The Peninsula Bangkok

Stayed at The Peninsula Bangkok for a staycation over the Labor Day holidays and had a very enjoyable experience overall. While the hotel is certainly a classic property, it has been exceptionally well maintained and does not feel dated in a negative way at all. Instead, it retains a timeless grand luxury ambience that is increasingly rare to find in Bangkok today. We stayed in a Deluxe Suite with a panoramic river view, which was beautiful both during the day and at night. The suite itself was spacious with a very ample living room area, excellent bedding quality, and a very comfortable overall layout. The TV and in-room technology were also very good. Bathroom facilities were excellent as well, particularly the strong water pressure and large bathtub. The only minor issue was that the hot and cold water controls were slightly confusing to operate initially. Amenities provided were very nice and in keeping with the hotel’s luxury positioning. Service throughout the stay was excellent, especially from the front desk and housekeeping teams. Staff were professional, attentive, and warm without being overly formal. The pool area remains one of the highlights of the property with very good service and a relaxing atmosphere overlooking the river. Food and beverage quality by the pool was also very good and enjoyable throughout the stay. Breakfast was perhaps the weakest aspect of the experience — it felt rather chaotic during peak periods and the selection could be broader compared to some newer luxury hotels in Bangkok. However, there was still enough variety to satisfy most guests. One feature that continues to make the hotel special is the excellent boat shuttle service connecting guests conveniently to ICONSIAM and the BTS system. It adds a uniquely Bangkok charm to the overall stay experience. Overall, a very pleasant staycation and a hotel that still delivers classic luxury extremely well. We would definitely return again for another Bangkok riverside escape.

We had a wonderful stay at The Peninsula Bangkok and it was the perfect way to finish our Thailand holiday. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. We were taken directly to our room and checked in there, which immediately made the experience feel relaxed and seamless. Our room on the 32nd floor had an amazing view overlooking the river and Bangkok skyline, especially at night. The hotel itself is elegant, peaceful and very comfortable. We enjoyed drinks in the Lobby, dinner at the Riverside Terrace, and a lovely final dinner at Thiptara, which was a real highlight of our stay. We also made good use of the complimentary shuttle boat to ICONSIAM, which was both convenient and enjoyable. Overall, the combination of exceptional service, beautiful river views and relaxing atmosphere made this a very memorable stay. We would happily return.

We stayed here for 2 nights.We were upgraded and our room was ready a huge bonus.We were offered late check out due to my hotel status which was another added bonus.A greatly located hotel with complimentary shuttle boats so cool.The staff here cannot do enough for you all super warm welcoming and helpful.The rooms are dated but everything else makes up for this.We will def return the next time we’re in Bangkok.

Staying at this hotel now. This is the third time staying here and the activities that they advertise for the day at reception are never available! Every time I come and try to book them in advance they say they are fully booked. What is the point of having the whole list of activities on the board for guests at reception and in the room if they cannot be ever booked! Even in advance. At the restaurant the chef invited for the cooking class but no availability again. If this is the standard of Peninsula now, then I will not be coming again sorry.

I hadn’t visited Bangkok for over 12 years, so when I enquired about staying at The Peninsula, I wasn't surprised to be quoted full rack rate with no benefits, despite previous innumerable nights over 60 or so separate stays at the property - often with my late partner. Fortunately there's infinitely more choice in BKK today - IHG or Shangri-La, in particular, where I’ve maintained Platinum (or equivalent) status. So despite choosing to stay elsewhere this time, I decided to return for a nostalgic solo dinner on the terrace. Unfortunately, the experience was deeply disappointing. The buffet looked underwhelming. Certainly nowhere near its former standard. In fact, it reminded me more of a decent four-star hotel buffet in Lanzarote than what one might expect from a 'flagship' five-star property. Determined to give the old girl the benefit of the doubt, I opted instead for the Thai restaurant and was seated at a riverside table; something that once felt like a privilege reserved for top-tier guests, but today seemed more a reflection of how few diners were present. I ordered a gin and tonic, only to be told there would be a long wait as the bar was busy (apparently due to a large wedding on the terrace). Still, I remained in good spirits and even took a photo to share with a friend and fellow Peninsula enthusiast, currently confined to a hospital bed in Lyon. Then came the water: Vittel. I declined. Thailand is not short of perfectly good bottled water, and it seems unnecessary - if not environmentally tone-deaf - to import the stuff from 6,000 miles away. Being told this was the only option felt both pretentious and at odds with the sustainability messaging large hotel groups often promote. At that point, I decided to leave without the drink, let alone dinner. It felt like the right moment to take a final boat ride across the river and let the Peninsula remain a fond but distant memory. Sadly, even this once on-demand shuttle is now timetabled. In the end, it was quicker to walk to Icon Siam for dinner. A disappointing return to what was once a truly special place.