Capella Bangkok

After years of development and meticulous planning, the Capella Bangkok opened in 2020—in an entirely unexpected tourism environment. After two years of honing service and menus, and catering to a mostly local clientele, the Capella has become a darling of Bangkok—it’s adored by locals who consider it their home away from home. And now it’s welcoming discerning travelers who appreciate the combination of its intimate size, high-touch service, resort-style amenities, and sleek but warm design. The thoughtful guest-centric gestures are apparent but subtle throughout: all 101 rooms and villas have full river views and private outdoor space so entry-level rooms feel sumptuous—guests will feel like they’ve been surprised with an upgrade; a relaxing check-in experience past the bustling lobby in the guests-only Living Room is particularly appealing to those just off an international flight; and child-friendly touches like kids’ amenities and tents in the rooms make this a wonderful home base even for families.

The Standout: An excellent food and beverage program, including a daily, guests-only Cin Cin hour at Stella Bar, and Michelin-starred Côte by Mauro Colagreco **Don't Miss: **The cultural experiences and excursions suggested by your dedicated on-site Capella Culturalist

• The feel of a boutique hotel with the high-touch service and amenities of a full-service grande dame
• The property’s location on the high-traffic Chao Phraya River and storied Charoenkrung Road
• Thoughtful, sustainability-focused operations with minimal plastic used on property

Capella Bangkok is in a prime location on the Chao Phraya riverbank in the oasis of the 14-acre Chao Praya Estate, sharing a grand entrance driveway with the Four Seasons. Beneath the soaring ceilings, Capella’s contemporary design is understated and minimalist, all architectural lines drawing guests’ attention toward the floor-to-ceiling windows facing the river, allowing light to shine into every corridor. Marble is well utilized throughout the property in shades of muted gray and creams—the brightest pops of color are in the floral arrangements spilling over with exotic blooms and greenery. Unlike many other Bangkok hotel institutions, Capella does not have the gabled roofs and teak wood  characteristic of Royal Ayutthaya Thai architecture. Instead, Capella Bangkok pays homage to Thai culture and history of past and present through subtle design details in the fabrics, art, room amenity scents, ingredients and packaging, as well as guest experiences. Complimentary programming includes interactive classes about Thai art, music and wellness, like creating traditional Thai tie-dye that guests can take home with them.

Capella Bangkok sets itself apart from its next-door neighbor as a boutique property, with its exclusive 101 rooms, suites and villas (compared to nearly 300 rooms at the Four Seasons). The intimacy is felt in the exceptional level of service, with attention to detail and guest recognition and personalization. Each room is a sanctuary with panoramic views of the river and a balcony or veranda where one can enjoy the 24-hour show of passing barges, shuttles and local action. The villas, meanwhile, are a unique product in Bangkok reminiscent of those found at Thai beach resorts, and have outdoor Jacuzzis, their own gardens and generous living and dining spaces. The two-bedroom Presidential Villa is the best accommodation to book for families.

Capella Bangkok’s pricing is at the top of the city’s rates, but the experience manages to exceed expectations. Wellness enthusiasts will find bliss in the hotel’s spa, Auriga, with its steam, sauna and hydrotherapy areas. Traditional Thai therapies with local herbs are on offer as are fitness classes in their state-of-the-art gym. To dine, guests can choose French and Italian Riviera cuisine at Capella’s Michelin-starred restaurant Côte by chef Mauro Colagreco or Thai family recipes at Phra Nakhon, where a healthy breakfast is served a-la-carte, in addition to lunch and dinner. The talented bar staff at Stella uses cocktails to tell the story of Thai legends and is frequented by locals who come for the fun and trendy scene (complete with a taxidermy peacock) and live music at night. High tea is a ritual in the lobby and infusions are made with herbs from the hotel’s greenhouse.

The Capella’s charming neighborhood includes the first paved road in Bangkok, with its hundreds of year-old shops and rich history intertwining with trendy cafes and galleries. The estate’s boat is available to shuttle guests to the nearby attractions including the shining new Icon Siam mall.

Families, couples and travelers who appreciate contemporary design and are seeking generous space, immersive experiences and stellar service