Set on three prime acres facing the Chao Praya River, The Siam Hotel is situated in Bangkok’s royal district near the Dusit palace complex which has been the primary place of residence of the Kings of Thailand since the 1890s. The Siamese capital’s rich past is intrinsic to the magical hotel and guests are bound to fall in love with the care woven into each of its exquisite details.
The 39 hyper luxurious suites & villas were created by Thai-American musician and actor Krissada Sukosol Clapp who worked with legendary resort designer Bill Bensley to develop the heritage-style and Art Deco-inspired property. Together, the visionary duo has managed to create a truly unique hotel that stands out in a country home to many of the world’s top luxury hotel brands. The hotel, which will celebrate its 7th anniversary next year, is part of the Sukusol Hotels and Resorts Group.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted to the Main Residence, a majestic white palace inspired by The Musée d’Orsay in Paris. The serene white entrance hides an interior lush in natural beauty that awaits in perfect harmony with its grandiose surroundings. Flaunting a chic colonial feel, the Main Residence has 16 uniquely themed bright suites featuring Art Deco living rooms, huge luxuriously soft beds, double wardrobes, deep bathtubs and separate walk in showers; all graced by tasteful original artwork and sumptuous dark wood furniture.
For those with even more demanding needs, there are 23 vast and immaculate Pool Villas designed with Thai, Colonial, Chinese or Art Deco themes. These lower-level garden villas are awash with beautiful internal gardens and include private plunge pools for absolute privacy. They also feature open-air roof terraces providing a unique place for sunbathing or in-room dining. The villa bathrooms are spacious with double sinks, showers and stand-alone tubs big enough for two. The Villas also cater for larger families with the possibility of hiring extra beds for teenagers or adding a free baby cot. Babysitting is also available with 24 hours’ notice and the hotel even has its own screening room with retro cinema seats where you can ask for popcorn and drinks and enjoy an entertaining night in, with family and friends. All rooms are complete with a house butler, a selection of in-house movies and a smartphone with free international and local calls and unlimited 4G data.
The Siam’s Chon Thai Restaurant is set in a cluster of three interlinked, century-old Thai teak wood houses, once part of OSS agent Connie Mangksau’s home, where the likes of Jackie Kennedy, John Rockefeller, Roger Moore and Henry Ford were entertained. Dishes are served directly from the live cooking station on the riverside lawn and you can ask to experience Chef Damri’s dégustation menu which is the result of a long history of travelling around Thailand and soaking up secret recipes and cooking knowledge from legendary chefs and unexpected food shacks. It is considered by the local high society as the perfect setting for romantic tête-à-tête dining as couples will often find themselves dining in the company of no one else but the chef, and perhaps just another couple. The restaurant offers an opulent view of the magnificent river and an unforgettable hideout to sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne, herbal tea or a cocktail.
In one of the delightful teak wood houses you’ll find The Deco Bar and Bistro which offers casual chic dining upstairs as well as an eclectic and varied breakfast buffet downstairs with an astounding choice of à la carte dishes. Inspired in the elegance of the jazz age twenties, the restaurant offers a grand selection of western dishes amidst a fascinating collection of brass instruments and vintage posters. For the sweet-toothed, there’s also a delicious patisserie, The Café Cha.
Guests can also arrange cooking lessons with renowned chef, Damri Muksombat, who previously cooked at the Four Seasons Tented Camp in Chiang Rai and was the executive chef of the Issaya Siamese Club. The lesson includes an optional Tuk-Tuk ride to the local fresh market in Bangkok’s Old Town.
One of the hotel’s flagships is the pier, next to the 23m riverfront swimming pool, where guests can request a Tha Nam Siam nine course Thai tasting menu or enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail. It is also the starting point for one of the most magical experiences that The Siam offers: full access to the wonderful antique rice barge boat which is the best way to get around Bangkok and enjoy its many riverside attractions.
Nick Downing is the General Manager at The Siam and, together with his team of unfailingly polite staff members, has created a glorious atmosphere which wraps the entire experience. It is common to see Nick cheerfully greeting the guests at the breakfast buffet adding a personal touch and taking a keen interest in everyone’s well being.
Apart from the aforementioned boat, cooking school and private cinema, there’s an exciting range of authentic lifestyle experiences to choose from including an antique collection, yoga training, Muay Thai boxing lessons, the option to get a sacred ‘sak yant’ sacred Thai tattoo and the opulent Opium Spa with a sauna and steam room.
Bangkok’s The Siam is a true gem of Siamese charm as well as a world class spot for the exigent traveler to start any South East Asian vacation.
