Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok

We stayed at the Shang some 20 years ago and returning did not disappoint. A wonderful hotel, very well run and with everything you need as an oasis of calm in the bustle of Bangkok. Great riverside breakfast and meals in the hotel. Close to the BTS to get up into the city, to the boat pier to take trips up the River. Excellent rooms and wonderful service from all the staff! We were very sorry to leave

Had worst hotel experience ever. Hotels keeps forgetting that check-in is makes or breaks your stay. When arriving at hotel, needed to go to ATM to pay Taxi (after agreeing to pay with card), in the hotel 2 staff members send me in the wrong direction, after they forgot to took my luggage out of the taxi (after explicitly asking them when I searched for the ATM) . When finally arriving at check in, a cold and distracted lady gave my room key. Not worth its 5 stars nor its money. Rooms smelled bad (like somebody smoked in there) and look like something from then 90ies

After five previous visits to Thailand, we finally stayed at the Shangri La, and I can tell you it was a decision well made. This was a step back in time to the grand hotels and the way they were supposed to be. If you like modern and minimalist then this place is not for you. On the other hand, should you be one for tradition and timeless elegance and old school luxury, then step inside and take your fill. We stayed in a River View Executive Suite, which was spacious and with a nice outside area from which I viewed both the river and the city. The bed was soft and comfortable, and the room was very clean. All standard stuff of course, but for me, the highlight was the Long Bar which is located in the grand lobby lounge area. Now THAT is what a bar should be. It excelled in its elegance and the service was great, making us feel right at home on our first night in Thailand. There was an issue with being overcharged for the hotel’s transport, but this was sorted out (you just need to exercise some patience with such things). The swimming pool had a problem with people reserving sunbeds then going off and leaving them, even though there were signs stating do not do this, but I suppose for some nationalities they don’t care. Anyway, the team around the pool found us a couple of beds and were clearly doing their best, which we appreciated. We had breakfast in the Horizon Lounge, which was very nice up on the 24th floor with a smashing view of the river. You’ll get a huge choice of food in the main restaurant, but we found the lounge more suitable to our needs, seeing as my wife is disabled. The staff were very welcoming. In short, despite some cracks around the edges, the sheer elegance of the Shangri La and the lovely feeling of this traditional classic hotel wins the day for me, and is well worth its five stars because of this. If you like old school luxury, comfort and hospitality then step right in. I would definitely return.

arriving last night we had wonderful service at reception and asked for a dinner reservation in your restaurant. I was however, appalled to find that no one in your restaurant could show me gluten free options in the buffet, and that your menu merely outlined all of the dishes which had gluten in them but nothing for me to understand what I could eat. Again tonight trying to to order room service your menu states G for gluten on almost every item and only in the pasta section do you mention you have a gluten free option available. No soups, no sandwiches or curries are gluten free. At a seemingly international five star hotel this is totally unacceptable and not the standard of welcoming or service I expect to receive. Your staff need training and understanding of gluten allergy to make your growing number of gluten allergic guests feel safe and welcome to eat in your establishment. Unfortunately I will not feel comfortable to stay at shangri la again in the near future in Bangkok or anywhere else that I travel.

The rooms are very comfortable - good bed and great sheets/pillows. Free safety deposit box which is good, a fantastic shower and lots of free water and complimentary mini bar (not restocked). The water was replenished which is very welcome. Air conditioning worked well and the room was quiet and roomy. Nice touch is the subtle lighting at night in the room and bathroom (more hotels need to do this!). The security on entry (scanning bags and metal detectors you ignore anyway when they go off?) is overkill and unwelcoming as is the need to leave a deposit CHARGED to card yet not refunded despite me not wishing or intending to run up a tab… I have never had that before. The shuttle over the river is useful, it should run more often though and later into the evening (last one is 5:30) like the hotel opposite does. The pool and sun terrace areas were good and the riverside location is great. Breakfast was massive choice and I’d recommend. Bar prices are crazy high though, I know it’s a decent hotel but this is Thailand! Overall good stay but I wouldn’t choose here to return to.