July 21 2007: No, the hotel rooms nor the suites aren't anything out of the ordinary.  I mean, don't get me wrong... they are nice; but it's a hotel room.  Alas, it is not the rooms here that make you want to extend your four day stay here to a week and dream of coming back for to two. 

The service here is unpretentious and consistently awesome!  Whether you're at the lobby for coffee, the bar, having breakfast by the River or at the fancy Le Normandie.  They make you feel like Royalty :)  The pool is what I love about this hotel.  Actually, it's the cabana :)  It's simply a great place to hang out all day and relax with the breeze blowing constantly while you nap.  Heavenly!

Don't miss a meal across the river at Sala Rim Naam or tea at the Author's lounge - the scones are to die for!

Do note that if you do enjoy sight seeing, there isn't really much close-by other then the French Embassy and the Sky Bar (Sirocco).  Then again, cabs are aplenty and CHEAP!  Or if you want to go the luxury way, get the hotel 'limo' at a price... maybe a kidney or so lol...  but certainly the way to travel around and less the hassle of trying to convince cab drivers no, you don't want seafood or see naked women, girls, animals, men nor a combination of some or all of the above.  It can be frustrating after it happens the third time in one day.  Yes, they have actually driven me to a seafood place not of my asking lol.  A good story to tell at the end of the trip nonetheless :)

But yes, the Oriental Bangkok is by far my favorite hotel to relax at.  Then again, I don't work and I have no kids.  Anymore relaxed and I'd be comotosed lol!

January 9 2008: Some of the best food on earth.  Rooms are very nice, big pillows, nice tv's.  Very modern style.

Date of stay: May 2006
Purpose of stay: Leisure (With Friends/Group)

June 17 2007: The Oriental is expensive, but worth it! The amenities are luxurious -- with designs that often incorporate Thai silk, gold leaf, and teak paneling. Some rooms have views of the river that flows through Bangkok and there is an outdoor restaurant from which you can watch the boats go by.

If you haven't traveled to Bangkok before, you may underestimate the pollution, traffic, and crowds. This makes the hotel you are coming 'home' to even more important... the Oriental will not disappoint you as a retreat. The service is top notch, there are diverse restaurants to choose from, the spa is world-renowned, and the hotel even offers a culinary school!

Despite the pollution and noise, Bangkok is a fantastic city. There is amazing shopping and the emerald and reclining buddhas are beautiful. I grew up in Bangkok for almost five years, so I have very fond memories of the city. If you are into Thai silk, check out Jim Thompson.

Bring an extra empty suitcase -- you'll want the room for the things you are sure to buy...