Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok

First rate conference venue and business hotel.

We previously stayed at Shangri-La, Singapore and Shangri-La Rasa Sayang, Penang and absolutely loved it so this year we thought we would treat ourselves as it was my special birthday and book Shangri-La Bangkok instead of the usual hotel we stay at when in Bangkok (Landmark). When we arrived, first impressions of the foyer and reception area were very good, staff were pleasant etc. We got to our room on the Horizon Club floor and opened the door to be greeted to a very unpleasant mould smell, I called reception, they said they would send someone up, the person arrived quickly with an air freshener spray, gave it a couple of sprays then left, there was absolutely no difference so we turned off the a/c and went out. When we returned later that evening the smell was still very strong, we went to bed but found it difficult to sleep because of it. Next morning I went to reception to advise that the smell was unbearable and that I could not sleep in that for the remaining 2 nights, our clothes were even smelling the same now too. They agreed to a room change, I said that I would like to see the room first to ensure of no smell. The receptionist showed me another room but as soon as she opened the door she hesitated and said that this room also smelled, I entered it and yes, it stank! She said that she would find us another room and call me to let me know. She called me and I went to see the new room and it did not smell, I said we would need 20 minutes to pack up our belongings to move, she said that the room needs refreshing and that she would contact us when it’s ready. Over an hour later, we were still waiting so my husband called reception who advised that the room was ready, why she didn’t inform us, I don’t know. We requested help with our baggage and a very nice young man was there within a few minutes to help. All of this soured our stay somewhat plus the rooms are really quite 3-4*, definitely not 5*, the shower gel, body lotion etc is screwed to the walls so you need a glass to pump some body gel into then put in the bath, there is only 1 sink in the bathroom and everything just looks like it requires a thorough refurb. The ornate bed head had large holes in it, stained carpets, no coffee machine, just a kettle with instant coffee powder and 2 coffee mates and some teabags. Really not up to Shangri-La standards of Singapore and Penang, such a huge disappointment, we both agreed that our usual hotel in Bangkok is far superior. We only used the Horizon Club lounge for breakfast and evening cocktails and canapes, it was nice, for breakfast the a la carte menu selection and buffet choice was good, the coffees should be hotter but understand it’s the machine and the toaster takes absolutely ages to toast! The staff however are all excellent in the club lounge. Cocktails and canapes was also lovely overlooking the river. Shangri-La Bangkok management, you should visit your Singapore and Penang hotels to see that your rooms are lacking. We had the feeling that you are riding on the coat tails of the Shangrila name/reputation but you are not in their league, urgent over haul required.

I stayed in the Krungthep Wing. The best of my stay is the location. Next to BTS Saphan Thaksin and Central Bangrak Mall, the location is perfect with lots of shops and restaurants next to the hotel. The hotel itself is old and feels like a very grand hotel in the past but currently is only a shadow of its past. Room is clean but extremely outdated that its hard to find the plugs for your modern day gadgets. Lights were flickering at nights as signs that it is in dire need of renovations. Shangri-La should consider closing them, renovating then turn it into a different hotel. Otherwise, staff are absolutely lovely and location is perfect.

As usual this was an excellent experience staying at the hotel. From the minute we were picked up at the airport to when we were returned there five days later it was a seamless, five star event. We stayed in a Horizon Club room and having breakfast in the Club was a very pleasance experience, as was having cocktails and canapes in the evening. The hotel is perfectly placed for the metro and river ferries and there are always taxis available just outside. After a long morning sight seeing, or shopping, the pool is a very welcome sight.

The Shangri-La is classical Bangkok, an old-time great luxury hotel with a reputation, but perhaps a bit too big to maintain luxury on the level intended. The Lobby is gorgeous and iconic, and the place has a number of good watering holes. The pool area, however, was a major disappointment with worn and down-right filthy covers on the deck chairs. Sorry… you really must do better for a Shangri-La. Our Horizon Club Riverview Executive Suite was spacious and nice , but starting to show wear on the furnishings. While the style should not change, an upgrade is badly needed. May I suggest wooden floors instead of the carpeting? The wood panelling is lovely. A major disappointment was the tiny closet space, which turned out to be a real problem for a longer stay in Thailand. My wife and I do not travel light. Comparative hotels have walk-in closets in their suite category rooms, sometimes also in their larger rooms. Elegance cannot be maintained from carry-on luggage and a few shelves, but requires appropriately appointed hanging space to unpack a few suitcases. The Horizon Club Lounge is really nice with a good substantive breakfast, allowing to flee from the presence of noisy children at the Next2 Café. It also did a nice Boulevardier cocktail, which - alas - the Long Bar had never heard about, providing only a classic Negroni. Please train all bars in all mainstream cocktails. It would also be good if the doormen would ensure that taxis put on meters, rather than try to convince that 150 baht from the hotel to a location a bit over 1 km away in a broken car is appropriate (I have lived in Bangkok). The staff was mostly good, but there were some touches of unprofessionalism in dealing with clients. All in all, we would likely stay again at the Shangri-La. The chain is an upscale one with a global reputation. The Bangkok flagship property would need a bit more constant care and love to keep at the right level.