THAI LUXURY: The Peninsula Bangkok Hotel

Planning a luxury getaway to the heart of Thailand? Bangkok is a sprawling, humid metropolis of more than 10 million souls. Boasting over 370 guestrooms and suites, the Peninsula Bangkok Hotel, an elegant sand and emerald tone high-rise, will make your exotic experience unforgettably unique. This five-star hotel radiates eastern charm, casting a spell on you with its manifold of amenities and its exceptional quality of service. 

Located in tropical gardens on the western side of the Chao Phraya River, Peninsula Bangkok is in range of 3 miles from the main historic sites of the "City of Angels." Explore the Royal Palace, Emerald Buddha, or Temple of Dawn—all within close proximity to your cozy, yet glamorous chamber. The location is perfect for those who want luxuriant tranquility because the hotel is a little further from the city's downtown shopping and nightlife meccas. Take the Peninsula shuttle boat across the river to access the Skytrain and metro to connect to the rest of Bangkok, or ride the short shuttle to the newly-minted Icon Siam—Bangkok's latest gleaming luxury shopping complex. Take in the historical sites on a leisurely sunset cruise offered by the Peninsula along the Chao Praya River as you sip on cocktails; eat tasty appetizers as you watch the sun set behind these majestic landmarks.

Upon arrival through the spacious entrance to the hotel's lobby, guests are greeted by a horizon of unobtrusive smiles, dressed in branded uniforms, and they are gifted a Phuang malai, a charming floral garland, as a sign of welcome and respect, and as a souvenir for good luck. Guests may choose from one of 370 rooms and suites, each and every one of which, without exception, features a panoramic view of the soaring skyline across the river, free WiFi access, LCD TVs with cable and premium channels, free bottled water, and coffee/tea makers. Although the hotel's interior decor reflects local elements, such as Thai teak floors, the wall coverings and sensuous silk furnishings complement the Asian artwork to bring a Far East cultural edge to both rooms and suites. 

Standard deluxe suites are decent in size and command majestic views through the floor-to-ceiling angled windows. Featuring a living area with a dining table for four, and a separate guest powder room, the deluxe suites offer guests the ultimate in sophisticated luxury. Packed to capacity with signature Peninsula Oscar de la Renta amenities, lush marble bathrooms, separate walk-in closets and dressing areas highlight the luxurious ambience. 

The Peninsula Bangkok Hotel offers a wide range of amenities including the fitness center with a sauna attached, offering free wellness sessions. Filled with the latest in state-of the-art equipment, the fitness center almost begs guests to spend time doing cardio on treadmills, ellipticals, bicycles and stair-climbing machines or gaining strength with a wide range of weights. The hotel also boasts an impressive, nearly 300-feet long outside pool, an oasis overlooking the Chao Phraya River in the highly humid air of the megapolis. But be careful, the solar activity in Thailand is so high that almost any time of the year you can get a serious sunburn, even during cloudy weather. Hide from fierce sunrays with benefit inside the Peninsula Hotel, which provides a series of experiences to its guests ranging from Muay Thai lessons to cooking classes. 

Mellow out on the massage table after a tiring day. Located on the garden level in a three-story Thai colonial-style building by the river, the Peninsula Spa will become a highlight of your trip. Besides providing an abundance of massage and facial treatments performed by highly-trained therapists with traditional methods from European, Oriental and Ayurvedic philosophies, the pompous spa offers mind-healing sessions using Tibetan prayer bowls.

Guests have several dining options located on the doorstep of their rooms. Thiptara Bangkok, a restaurant with a traditional Thai menu, is set in the lush gardens of the hotel. The restaurant commands top-notch service and is a perfect place for a romantic dinner. This year, the restaurant was listed in a Michelin guide, which recommends sampling the following specialties in particular: Gaeng Phet Pet Yang, red duck curry; and Pla-Hi-Ma Sam Rot, deep-fried snow fish with a sweet and sour sauce. Another close dining option is the Cantonese restaurant Mei Jiang. Also listed in the 2019 Michelin guide, the restaurant is led by a seasoned chef from Hong Kong, who has gathered a team of consummate professionals to daily prepare classic Chinese delights. Try out dim sum, the "Health" set menu, which may satisfy both your stomach and soul, and a specialty of the chef. The pricing in both restaurants is in reasonable proportion to the quality of ingredients and the overall presentation.

As historical and recreational as it is warm, Bangkok is a perfect place to hide from the cold and slushy winter season. Escape in style with Peninsula Bangkok Hotel, and fall in love with luxury and comfort. 

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