Top 10 Hotels that Reflect Thailand’s Culture
Part of the attraction of Thailand is its rich culture. Fortunately, there are many hotels in Bangkok that have elected to incorporate Thailand’s culture in their architecture and service.
Part of the attraction of Thailand is its rich culture. Fortunately, there are many hotels in Bangkok that have elected to incorporate Thailand’s culture in their architecture and service.
1. The Baan Chantra
This is an intimate boutique hotel near the nightlife mecca, Khao San Road. It has been around a while and it is charming how they were able to successfully preserve the original teak interiors of a 1930s shop house have been retained. The hotel has an informal atmosphere, perfect for those looking to combine a bit of modern day luxury with easy access to the culture of Bangkok.
2. The Phranakorn Norn Len
This is best described as a stylish guesthouse. The décor is quirky and the walls boast hand-painted florals. Throw pillows and hanging plants round off the look. The hotel aims to provide a stay that is stress free and, with a shady courtyard and garden, they seem to manage well.
3. The Old Bangkok Inn
This inn is reminiscent of the past as is fitting of a place in the antique district. It is the very epitome of old world charm and features décor that harkens back to a less hurried age. The rooms are not large but are romantically decorated. Best of all, the hotel makes use of many different eco-friendly measures.
4. The Arun Residence
It was until not too long ago that the district of Ko Ratanakosin , Bangkok’s most historic district, closed down once the sun set. Now you can stay alongside the river and wake to the views of temple spires. The décor is elegant and well-suited to the historic significance of the district. Stay in the suite and look out over Wat Arun from your private balcony. Until recently, Bangkok's most historic district of Ko Ratanakosin, filled with palaces and temples, closed down after dark. But this riverside inn, occupying an old Sino-Portuguese-style building, now provides a place to bed among nighttime vistas of the temple spires. Arun Residence bears simple but elegant period décor in its five rooms, mostly split-level lofts. The Arun suite has a private balcony with views of monumental Wat Arun.
5. The Ibrik Resort by the River
The Ibrik is still small enough to make you feel as though you are in a private home. Situated in a residential area in Thonburi, it is over the river from Bangkok and boasts clean cut, modern interiors.
6. Chakrabongse Villas
Experience what it was like to be a Thai royal by staying in this erstwhile palace. At over a hundred years old, this used be used by one of the sons of King Chulalongkorn. The garden has been beautifully maintained; the interiors are rich and warm and there are breath-taking views of the river. The Thai king may never offer you a spare room during your stay in the kingdom, but you can bunk like a royal at this former palace, just a brief stroll from the historic sites of Ko Ratanakosin. The riverside estate dates to 1908 when it was used for overnight visits by the 40th son of King Chulalongkorn. Today, three traditional-style apartments occupy the lush garden, soaking in private views of the river; the interiors boast rich hues of gleaming teak and earth-toned silks.
7. The Shanghai Inn
The retro Chinoserie décor of this Inn break the mould of the traditional Chinatown accommodation by being styled with jazz-era Shanghai in mind. comfortable and stylish, the Shanghai Inn makes use of imperial-inspired furniture to make a splash. Although Chinatown is one of Bangkok's more intriguing neighbourhoods, the sleeping options are monopolised by hulking matrons dating from the gaudy days of pink vinyl and shag carpet. This hip hotel breaks the mould with retro Chinoiserie stylings. Pink and purple lanterns, bamboo floors and imperial-inspired furniture transform the hotel's 55 rooms into boudoirs evoking jazz-era Shanghai.
8. La Residence Hotel
Set in the heart of the financial district, this is one of the first boutique hhotels in Bangkok. The décor is simple and uncluttered and the staff are helpful and knowledgable. It is ideally situated for business and is a short stroll away from Patpong and a Skytrain station.
9. The Eugenia
This is not a new addition but does deserve mention because of its complete attention to Victiorian detail. Canopy beds, antique fixtures and hand-hammered baths all contribute this feel. be driven to and from the airport in style in one of the hotel’s vintage Jags.
10. The Seven
This boutique hotel is thoroughly Thai in that the rooms are each decorated in colours that are associated with days of the week. The décor is minimalist but still interesting because of this concept.