The Peninsula Bangkok’s Thai Suite. Credit: The Peninsula Bangkok
Since its debut in 1998, The Peninsula Bangkok has been one of the region’s standard-bearers in luxury. Offering impeccable service and true Thai hospitality (not to mention a fantastic location on the Chao Phraya River), this Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel is an ideal choice for a stay in Bangkok — whether you’re in town for one day or an extended stay.
Here are four reasons why we find this hotel exceptional:
The River-View Rooms
Rising 40 floors above the Chao Phraya River, The Peninsula Bangkok has a unique proposition in that every one of its 370 rooms — including 60 one-bedroom suites and five themed suites — comes with a waterfront view.
In addition to these stunning vistas, the standard accommodations are among the most spacious in the city at 495 square feet. Every detail was designed to make your stay more enjoyable — the large desks are situated next the oversized windows to make even working in your room a pleasure. High thread count linens and exceedingly comfortable beds (don’t forget to peruse the pillow menu) ensure a heavenly slumber.
The marble bathrooms are also a highlight. Equipped with mood lighting, sunken tubs and built-in TVs, these spa-like escapes also have covetable toiletries by Oscar de la Renta.
The Peninsula Spa Bangkok. Credit: The Peninsula Bangkok
The Incredible Spa
You often hear that the spas in Asia are the best in the world, but when you set foot into Four-Star The Peninsula Spa Bangkok, you’ll be convinced. Housed separately from the main hotel in a three-story building with triangular, colonial-style rooftops, this spot transports you to a tranquil Thai paradise.
Some of the most memorable experiences here involve elaborate rituals. The Sleep Ceremony, for instance, is a two-hour candlelit journey that begins with an aromatic bath, followed by your choice of treatment (such as hot stone massage or acupressure facial) designed to ensure a sweet rest.
Meanwhile, the Essential Mind healing program helps you find inner peace through vibrational sound therapy. Seven “singing bowls” — metal basins filled with water that are tapped to emit sound — are strategically placed around the body’s chakra points to help you find and maintain balance.
Regardless of the service you choose, prepare yourself to feel utterly pampered. Don’t leave the sumptuous facility without taking a dip in the show-stopping, three-tiered swimming pool — the river vistas alone are well worth it.
Thiptara. Credit: The Peninsula Bangkok
The Exceptional Eats
While you’ll undoubtedly sample some divine street food at some point during your visit to the Thai capital, you won’t have to leave The Peninsula’s grounds to get a taste of exceptional local cuisine.
Wake up to a lavish breakfast buffet at River Cafe & Terrace. The spread includes two separate hot stations, one for continental items like custom omelets and bacon, and another for Thai-inspired breakfast staples such as customizable boat noodles and congee. You’ll also find an exquisite pastry selection, an exotic fruit display (the gigantic mangoes are not to be missed), seafood, cereal, cheese and charcuterie — all in a lush riverside setting.
In the evenings, book a table at Thiptara, where the kitchen offers up a home-style Thai feast. Dine on delicious whole fried fish, duck simmered in red curry and fruity fried rice served out of a hand-carved pineapple on a riverside terrace surrounded by banyan trees. Cantonese cuisine from executive chef Ball Yau can be had at Mei Jiang. And if you’re in the mood for light bites, stop by The Lobby, where an à la carte menu is available all day long amid soaring high ceilings and gorgeous floor-to-ceiling windows.
Wat Khun Chan. Credit: The Peninsula Bangkok
The VIP Services
One of the benefits of staying at this treasure is that it excels at providing extra-luxe services. Case in point: during your stay, you’ll have access to a customized fleet of Rolls-Royce Silver Spur and BMW 7 Series limousines for transport anywhere within the city and beyond. There’s even a helicopter pad for VIPs who prefer to arrive by chopper.
Kids and adults can also take advantage of the Peninsula Academy’s bespoke programs, activities and excursions that range from a guided trip to Bangkok’s historic flower market and an elephant ride through a nearby vineyard to a private access visit to Wat Khun Chan, a temple that dates back to 1839.
Finally, for those who want to avoid the hassle of waiting in line at immigration or at the baggage claim area, The Peninsula Bangkok provides a VIP Fast Track airport service. Simply book ahead and a friendly staff member will meet you at your gate, escort you through a private immigration line and collect your bags for you before whisking you to the luxury hotel in a limousine.
