The Peninsula Bangkok

Just completed a three night stay at The Peninsula Bangkok. This hotel lobby and grounds are lovely but the guest rooms are tired and are in serious need of a refresh/ remodel. The hotel has a definate must and mildew odor and this was especially obvious and the 26 floor corridor and the two rooms that I had booked on the floor. I noticed dehumidifiers in the hallway, so this is an obvious concern for the hotel. Interior room furniture were seriously dated. I’m sure they were beautiful 20 years ago, but they are not at keeping with a five star hotel. Additionally, it’s probably the worst mattress I’ve ever slept on in a hotel. This was the case with both rooms we had booked. Mattresses were hard a rock: thought we did appreciate the nice down pillows and comforters but ultimately they couldn’t make up for the poor quality sleep on those beds.

We hosted a small private birthday celebration (just 10 guests) at The Peninsula Bangkok and were absolutely blown away. Despite the short one-week notice, Khun Satinee Poonchai from Sales & Marketing went above and beyond, securing us the stunning Boripat Room on the 37th floor and coordinating closely with Chef Boonruang to tailor the Thai set menu just the way we wanted. Every dish was beautifully plated and delicious, and Chef Boonruang himself introduced each course like a true chef’s table experience. On the day, everything exceeded our expectations. The service team was incredibly attentive. There were actually more staff than guests :), which gave us a good laugh and made us feel like VVIPs! After dinner, the team even arranged access to the helipad rooftop. The 360-degree city view was spectacular and just when we thought it couldn’t get better, the rain stopped and a rainbow appeared, giving us the most beautiful family photo we could have asked for. Huge thanks to Khun Satinee, Chef Boonruang, and the entire banquet and security team for making this celebration truly magical. An unforgettable experience in every way. Highly recommended.

My wife and I enjoyed a very relaxing stay at The Peninsula. Apart from the luxurious surroundings, the outstanding feature was the first class customer service. It was noticeable that we were always greeted with a smile by every member of staff in every area of the hotel. It’s the little things such as being offered a refreshing cold towel and a cold water bottle when we took the boat service - we never had to ask for these, the staff took the initiative. The same at the pool - the staff walked around to the pool beds and cabanas offering iced water. Upon check in we were pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to a Grand Deluxe Balcony Room on the 31st floor. Apart from the spectacular river view, the room was spacious (45 m2) and very well appointed. The bathroom was a good size, with dual vanities and a huge bath. The separate storage area for our luggage had ample hanging and drawer space. The bed was very comfortable but we did had to ask for a firmer pillow after our first night. This was supplied quickly and efficiently. The food in the breakfast buffet was ample and delicious, particularly the fruit. There were so many options it was hard to choose between so many tasty dishes. The customised eggs benedict station was something different and much appreciated. We also had an afternoon tea and dinner buffet, both were excellent, as were the cocktails. Some practical information: a regular metered taxi from BKK cost 500 baht and took just under an hour (at 1730). The boat service to Icon Siam shopping centre leaves on the hour and half hour and takes less than five minutes. The boat across the river to Saphon Taksin is on demand. The boat staff helped us buy public ferry tickets to visit Wat Arun and Wat Pho.

As regular guests since the opening of the property we still very much enjoy this property. Unfortunately one of the key service differentiator which existed until the last management Group was changed a couple of years ago has disappeared. We used to know and meet personally the senior managers and general manager of the property. For example we would be invited to a weekly cocktail party. Or would be approached during time spent in the lobby or at restaurant/pool. Regular checks took place. We would not just meet once. Now this experience has been reduced to zero. We still get some attention from front desk colleagues. But these are usually quite junior staff. They are great but do not relate much to our history of the hotel. During our last stay a friend who lives in bangkok introduced us to a manager. Which was nice. But the introduction was linked to her personal relationship to this outside person. Not to the fact that we, our family, friends and business colleagues visit this property for 25 years already. The other point is that there is has been no improvement in the rooms for many years. They are showing their age. The bathroom still has a CRT tv which was installed at opening in 1998! More importantly the beds lack the expected comfort of modern 5 star hotels. What has improved though is the price by night which went up every year. Again for exactly the same product and a service which has dropped since Covid. Again the former management team made up personally by engaging guests. The new team remains unseen apart for the welcome card. Finally the pool service remains an issue, while we were there they had construction works. We were not informed about these at reservation. It was the very hot season, day time, staff seemed overwhelmed and tired. Which is understandable. But solutions exist. Shorter shifts, more staff. Etc Most guests are now Chinese. I was told they don’t care about the pool during day time. As a single traveller I do not think this hotel is good value anymore in Bangkok. I will return (hopefully) with my family.

This is my 17th visit. I’ve been staying at this property since 2012. I almost want to call it my second home!!! The property and amenities are amazing but the Best Asset of this hotel are the staff. I will only stay at the Peninsula Bangkok . The staff genuinely care about the happiness and needs of their guests I won’t stay at Mandarin Oriental or Four Seasons if they gave it to me for free Front Office. Alex and Wei front office managers are a major asset to this property . They are wonderful top notch professional people and genuine about their guests . Concierge. Ann and Landawan are a dream team. All their recommendations and attentiveness is flawless. Best concierge team. Good and Beverage. Sittichai is always welcoming and kind. Plus extremely hard working . Mimi is so kind . Pool. Boon Chu and Wanchai always do a wonderful and provide great poolside service . Spa. Make sure you get stretching . Pan and gym staff are wonderful and kind Airport Transfer. I highly recommend getting the airport transfer. Very nice BMW 7 series and Peninsula Airport reps are absolutely wonderful and take away any stress or travel anxiety . From arrival to checking in for flight . Worth every cent. Waldo is wonderful and all the staff are too. The property is amazing . Best views of the river . A 5 minute walk to Iconsiam mall. The rooms are great. Spa is wonderful.