The Shangri-La Bangkok, Thailand
Sep 14, 2017 | 7:34 pm
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
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The Shangri-La Bangkok, Thailand (16 Photos)
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
Although my usual visits to Bangkok involve staying near Sukhumvit Soi 3 (the Arab/pan-African part of town), a drastic change in neighborhoods was welcome this time.
The Shangri-La Bangkok is located in the Bang Rak district, one of the older parts of downtown, bordered by the Chao Phraya River and Si Lom, one of the primary business/nightlife districts in the sprawling Thai capital. The hotel is conveniently located across from Saphan Taksin (meaning Taksin Bridge) BTS (sky train) station, Sathon pier for local commuter transport, is only a 20-25 minute walk to Si Lom, and even offers a free boat service for guests to the Asiatique shopping and dining complex.
View from my room; the Ferris Wheel of Asiatique can be seen in the background.
The immediate area around the hotel is known for its Thai and Teochew food, specifically congee (rice porridge) and pig knuckle, but Im more of a spicy seafood (think calamari salad, and mashed catfish and chilies) eater. If youre feeling too homesick for something else, the Shangri-La is located right by the Robinson shopping complex, which houses a Tops supermarket in the basement.
(not from the hotel) Catfish and Calamari
Before entering the hotel, I noticed that they had one of those not-quite security checks just outside of the main doors. Well, they didnt bark at me like the TSA does, but they also never cared about what I threw into the X-Ray machine, as long as something was thrown in.
Shangri-La Wing Lobby
I should note that the Shangri-La Bangkok has two wings. My room was located in the older, Shangri-La Wing, containing 673 rooms, and originally built in 1986. The lobby bustles with business-people, couples, families, and lots of hotel staff whirring about. My review will only be covering this part of the hotel.
The Krungthep Wing, finished in 1991, has only 129 rooms, and has a quieter, more private feel. Whereas the Shangri-La Wing also has a lobby cafe and an outdoor pool, the pool and cafe in the Krungthep Wing are free only for guests in that section. That said, guests in either wing can easily walk between the two, and might be glad that the hotel air conditioning can accompany you from the Shangri-La Wing almost all the way to the Saphan Taksin BTS station.
Shangri-La Wing Pooland solar panels
My contact generously provided me with early check-in/out, and access to the Horizon Club Lounge on the 24th floor. All my interactions with front desk staff were hit-or-miss, I did appreciate the one time that one agent assisted me before helping another guest who obviously cut in line.
Now, onto the deluxe river view room
My room was on the 20th floor; rooms could only be accessed by swiping the room key on the elevator panel. Additionally, the Horizon Club Lounge floor required special swiping access, although I noticed that if you could make it to the 23rd floor (presumably a club room floor anyway), theres a spiral staircase connecting to the 24th.
First impressions were that the room was very clean-looking, bright, and had an excellent view of the Chao Phraya River/Shangri-La Wing swimming pool. There were enough pillows present to stretch the length of one Boeing 777 wing maybe though I would say that the electrical sockets were not plentiful enough, and that Samsung technology (in the rooms case, the tv) is third-rate. Most importantly, however, the bed was exceedingly comfortable, and I also managed to awkwardly pass out on the couch, courtesy of jet lag. Staying on that topic, unless someone was yelling right outside of the door and if its anyone, its a mainland Chinese guest the room was very quiet. Thats a big plus.
The bathroom was equipped with a shower with excellent water pressure, a bathtub, useful amenities including a toothbrush and a comb, and a rather tight space for the toilet. The volume button on the side of the basin Im guessing to control the tv volume did not function properly, though thats a minor quibble.
Arent you getting hungry? Lets have a look the food and drink options now
I only tried a couple of the Shangri-La Bangkok choices (Im in ThailandThai food beckons!), so well have a closer look at three of them. In all, theres the riverside Salathip restaurant focusing on Thai food, Volti for Italian, Shang Palace for Cantonese, a Chocolate Boutique, the 14.2 meter (46.5 feet) Long Bar, the Lobby Lounge, Next2 Caf for buffets, and even a nightly dinner cruise on-board the hotels own Horizon II. The Horizon Club Lounge also serves breakfast, afternoon tea and liquors, and has its own meeting spaces. The restaurants could all be rented out, and theme parties are a common occurrence in the Shangri-La Bangkok. On one of the nights I was at the hotel, Volti had a Latin dance/salsa party.
Lobby Lounge
Lemongrass Tea
The Lobby Lounge was generally busy but not overcrowded. Its airy and full of light, but at night, theres often an underwhelming singer serenading the furniture. While sipping my lemongrass tea and munching on taro chips and tom yam peanuts, I overheard a few business meetings taking place; in other words, I dont think I noticed anyone younger than 18 at anytime in the Lobby Lounge.
The Horizon Club Lounge and its staff were a high point of my time at the Shangri-La Bangkok, even though some of the guests let their kids run amok. Anyway, the views were good, the snacks changed every day, and the staff were particularly pleasant, and very willing to help.
View north/northwest from the Horizon Club Lounge
Im rather fond of this photo, taken from the computer terminal section of the Horizon Club Lounge. The Baiyoke Sky Tower is in the left background, and in the left foreground, Assumption Cathedral.
Ah, now were talking, right? In realityno. The breakfast buffet at Next2 Caf was the low point of my stay. In short, waiters and cooks were sluggish, bored and unresponsive, other diners again, Chinese treated the meal as if it were their last, and the overall taste of the food, save for the salad bar and Indian section, was dull or insipid. Not to mention, the chef at the omelette bar was coughing all over my omelette, so that was cool.
The one positive aspect is that Next2 Caf also had outdoor seatingon the flip side, people could smoke there.
In spite of the disappointing breakfast, somewhat out of the way location, and presence of obnoxious guests (which is not hotels fault), the riverside atmosphere, Horizon Club Lounge, and overall tranquility in the deluxe river view room helped outweigh the negatives. If I returned to the Shangri-La Bangkok, Id likely opt for the Krung Thep Wing, as it appeared more serene and subdued, almost as if it were a separate hotel.
Nov 8, 2021 | 8:32 pm
https://trueandfairreviews.com/
Back in June, I was looking through https://megatix.in.th/ a great website in Asia and Australasia for some worthwhile offers and discounts at hotels, spas and dining venues.
I came across an offer for the Shangri La in Bangkok, buy 1 get 1 free. 5,900thb for 2 nights in a deluxe balcony room with breakfast. Looking at hotel offers, this was a genuine deal, so I decided to go ahead. Fast forward to November, due to various restrictions, it was finally time to use the vouchers.
Megatix Offer Buy1 get 1 free
Shangri-La Wing Deluxe Balcony Room with breakfast for 2.
5,900THB for 2 nights. $178, 132
Extra benefits:
Early check in 08:00, late check out 20:00
30% off restaurant al carte
Positives:
Great location, riverfront views.
Staff generally friendly and professional
Pool and health club are highlights
Negatives:
Dated rooms, missing key features
Noise from local bar and construction site
So why choose one of the oldest 5-star hotels in Bangkok? It opened in 1986, located on the Riverside, at the time it was cutting edge and the height of luxury. Just because something is old, does it mean it has lots its charm?
It is ideally located on the riverfront, beside Taksin bridge, where there is a BTS station, and also a short ferry ride across to Icon Siam. You can walk to Silom, and a short taxi ride to Lumphini Park. There are many local shops, restaurants and spas in the area as well.
Anna had check in ahead of me, and I checked in later after I finished the working day. I arrived at 17:00. You need to have your bags x-rayed and go through a security check, which to be honest seems overkill. There are no high security guests staying and indeed no other hotel I have seen in Bangkok has this. It is a little annoying each time to go through this.
Check in was quick, not exactly welcoming, more routine. No details of anything were given. No breakfast information, no details about the extra benefits. Anna was only told breakfast times.
I asked about options for dinner, only one restaurant was open Next2 Caf. Nothing was mentioned on the website or pre-arrival emails.
The room:
I made my way to the room, and at least there is a large bank of lifts so no waiting, well it was very quiet anyway.
Room was located on the 17th floor. 1716. This is a front facing river view balcony room. It is functional. The bed is large and comfy. Two large chairs, and small table. Work desk with adequate charging points. Lighting is a little hit and miss, not very bright.
The work desk has a connection for the TV, VGA and sound cable, maybe tells you how old it is.
The TV is large but standard channels and no channel information.
Only 1 English Breakfast and 1 Green Tea bag and some cheap instant coffee, no real milk.
Bathroom is a good size, with bath and separate shower. Shower leaks, the shower holder does not adjust, not ideal if you are tall. Full range of toiletries which is appreciated.
Toilet is old style, no Japanese one here.
The balcony is nice, with two chairs and a small table, with views across to the Peninsula and Icon Siam. Downside is the rather bad singing from the local bar at nights, and construction site next door. For these reasons, I would really recommend not booking a balcony room, rather a city view room or suite to avoid this noise. It does then rather defeat the purpose of choosing a hotel beside the river.
FYI, upgrade price to river view suite was 1500THB/$5/33 a night.
Let me explain how the room compares to another older hotel, the Conrad Bangkok. They recently upgraded the rooms. They have full connectivity, Chromecast on TV, multiple USB and charger points and HDMI. Selection of teas, and fresh ground coffee and milk. Bathrooms with Japanese toilets, and scales. The whole set up is more modern and the small touches are more noticeable.
Dining:
As mentioned, there was little in the way of information given in regard to the facilities. Again, as a reference point the Conrad send a detailed pre-arrival email with all the opening times of the facilities and what is required in way of booking. This would have been useful to have.
We decided to Next2 Caf for dinner, well this was the only option apart from the Lobby Bar or in-room dining. This is located by the riverside.
Menu was wide ranging with a variety of choice:
Restaurant NEXT2 Cafe : International | Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok
We settled on some Indian food, which was prepared in good time, and was full of flavour. Portions were generous and combined with the 30% discount it was great value. It is a nice location to sit and enjoy the evening by the river.
I had breakfast on the Friday at 06:30, when it opened. This day breakfast was menu choice only, you could choose 6 items from an extensive list of both Western and Asian dishes. I chose fresh fruit, bircher museli, and poached egg with avocado. I never understand the need to bring all the food at once. I rather take my time and not feel rushed. Also, they give one little egg on a piece of toast, I had to order more. I would think two eggs as standard. I had to chase the breadbasket.
The Saturday we went for a late breakfast at 10:00. This time it was a buffet which was a surprise given the choice on the Friday. It turns out, Saturday and Sunday are buffet. Note it closes at 10:30, which is early for a weekend, as they start the lunch buffet.
Wide range again, and excellent service. Although it is buffet staff serve you, which is the normal now, everything feels safe and no issues at all.
I had a coffee in the lobby lounge in the afternoon, complete with a couple of delicious cookies. As someone who loves their sweets, the chocolate bar is a must. The handmade chocolates are superb. They cost 35thb each or a box of 6 for 400thb??? I was told the box is very expensive. So just buy them loose and bring your own box!
Health Club and pool:
Pool is located beside the Next2 Caf, open 07:00-19:00. On the Thursday I went around 17:00 and it was quiet but got busier at 18:00. There is plenty of seating and shade with trees around the area. Many staff on duty with lifeguards. They check temperatures again here. It is a nice area to relax, the pool is a good size, but oval shape, and not easy for swimming when busy.
The health club is located on the 3rd floor, towards the Krungthep Wing, this wing is closed now, it was an ASQ Quarantine Wing, not sure if it still is.
The health club is vast with a range of machines. Some are closed off for social distancing. We were advised to wear mask when possible. We went around 13:00 on a Saturday and there were around 6-7 other people. Good range of weights, yoga studio. In the changing rooms there is a steam and sauna, and jacuzzi, no shared facilities, and be warned the steam rooms is the hottest I have come across.
Final impressions:
It was nice to have the chance to finally visit this long-standing hotel in Bangkok. Would I return? If there was a good promotion, then yes. There are just so many top hotels in Bangkok now, it is hard to stand out. I think Shangri-La will survive on its name, but it really needs a renovation in the rooms to get it up to date. Recommend a city view room to avoid noise.
