Sometimes in life you just have to splurge on things. However, I only splurge if I feel it’s really worth it. For the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, it’s always worth it. The one hundred twenty-five year old Oriental is rated as the number one hotel in Bangkok, and many can argue, including myself, that this hotel might just be the best in the world. It’s not just a hotel, but also an experience.
My dad has been coming here for years. As a little girl I remember him telling me about this hotel across the world, where everyone had their own personal butlers. Years later when I told him I was heading to Bangkok, he insisted I stay at the hotel he’s always told me about. With world-class infinity pools that overlook the famous Chao Phraya River, stunning landscape throughout, incomparable service and interior design that would make Martha Stuart blush, I couldn’t be more thrilled to finally stay at the timeless hotel that redefines the term luxury.
Upon arrival you are greeted with fresh flowers and larger than life smiles from the gracious bellman and hotel staff. Once you’re done gawking at the extravagant ceiling pieces and statues that fill the perfectly ambient lobby, make your way up to your lavish living quarters.
If the opulent marble bathroom and the fancy silk pillows on your enormous king bed aren’t enough to blow you away, maybe the immediate arrival of your personal butler bringing you fresh iced-tea will do the trick.
Most flights from the US get in late at night. If this is the case for you, take a warm bubble bath and ease into your mental state of relaxation that the Oriental is sure to bring you. With your slippers and robe already laid out for you next to the tub, you’re good to go. Prepare for the deepest sleep of your life. I know for me within five minutes of getting out of the tub I was passed out on my bed, face down, robe and slippers still on.
Every morning starting at 730am the hotel offers a complimentary yoga class across the river at their award winning spa and fitness center. While walking from your room to the boat you’ll probably get at least twenty “good mornings” from the courteous hotel staff, as they prove their hospitality is immeasurable.
After an intense but relaxing yoga session hop back on the Oriental’s designated boat, which happens to cross the river over three hundred and fifty times a day! Once back on land head to breakfast on the terrace. This world-famous morning buffet is not one to miss. It’s truly one of the most memorable buffets in the world. With so many options to choose from it will be hard to even taste everything you see in front of you. The fresh fruit includes exotic choices like Durian, Rambutan and Mangosteen.
In addition to the tropical fruit the buffet offers croissants, cheesecakes, omelets, sautéed vegetables, potatoes, meatballs, sliced deli meats, sushi, miso soup, noodles, and almost every kind of fresh bread. Sushi and meatballs for breakfast? Yes please. You can spend hours sipping on their specialty-brewed coffee watching the boats pass on the river, waiting for your stomach to make some more room for round eight at the buffet.
Once you’re stomach has had some recuperation time, enjoy the rest of your day taking it easy. Head to one of the two tranquil swimming pools and spend your afternoon sipping specialty-handcrafted cocktails.
With the hotel’s stunning décor, flawless execution of customer service and it’s efforts to make this stay one to remember, it’s easy to see why the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is ranked as the number one hotel in it’s class.
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