Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
In 2006, there was only one Waldorf Astoria in the world — the flagship New York hotel. However, the luxury brand has grown at a tremendous pace, opening new locations all over the world from Beverly Hills to Dubai.
The latest debut is the striking Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. Located in the Thai capital’s bustling shopping district, the new 60-floor building — which houses the hotel and residential units — occupies a prime location across the street from the Erawan Shrine and the Royal Bangkok Sports Club.
The posh property made its official launch on August 30, and we stopped by to bring you all you need to know before booking your trip:
The Luxurious Lobby. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
The Lobby
When you walk into the lower lobby on the ground floor, it’s hard not to feel immediately at ease — the space is clean and bright with incredibly high ceilings.
Designed by André Fu and his acclaimed Hong Kong-based studio AFSO, the décor is sophisticated and chic, but not showy or overindulgent. Gleaming white marble lines the walls and an oversized brass screen — with cutouts inspired by traditional Thai dancers — serves as artwork.
Elegant arrangements of white hydrangeas produce a heavenly aroma, adding to the lobby’s inviting and comfortable vibe.
A Deluxe Room. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
The Rooms
An attentive staff member escorts you to an elevator and whisks you to the upper lobby on the 14th floor. This is where you’re discreetly checked in before being led to a deluxe guest room.
With dark and light wood details, brass screens that mimic the one seen in the lobby, Asian-inspired textiles and a neutral color palette, the 171 accommodations are masculine yet cozy. A touchscreen tablet controls the temperature, lighting and curtains — just press a button and the room will go from light to dark as the shades over the massive windows hide or reveal endless city views.
The bathroom boasts a smart toilet with a variety of functions, an oversized marble tub and rainforest shower. Often in hotel rooms, the lighting or bath can be challenging to figure out — not so at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, where everything is marked and user-friendly.
And when it’s time for rest, you’ll find a single button on the nightstand that turns off all the lights, which makes it easier to fall asleep.
Swimming with a View. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
The Spa
The intimate spa on the 16th floor is worth a visit. Expert therapists provide sensational Thai-style deep-tissue massages that incorporate light stretching. There are only three treatment rooms — each has two beds along with a private bathroom and sitting area — so be sure to book your appointment in advance.
The fitness center and outdoor rooftop pool, which overlook the adjacent sports club’s golf course and horse track, are on the same level. The infinity pool surrounds a massive white geometric-tiled structure, an architectural element inspired by a magnolia flower that gives the building its unique shape.
The Champagne Bar. Credit: Waldorf Astoria Bangkok
The Dining
With the goal of becoming one of the city’s go-to dining destinations, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is home to several stylish restaurants and bars. On the ground floor adjacent to the lower lobby is Front Room, a gorgeous venue (also designed by Fu) where chef Rungthiwa Chummongkhon serves Nordic-Thai food, a unique combination inspired by the chef’s training at acclaimed restaurants in Denmark and Germany.
The 14th floor is home to The Brasserie, a vast French bistro with open kitchens. The tables wrap around the entire building, offering stunning vistas of Bangkok below. Each morning, The Brasserie hosts one of the most expansive breakfast buffets we’ve ever seen. The impressive spread delivers everything from made-to-order eggs Benedict and fresh-baked croissants to classic Thai soups and dumplings.
Peacock Alley, one of the hotel’s three bars, is also on the 14th floor. Here, you’ll find a luxurious lounge with various types of tables and couches with 360-degree views of the city. Tea with a Thai twist — tiger prawn Caesar wraps and pandan and passion fruit religieuses (two-tiered cream puffs) are among the offerings — is served daily and cocktails are shaken at a sumptuous marble bar.
On the top three floors of the Waldorf Astoria you’ll find a trio of AvroKO-designed culinary destinations. Bull & Bear, on the 55th floor, serves smoked, grilled and slow-roasted meats and seafood. It’s a glamorous setting with a decadent menu starring dishes like beef tartare, tiger prawn cocktail and dry-aged wagyu.
A grand golden staircase leads upstairs to The Loft, a wildly fabulous cocktail bar with artful details.
The crème de la crème, however, is the top-floor Champagne Bar. With all of Bangkok glittering below, it’s a romantic and indulgent place to enjoy a nightcap.
