The Peninsula Bangkok

I was seeking a “splurge” hotel stay to end my travels in Southeast Asia, and the Peninsula Bangkok did not disappoint! The sweeping views of Bangkok and the Chao Phraya River are absolutely breathtaking, and hotel amenities are first class. I stayed in a King-bed, grand deluxe room, which was stunning. There room has a foyer, which accommodates luggage and has a in-room safe, sitting area, and ample closet space. The bathroom was as large as many hotel rooms I have stayed in, with a separate tub and shower stall, two sinks, and a toilet with a door for privacy. The bedroom was immaculate with a sitting area with a sofa, as well as a desk. There were remote consoles throughout the room, which afforded easy operation of room curtains, lights, etc. Fresh fruit was also delivered to my room daily. Daily breakfast was included with my room, and the offerings were incredible, with a huge variety to Western and Asian food, along with endless fruit, bread, and beverage selections. I also enjoyed the Peninsula Afternoon Tea, lunch in the riverfront cafe, and cocktails in the Lobby Bar. The hotel also has an abundance of shops and is near the Icon Siam shopping mall, which is within walking distance. In addition, the Peninsula provides its own river shuttle, which I used for transport to nearby attractions and the BTS sky train. Hotel staff were great, and the concierge was helpful answering my questions about Bangkok and arranging airport transportation. All in all, I had a memorable and enjoyable stay that I will never forget. It is hard for me to imagine having a finer hotel experience. So if you too are looking for a “splurge”, the Peninsula Bangkok definitely fits the bill.

We return to the Peninsula Bangkok for the sixth time to celebrate our anniversary. We love the location along the river and the view of Bangkok from the top floor. There have been a few changes in management recently, and it seems to be taking some time to find its feet. That said, the recent arrival of a French executive as number 2 of the structure augurs well for the continuity we have seen in the past.

Many years ago, while on business in Hong Kong, I had the good sense and good fortune to stay at The Peninsula. I had heard of this hotel decades earlier (Christmas 1978) while a young U.S. Marine visiting Hong Kong for the first time. Not too long afterward my stay at The Pen Hong Kong, while on business in the Philippines I knew I had to stay at The Peninsula Manila. Those two stays were the catalyst for my recent week-long stay at the The Peninsula Bangkok, this time not on business but rather leisure (a culture and history excursion) and for some medical attention. These were three of the most intelligent travel-related decisions I’ve ever made. First, five words to set the scene: class, style, atmosphere, service, and attitude. These are what set The Pen Bangkok, like The Pen Hong Kong and The Pen Manila, apart from the truly vast majority of other genuine 5-star hotels. Airport Welcome and Travel to The Pen: My Pen Bangkok greeter met me at the gate (The Pen’s VIP Fast Track service), took me to the VIP Immigration fast lane (no wait), and escorted me to the waiting BMW 730i. The car was immaculate and my driver a professional amid the madness that is Bangkok traffic. Check-In: I was met at the car by a staff member who escorted me directly to my room (skipped reception) where I was checked in and shown the features of the room. My luggage was delivered promptly. The Room: Bright, cool, furnished tastefully including on the balcony overlooking the river. Fruit, cookies, candy and a bottle of red wine were waiting, all complimentary. The dressing area was convenient and the fabled Peninsula bathroom was large and fully decked out in style and accoutrements, and the water pressure in the splendid shower was great. The room has a safe; printer; master lighting, communications, and curtains control panels conveniently located; a working desk; mini bar; mini fridge; espresso machine; umbrellas; flowers; TV; and so on. The mattress, linens, pillows, and blanket were outstanding. Good sound insulation. The Pen faces east and is right on the Chao Phraya River; I recommend a balcony room for photography. Dining: I dined at Thiptera (Thai), Mei Jiang (Cantonese; get the Hong Kong “Typhoon Shelter Style” shrimp), and River Café & Terrace, the latter of which has very nice breakfast and dinner buffets with a tremendous selection. In-room dining was fast, courteous, efficient and tasty. Spa: Due to my long struggle to understand the 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-order effects of assorted projectiles, kinetics and gravity while a Marine in ground combat and training environs, I booked treatment sessions at The Spa at The Pen Bangkok. Therapist Jui deserves special mention and credit for her knowledge, approach, techniques, and shocking strength for someone so tiny. Grounds: Like a botanical garden, only with a great pool and other water features. There are so many flowers seemingly everywhere you look, including excellent orchids. The pools form a chain with waterfalls and there are cabanas available and a pool bar that serves lighter fare. Amenities: Traditional Thai river boats ferry guests at no charge to the other side of the river and the popular ICONSIAM mall. Solid Wi-Fi throughout the property. Curious, I took my phone to the bottom of the pool and it still could get on the Wi-Fi net. Many wellness activities provided compliments of The Pen throughout each day. Concierge: Helpful and quick to react. Front Desk/Reception: Helpful and always staffed properly. Checkout: Smooth and quick. Travel Back to the Airport: My driver had the BMW 730i waiting. The trip took about an hour. My Peninsula VIP Fast Track representatives were waiting on the curb and my processing through check-in, security, and Immigration went very smoothly. Avoiding those long lines that were everywhere was a pleasure. I was escorted to the door of my airline’s business lounge. The money spent coming and going via this service was worth every baht. Clearly The Pen Bangkok rates 5 stars. I look forward to my next Peninsula stay, wherever that is.

Had a really good stay here. Rooms have great river views, pool is amazing, lovely bar next to the river, breakfast had huge choice and good quality. Beds super comfortable. Rooms large. Service good. Only downside is rooms are a bit dated, dark wood lack of charging points but that was fine for us. Would recommend and good vfm.

Peerless luxury from start to finish. Don't pay any attention to comments on this hotel being dated. If by dated you mean providing timeless, flawless service in the best location in the city then I'm all for dated. The breakfast is sublime with the best cakes and pastries I've eaten anywhere in the world, the pool is large and has great loungers (plus a bonus happy hour drinks offer!). The gym is well equipped and staffed, with changing rooms that are essentially a spa in themselves (sauna, steam room, cold and hot plunge pools). River transport is efficient and a real feature. Restaurants and bars are similarly good and whilst obviously not cheap aren't outrageously expensive. If there was one short coming I would say it was that the concierge service for such a prestigious hotel is a bit lacking.