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BANGKOK
You don't need to look far in Bangkok to find luxury hotel options – there's plenty of 'em. But to find a hotel full of charm, history and distinct character is a rarer occurence in the bustling Thai capital. We checked into AriyasomVilla, a unique, family-run boutique hotel and spa with a history dating back to World War II, when it was built. Here's what to expect ...
All images courtesy of CSP Times.
Heritage hotel
Built in 1942 by the Chulalongkorn University's Dean of the Engineering Faculty, the property didn't open as a hotel until nearly a century later, in 2008. Its unique blend of new meets old, east meets west, makes it a tranquil haven for travellers in the know. It's the kind of place that gains its recognition through word-of-mouth appraise, and has been a particular hotspot especially for locals during the pandemic – for those looking to rediscover their city's longstanding heritage.
Teak galore
There are just 24 rooms at the property, but each accommodation is full of life and its own character, with different price ranges, including affordable options on the lower end. We stayed in the Executive Deluxe Room, one of three on the grounds. It comes with a spacious living room, bathroom and bedroom with views of the outdoor pool below. All rooms are bright and airy, with wooden floors and antiques to nod to its historical roots.
The Na Aroon Restaurant is the property's one and only restaurant, serving vegetarian and seafood delicacies. There's a mix of Western and European cuisine, although it's mainly Thai food, fittingly. Breakfast is also served here, and on most days, you'll get the chance to meet the family members who run the beautiful house-turned-hotel.
Like many hotels in Thailand, AriyasomVilla is equipped with a spa. But this one is different in that, the traditional wellness sanctuary offers treatments on its outdoor rooftop.
Those looking for a traditional hotel embedded in Thai history don't need to look further than AriyasomVilla, a beautiful, one-of-a-kind villa with all-vegetarian cuisine to shine the term "boutique" into a new light.
Address: 65 Sukhumvit 1 Alley, Khlong Toei Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand | Phone: +66 2 254 8880 | Website: ariyasom.com | Email: info@ariyasom.com | Instagram: @ariyasomvilla_bangkok | Facebook: @AriyasomVillaHotel