by No stranger to Thailand’s backpack path, I fell in love with the capital of the hospitable country, Bangkok for a long time.
It is a city that offers the starting point for many freshly faced and eager adventures for many fresh and eager adventurers. But in contrast to my previous visits, my latest stay in the city was an overall new experience at the beginning of this year. I experienced Bangkok through a more sophisticated one, we will say white lotus-like lens.
When I entered in Bangkok’s Mandarin-Oriental, I was pleased to find that the elegant Bolthole was the place where Mike White (the Emmy Aaward creator of White Lotus) described a large part of the script for the latest season as a “home” when he stayed at the beginning of this year.
The five-star hotel, which constantly trembles the best hotel list, was actually the only Bangkok hotel that was presented in White’s latest edition of the show together with the Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui, in which most filming took place.
During a scene in Episode 5, Rick, played by Walton Goggins, is seen by Mandarin Oriental Bangkok’s photogenic lobby and later in the intimate bambobust bar when he meets Frank, played by Sam Rockwell.
But for this legendary structure it is nothing unusual to play host for lights on the screen. Over the years, the outpost of Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has seen both Elizabeth Taylor and Grace Kelly as well as well -known authors such as Pico Iyer, Ernest Hemingway, Graham Green, George Orwell and Joseph Conrad. With the latter a suite that was named after him in the wing of the historical author, which goes back to 1876.
So what is all the excitement about? I checked in to find out …
Where is it?
In the heart of the cultural district of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River (the Thai restaurant of the Thai restaurant Sala Rim Naam sits across the river, which is accessible with the teak boat) Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is the ideal place for the city’s first time.
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew are just a water bus ride away, while the river area around the hotel is clearly Bohemian, with many brilliant street stands from the town where authentic pad Thai is tried
The international airport Suvarnabhumi is accessible in just 40 to 50 minutes via Expressway, and direct flights from London to Bangkok are available daily, from approx. 645 GBP with Thai Airways. Or try opodo for offers.
style
As a lover of intimate boutique hotels with just a handful of clearing, I always feel a little too anonymous when I stay in extensive chain hotels, especially since I eat most of the time alone. But Mandarin Oriental’s employees helped to fix this, reminded me of me and was always extremely attentive and warm.
The original hotel structure (the Oriental, which was built in 1876, and the very first hotel in the country) is still on the site of the new iteration of the hotel, the Mandarin Oriental, which largely comprises from a nearby 16-story building.
While the older building is undoubtedly the most beautiful with its pale green and cream -colored facade, it now only houses the author’s lounge together with a few private rooms, from which he can enjoy in the afternoon tea and refreshments near the river.
The hotel’s main entrance lobby is perhaps one of the most impressive, both size and decor. A series of fresh orchids, lotus flowers, lilies and all types of leaves adorn the ceiling, the water well and the table tops to ensure an exquisite display. Colossal, quirky chandeliers and live violin music only contribute to the decadent atmosphere.
Which space?
There are 19 different room categories that are sufficient from a Royal Suite with its own private entrance, which is decorated with white marble and crystal candlesticks and deep jewel tones, to equally impressive but much more affordable deluxe premier rooms.
Since everyone is flawless, shiny and well decorated, it is difficult to improve a top selection, but I would say that the author’s suite offers the ideal mixture of history and modernity with extensive spaces, room-high windows and a large bathroom with a deep bathtub.
Orchids, orchards and elegant furniture are standard in all categories, as are Butler Service.
Food & drink
As can be seen in the white lotus, the bamboo bar is a dark led fever dream of mirrored surfaces, basket furniture and animal pressure details. Very photogenic and serving some of the city’s strongest cocktails, it is worth swinging a night slot after dinner.
Of all 12 restaurants and bars of the hotel, Sala Rim Naam, which is accessible from the teak boat via the Chao Phraya River, serves authentic cuisine, while traditional Thai music and dance are performed. There is the option for four or five courses, and although it is not the best food I have ever eaten in Bangkok, experience is a nice introduction for first -time visitors in Thailand.
Among the other offers of the hotel I found a flawless dining room, in which classic French dishes, a Japanese eating experience with 10 seats, a pretty river terrace and the breakfast buffet were overlooked the river.
I would recommend going to the city’s Street Food markets in order to really immerse yourself in the best culinary delights from Bangkok.
Extracurricular
Apart from the hotel’s paradish pool, which is difficult to leave, there is a lot to employ travelers. From the fascinating Grand Palace to the modern art gallery of the city, Moca, it is easy to lose time in Bangkok, regardless of whether you only stay 24 hours or even a week or two.
As a lover of modern and street art, Moca and the area around Talat Noi offer endless inspiration. While Bangkoks Street Food markets should be visited without question.
I like the Chinatown area for Siu Mai, pig’s soup and fluffy Bao buns. Since Bangkok houses the largest Chinese population outside of China, the food offers a delicious immersion about how Thai ingredients have influenced Chinese cuisine over the years.
Best for …
A luxurious couple of nights to take a short vacation or to book the country for a long time. While the hotel is sitting at the upper end of the luxury hotel market, I have spied on some solo travelers, although guests are mainly couples who are interspersed with groups with several generations, including some small children.
Double rooms available from £ 354 per night by B & B. Book it here
