We made a fleeting visit to Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok. For our final night in the city we were comforted in the knowledge that we would be staying with this worldwide renowned chain whose standard is consistently excellent and no luxury amenity is spared. I have stayed in Four Seasons hotels around the world but never so far away from home. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok upheld all my expectations.
From the moment the grubby taxi pulled into the driveway, I noticed an old Siamese charm about the Four Seasons Bangkok. From the doormen to hotel managers, there is a quiet politeness and understated charm to every aspect of this accommodation and in every staff member.
Reclining stone elephants mark the entrance, ornate Thai flowers decorate the large lobby and a detailed colourful mural brings life to the wall on the grand staircase leading to the second floor. The theme of the painting is the coronation of a King, which is fitting as we were staying on Coronation Day – a very important public holiday in Thailand. This is just one of many murals in the hotel; they are the work of some of Thailand’s most celebrated and accomplished painters.
Informed that we had been upgraded to a Four Seasons Executive Suite, we were whisked up to the members only Executive Club Lounge on the seventh floor. The speedy check-in was accompanied by fresh orange juice and early evening canapés.
Our impressively large suite was warm and welcoming – located on the fifth floor with a panoramic cityscape view from the window, dark and moody at night, bright and bustling in the morning. This suite comprises a big bedroom, spacious living room, powder room and bathroom. There is elegant décor throughout the rooms including teak furnishings, silk fabrics and authentic Thai artefacts. It was extremely comfortable and homely but also filled with intriguing detailing. I spent a while flicking through a magnificent book documenting the King of Thailand’s reign and the history of the monarchy.
We didn’t spend long in the luxurious suite but could enjoy its perks nonetheless; the softest sheets, the bounciest pillows, fragrant L’Occitane products and a giant bathtub. When morning came I woke heavy-hearted, sad to be leaving the Land of Smiles. We had the choice of breakfast location, either the Executive lounge or the main courtyard downstairs. We chose the larger communal area conscious that the food choice would be greater. Here many cuisines and breakfast traditions are represented. Knowing we wouldn’t be eating authentic Thai for a while we opted for the local red curry with chicken and fried rice with pork – absolutely delicious despite the odd time of day. An egg station makes guests hot dishes to their exact specifications and inside the pastry, fruit and yoghurt buffet was extensive.
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok provided the perfect home for our final night in Thailand. It felt very natural as a five star hotel in this hectic city, not contrived or over-modernised like many of its competitors, instead evoking a sense of place while providing the highest level of luxury.
More information and book here: www.fourseasons.com/bangkok