minerals and fragrances are all formulated to ancient Thai recipes and blended exclusively for The Oriental Spa.

Entering the oasis of pampered luxury with the subtle tones and textures of a muted Eastern decor and the warmth of golden teak and lustrous Thai silk set the mood for your journey towards physical and spiritual well-being.

Embrace the restored century old design house withe and luxurious atmosphere.

The open-air venue sits on the bank of the Chao Phraya river, the Terrace Rim Naam restaurant is the place to discover the authentic taste of Thailand from all regions of the Kingdom.

Our dinner is booked at the classic Sala Rim Naam restaurant. This traditional Thai Pavilion sets the stage for an appreciation of two of the Kingdom's most rewarding cultural experience, Thai cuisine and classical Thai dance performance staged nightly especially for the set-dinner banquets comes with some piquant dishes.

A lavish Thai Buffet section set up at Sala Rim Naam Restaurant.

Classical Thai dance performance staged nightly.

The neo-classical building with lavish lobby is where everyone has their first La Grande Dame of Luxury impression while enter the hotel. The lobby corner serves some homemade macaroons and cakes with some premium coffees and teas selection.

A elephant statue covered with fresh Jasmine blanket welcoming guest at the foyer.

Besides, the Authors' Lounge is another alternative and popular by many non in-house guest coming for the English afternoon tea from a round the world visiting the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. The cool white walls, handcrafted furniture, luxuriant tropical plants and photographs of old Bangkok adoring the walls capturing the charming ambience of a bygone era. Delicious freshly made scones, finger sandwiches, pastries, homemade ice creams and a well selection of finest teas and coffees are served.

The lift entrance to the Asia renowned French restaurant <Le Normandie> and the Oriental Boutique at the original wing next to the Author's Lounge has a full range of in-house amenities as well as exclusively designed luxury products.

More relaxation lounge chairs extended to the outdoor of the lobby corner.

Peaceful surrounding is found at every corner at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok Garden wing.

A lavish spread of breakfast buffet with international selection of bread and Asian delight to start your day after a good night sleep. Homemade Oriental yogurt are popular by demand and always go fast at the Riverside Terrace dining on the banks while watching the world goes by with bustling long tail boats water taxi and rice barges passing through.

A well selection of international breads and bakery for morning breakfast buffet spread.

A look out view from the private water taxi at the Riverside Terrace evening dining scene.

The original building and facade of the Oriental Hotel brighten the evening with its old classic colonial charm. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok constantly getting lots of press for many good reasons. A taste of Bangkok finest hospitality with an exceptional experience in utmost luxury comes with consistency standard of service level and performance are the promising factor by the hotel for a unique and memorable Oriental journey. Indulge yourself by the Oriental moments at least for once in your life time experience. Have it your way, your style and you will find more than one good reason to return repeatedly.

Tried & Tested :

Location: 5/5

Design & Decor : 5/5

Housekeeping: 5/5

Service : 5/5

Experience: 5/5

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

48 Oriental Avenue

Bangkok Thailand

+66 2659 9000