Shangri-La Bangkok Review: A Lovely Riverside Hotel
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The views of the longtail boats and rice barges plying the Chao Phraya River are so captivating from the Shangri-La Bangkok guestrooms, you could be forgiven for sitting by your window all day long.
But many more places within this luxury Bangkok hotel – which boasts more than half a mile of river frontage – offer great views of Bangkok’s exotic river life too.
Long after you’ve returned home from your Thailand vacation, it’s those mesmerizing views you can’t forget!
So when we were thinking about this Shangri-La Bangkok review, the hotel’s enviable riverfront location jumped out as the first thing to note.
Shangri-La Bangkok review
We’ve stayed at the Shangri-La Bangkok a few times now when visiting Bangkok.
While there are several Bangkok riverside hotels, some are further away from the tourist sites or very expensive.
The Shangri-La, on the other hand, delivers the just-right combination of luxury, affordability and prime riverfront location.
Shangri-La Bangkok rooms
The 802 guestrooms are divided among two towers – the Krungthep Wing and the Shangri-La Wing.
All rooms and suites are decorated in contemporary Thai style.
They feature executive-size writing desks, flat-screen TVs, bedside control panels and bathrooms with large bathtubs.
Krungthep Wing rooms
The Krungthep Wing is smaller, more intimate and more exclusive than the Shangri-La Wing.
The décor is more traditional (think Thai silk wall coverings) and everything is a bit more luxurious. All rooms have balconies overlooking the river too.
The Krungthep Wing also has its own riverside pool.
Shangri-La Wing rooms
The 25-storey Shangri-La Wing has 673 guestrooms and suites, some of which have small balconies.
Rooms in this wing sport a more modern décor than in the Krungthep Wing.
But Thai touches come through in the huge headboards topped with a carved teak panel.
We particularly like the Horizon Club rooms on the top floors of the Shangri-La Wing.
As a Horizon Club guest, you get a host of perks, including:
- Daily breakfast in the Horizon Club Lounge
- Afternoon tea from 2:00 to 4:00 pm
- Evening cocktails and canapes from 5:30 to 7:30 pm in the lounge (when Bangkok’s city lights are magical)
- Late check-out until 4:00 pm (subject to availability)
- Pressing of one suit
Krungthep Wing vs. Horizon Club
Some guests prefer the smaller, more exclusive and more private Krungthep Wing. It boasts its own butler service too.
But we always choose the Horizon Club rooms – the service is top-notch and we’re close to the main pool.
Shangri-La Bangkok pools
Surrounded by palm trees, bougainvillea, orchids and bird of paradise flowers, that organically sculpted pool by the Shangri-La Wing is one of the hotel’s key attractions.
Almost within touching distance of the river, it’s a welcome retreat to cool off and relax after visiting the Royal Barge Museum and other attractions in Bangkok’s sultry heat.
The built-in water bubble beds help soothe tired muscles too!
Stay a while and you’ll likely be treated to fresh fruit skewers or a cold towel by roaming pool attendants.
Fitness buffs look out at the pool and gardens too from the expansive gym.
Shangri-La Bangkok restaurants
You’ll find no less than six restaurants at the Shangri-La, including an Italian restaurant, a Chinese restaurant (which serves delicious dim sum) and the Thai-themed Salathip restaurant.
Breakfast
If you’re a Horizon Club guest, you face a tough choice come morning.
Should you eat a full buffet breakfast (complimentary) at the hotel’s somewhat busier, riverside terrace restaurant – and sample everything from fruit smoothies to dim sum to made-to-order omelettes?
Or should you enjoy the glorious views from the quieter top-floor Horizon Club Lounge with the included breakfast?
Maybe mix it up and try one venue one morning and the other the next.
Salathip
For a romantic evening, the signature Salathip Thai restaurant is lovely.
It serves delicious seafood and coconut curries riverside in outdoor teak dining pavilions.
Be sure to try the red curry with roasted duck!
Entertainment is provided by classical Thai dancers.
Shangri-La Bangkok location
The largest hotel on the Chao Phraya River, the Shangri-La Bangkok is close by boat to the the Grand Palace and the city’s other main historical attractions.
It’s also adjacent to the Saphan Taksin station for the BTS Skytrain. The Skytrain takes you to the Jim Thompson Museum and the downtown shopping areas.
Day trips to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and nightly dinner cruises on the 140-passenger Shangri-La Horizon river cruiser can also be booked.
Shangri-La Bangkok: Check rates and availability here
See our other Bangkok (and Thailand) travel guides
- Review of the Grande Sheraton Sukhumvit in Bangkok
- Dine in the Dark in Bangkok: An Eye-Opening Experience
- The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Thailand
- Sea Canoeing Phang Nga Bay’s Hidden Lagoons
- Finding Zen at Koh Samui’s Zazen Boutique Resort
- Discover the Power of Poppies at the Hall of Opium
- Snorkeling Koh Tao: Best Spots and Tours
- Dig the Hippie Vibe of These Koh Tao Bungalows!
Our top travel tips and resources
General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, offering loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy! (You may prefer Expedia for booking hotels in the U.S. or Mexico.)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: For the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets are often non-refundable. If you want more flexibility, it’s usually worth booking directly with the airline, even if it costs a bit more.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
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Photo credits: Shangri-La Bangkok. Their photos are prettier than ours!
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