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BANGKOK
Bangkok's Chao Phraya River hosts some of the Thai capital's finest, from old-timer Mandarin Oriental to the Bill Bensley-designed boutique The Siam. But one of the new players that opened in late 2021 has already set a new standard for luxury hotels, and competes fiercely with the top-of-the-top. Capella Bangkok is the Singaporean group's first venture into Thailand, and adds to its roster of emerging properties in Asia, with Shanghai, Ubud and Hanoi. New openings in the Maldives, Kyoto and Sydney are underway.
We check into the uber-modern retreat for a weekend of total bliss.
Setting & Character
Capella Bangkok shares its prime location with Four Seasons Hotel and Residences on Chao Phraya Estate, an upscale riverside development. It's within close proximity of everything you need; the shopping, dining and downtown buzz, while the cultural Old Town is only a short 10-minute walk away.
Those who have stayed at Capella properties before, would know that its sweeping design deserves a courteous mention alone. Uber-modern is one way to describe it, yet it's so much more, and whether it's the high ceilings and wide windows or the plush furniture complimented by marble galore, there's an airy, glittering charm to this contemporary abode, and it's evident from the moment you step in that you're in for a memorable experience ahead.
Incorporating an East-meets-West design, Singapore-based architecture firm Hamiltons International worked together with interior design studio BAMO to balance Thai hospitality with unique allure.
Dinner at Phra Nakhon | Photos: Faye Bradley | CSP Times
Cocktails at Stella, Capella Bangkok | Photo: Faye Bradley | CSP Times
Drinking & Dining
Capella Bangkok may be frequented by A-listers and the city's elite (there were two celebrities including a K-drama star on our stay alone) but it's by no means snobbish, and the welcoming staff make you feel right at home. And that includes its restaurants. There are currently four venues to drink and dine at the hotel: there's Côte by Mauro Colagreco, a three-Michelin-starred chef who's already earned his new restaurant a Michelin and Phra Nakhon for delicious Thai fare. For drinks, you'll feel like the Great Gatsby at Stella, a boudoir-like cocoon that serves alchemist cocktails and omakase bar snacks, or the tea lounge which offers fresh herbal brews, which can be enjoyed in the lobby. Room service is available to order via the room or suite's hotel tablet, and ingredients for dishes are mainly sourced from the hotel's on-site vegetable garden, aka Greenhouse, which guests can take pleasure in visiting during their stay.
Facilities
Despite the hotel's intimate feeling, it's very well equipped. There's a gym, comprehensive spa, swimming pool, sauna and high-speed WiFi across the grounds. For those who like to keep busy, there's a daily activities sheet, with everything from kids-friendly tote bag making to sunrise yoga.
At The Spa, there are seven treatment rooms including two couples' suites, a water therapy area, steam and sauna for males and females, respectively, shower experience, spa garden and relaxation lounge.
Rooms, Suites & Villas
With just 101 accommodations on site, Capella Bangkok is an exclusive affair. Guests can choose between three spaces: rooms, suites or villas. Rooms are refreshingly spacious for a downtown hotel, spanning 61 square-metres and boasting beautiful river views. All guests are treated to complimentary snacks and beverages from the mini-bar, complimentary shuttle transfers to IconSiam and Taksin Skytrain Station, while baby-sitting services, laundry and your "Capella Culturist" are available upon request.
Suites are the second tier of the accommodation types, and there's no holding back when it comes to decadence here. There's a number of suites to choose from, from the stunning Verandah which comes with a private jacuzzi to the family-friendly two-bedrooms which feature a lavish wraparound balcony, all looking over the Chao Phraya River. We stayed in the Capella Suite (pictured above), a 153 square-metre beauty, equipped with a living room, dining room, bedroom, enormous bathroom and a balcony area with a mini dining area and sun loungers facing the water. Booking this suite includes complimentary breakfast for two persons, champagne upon arrival and access to the mini-bar's non-alcoholic goodies. There's a walk-in wardrobe with complimentary five pressings per day.
One of Bangkok's newest hotels has quickly climbed the ladder of the city's best in luxury, offering a tranquil urban stay with all the trimmings for a wellness escape too. The plush accommodation, hearty dining options and top-notch facilities make this a keen contender in Bangkok's bustling hospitality scene and brings a mighty addition to Capella's growing list of gorgeous properties, globally.
Highlights:
Accommodation with the Capella Suite: truly one of the hotel's most beautiful suites, but if you have room to splurge some more, the villas come with a private pool too
Phra Nakhon is a great option for Thai cuisine cravings
Breakfast is healthy yet hearty and we recommend dining as close to the river as possible (although if it's too hot there's also an indoor area)
In true Capella fashion, the hotel offers a plethora of cultural experiences to immerse yourself in: from walking tours of Bangkok’s eclectic local café culture to private meditation sessions with the head monk of a 250-year-old temple – just ask your Capella Culturist to help book your experiences
The Spa is an oasis that caters to all your wellbeing needs
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Website: capellahotels.com | Phone: +66 2 098 3888 | Email: info.bangkok@capellahotels.com | Visit: Capella Bangkok, 300/2 Charoenkrung Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120, Thailand | Facebook: @CapellaBangkok | Instagram: @CapellaBangkok | Trip Advisor: Capella Bangkok