The Siam Bangkok

In bustling Bangkok, the intimate 38-suite boutique hotel Siam stands out as an oasis on the Chao Phraya River. Just entering the atrium lobby, with its black-and-white-checkerboard floor, lush palms and ferns and gurgling fountain, feels like an escape and provides the first glimpse of Bill Bensley’s Art Deco–meets–Thai colonial design. The property features plenty of nuanced details and perfectly blends the new, the old and the very old—featuring a vinyl record room, infinity pool, ancient antiques, even transplanted teak cottages once home to a socialite. The private art collection, which belongs to the hotel owners and includes some 10,000 pieces, is spread throughout the spacious guest rooms and common spaces like the billiards room, library, cinema, spa and its two restaurants: Chon, serving traditional Thai dishes, and The Story House, offering more modern takes on the cuisine. Another favorite spot for a refreshment? The infinity pool daybeds and chaises with views of the river.

**The Standout: **The 10,000-plus piece privately owned antique and art collection on display Don't Miss: A romantic ride on the hotel’s private boat, which avoids Bangkok’s traffic and lets you take in the best sights along the river

• The complimentary boat service, which ferries guests throughout the city
• A plethora of amenities, including a Muay Thai boxing ring, cinema and infinity pool
• The riverside pool villas with private pools and Chao Phraya River views

The Siam Hotel is a green oasis nestled on the banks of the Chao Praya near the winding maze of Old Bangkok. What began as a family’s vision has evolved under the direction of famed designer Bill Bensley into an eclectic balance of Art Deco and Thai Colonial style; Chinese Antiques throughout add intrigue and interest. The 38-room atrium-style hotel is meant to be discovered slowly, and guests meander from the library to the billiards room to the reflecting lotus pond, exploring the collections of art, antiques and curios. “The approach was to build a home that reflected our passion for Siamese culture and history,” explains owner Krissada Sukosol Clapp.

Century-old teakwood homes were resurrected on property, and now serve as the hotel’s restaurants. The exquisite guest rooms are huge (from 860 square feet) and all feature deep tubs, separate showers, soaring ceilings and sumptuous bedding in a sleek black and white palette. The charming Main Residence building houses the suites, while two rows of townhouse-style pool villas facing either the river or the interior courtyard, house the pool villas. Antique Chinese doors open into bright private courtyards where plunge pools and bamboo shoots create a calm oasis. Spiral staircases lead to rooftop patios, and the bedroom flows into the courtyard with floor-to-ceiling windows and doors creating an open-air experience.  The property itself feels quite secluded and intimate, and guests may feel like they are the only ones staying on property (the service is also very personalized, and each room comes equipped with its own butler).

The property has a main pool adjacent to the river, with sun chairs for guests to lounge. Property amenities include a full gym featuring a Muay-Thai boxing ring, a cinema screening room and the Opium Spa. The hotel is a 45-minute drive from the airport (longer during peak traffic) and has a private boat that shuttles back and forth between the hotel and the Sathorn Pier stopping for guests at any point along the way, a great way to visit the sights along the river, like Wat Po, Wat Arun, and the Grand Palace.

Those who are coming to Bangkok for a more romantic, discreet and organic experience, to visit the main temples along the river and explore Old Bangkok on foot—as well as boutique and design-hotel lovers—will be happy here. Those interested in canvassing the sprawling city for shopping, restaurants and nightlife will find that the location of the Siam is not convenient.