Anantara Siam Bangkok

Conveniently located near the Sky Train and some of the city’s best shopping, the Anantara hotel offers a luxurious oasis in the chaos of downtown Bangkok. It is not the newest or most modern property now and is best for repeat visitors and those who wish to dive into the city’s shopping mecca. The Anantara delivers seamless service, haute amenities and comfortable, yet character-filled accommodations.

• Location steps from the Sky Train
• Six restaurants on premise, including the popular Aqua, Spice Market, Italian Biscotti, Japanese Shintaro, Madison Steakhouse and Mocca & Muffin
• Kid-friendly atmosphere

The cavernous lobby of the Anantara has a soaring painted ceiling and centers on a grand staircase featuring an enormous hand-painted Thai mural in eye-popping colors. The ambiance is easy going and welcoming, especially in the common areas, like the lobby lounge, where a classical trio performs during afternoon high tea (it’s a wonderful spot to take a break from shopping at the nearby department stores) and evening cocktails. There are six restaurants on the premises, including the popular Thai-food temple Spice Market; an eighty-two-foot pool surrounded by a garden; and a shopping arcade sheltering Lotus Arts de Vivre, Jim Thompson and other haute labels.

Rooms at the Anantara are spread across nine floors of an open-air building that encircles an interior courtyard where the restaurant Aqua, popular for brunch, and the excellent Anantara shopping arcade are located. Because the hotel is open-air style, much of the building's façade is visible to visitors inside. The hotel’s interiors, however, are far more charming and feature a Thai-inspired contemporary style marked by lots of teak, silk and hand-painted murals behind the beds (all king-size or two doubles). Bathrooms are spacious, with deep soaking tubs. The hotel has the size and capacity to offer guests all of the comforts they might desire, while maintaining a sense of Thai character in all of the accommodations. The best views are of the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, a nearby golf course, a unique view of greenery surrounded by city skyscrapers.

The service is flawless and so friendly that the overall atmosphere is relaxed. The property is suitable for couples and families alike. Little guests will appreciate such child-friendly amenities as milk and cookies during turndown service, tents in the suites, a make-your-own-cupcake amenity and a special children’s menu.

In lieu of being on the river, the hotel has one of the best locations in Bangkok, just a few steps from the Sky Train, an invaluable alternative to navigating the dreadful Bangkok traffic and the easiest way to access sights, shops and restaurants by land. The buzzing Sukhumvit area, for instance, is a ten-minute ride away; the buzzing weekend market Chatuchak is about twenty minutes from the hotel. Also nearby are department stores, like Paragon and Gaysorn; Silom village; Lumpini Park; Suan Lum Night Bazaar. For those looking to shop in closer proximity to home, the hotel’s shopping arcade is unbeatable, featuring boutiques like Jim Thompson and Lotus Arts de Vivre along with various restaurants and cafes, all set in a lovely leafy courtyard, perfect a quick break.

You may sacrifice some of the colorful river activity, but you gain in convenience. On Sundays, don’t miss brunch at Aqua.

Travelers looking to explore on their own will appreciate the hotel’s easy Sky Train access. Shoppers who want to be close to the department stores will be happy here.