When you’re staying at The Siam Hotel in Bangkok, you feel like a movie star acting in an authentic story in ancient Thailand. The design of the hotel is stunning, the location next to the river is breathtaking and the service is truly attentive.
The welcome experience
Our Siam experience starts with a personal pick-up at the airbridge, just after landing in Bangkok, where a representative of The Siam is waiting for us to guide us through customs via the fast lane. Unfortunately our luggage was left behind at our stopover in Moscow, but luckily our personal assistant informed us immediately, whereafter he guided us to the information desk where we could collect the necessary paperwork. In no time we walked to the hotel limousine – we opted for the BMW 5 – to take us to our destination. When entering the car a refreshing towel and some water bottles were immediately offered to us with a big smile in order to let us cope with the heat.
When arriving at The Siam Hotel we were instantly welcomed by a very kind and attentive team. Our butler Tong offered us some fresh drinks, flowers and towels, while the team effortlessly arranged our check-in. Tong escorted us to the place that would be our room for the next three nights, although the word ‘room’ is an understatement, as we were accommodated in one of the courtyard pool villas. We were handed a smartphone with the application of The Siam, offering ideas for sightseeing, a list of hotspots, information and how-to’s on traveling in Thailand, a Google Maps integration and a button to call our butler at any time. Still a bit jetlagged, we decided to order a bottle of wine – that happened to be a top pick – and enjoy some food from the room service menu on our private terrace with private pool. Never knew a check-in experience could be so smooth and convenient, especially after such a long flight.
Remote and closeby, a charming location
The Siam is located on the Bangkok side of the Chao Praya River, at the base of Krung Thon Bridge in the historical Dusit district. This area might not be the most popular district amongst tourists, but it’s close enough to all of Bangkok’s must-see cultural sights. A boat cruise ride to the Grand Palace or the city’s main shopping artery takes about 15 minutes and is in itself a really nice experience (and the best way to beat Bangkok’s traffic).
The beauty of The Siam’s heritage
The Siam is situated on a property that has been in the Sukosol family since current owner Kamala’s father, Kamol Sukosol, acquired it in 1973. Kamol was an intrepid entrepreneur and among several other successful businesses, he was the sole distributor of America’s General Electric goods in Thailand and exclusive importer of Japan’s Mazda automobiles to the kingdom. Always a lover of boats, he used the land as his private pier, taking time to meander along the Chao Praya river, enjoying the fruits of his labors.
Prior to The Siam’s conception, the land had been leased to a local seafood restaurant. When the lease expired in 2005, the family was left to consider the future of their plot of prime riverfront land in the heart of Bangkok’s royal Dusit district. When Krissada Sukosol inherited this land, he was instantly inspired to build a hotel there to house his substantial collection of antiques. Knowing the property had to stand out, he brought globally acclaimed architect and interior and landscape designer Bill Bensley on board.
With art in mind for the Main Residence, lead architect Khemvadee Paopanlerd drew inspiration from Paris’ Musée d’Orsay. A muted colour scheme of black, white, cream, grey and neutrals has been combined with natural textures such as wood, weave, leather and stone, not to mention sprawling gardens and verdant shrubs throughout. The overall setting reflects the period of Bangkok’s greatest grandeur, under King Rama V (circa 1853-1910), with Art Deco accents.
The Siam is the newest addition – and crown jewel – to the growing portfolio of independently owned and operated properties that make up Sukosol Hotels. Formerly known as Siam Hotels & Resorts, their family name was chosen to parlay the past success and hard-earned respect into a new consolidated brand and philosophy. At The Siam, they believe that luxury travel should be a memorable and meaningful experience that actively involves and contributes to the wellbeing of the local community and ecology. To this end, they are highly committed to making philanthropy and sustainability in the local community a core part of their business and operating strategy.
Besides having their own quality stamp, The Siam Hotel is also part of a range of highly respected organisations like Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Virtuoso and Signature Travel Network.
Unique suites and villas
Guests at The Siam can choose from spacious suites and picture-perfect pool villas. The Pool Villas have been created to make guests gasp as they step into their lush private courtyard, and walk past the intimate pool before retreating into a stunningly decorated bedroom. We had the chance to enjoy the courtyard Pool Villa.
The rooms feature all modern technology (like TV, telephone, power chargers, etc.), a full-size executive desk and ergonomic chair, an enormous wardrobe space with luggage racks, temperature controlled air conditioning, a laptop safe, a mini bar with complimentary water and local snacks, a coffee machine and a kettle, a choice of newspapers and magazines and fresh flowers and fruit.
The bathroom rather seems a ballroom, as it’s the largest bathroom space we’ve ever seen in a hotel. And it’s just as luxurious as spacious, featuring twin sinks, a huge bath, a separate walk-in shower and toilet cubicle, luxurious toiletries and top quality bathrobes and slippers.
All stays at The Siam include breakfast, high speed Wi-Fi, butler service and a complimentary boat service between the hotel and Saphan Taksin pier.
Dining options for all moods
There are several dining options in The Siam Hotel, which is quite convenient as the luxurious feel of the hotel makes it just as nice to stay there as to discover the city. After wandering the busy streets of Bangkok sampling delicious streetfood, one can enjoy tasty food in a more tranquil setting at The Siam. At Chon Restaurant the delicately balanced flavours and textures of the Thai cuisine are presented in classic, yet modern dishes. And with local culture and history steeped in the Thai teak wood houses that make up the restaurant, dining at Chon is nice experience.
For casual chic dining with a menu full of variety the Deco Bar & Bistro is the place to be for Art Deco lovers. Breakfasts is also served here, offering everything from full English to Asian to super healthy options. And as always, guests can ask their butler if they have a special request.
Just off the lobby, Café Cha is a secret corner to sneak a delicious pastry or cake, together with a pot of tea or a freshly brewed coffee.
Adjacent to the infinity pool along the riverfront lawn, you can enjoy refreshing, light snacks, poolside bites and beverages at Bathers Bar after a soothing, cool dip. Sitting back in an outsized daybed, you can sip on sunset cocktails while taking in the unencumbered, private views over the majestic Chao Phraya river.
Must-do activities for all
At The Siam, prepare to be treated to a cultural experience, with sublime service and the river as a focal point of every stay. Here’s a list of our favourite activities that can be booked at The Siam.
The Opium Spa offers exclusive Sodashi therapies and spa products that not only regenerate the skin, but also impart a profound sense of wellbeing to spirit and mind, using essential oils and plant actives. You can choose from facial, body and massage therapies or indulge in a tailored multi-day spa package. The Siam also has at the guest’s disposal a kids and teens spa treatment menu and a full-service hair and nail salon.
Another must-do activity in Thailand is an authentic cooking class. At The Siam you can learn how to cook this cuisine with a hands-on, personal class at their Chon Thai Restaurant.
Sporty guests can train for a day under an expert coach as a “Muay Thai” fighter with a tailored program to fit one’s skill and fitness level and gain a deeper understanding of Thai boxing, which is Thailand’s national sport. It’s also possible to engage one of the personal fitness trainers and work out in the gym or to take a yoga class on the outdoor yoga terrace.
The river plays an important role in every stay at The Siam. Besides using their cruise boat as a very convenient way of transportation, you can also book a unique sunset cruise to see Bangkok from a different side, cruising in luxury and comfort along the Chao Phraya River in a beautifully refurbished rice barge.
Even for those who are not so keen on reading books, a trip to the library is mandatory at The Siam. The historical value and the architecture are simply extraordinary, showcasing not only books, but also antiques, art pieces and artefacts. Next to the library there’s also a cinema and a meeting room.
In short
Step into your private urban sanctuary at The Siam. It’s a stunning luxury hotel, full of exquisite art & antiques and set amidst three acres of lush gardens on the Chao Phraya River, adjoining Bangkok’s must-see historical and cultural attractions. To enjoy the most superb rooms and attentive, personalised service in Bangkok, The Siam Hotel is where you need to be.
Practical information
The Siam, 3/2 Thanon Khao, Vachirapayabal, Dusit, Bangkok 10300, Thailand | +66 2 206 6999 | info@thesiamhotel.com | www.thesiamhotel.com | facebook.com/TheSiam | instagram.com/thesiamhotel
