Urban luxury: the best five star hotels in Bangkok

Bangkok is one of those cities where sensory overload is a huge part of its appeal – be it zipping along narrow city streets on a tuk tuk, enjoying the energetic nightlife, or simply breathing in the colourful streetscapes as you stroll around on foot.

Whether your idea of a holiday is seeking spirituality and stillness at a grand temple, eating your fill of aromatic cuisine or shopping up a storm at the likes of MBK or Siam Paragon, you’ll find it here.

The exquisite lobby at Sindhorn Kempinski Bangkok.

On top of the above, the city also boasts a variety of visually spectacular hotels – each delivering top-notch service to match – that are so much more than simply a bed for the night.

Want to know where to check into next? In no particular order, this collection of luxury Bangkok hotels blend wondrous decoration, design and useful technology which will make you want to return again and again.

The best luxury hotels in Bangkok

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Found in the historical Charoenkrung district, the oldest hotel in the Mandarin Oriental network is also one of the biggest. It’s so vast, it straddles the Chao Phraya River.

Guests can enjoy a broad range of fitness and wellness activities including pilates, Muay Thai and tennis.

The Oriental Suite offers a view worth waking up for.

For those trying to not break a sweat (good luck in Bangkok), there are many more serene activities available, including a romantic boat trip from the main part of the hotel to the spa, where its signature oriental treatment offers a sense of ultimate relaxation.

The Royal Suite is simply stunning to behold.

Nine eateries provide an abundance of culinary choices, starting with flagship two Michelin starred French restaurant, Le Normandie. If you are more into Japanese or prime cut grills, Lord Jim’s provides delectable buffet splendour.

Four Seasons Bangkok

Another property nudging the Chao Phraya River is the Four Seasons Bangkok. Reintroduced in 2020 as part of a new multi-million-dollar estate, the return of the luxury brand is surrounded by trendy galleries, elegant boutiques, and sensational restaurants.

Many of the hotel's rooms and suites overlook the river.

Greeting guests is a marble lobby that looks more like an art gallery. If a relaxed day is high on your agenda, head to one of two riverfront infinity swimming pools or book in a spa treatment at the Urban Wellness Centre.

Rooms are similarly elegant, swathed in a soothing cream and grey hue, with hints of Thai silk and faux ostrich leather. Floor-to-ceiling windows provide a magnificent backdrop to the signature cloud-like bed.

BKK Social Club definitely deserves a spot on your itinerary.

A diverse restaurant scene begins with Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Yu Ting Yuan, which overlooks a shimmering reflection pond. In a way, this is a dinner and theatrical experience, as diners can be entertained via the show kitchen, where expert chefs prepare succulent Peking duck among other delectable dishes. 

Those after a delicious drink (or maybe a couple more) are best to make their way to the hotel’s BKK Social Club, an effortlessly-cool bar recently named among the best bars in Asia. 

Park Hyatt Bangkok

Ask anyone what the best hotels in Bangkok are, and there’s a high likelihood Park Hyatt Bangkok will be on that list. As with its siblings in Tokyo and Sydney, the hotel is a masterclass of understated luxury. Here, less really is more.

Even the entry-level Park King Rooms are stunning.

Occupying the top 27 floors of Central Embassy shopping mall, home to the likes of Omega and Prada, the 222 room and suite hotel is a calming sanctuary away from the hustle of the outside world.

The Presidential Suite on level 33 is the pinnacle of its accommodations. A private gym, plunge pool and spa treatment room, not to mention an outdoor terrace, are just a handful of its features. The view from every room is incredible.

You'll feel like a head of state you moment you enter the Presidential Suite.

When hunger calls, you’re in good company with a choice of three delicious options: Penthouse Bar + Grill, a New York-inspired venue spanning four floors; The Grill, plating up charcoal grilled steaks and seafood; and Chef's Table, tucked away in a private wine cellar.

The rooftop at Penthouse Bar + Grill.

Elsewhere is an outdoor saltwater pool, surrounded by greenery and lined with cabanas, plus a day spa offering a mix of holistic massages, beauty facials, and signature rituals.

Sindhorn Kempinski Bangkok

Nestled in Sindhorn Village, a relatively new residential extension of the lush oasis that is Lumpini Park, Sindhorn Kempinski provides a quiet and central enclave from which to explore the city.

The Lobby Lounge is set beneath an ornate vaulted ceiling.

Designed for comfort, the hotel’s 274 rooms and suites are lavishly furnished in neutral tones, complemented by welcome pops of colour. The large picture windows offer postcard-worthy views over the city while also flooding the space with natural light.

Beyond a space to merely rest your head, the hotel is a gourmet destination too, home to an extensive offering including the Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated Flourish restaurant and Japanese Ki Izakaya.

The brooding walls are juxtaposed by bright and colourful decor.

Afternoons are well spent in the Lobby Lounge, beneath the vaulted ceiling and surrounded by greenery, while evening drinks will be expertly taken care of at Firefly Bar, where intimate lighting, dark timber panelling and comfy chairs set the scene for enjoying fine wine, spirits and whimsical cocktails.

W Bangkok

Located in the city’s financial district, just a few steps away from the Chong Nongsi BTS Skytrain station, the five-star W Bangkok positions guests right in the beating heart of Bangkok’s shopping district, with the river and trendy nightlife only minutes away.

W Bangkok exudes energy in an already energetic part of town.

Part of the Marriott group, W Bangkok follows the brand’s sense of boutique luxury lifestyle coupled with state-of-the-art innovation and quirky design. Often, it’s a winning formula aimed at youthful guests that continues to rank the W label among the city’s heavyweights.

Rooms are spacious and eclectically decorated.

Take your pick from Wonderful, Spectacular, Fantastic, Marvellous, Cool Corner, Wow or even Extreme Wow rooms to unlock a psychedelic retreat, sure to keep the amusement going after your day breathing in the sights of the Thai capital.

And the W's restaurant - The House on Sathorn - is a visual treat.

Live it up at the electric WOOBAR and monthly DJ pool parties, or unwind after a long day touring across the city’s main destinations at the Away spa, a 630-square-metre venue frequently mentioned among the best wellness centres in Bangkok.

The Siam 

The Siam is a heritage-style luxury hotel in Bangkok’s riverfront Dusit neighbourhood. Courtesy of its own boat operating on a daily schedule, guests can putter down the river to a variety of nearby attractions in either open-air or air-conditioned comfort.

The lobby is decorated with numerous Thai artefacts.

Conceived by renowned design guru Bill Bensley, guests bask in a variety of decorative quirks on arrival in their suite, with contemporary features such as mounted bicycles, bull horns and a plethora of artworks hanging on the walls.

Service is a core element at The Siam, with personal butlers on hand to meticulously meet every guest need, whether that’s delivering a cold martini while you enjoy the sunset overlooking the Chao Phraya River.

The Vinyl Room at The Siam Bangkok.

Prior to a traditional dinner at Chon Thai restaurant, head to Bathers Bay for a cocktail right by the hotel’s riverside swimming pool.

Shangri-La Bangkok

It’s always nice to be welcomed at the airport, even if you don’t know anybody in your destination. The Shangri-La Bangkok spoils guests as soon as they land, with a chauffeured hybrid limousine transporting you on the 40-minute journey to the charming riverside retreat - one of the most prominent properties along the Chao Phraya River.

Chandeliers abound in its very grand lobby.

This expansive dual-tower resort features 802 rooms offering either city or river views. Guests can indulge in some afternoon delight with a selection of Indian sweets and local treats available at the Fashionista afternoon tea.

Dining indulgence comes in the form of the Seafood Night buffet, where top-quality Canadian Lobster is cooked à la minute for your enjoyment.

Relax in the Shangri-La Wing Specialty Suite.

A popular inclusion on the hotel’s calendar is the Thai night market, which takes place on the last Thursday of the month. Local traders set up stalls in the hotel’s lush gardens, with traditional pha nungs and handcrafted wood carvings among the souvenirs on show.

The Peninsula Bangkok

This riverside icon requires little introduction. The Peninsula Bangkok is a tranquil refuge away from the city’s hustle and bustle, where the brand’s signature savoir-faire blends with genuine Thai charm and hospitality.

Known for its oversized suites, rich polished mahogany doorways are juxtaposed with warm muted white walls and adorned with artworks worthy of a second look.

The Thai-style on show at the pool makes for a dazzling scene.

The floor-to-ceiling windows in its 370 deluxe rooms and suites provide a sense of space and serenity, as they invite you to sleep with the curtains open so you can wake up to the soothing sunrise over the Chao Phraya River.

The hotel is renowned for the scale of its rooms and suites.

Awaken your soul with a sunrise yoga session by the river, or indulge in a mindfulness breathing class with a certified instructor whilst you learn to reward your body and mind from within.

Anantara Siam Bangkok 

The Anantara Siam Bangkok is one of the most architecturally appealing hotels in the Thai capital. It presents a wide variety of rooms, a gym with a private squash room, a luxury spa, and extensive dining options, including a fine-dining Italian eatery.

Anantara Siam blends tradition Thai design with international flair.

Whilst you might be staying in the heart of a bustling metropolis, the hotel is across the road from Lumpini Park. If golf is your game, you can arrange a round at one of Bangkok’s best golf courses situated just across the street, with many rooms overlooking the layout.

Enjoy the serenity on the hotel's manicured terraces.

Designed by the starchitect Bill Bensley, the hotel’s courtyard garden is the perfect spot for koi fish-watching whilst catching up with your beloved one over a sunset walk.

Capella Bangkok

Nestled in one of the oldest quarters of the capital, Capella Bangkok delivers a whole new level of sophistication to the city as it complements the ‘River of Kings’ with a sun-filled sanctuary of contemporary design.

Capella Bangkok looks more like a ritzy country club.

Diminutive compared to others in the city at just 101 keys, this quaint presence means all rooms enjoy private balconies and front-row seats to the river’s spectacle.

Seven pool villas (a rarity in Bangkok) are located directly on the shores of the Chao Phraya.

One of the resort's waterfront villas.

Guests can indulge in the exquisite Mediterranean creations of three-starred chef Mauro Colagreco, or celebrate local traditions handed down at the Phra Nakhon Thai eatery.

The St. Regis Bangkok

Enjoying a premier location in the heart of the capital’s financial district, and just a short stroll from some of the best restaurants in Bangkok, The St. Regis Bangkok ranks among the most luxurious addresses in town.

Wrap-around windows create a breathtaking panoramic view.

The hotel’s 176 rooms and 52 suites feature a contemporary design following Thai traditions, unobstructed views of the city skyline through panoramic windows and 24-hour personalised butler service to grant your every wish. It’s regularly touted as the best address in Bangkok.

The beautifully manicured pool is a great spot for a relaxing afternoon.

After swimming laps at the 15th floor pool deck, unwind at the pampering Clinique La Prairie Aesthetics & Medical Spa, a revitalising hideaway offering anti-ageing facials, restoring massages and detoxifying treatments.

Siam Kempinski

Those keen to explore Bangkok’s shopping opportunities and dynamic nightlife will appreciate the Siam Kempinski’s location at the heart of the commercial district, even if it’s a little way removed from the city’s main cultural attractions.

The hotel's Cabana Room is arguably one of its most enchanting.

Guests enter to find a soaring lobby with towering pillars and an impressive multi-tiered fountain, with the waters creating a soothing and cascading ambience. 

The hotel’s nearly-400 rooms are decorated with traditional Thai effect, with many overlooking beautifully manicured gardens or one of four saltwater pools. 

Take your pick from numerous swimming pools on site.

More than 2000 pieces of art can be found around the property, including a unique collection of 200 original paintings and sculptures by local artists.

If you have a soft spot for traditional Thai massages, treat yourself to the perfect spa retreat with the hotel’s Royal Siam Signature experience, a three-hour top-to-toe ritual inspired by local therapeutic traditions.

Waldorf Astoria Bangkok

Tucked inside a 240-metre skyscraper that resembles a blooming Magnolia flower, the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok envelopes each guest in its palatial and spacious interiors, leaving you feeling like visiting royalty.

Many of Waldorf Astoria's Deluxe Rooms overlook an adjacent golf course.

Rooms overlook either an adjacent golf course or the vibrant city and are elegantly decorated with timeless furniture, rich upholstery and a sumptuous bed just waiting to be sunken into.

Local attractions within walking distance include the bustling Ratchaprasong intersection, a central neighbourhood within walking distance to the Erawan Shrine and the exciting Gaysorn Village mall.

The hotel's rooftop pool is almost a landmark in itself.

Boasting three different restaurants and two bars, Waldorf Astoria’s signature Bull & Bear restaurant specialises in top-quality grilled meats. For a nightcap, head to the glamorous art deco bar, The Loft, proffering a menu of artisanal spirits and classic forgotten cocktails, served with a side of heart-thumping city views.

Colour your afternoon bright and pretty with the hotel’s Peacock Alley afternoon tea set or relax at the hotel’s rooftop infinity pool whilst enjoying a refreshing drink.

The Okura Prestige Bangkok

Located next to the thriving Sukhumvit Road and just a short walk away from the city’s main shopping area, The Okura Prestige is right where you want to be, in the heart of the action steps from your front door.

Rooms at Okura Prestige are warm and inviting.

Cool down with a swim in the hotel’s 25-metre cantilevered pool prior to dinner, best joined by a colourful cocktail.

Fancy a dip in the hotel's cantilevered pool?

As the sun sets, discover the chanoyu experience, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony involving the ceremonial preparation and presentation of matcha. For meat lovers, an entertaining and mouth-watering teppanyaki experience awaits at the award-winning signature restaurant Yamazato.