Looking to read a detailed Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel review before booking your next trip to Thailand? You’ve come to the right place!
This 5-star property in Bangkok boasts the widest river frontage of any of the hotels that sit perched over the Chao Phraya River.
I spent 2 nights in a luxurious suite at the hotel. My Shangri-La Bangkok review features info on the award-winning hotels accommodation options, wellness programs, restaurants, bars and unique on-site amenities.
Book A Luxurious Holiday at Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts was founded in 1971 and now features over 100 luxury properties around the world. We’ve had the pleasure of visiting gorgeous Shangri-La properties in Toronto, Vancouver, Hong Kong, Yangon, Boracay, and Taipei.
An oasis of tranquility, relaxation and luxury in the heart of the Thai capital, Shangri-La Bangkok officially opened its doors to guests in August of 1986.
It is located in the Bang Rak neighbourhood, which translates to “Village of Love”. Due to its name, the district has become a popular place for locals to register marriages, especially on Valentine’s Day.
The historic hotel’s prime location on the Chao Phraya River, contributed to its popularity as an urban resort while its location next to the SkyTrain and Sathorn Pier make it easily accessible to Bangkok’s top attractions.
The success of the first 25-storey Shangri-La Wing led to the opening in 1991 of a smaller, more exclusive second tower, the Krungthep Wing. While benefiting from all the facilities of the main wing, the Krungthep Wing is an independent tower with its own reception and lobby.
Tranquility and elegance serve as the inspiration for the design of Shangri-La Bangkok. A modern Western decor is enhanced by the rich beauty of Thai decorative motifs and colourful handcrafted artwork.
Golden Shangri-La is the name of a huge piece of artwork that greets guests in the main lobby, which was created by Thongchai Srisukprasert, one of Thailand’s leading artists. The artwork is inspired by the name of Shangri-La and Lost Horizon, a novel by James Hilton, in creative subtlety elaborate lines, thorough colouring and content from the story of Buddhism.
The grand 802-room hotel offers the perfect home sweet home for couples, families, and business travelers, the ideal place to situate yourself in the heart of Thailand’s electrifying capital.
Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel Activities
Shangri-La Bangkok features 802 rooms and suites, spread out across two hotel towers.
The hotel’s Fitness Centre, one of the largest in Bangkok, is 8,500 square feet and features over 40 sports and fitness options as well as classes like aerobics and dance. The hotel also has a tennis court with pros available to help you work on your swing.
The hotel boasts 2 pools, a main outdoor free-form pool suitable for families and intimate Krungthep Wing Pool perfect for swimming laps. Palm trees, flowering bougainvillea, orchids and bird of paradise flowers lend to the exotic riverside ambience.
Chi, The Spa, at Shangri-La, is hotel’s wellness oasis, offering Asian inspired treatments like Turmeric Rice Body Exfoliation and Siamese Massage.
The exclusive Horizon Club Lounge offers guests in top tier accommodations access to complimentary services like a daily breakfast buffet and evening cocktail and canapé hour.
Shangri-La Bangkok boasts 7 distinct dining outlets, from refined Cantonese to romantic Tuscan Grill and riverside Thai feasts.
Shangri-La Bangkok Review Highlights
Bangkok is Southeast Asia’s most vibrant metropolis, a city that offers ancient temples and glimmering palaces contrasted with world class shopping malls and contemporary cuisine.
Much like New York City, Milan and Dubai, Bangkok is home to a plethora of luxury hotels, perfect for celebrating a honeymoon or gay holiday. Many of the world’s top luxury hotel brands have landmark properties in the Thai capital, eager to welcome you on your next splurge-worthy getaway.
Before booking your trip, here are a list of highlights that make the Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel stand out from the rest:
- The hotel features a variety of luxury accommodations, from chic guest rooms to jaw-dropping suites.
- The Horizon Club offers qualifying guests access to exclusive services as well as complimentary breakfast buffet and evening cocktail and canapé hour.
- Fitness lovers have access to a sprawling gym including fun workout classes, free weights and exercise equipment.
- Tan fans can keep cool on a hot day by relaxing at one of 2 swimming pools with gorgeous river views.
- The hotel is ideal for couples but also accommodates families with children as they offer kid-friendly dining.
- The property features 7 unique culinary concepts, including Italian, Cantonese and award winning Afternoon Tea.
- The service is top drawer, from attentive pool attendants to restaurant menus that are best described as exquisite!
Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel Accommodation
The most important question you have to ask yourself when reading a Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel review is, “what type of accommodation would I like to book for my holiday.”
There are 802 elegant rooms and suites located in two distinctive wings, the Shangri-La Wing and the Krungthep Wing. All rooms feature river or city views and are decorated with classic Thai elements of rich silk.
The Horizon Club offers business travelers exclusive privileges, including the Horizon Club Lounge and dedicated concierge services. And for the most discerning guests, the Krungthep Wing provides a luxury private enclave and a lap swimming pool.
All of the rooms at Shangri-La Bangkok are wired for tech-savvy travellers. There is enhanced work desk lighting, flat screen televisions and a multi-purpose dining table and desk.
Streamlined bay windows allow optimum river views. Try and snag a room with a river view balcony so you can watch the boats meander up and down the Chao Phraya.
There are larger white-marble clad bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs and separate rain showers featuring luxurious bath amenities by L’Occitane.
Horizon Club Lounge
Designed by Wilson & Associates, the Horizon Club floors on levels 22 to 25 and the Horizon Club Lounge on level 24 are inspired by traditional and legendary Thai culture.
Horizon guests are invited to use the Horizon Club Lounge, which is conveniently connected between levels 22 and 25 by a circular staircase as well as elevators.
- Private check-in and check-out
- Daily breakfast buffet from 6-10:30am.
- Afternoon tea from 2-4pm
- A selection of beverages and snacks served throughout the day
- Evening cocktail and canapés from 5.30-7.30pm
- Variety of local and international newspapers and magazines
- Complimentary pressing of two garments per guest per stay
- 2 meeting rooms that accommodate 4 to 6 people
- Dedicated concierge services
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Chi The Spa
Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La draws inspiration from the origins of the Shangri-La legend, a place of personal peace, enchantment, and well-being.
Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Bangkok was launched in 2004 with a groundbreaking design and spa philosophy. It is located on the second floor of the hotel’s Krungthep Wing.
In traditional Chinese philosophy, chi or qi is the universal life force that governs well-being and personal vitality. For people to maintain good health, it is believed that chi must flow freely within the body, and when blocked, ‘dis-ease’ and illness follow. Movement is therefore a key element in releasing blockages. Body massage, exercise, stretching, hydrotherapy and movement of the mind through relaxation and meditation combine to assist the body’s natural renewal and form the basis of Chi spa philosophy.
Chi massages and treatments are based on natural healing methods found in traditional well-being practices shared by many Asian cultures. Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Bangkok also includes a selection of Thailand’s herbal products and well-being traditions with their potent therapeutic properties.
Treatment suites feature expansive views of the Chao Phraya River and private access to the secluded swimming pool of the hotel’s exclusive Krungthep Wing. Six spa suites are designed for couples featuring the “spa-within-a- spa” concept with a private steam and shower, a relaxation lounge and changing, toilet and vanity areas.
Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel Restaurants
No Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel review is complete until you’ve had an opportunity to wag your finger down each of the hotel’s marvellous menus.
The hotel’s seamless cluster of restaurants with outdoor terraces orientated around the pool and the river make for a unique dining experience.
NEXT2 Cafe
Each morning guests at the Shangri-La Hotel in Bangkok gather at Next2 Cafe to indulge in an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.
The hotel’s all-day-dining concept is a modern al fresco cafe featuring a market-style buffet with a choice of 9 interactive live cooking stations.
At lunch and dinner guests can order from an East meets West menu. Highlights from the Next2 Cafe menu include Potted Clams Mariniere, Prawn and Pomelo Salad, Angus Steak Sandwich, Chilled Grand Seafood Platter, Hainan Chicken Rice, Singapore Laksa, Paneer Makhani, and a mouth-watering meat and seafood grill selection.
On Friday night the restaurant hosts a popular Aussie BBQ and Saturday’s are for seafood fans at Lobsterlicious.
Shang Palace
Shang Palace is the Shangri-La Hotel brands signature Cantonese restaurant concept, available at many of the Asian properties.
Shang Palace in Bangkok features a treasure-trove of Chinese art and decoration, with paintings and carvings by masterful Chinese artists. The elegant restaurant offers refined Chinese cuisine prepared under the direction of Chef Tan Kwang Aik.
At lunch, along with a variety of traditional dishes, a delectable selection of dim sum is served. Visit between Monday and Friday for the popular All-You-Can-Eat Dim Sum menu, it’s a steal of a deal.
Enjoy a romantic Cantonese dinner at Shang Palace and you’ll find an exotic menu featuring mouthwatering dishes like Jasmine Tea Smoked Chicken, Black Truffle Scallops, Peking Glazed Goose, Crab Sticky Rice, and Honey Glazed Pork Char Siew.
Salathip Thai Restaurant
Shangri-La Bangkok’s authentic Thai restaurant is Salathip, which boasts nightly live traditional Thai dance performances.
Diners enjoy classic Thai dishes within striking teak pavillions set in a garden next to the Chao Phraya River.
The restaurant is a proud supporter of the Royal Project Foundation. Based in Northern Thailand, the non-profit was formed in response to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s call for farmers to grow useful crops instead of opium and provide a more sustainable livelihood for hill ti tribes.
Thai food lovers will find happiness at Salathip, feasting on signature dishes like Southern Thai Spicy Sour Yellow Curry, Nam Tok Ribeye Salad, Soft Shell Crab Pomelo Salad, and Phuket Lobster in red curry sauce.
Volti Tuscan Grill & Bar
If you’re craving a trip to Italy Volti showcases the world’s finest meats prepared on a Tuscan-style grill.
Succulent steaks are cooked to perfection over an Austrian-designed charcoal grill, basted in ginger, infused with Wagyu fat, and served on Himalayan salt blocks to ensure the steak temperature is maintained with every bite.
While wagging my finger down the Italian wine list I was delighted when a bread cart pulled up to the side of the table. An assortment of house-made breadsticks, rolls and focaccia are served with a trilogy of dips as you wait for your entrees to arrive.
The perfect restaurant in Bangkok to enjoy a romantic Italian feast, Chef Bruno’s menu highlights include Panzanella Salad, Eggplant Parmigiana, Lobster Catalana, Flortentina T-Bone Wagyu, Foie Gras Ravioli, Roast Duck Breast Risotto and Spaghetti Carbonara.
Lobby Lounge
Eye-popping river views provide a dramatic backdrop for the hotel’s trendy Lobby Lounge, the perfect perch to people watch.
The Lobby Lounge all-day-menu offers breakfast staples, savoury soups, fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizza and Asian entrees from Singapore, India, China and Thailand.
At the Lobby Lounge the highlight of the day is afternoon tea, crafted by Executive Pastry Chef Alexandar Hekimov.
The hotel’s signature Afternoon Tea is served in an impressive three-tier service, inside of which are savoury and sweet bite-sized delicacies. The menu changes to reflect the seasons, with a sweet strawberry theme offered in the summer.
Live music performance by a pianist and vocalist are available daily from 7:45pm to 10:45pm, the perfect vibe for romantic date night.
The Long Bar
The hotel’s striking Long Bar features a 14.2-metre counter with an energetic yet intimate environment.
The Long Bar offers an impressive range of beverages that includes a collage of classic cocktails, premium spirits, malts and Martinis, and tailor-made concoctions that are on trend, along with a snack menu consisting of large and small bites.
The stand out G&T menu offers an homage to herbaceous gin, featuring a parade of premium gin bottles from Malfy to Suntory Roku.
Chocolate Boutique
Attention cocoa lovers!
The Chocolate Boutique at Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok is a sweet-tooth cafe offering a selection of creative beverages, hot and cold coffees and signature chocolate cakes, pralines and pastries to dine in or take away.
The outlet is themed around premium chocolate products in an exciting display, catering to a wide range of chocolate connoisseurs.
Located near the hotel’s front entrance near the lobby lounge and Long Bar.
Fun Things To Do In Bangkok
While it’s easy to relax in the lap of luxury at your luxurious hotel pool or spa we suggest booking fun tours to experience all that Bangkok has to offer!
No trip to Bangkok is complete until you’ve visited the Grand Palace and many of the city’s golden glimmering temples. Many local tour operators offer fun tours for those who want to experience the city by tuk tuk, bicycle, riverboat or on foot.
Book one of these private or group tours to enjoy an authentic Thai experience that is sure to make your Bangkok getaway unforgettable.
- Private Bangkok Airport Transfer: arrive to Bangkok with ease by booking a private airport transfer in advance.
- Private 8 Hour “Best Of Bangkok In A Day”: first time visitors to Bangkok will love this full day private city tour featuring all of the city’s top attractions.
- Bangkok Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour: enjoy sightseeing in the Thai capital at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off bus pass good on the Elephant GoGo Double Decker Bus. With 15 stops, you can explore many of the city’s top attractions.
- Calypso Ladyboy Cabaret Show: enjoy a night of dazzling entertainment at one of Bangkok’s most famous Ladyboy shows.
- Bangkok At Night: Temples, Markets and Food By Tuk-Tuk: on this 4 hour tour enjoy the magical of Bangkok at night via tuk tuk. Stops include temples, flower market, street food snacks and dinner at a local restaurant.
- Bangkok Walking Food Tour: join a fun small group walking tour to explore Bangkok’s famous street food scene. Sample dishes like pork with sticky rice and papaya salad.
- Manohra Luxury Dinner River Cruise: hop on a classy dinner cruise on a restored antique rice barge. Admire views of Bangkok’s twinkling skyline while enjoying a 4-course meal.
- Bangkok Jungle Bike Tour: fitness fans will love this 4 hour bike tour exploring Bangkok’s most beautiful natural spaces. Includes a delicious Thai lunch.
- Half Day Tour Royal Grand Palace & Bangkok Temples: this 5 hour private tour visits Bangkok’s most famous attractions: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Traimit
- Food Market Tour + Thai Cooking Class: master the basics of Thai cuisine on this tasty tour, featuring a guided market visit followed by a cooking class with a professional chef in Bangkok.
- Muay Thai Show at Rajadamnern Stadium: sports enthusiasts shouldn’t leave Thailand without watching a Muay Thai Thai Kickboxing match.
- Railway Market, Floating Market & Salt Farm Tour: this popular 7 hour tour takes out outside of Bangkok to visit the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market and Railway Market. Includes a boat ride.
- Full Day Ayutthaya Historical Park Small Group Tour: this 9 hour day group tour visits the UNESCO Ayutthaya Historical Park located north of Bangkok.
- Pattaya and Coral Island Tour: this 13 hour group tour visits Pattaya and nearby Coral Island where you can swim and snorkel.
- River Kwai Full Day Tour: this 11 hour group tour includes a visit to the infamous bridge on the River Kwai, built by Allied prisoners of war (POW) during World War II. It includes a visit to a war cemetery, Japanese POW camp and buffet lunch.
Shangri-La Bangkok Hotel Contact
89 Wat Suan Phlu Alley, 66-2-236-7777
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