The ideal home away from home”

After our visit to the Mandarin Oriental 2 years ago I wrote the following review. Now we were there for a week and found that although the management had changed everything else had remained just as convincing and charming as ever: The claim to "make you feel at home" does not quite describe the Oriental’s main feature. What they actually do achieve is this: They give you a feeling of what the ideal home could be like. The personal care and appreciation one receives in the Oriental not just as a guest but as an individual is second to none. I can‘t think of any cons, except that people who are not sensitive to friendliness and personal attention should avoid the hotel. The following incident illustrates what I mean: Upon arrival at the Oriental, guests are greeted by welcoming personnell and presented a flower chain. One day I observed a man climbing out of the taxi, pushing the welcoming girl aside and slapping her hand as she attempted to give him the flower chain. There are many luxury hotels in the world and quite a few in Bangkok. Some might even be more luxurious with respect to interior decoration, furnishings, room facilities etc. than the Oriental. True luxury, however, does not come in the form of flat screen television sets, in-room whirlpools and the like (the rooms in the Oriental, by the way, are equipped with everything the discriminating traveller needs and designed in good taste and style) but is provided by caring and efficient personal attention. In the Oriental, your wishes are being fulfilled almost before you even know that you had them. Of course, part of the charme and spirit of the place lies in its history, but the secret of making you feel so extremely comfortable is the degree of friendliness and efficiency of the entire staff and the fact that you enjoy it not as an anonymous guest but as an appreciated individual with a name and a personal identity.

Oriental delights”

The Mandarin Oriental hotel, the original hotel situated on the River of Kings, intrigues passers by on the river taxis, and captures the imagination of all who are lucky to visit or live in Bangkok. Arrival there for a celebratory 2 night stay lived up to all expectations. Service is immaculate from the moment you step out of your vehicle, paperwork executed in comfort in your own room and all amenities explained by the person who becomes your personal butler. The rooms are well-appointed and luxurious, on the smaller side but with no reduction of style or comfort. Air con, often the most disrupting element of any hotel, is quiet and effective. All guests were invited to a cocktail reception to meet the GM - where alcohol and canapes were of the highest standard and the atmosphere in the colonial Author's Lounge beyond compare. As part of our celebration we booked dinner at Le Normandie - the French restaurant on the top floor of this building, overlooking the river or the city. We were taken to our secluded table - privacy and elegance are maintained despite the small size of restaurant and looked after beautifully by the staff, including personal service from the Maitre d'Hote. Food and beverage were all sublime. We also had dinner on the riverside terrace - a magical environment for a select menu. Breakfasts on the riverside terrace are again out of this world, though if you were to come merely for breakfast rather expensive. The buffet includes all manner of delights pleasing all nationalities and tastes. The hotel is easily accessed by skytrain and then a lovely, courteous shuttle boat service. Valet parking takes the strain from those who have approached by road and taxis are carefully sought for all without their own transport. The area over the river includes a Thai restaurant, Spa and leisure facilities. All of the hotel building and grounds are remarkable for their flowers and trees.

Perfect ”

This is the best hotel. Mandarin Oriental Bangkok has a huge staff in order to provide truly exceptional service to their guests. They must have an extensive staff training program and a very rigorous personnel screening program as the staff is, without exception, absolutely dedicated to making their guest ‘s stay as comfortable and pleasurable as possible. Every aspect of my stay here was perfection. From the warm reception to the wonderful restaurants, the spacious, spotlessly clean guest rooms to the hassle and wait- free checkout this hotel knows how to do it right and has the management and staff to make it happen. Going forward, any where I travel - if there is a Mandarin Oriental, I’m staying there.

A Great Hotel”

As far as I am concerned the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is in a class of its own. In a good hotel you are lucky to find one or two good staff ,but at the Mandarin I can think of many I encountered. This includes Su who is a most wonderful lady that serves tea in the stunning lobby and who has a most positive attitude towards life. Also in the lobby they have a great piano player who is blind. I was touched at the kindness and respect shown to him by other members of the staff who graciously help him to get around. At the Bamboo Bar you will find a great barman who will make you one of his signature cocktails . Then kick back and enjoy the truly talented Jazz singer from America and the equally impressive saxophone and piano player all genuine professional musicians. When I arrived at the hotel I was unwell .No problem ,the Hotel has a fabulous nurse and a Doctor on the premisses .They gave me a test and had the results three hours later and supplied me the required medicine as well.Try that at another hotel,or anywhere for that matter. There are many more notable people not least is the lady who gave me a splendid massage at the hotel spa. Best I have ever had. Need I go on. This hotel has what is desperately lacking from the hotel industry.and that is genuine hospitality ,efficient and kind service. Few hotels take care of guests better and make them feel more welcomed and comfortable. Finally a tip of the hat to the good folks at Agoda who's great rate and easy to transact system made it possible for me to afford staying at this last bastion of luxury.To borrow the line of the the great actor Peter Ustinoff, "when I am leaving ,I am already planing my trip back"!.

Still one of the world's very best!”

while there may be newer, bigger, more glitzy hotels in bangkok (and around the world), the mandarin oriental continues to shine as a totally reliable, ever consistent, and beautifully maintained and serviced hotel. the decor continues to stun in quiet and traditional ways, be it in decor (loads of orchids and lotus all over, and lovely thai touches) or service (butler for every room, people who recall your name) or amenities (thoughtful canapes at tea time, in your room; fruit juice and fresh fruit compote in the morning as you laze by the pool or in the changing room of the health centre). i stayed in a 'standard' room, but even this faces the spectacular chao phraya river. there were flowers galore in the room: two potted orchids, a bouquet on the writing table, 2 glass bowls of lotus when they turn the bed down in the later afternoon, orchids by the bathroom amenities etc. throughout the decor is traditionally tasteful, quietly elegant and thoughtful! not glitzy or over the top, but elegance personified.

Outstanding hotel with exemplary service”

On arrival-warm welcome with service really first class On Check-in-Service that was helpful and thoroughly professional Room service-Luggage carried upstairs and a guide around the room with everything explained. The room was beautifully furnished and had a remarkable outlook over the water with great views of Bangkok. The bathroom was immaculate and all the little extras included with the slippers. The restaurant over the water on the ground floor by the pool is one of the best I have experienced-the views were stunning, the food delicious and the service to match-a real treat. Nothing was too much trouble in this outstanding hotel. I look forward to my next visit with my Wife and Family, and on another note compared to The Mandarin Oriental in Hong Kong-this is better!

Classic river gem with old world charm”

The Oriental is a classic old world river hotel. While some may say the place is a bit tired with older elevators, rooms and style that hasn't really changed for decades, it's probably still worth it. The thing that makes the Oriental special is the life that passes through. The hotel still has people sitting for tea, eating in the well-known restaurants, enjoying Jazz in the Bambu room, or just hanging out in the lobby. The service is best in class, and you will feel at home and have every need attended to. It is easy to access the Skytrain (BTS) at Saphan Taksin and also pick up a boat from the dock anywhere. The spa across the river is indulgent if you don't care about the price tag. If you want to be on the city side of the river in a classic best in class luxury, and still feel like you are in the scene of a 1960s movie, you can't really replace the Oriental. There are newer over the top hotels that are most beautiful, more extravagent, but none with the same activity that you find at the Oriental. If you want privacy and exclusivity, then there are other options better. But, i do love this hotel and there is something truly Bangkok about it. This is the only top end hotel at the river that can work if you need to go into central.

Spectacular, elegant, and friendly”

For me, the hotel is the foundation for an international trip. I've stayed at some of the best hotels in the world, my standards are very high -- sometimes a little obsessively so, and this hotel has to be at the top of the list in every conceivable respect. Just as a small example, each day a tray of a different tropical fruit appears in the room, accompanied by silverware, linen napkins, a small orchid, and a printed card with information about that day's fruit. Apply that attention to detail to every aspect of the hotel, and that will give you a picture of the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok. Sometimes, at a hotel of this caliber, you'll feel a stuffiness and pretentiousness. Not so here. The elegance is accompanied by an easy warmth and casual comfortable feeling.

Great Location, Warm Welcome, High Standard Hotel”

We came the first time to bangkok with our little 2 children and we loved it. For our first time in Thailand it was perfect because we could easy take boot taxis to all famous attractions in Bangkok. To downtown for the shopping malls we used the Sky Train which was right next to the pier. The Hotel has a great view, the staff was amazing and friendly. For my children who came here the first time the got to see ancient and traditional costumes that the staff people wear. The concierge was brilliant and absolutly helpful. The hotel is located directly on the River. After sightseeing in bangkok (which can be very hectic especially with children) The Oriental Hotel was a perfect Oasis for relaxing. Although it is a high class Hotel, you got so see local Thais having wedding which was for me very interesting also to see the upper class thai people. The Food was a bit expensive but we stayed only for 3 nights. We went to the Thai restaurant with the boat service to got to see the traditional thai temple show and my family loved it. The Pool service and the BBQ Restaurant on the Peer with live music was absolutely romantic. For first time arriving and doing a lot of sightseeings in Thailand, this is a perfect stay with high standards if you are looking for something really special. The Kids club was a bit disappointing though for my kids (5,7) it is a small room with some toddler toys, a computer a tv BUT with a very friendly staff. But they would charge you for each child which was a bit expensive...and my children wouldn't like to stay...

beautiful hotel”

the mandarin oriental is the one i always use when i visit bangkok and have meetings with dealers and customers. it is beautiful, comfortable and classy. the location is also ideal or going anywhere in the bangkok town. the service is fantastic although the english spoken is not ideal but the attitude and the eagerness to please is so comforting. would recommend this to any traveller who does not need to budget on accommodation

Ultra high-end service and amenities”

From the hotel agent greeting at the airport to our midnight departure for an international flight, the Mandarin Oriental was all about service. The hotel staff's attention to our every need astounded me. On our last day we checked out at the usual time but had 12 hours before our flight left. The hotel staff made us feel at home in every way possible, including the use of all hotel facilities and even a room to shower, change our cloths and rest before leaving for the airport after a long day of shopping. The price of our room was probably near the top of the range for Agoda's special offers and it was worth every penny.

a dream come true in oriental hotel”

when i visited bangkok 6 years ago i saw oriental and i promised myself to stay here next time . so i did it with my husband atıf . i like people and places with a past. so thi shotel has got it with excellnt service also. we have neraly eaten every night at the hotels verandah . it has a superb setting near chao phraya , peninsula hotel is just across the river. our room had a view of the river . at nights we closed the lights and inhaled he fantastic view of he city from our room also. the hotel is near the boat stops and sky train. so you can visit the city with any transport you like. ıf you stay in this hotel you would never forget bangkok!

Colonial grandeur mingles with Thai hospitality.”

entering the flower filled foyer of the mandarin oriental in bangkok for the first time is an entrancing experience. if you arrive in the early evening, a string quartet will be playing, perhaps vivaldi. the staff is genuinely concerned for your well being and the ambience of the surroundings will ensure you leave feeling relaxed and restored.

absolutely perfect hotel”

My husband and I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the 16th January on our way back home to Australia.We were celebrating our Wedding Anniversary and the hotel really spoilt us. We would definately recommend this Hotel to anyone travelling to Bangkok.

Superb Service”

Mandarin Oriental lives up to its reputation. As with any Mandarin Oriental anywhere else in the world, you will always feel the special attention and care, those pre-anticipated service that make it a truly world-class unmatched hotel. I really cannot give enough praise to its staff member. Everyone, i mean from the gardener to the top manager, walk around carrying that big small and truly care to stop by and ask to find our if everything is alright with the service! World class indeed!

The old Icon has the X factor”

Our third stay in four years. The oriental is unique. The moment we walk in to the beautifully scented foyer we know we are in our bangkok home.each guest has a floor butler and the standard of room attention is the best we have experienced worldwide.for the first time we checked out the other nearby hotels along the river and agreed the oriental is special.many staff members are approaching their third decade of service.lovely pool with an intimate feel,just like the rest of this fine hotel

One of the best experiences EVER”

The welcome at this hotel was one of the lovely highlights of my life. Being a guest here makes one feel special. There is no doubt that the staff are grateful for you as a guest. They appreciate your business. The effort they go to in order to satisfy ANY need is extraordinary. The attention to detail is AMAZING. The refinements are beautiful. The locaion is excellent. Above & beyond any other hotel stay I have ever had anywhere in Asia, Europe, the USA or Australia! However the massage at the Spa was very disappointing considering what I expected from the Mandarin Oriental. The service was rushed. The actual therapists were LOVELY though. The performance from the artisans and dancers at the Thai special Restaurant was incredible and well worth experiencing.

Truly one of the best hotels in the world”

There are many luxury hotels in the world and quite a few in Bangkok. True luxury, however, does not come in the form of flat screen television sets, in-room whirlpools and the like (the rooms in the Oriental, by the way, are equipped with everything the discriminating traveller needs and designed in good taste and style) but is provided by caring and efficient personal attention. Of course, part of the charme and spirit of the place lies in its history, but the secret of making you feel so extremely comfortable is the degree of friendliness and efficiency of the entire staff and the fact that you enjoy it not as an anonymous guest but as an appreciated individual with a name and a personal identity. .

Not Raffles”

I booked the Mandarin Oriental as it is affiliated to Raffles in Singapore and having stayed at Raffles, I expected it to be similar in service and quality. Although The Mandarin is only 70% of the price of Raffles, it is only half the Hotel. At Raffles the restaurants were expensive, but the menu both for choice and quality more than justified it. At the Mandarin Oriental The food was dearer than at Raffles and rather ordinary. The quality of Staff service was mediocre, fruit trays left empty at the breakfast buffet etc, where at Raffles it was unbelievably good - every staff member you passed, gardeners, cleaners, restaurant staff, management etc, miraculously knew our names. You felt like royalty and it more than justified the price tag. The Mandarin Oriental did not justify the price charged.

Old world charm”

This is my second time as a guest at the Oriental. And returning there after a decade just felt like going home. The staff at the Oriental are what make the difference to this legendary hotel. Certainly one is immersed in the property's glorious history as one walks through the colonial style original building, but it's the smiles and warmth of the staff who make returning so appealing. A real jewel in busy Bangkok.