The Oriental Hotel - Bangkok

Who should go?
The Oriental regularly wins the best Hotel in the World award and if you are looking for the best hotel in Bangkok it is the obvious choice.
However don't be fooled. The Oriental wins the awards on the back of having the best service in the world not the most beautiful hotel. The lobby can be disappointing and the rooms, although very nice, are probably not the best in town and are certainly not the biggest. However, The Oriental has something its many imitators can't quite match - character. This hotel oozes charm, exudes charisma, lives and breathes its history and the service is simply outstanding. The Oriental is a hotel for hotel connoisseurs.

When to go?
Bangkok is a year round city with plenty to do whether it rains or shines. It can get very hot in April and the worst rains usually come in September. The best time to stay at the Oriental is during the Loy Kratong when thousands of candles are floated on the river and a firework display lights up the city right in front of the hotel.

Where is it?
The Oriental is on the Chaophraya River in the old part of town. It is more than a walk away from the skytrain but the hotel supplies shuttle boats to Sathorn pier as well as the shops at River city. It is well located for sightseeing and discovering old Bangkok but not the most convenient for the shopping centers and nightlife of new Bangkok.

What's not to be missed?
The Oriental Spa located across the river is one of the best in Asia. High tea in the writer's rooms in the original part of the hotel is also a treat that should be indulged.  

What's cooking?
Dinner at Sala Rim Nam is a must for anyone whether staying at the Oriental or not. The cooking school is also reputed to be the best in Thailand.