Review: The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers Bangkok

Standing proudly on the bank of the Chao Phraya River, the 28 storey hotel with its clever Y-shaped construction, giving every single room a view of the Thai capital’s famous waterway, The Royal Orchid Sheraton has been an icon of Thai hospitality from the time it was built. But its reputation for the quality of its service and the authentic Thai hospitality have made it  one of the city’s favourite haunts for both tourists and business travellers alike.

From the moment you walk through the doors at The Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel & Towers Bangkok and you are greeted by the Green Jade Buddha, serenaded by the dulcet tones of a musician playing the traditional Khim, and welcomed by the friendly staff you know you are somewhere special.

Stay

A clever trick of the architecture gives every single room in the Royal Orchid a river view, something that no other 5-star riverbank property is able to offer guests.

This sense of exclusivity is compounded by the interiors of the rooms, comprised of 670 standards, 55 “speciality” suites and the penthouse style luxury suite. All the rooms feature a simple elegant design which combines a distinct local heritage with strong, clean contemporary lines – creating a comfortable cosy environment which makes all guests feel right at home while remaining unmistakably Thai.

For guests who want to take it up a notch the Royal Orchid Sheraton provides the 36sqm Deluxe and Premium Deluxe Riverview rooms; the 55sqm Junior Riverview Suite and 70sqm Executive Riverview Suite – which also feature spacious social areas and separate bathrooms and washrooms.

Sheraton Club Lounge, located on the 27th floor, is a modern high-end hang-out spot for guests of the Club Rooms, found between the 25th and 28th floors. Here, guests can take breakfast or enjoy evening cocktails in a sophisticated calm environment with a 180-degree river view.

The grandness of the Royal Orchid, however, culminates with the magnificence of the Presidential Suite on the 28th floor. This vast 243sqm space, used mainly by VIPs, is the apex of luxury in the hotel and boasts a capacious living area, perfect for reclining in splendid isolation or as the venue of a soiree.

In addition to the social area, the Presidential Suite comes with both a master and twin bedroom, both with connecting bathrooms – the view from the tub in the master bathroom is probably the best in the entire hotel. Not to mention an office, kitchen and even a massage area.

Dining

Dining at Royal Orchid Sheraton will leave guests spoilt for choice with its fantastic choice of four differently themed riverside restaurants – Feast, Thara Thong, Giorgio’s and the Riverside Grill.

Feast is the all-day dining spot, where guests can satiate their appetites with its expansive range of international dishes including Western dishes alongside flavours from across Asia, Japan, China and India.

Thara Thong is not just the place for Thai dining within the hotel, but as one of the famous Thai restaurants in Bangkok, as ranked by TripAdvisor, it is also one of the best places to sample local fare in the entire city. The atmospheric eatery projects a serene ambience enhanced by its use of authentic Thai design, replete with traditional eating cushions, dark wood floors and all set off by dramatic views of the Chao Phraya River, just a few metres away.

There are two European restaurants. Giorgio’s for pizza, pasta and other specialities from the Mediterranean in a low-key trattoria-style setting replete with red and white chequered tablecloths.

The Riverside Grill compliments the high quality of its food menu with the equally well thought out nature of its drinks list, boosting its well-stocked choice of wine and beer with innovative spins on classic and modern cocktails – perfect tipples for kicking back in the burnt amber rays of a Bangkok sunset.

What to do

For guests who don’t let the excuse of being away from home interrupt their fitness regime, Royal Orchid Sheraton have excellent sports facilities including a jogging track, tennis court and a well-equipped 24-hour fitness centre.

Not to mention the two swimming pools; the terrace pool is ideal for grinding out the lengths as well as working on your tan. The second found in the hotels verdant garden area is a different set up altogether, where guests can lounge drink-in-hand, in the shade cast from the surrounding tropical trees and plants — a rare pleasure in a metropolis such as Bangkok.

The Spa

One of my favourite parts of the hotel is the Royal Orchid Mandara Spa. Located on the third floor, the music from spa greets you as you step out of the elevator, lulling guests into relaxation even before they enter reception. Once in situ, the spa has a myriad of treatments to invigorate or restore guests, in one of five double treatment rooms.

There are also three spa suites on offer, featuring deep aromatherapy floral bathtubs, steam and shower rooms as well as a personal changing area. All of the suites offer that signature Royal Orchid view of the Chao Phraya River, but the deluxe garden suite has the added benefit of its own private rooftop garden

Experience yourself an exceptional riverside stay in Bangkok, simply contact the hotel for more information and reservations.