BLLNR Reviews The Siam Hotel, Bangkok

Written by: Poppy Skinner Created: 03 September 2019

One of the most unique and luxurious hotels in Asia and that's a fact. 

When you think of Bangkok, you don't immediately think of relaxation and old-world glamour, but that's half the fun of The Siam. Nestled about 20 minutes outside of the main city, this gem of a hotel which also boasts the fact of being a member of the Legend Collection from Preferred Hotels & Resorts, offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the frenetic city.

Designed by acclaimed architect Bill Bensley and Thai celebrity and antique collector Krissada Sukosol Clapp, the hotel takes its inspiration from Paris’ Musee D’orsay as it mixes Art Deco glamour with local Thai antiques for stunning effect. What's even more impressive is the fact that the hotel owners personal collection of rare and stunning antiques from the 1920s ranging from antique dentists chairs, vintage posters, and chrome lighting, are all on view lending a stylishly eclectic feel at every turn. 

Location

The Siam sits on the Chao Praya River in the historical Dusit district - home to a medley of Bangkok's most famed cultural sights including Vimanmek Teak Palace Museum and the Grand Palace. Outside of the CBD, Bangkok's main shopping area is just 20-30 minutes away and the airport takes around 45 minutes. Of course being riverside also offers the advantage of being able to travel by water too and the hotel offers an incredibly glam river taxi to a whole host of destinations. 

Decor

There are many reasons why The Siam finds itself at the top of our must-stay list but the hotel's stunning decor is certainly one of the main drivers. Designed by architect Bill Bensley and curated by Thai celebrity and antique collector, Krissada Sukosol Clapp, The Siam certainly delivers plenty of pizzaz from the moment you enter. Think wide open courtyards, long marble corridors lined with striking vegetation and superb natural lighting. 

Rooms

When is a room not a room? Well, when it's at The Siam and it is so luxurious that it is called a suite. With 28 suites in total, each one is individually decorated with the same panache as the main hotel, with a selection of antiques and artwork. Style wise, think Parisien chic with white tiled bathrooms, oversized baths with gold taps, heavy dark wood furniture and lofty ceilings. Looking for something a bit extra? Then there's a selection of villas including the river side villa with stunning river views, pool villas with a handy plunge pool and even Connie's Cottage - a century old Thai house transformed into a stunning villa.

Of course there's all the mod-cons you would expect with each room being given a smartphone with access to free local and international calls as well as unlimited data.

Service

Ah the service - now this is where The Siam really comes into their own. With each suite and villa being given their own handphone and private butler, every whim and desire is just a tinkle away. What's more, the hotel keeps a careful eye on their guests preferences, noting down their likes and dislikes on each occasion to ensure the most personalised service time after time.

Amenities

The thing about The Siam is that because of the stellar service and the stunning decor, you don't really realise you are in a hotel, lest one with as many rooms and facilities as it has. For those looking for something cultural, the hotel can organise you a cultural river tour with one of their private operators or even a Thai cooking lesson in their on site culinary school. Wanting something a bit more active? Well, there's an expert Muay Thai teacher on hand or the fully packed gym. For those looking for some R&R, there's the blissful spa, hair and nail salon and stunning 25m pool.

Dining

While Bangkok is home to some of the best food in the world, you might just get so comfortable in the secluded Siam that you don't want to leave. The pier offers the perfect spot to start your evening, watching the sun go down while you sip on a cocktail before moving onto dinner in one of the hotel's restaurants. Thai food is expertly taken care of with the Chon Thai restaurant while Western food is served with aplomb at the Deco Bar and Bistro.

The Siam Hotel is a member of Preferred Hotels and Resorts Legend Collection. For bookings or more information on their loyalty programme, I Prefer, see here. 

Written by: Poppy Skinner

Poppy covers a wide range of topics at Billionaire, having spent the past 13 years at companies including Singapore Tatler, Her World Plus and Harpers Bazaar UK. She has a passion for fashion, jewellery and travel as well as an avaricious fascination with crime novels. Follow her at poppypskinner on Instagram.