Bangkok
Thailand


The Experience

Set right on the eastern banks of the Chao Phraya river and close to the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station, the Shangri-La is a massive business traveler and convention hotel popular with Asian execs and well-heeled Western groups just 20 minutes to the city center. As at Shangri-Las worldwide, the hotel's entrance is a soaring showstopper: Marble floors lead to towering crystal chandelier and glass wall after glass wall looking straight onto the river. With its endless range of rooms, exec- and leisure-friendly location and now one of Bangkok's best spas, the Shangri-La is the five-star that offers a little something for everyone.

The Rooms

The Shangri-La's 850 rooms and suites are spread over two buildings -- separated by a pair of pools and landscaped gardens -- each with its own entrance, restaurants and recreation areas. All include marble baths, teak furniture and colorful Thai silk bedding. Although the property appears shrouded in shrubbery, its views are thoroughly urban: Bangkok's skyscraping downtown or the river from the main, 25-story Shangri-La Wing, and similar sights from the Krungthep Wing, only from a lower vantage point and often from the privacy of small terraces. With a mere 176 rooms, the 15-year-old Krungthep is favored for its more intimate service and cooler, contemporary-design scheme; guests check in from the comfort of their rooms.

The Service

Smooth and efficient: Expect on-time delivery, prompt wake-up calls and knowledgeable concierges. With so many rooms, the service can at times feel impersonal. Still, with amenities such as helicopter service to the airport, babysitters and helpful staffers in the restaurants, spa, pool and business center, guests are rarely left to their own devices.

The Highlights

Although the hotel's size and configuration can be confusing and downright daunting -- consider asking for directions to avoid getting lost --somehow every comfort appears easily at hand. Cool down in the pair of pools -- one long and lean for serious swimmers, the other curvy and fun for splashing kiddies. Then pick your flavor of the day -- not surprisingly, the hotel offers nine restaurants spread among both towers: Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Continental and American-style eateries in the main wing; a cafe, lounge and poolside bar in the Krungthep Wing. Best of all is the Salathip Thai restaurant, set in pavilions right by the Chao Phraya; sample dishes with lemongrass and sticky rice as the sun goes down and the never-ending water traffic cruises by.

-- David Kaufman

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