Editors' Pick

Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok

$199 or less
Editor's Pick

89 Soi Wat Suan Plu New Road
Bangrak
Bangkok
Thailand 10500
Tel: 866 565 5050
Tel: 66 2 236 7777
Email: slbk@shangri-la.com
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/en/property/bangkok/shangrila

Stretched out along the banks of the Chao Phraya River with easy Skytrain access, the Shangri-La ranks among the world's top luxury hotels. The decor is mostly modern, though there are some nods to old-school Asia in the wall art and standing sculptures. Of the 799 rooms, those in the posh Krungthep Wing, with balconies overlooking tropical gardens and the river, are on average larger than ones in the Shangri-La Wing. Guests in this exclusive part of the hotel also enjoy extras like 24-hour butler service, complimentary pressing (two garments per guest), and evening cocktails and canapés delivered to their door nightly. Facilities include two pools, outdoor tennis and squash courts, a health club and the recently expanded Chi spa offering Thai massage and holistic healing. Among the multiple cafés and restaurants—specializing variously in Chinese, Italian, Japanese, and international cuisines—Salathip stands out for its traditional Thai food served in a little house by the river. Try the Yam Som-O, a typical Thai creation of shredded chicken, pomelo, and water chestnuts that chef Sumalee Boon-ek sprinkles with grated coconut and lime juice and serves in a Pomelo shell.

From the readers of Condé Nast Traveler:

Overall Score: 94.5

• Rooms: 92.8
• Service: 96.4
• Food: 94.0
• Location: 95.6
• Design: 94.0

Staff at this two-wing waterfront property are "warm and efficient." The hotel's location provides "a delightful respite from the bustle of Bangkok." Flowers and greenery are in ample supply in the lobby, with its "high ceilings and lots of natural light." Decor mixes Western and Asian influences. Order a tom yum mojito at the Riverside Lounge. The Chi spa added wet-treatment rooms last year.

(799 rooms)
—2009 Gold List

Amenities: Pool, Spa, Tennis