"The Anantara Riverside’s immense grounds of tropical gardens make it feel a bit like a resort escape, even though it’s a hotel in the middle of one of the world’s busiest cities. Green pathways wind past lily ponds and under shady, flower-filled trees, all lit by the flicker of torches at night. With its direct riverfront location, cooling breezes help tame the hot air, and there are always local boats puttering by. This is a great choice for families with little ones who need space and can benefit from a nice big swimming pool and plenty of in-house dining options. There are myriad activities on offer, from renowned river cruises to walking tours, but when guests do want to take on the city, the heart of Bangkok is a quick—and free—ferry shuttle across the river. The hotel is also popular with Thai tourists, giving travelers opportunities for cultural connections."

"Cabochon Hotel Sukhumvit Road is one of the busiest, most central, and most internationally oriented thoroughfares in Bangkok , so it’s a dream to find this colonial boutique oasis right in the heart of it all. The Cabochon's elegant façade nods at 1920s Indochina, with white columns, French doors, and tiled balustrades. This gives way to a well-designed interior of framed antique maps and black-and-white photographs, dark wood Chinese bistro tables, comfortable couches, and oddities like a taxidermy zebra head and old leather trunks. Common spaces feel like a cross between a museum and the home of an incredibly stylish and well-traveled person. The suites and studios are airy, bright apartments that encourage lounging on the white sofas while light pours in from paned windows onto potted orchid plants."

"Grand Hyatt Erawan epitomizes modern Bangkok —it's big, busy, and well-located. The hotel is almost its own stop on the Sky Train, and once you step outside, you're on one of the most active corners of metropolitan Asia. Although the Grand Hyatt is linked to a shopping mall via a sky bridge, the world slows down a touch inside the hotel. The comings and goings of suit-clad men and women and shoppers clutching huge bags creates a soft-edged urban atmosphere. The high-ceilinged, almost colonial-feeling lobby sets up a pleasing contrast with the clean lines, neutral tones, and natural light of the spacious rooms. The hotel is kitted out with lots of technological perks, such enhanced work desk lighting and LCD screen TVs, and the service is attentive."

"The Hansar is the perfect blend of urban sophistication with green style. The elegant, neutral-toned decor is set off by walls of ferns and vines; the sleek, long infinity pool is bordered by fragrant plumeria trees; and many rooms enjoy a view of Lumphini Park, Bangkok ’s biggest green space. These things make the hotel feel like a breath of fresh air, even though it's smack in the middle of the city's action. While the Hansar is housed in its own metal-and-glass skyscraper and is fairly large, it has a calming style and naturally lit spaces that lend a small and almost boutique feel. The building is built to maximize both energy efficiency and cooling breezes, making it easu to sleep in the plush beds at night, and the hotel’s many plants even sponge away some of Bangkok's exhaust fumes."

"Opened in 1879, Mandarin Oriental was Thailand’s first hotel and is still among its best, offering a touch of romance from a bygone era. The high-rise buildings are modern and blocklike from the outside, but the interior shines with elegant details, from sweeping white staircases and filigree woodwork to towering tropical ferns and potted frangipani flowers. There are expansive river views from most rooms and public spaces, thanks to the riverside location. The world-class service has attracted personalities from Somerset Maugham and Audrey Hepburn to Mick Jagger. The New Wing consists of modern, brightly decorated rooms; the Garden and Authors’ Wings are a better choice for those looking for Old Asia. Each suite is unique. The restaurant, cooking school, and spa are some of the most sumptuous and highly regarded in the region."

"Nouveau French meets modern Thai at SO/ Sofitel Bangkok , which takes its design cues from four of the core Chinese elements: Water, Earth, Metal, and Wood. The result is like being transported into a fashion shoot or the pages of a decor magazine: Each of the 237 rooms and suites is themed, and depending on which element you end up with, there may be fantasy-inspired wallpaper, walls of glass and warm wood, or highly polished floors, plus extra touches courtesy of fashion designer Christian Lacroix. Tall windows allow for views of urbanBangkokand green Lumphini Park at every turn, bathrooms are stocked with YTSARA products, and amenities include 40-inch flat-screen TVs, Apple Mac Mini media hubs, and seamless Wi-Fi in all rooms, plus iPads in the suites. Even the staff, with their beautifully coordinated, mixed-patterned uniforms, look like they just stepped off the runway. All this incredible style is matched by a vibe that’s both energetic and wonderfully warm, including in the six buzzing restaurants and bars—which range from the street food-inspired Red Oven and the rooftop Park Society and Hi-Lo Bar to the poolside Water Club."

"Located on the left bank of the Chao Phraya River, the Peninsula is one of the most consistently high-ranked hotels in the city, in particular for its attention to service. The rooms are decorated in white and comforting, honey-colored wood, with teak or carpeted floors and marble bathrooms; they all feature views over the river and city. The slim, three-tiered pool sits riverside, so guests can lounge in Thai-style gazebos—called sala —while sipping cocktails and watching Bangkok life literally sail by. In fact, a large part of the fun in staying here is the proximity to the river. Free, constantly running shuttle boats will ferry guests to three different piers along the river; the views of river life, traditional wooden Thai boats, and the high-rises along the way are unforgettable. The Peninsula is the tallest building in the vicinity, so the rooms on the upper floors offer yet another perspective—a near-bird’s-eye view of the city that is both exhilarating and potentially vertigo-inducing."

"There is nowhere else in Bangkok quite like the Siam Hotel. For starters, it’s owned and run by a Thai rock star, Kamala Sukusol, and her son Krissada. The boutique property includes mid-century timber buildings built by the legendary silk baron Jim Thompson, as well as open and modern structures, with a focus on harmony and comfort, designed by one of Asia’s best-known architects, Bill Bensley. But beyond the glamorous background, it’s the design of the Siam that makes it stand out the most. There’s a 1920s jazz theme mixed in with some Asian colonial flair; the result—with lots of open spaces, natural light, antiques, potted plants, and a black-and-white palette—is simply beguiling. The views of the river here lack temples or interesting landmarks, but it’s a lazy spot to watch boats go by, which adds to the relaxing atmosphere. Service is personalized and extremely professional, as you'd expect from a property of this caliber. In all, this is the closest thing one can find to a resort in Bangkok, and it is one of the most stylish accommodation choices to boot. By Afar Magazine"

"Thirteenth-century Thai Buddhist architecture inspired by the ancient city of Sukhothai is melded with modern lines, peaked roofs, and white minimalism to create this stunning hotel. Buddha statues and domelike, brick stupa replicas (like those seen at local temples) sit in long, moatlike pools lined with giant urns, while magenta bougainvilleas tumble from bordering high ledges. The 82-foot infinity pool, surrounded by tropical gardens, is perfect for chilling out on a hot day. This is a haunt of the jet set, from politicians to celebrities, and everyone is dressed their best. But despite its grand size, the hotel exudes a feeling of balance and calm—thanks in no small part to its water gardens and tasteful decor. Dining is available at several celebrated restaurants, and late-night whiskey can be had at the intimate Zuk Bar, with its finely carved golden fish on the ceiling. While centrally located, the hotel acts as a charming escape from Bangkok ’s frenetic pace."