Overview
A stalwart of the Bangkok luxury scene, the Shangri-la still hits some good notes but needs to lift its game to compete with newer and better hotels.
In UCT’s mind, Bangkok is arguably the best luxury hotel market in the world.
Almost every serious luxury brand is represented here and there are hotels unique to Thailand.
The hotels are truly magnificent and you pay comparatively less for the privilege of staying than in most major city markets.
The city continues to see new luxury openings, welcoming new Capella, Four Seasons, Kempinski, and Kimpton properties over the last few years.
This means that existing luxury hotels need to make sure they remain competitive with these sparkling newcomers.
The original Mandarin Oriental, which sits next door to the Shangri-la, has recently completed a magnificent renovation and has modernised this classic hotel.
This all makes the unrenovated Shangri-la feel its age.
There is nothing particularly wrong with this hotel, but it no longer stands out amongst Bangkok’s best.
Hotel
The Shangri-la occupies a significant site on the Chao Praya river and is divided into two separate wings – the Krungthep Wing and the Shangri-La Wing.
The Krungthep wing was closed during our stay for modernisation.
One wing is currently undergoing renovation within spitting distance of the Saphan Taksan BTS station.
Location
The location is one of the best features of the Shangri-la.
The riverside is now lined with luxury hotels, shopping centres and high-end apartment blocks,
The hotel is situated next to the Saphan Taksin BTS station and accompanying ferry terminal for easy access to other parts of Bangkok.
You can also walk to significant attractions such as the world-famous sky bar at the State Tower.
Inexplicably though, the hotel, seemingly alone amongst its counterparts on the river, does not operate its own boat service.
Room
The room was large and comfortable whilst being a little bit dated.
Our room has a city view and an extra lounge area that was useful for spreading out our bags.
Food and Drink
Breakfast can be had indoors or outdoors and UCT loved being able to sit by a table beside the river and watch the Chao Praya spring into life.
The breakfast itself is fine without being memorable.
Small things like machine-made coffee detract from the experience.
The restaurant has several in-house restaurants along we didn’t get the chance to sample them during our stay.
Amenities
The hotel has two pools – both sprawl out by the river and are a great place to watch the endless activity on the waterway.
There is a good gym and spa.
Final Word
The Shangri-la is overdue for a makeover and this needs to be done ASAP.
Until then it represents good value amongst the riverside luxury hotels whilst no longer being at the forefront of the luxury hotel experience in Bangkok.
