"Bangkok's Mandarin Oriental is contentious, labelled both overrated and exceptional worldwide. Revered for its colonial legacy, it hosted iconic writers and celebrities like Joseph Conrad, Graham Greene, and W Somerset Maugham, alongside Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor. The original building exudes nostalgia, adorned with intricate details and scents of tropical flowers, near the scenic Chao Praya River. The historic structure, smaller than the modern addition, offers standard rooms, overshadowed by a nearby commercial arcade, compromising the romantic atmosphere. Yet, the terrace breakfast remains a Bangkok essential. The Thai restaurant, accessed by ferry, evokes sentimentality with thoughtful touches and excellent service. The unhip piano bar, featuring writer-themed cocktails, enhances the literary experience amid the city's vivid nightlife." - Pruepat 'Maprang' Songtieng