Peninsula, Bangkok, Thailand
Hotel Overview
Review of Peninsula, by Terry Blackburn
Winner of various World's Best Hotel awards, including those of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler, The Peninsula is clearly doing something right. Its location on the south side of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok gives it the distinction of being the only riverside luxury hotel that looks back on the city proper and the views of skyscrapers and temples from the luxury hotel's higher rooms are simply unbeatable.
The facilities
There's also two cool ways to get to The Peninsula Bangkok Hotel: a cab, followed by a short trip across the river on one of the luxury hotel's private launches; or, for around 500 pounds, you can travel from the airport by helicopter directly to this luxury hotel's roof. The flight is possibly worth it for the check-in alone: like a vision from a Howard Hughes wet dream, the exclusive Paribatra arrival lounge has shiny chrome walls, covered with golden-age of aviation memorabilia. 'Air hostesses' dressed in retro-Pan Am uniforms, complete with jauntily angled pillbox hats, are also on hand to welcome you in.
Food and beverage options include Thai, Chinese and Pacific Rim, all of a high standard, as is the spa, the pool and the bars. Jester Restaurant was for several years the most fashionable new wave dining destination in Bangkok and although the likes of the Metropolitan and the Conrad, not to mention a host of stand-alone restaurants, have since got in on the Pacific Rim fusion act, the luxury hotel still holds its own and continues to innovate and impress. Really though, despite the studied opulence of The Peninsula Hotel, it's probably the expertly attentive staff who keep this luxury hotel on the winner's podium year after year.
The rooms
The rooms in the Peninsula Bangkok continue this theme of 'retro-futurism'. The luxury hotel tower's sleek exterior leads you to expect slick, minimalist interiors. What you in fact get is luxuriantly carpeted floors and polished teak furniture, including felt padded writing desks that exude Old World charm. The enormous suites, and some of the rooms, have private balconies, which - given that many of them look down on The Oriental and Shangri La - could be fun if you've remembered your binoculars.
Facilities
Rooms
370Awards
"Gold List," Conde Nast 07; "Best Hotels Award for Service," Travel + Leisure ; "Top Hotels Zagat Survey Award," Resorts and Spas 07; "Best Value Award" Travel + Leisure 06Who stays here?
The Peninsula appeals to CEOs and well-heeled tourists alike.
Come for...
- Private pier
- Business facilities
- Jazz Bar
Not Suitable for...
- Those who are looking for an individual small hotel
Children
Interconnecting rooms, extra beds and baby-sitting services are available upon request.
Eating in
Thiptera, is a Thai restaurant overlooking the river with beautiful huts. For casual meals there is the River Café and Terrace, Mei Jiang and Jesters serving Cantonese cuisine and bar snacks.
The Press Say
"At the three-tiered swimming pool- my favorite in Bangkok, with peak-roofed, wooden lounging cabanas that have ceiling fans and Thai murals- an attendant asked whether I wanted the sun or shade and how long I planned to stay. Then he chose a chaise positioned according to my preferences...the Peninsula reminded me of why I dream about staying at luxury hotels." Los Angeles Times 08Reviews
Review of Peninsula Bangkok, by The TI Review Team
The Peninsula Hotel is one of Bangkok's finest luxury hotels, and the perfect base to make the most of a couple of days in the city. If it's retail therapy you crave most, the Peninsula provides free shuttle boat services to the Skytrain (the best way to get around such a congested city). From there, head to the Siam Centre for every possible bargain.
The facilities
Soak up the sun by this luxury hotel's glorious pool, or indulge in a culinary trip around the world. The Peninsula not only offers every conceivable facility required for business or pleasure, but a plethora of dining opportunities. Mei Jiang Restaurant transports you to another part of Asia with its Cantonese cuisine; the Garden Terrace provides international fare all day; and the jewel in Peninsula's crown is the Triptara Restaurant, a riverside idyll of traditional Thai charm, garden and pavilions.
The rooms
The Peninsula Bangkok has 370 air-conditioned rooms, and 65 suites, all spacious and sumptuously decorated. There are stunning river views from every suite.
This luxury hotel's rooms come equipped with high speed internet access, DVD players and cable TV. The marble bathrooms have large baths and showers, as well as TVs built in to the walls.