Our Best Staycations Bangkok

 

If you are looking for ideas of where to staycation in Bangkok, read on! Since February 2020, we have enjoyed over 150 hotel and resort stays across Thailand.               [ UPDATED March 2022]

Throughout the earlier pandemic months, we chose one carefully selected staycation each weekend which enabled us to social distance whilst supporting local hotels and giving ourselves a break from the close confines of apartment lockdown.

You can read more about this and how we ensured we were safe whilst having these incredible Staycations. See A Love Letter to the Hoteliers of Bangkok here.

Below are details of boutique hotels and Bangkok city resorts which we have enjoyed in recent months. This list is continually updated as we enjoy more Bangkok Staycations.

Won’t you check out:

Lebua State Tower Memorable –  Personable – Exceptional.

This is what Lebua says they hope they offer and it’s a big cheer from us on this account.

We enjoyed the Club room package which offers food and drinks throughout the day but do note only until 6 pm. Even with this early cut-off at BHT 4500 (USD 149), this is an exceptional value celebration in style.

They claim this as The World’s First Vertical Destination, offering everything needed within the one building – including in 2020 being the only hotel in Thailand to have two restaurants with 2 Michelin stars and the first restaurant to win the best service award. I certainly lost count of the bars and restaurants on offer.

‘We hope you will find your accommodation inviting, the views inspiring, our hospitality flawless, the food and beverage choices unparalleled’

The staff went out of their way to give us an amazing time, with very few guests they are very attentive and if photos are your jam, you will come away with some incredible photos. The staff knows just where exactly to stand for all the best photos and I swear they are all secretly trained as photographers! The views are incredible in fact if you are at all insecure with heights some of these bars will test you out!

It is a salutary lesson here in Thailand to check what is actually open at present because many hotels are taking the opportunity to renovate. Here at Lebua during our visit, the spa and half the gym were closed. The Club Lounge has temporarily moved to the swimming pool area. None of which really impacted our stay except missing perhaps the wow of the views from the Club Lounge.

You should also note the high cost of a drink at any one of their amazing bars. One bottle of wine at the Hangover Skybar at sunset cost more than our entire weekend stay. The best seat in the house at the Whisky bar pre covid had a minimum spend of 50,000 (USD 1650) How the other half live!

And how lucky are we to have these bars practically to ourselves, there is no need to pre-book or reserve your spot these days.

‘Boasting spectacular city and river views of Bangkok city, Lebua at State Tower offers well-appointed suites with a separate bedroom, living room, and kitchenette.’

We thought the bedrooms were surprisingly average given the opulence around BUT this is definitely one place where if you are spending time in your hotel room you are not living the high life. We had the best weekend ever!

The Lebua State Tower website and current staycation deals are found here

??????? ????? at Central World⁣

???’? ????????? our 80th Thailand Staycation ?? ?????! ❤️⁣
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Our room was a generously upgraded room with World Executive Lounge benefits. Here on the 51st floor, light meals, including afternoon tea and evening cocktails are served throughout the day. ⁣

⁣This five-star hotel is the flagship of Centara Hotels & Resorts⁣. Our Grand Junior Family Suite room is huge, with two king-sized beds, walk-in closets, a beautiful bathroom and a deep bath, and brilliant Bangkok views ⁣

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We loved the city resort-style poolside area with sun deck and again panoramic city views. We can recommend the wonderful spa from our previous visit.
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The Red Sky rooftop bar is a thrill – and a must at sunset. We dined at ??????, this Spanish tapas restaurant is always a favourite for a good evening.  We like the food, the views, the staff and it’s fun seeing the ?????? ?????? collect wine from the cellar on high. Tip! Make sure your order a bottle from right at the top of the wine cellar
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After many stays with the Centara hotels thanks to their Centara Golden Ticket, I feel safe in their hotels, I like the Covid protection of ??????? ?????ete ????.⁣
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This hotel boasts a central Bangkok location and is connected with Central World shopping centre for the shopaholics amongst us!⁣

The Centara Grand at Central World website and current staycation deals are found here 

Check out all the stays at Around the Kingdom in 80 days here

The Siam ??? ???? ????? ?? ???????⁣

??? ???? is often referred to by friends in the know, as Bangkok’s best hotel. We had never been and were hanging on for it to reopen after its Covid-19 closure. ⁣
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This was perfect timing for drum roll please our ???? ???????? ?????????? (?????? ?? ?????? ?????????? ???????? ??????) ????? ????????! ⁣
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Described as: ⁣  ???????’? ?????? ????? ??????? ????? ????????, ???? ??????? ??? ???????????? ?????? ?????? ?? ??????? ?? ??? ??????? ???? ????? ?????.⁣

What we loved about The Siam

Can I say everything?

Thank you for our upgraded ???? ????? ????????? which was a total wow! Definitely, one of the most beautiful rooms I have ever stayed in.

The whole hotel is stunning. You enter to a wondrous courtyard, a tropical oasis of towering plants that clearly love it here! ⁣
In every nook and cranny of this hotel is something interesting to admire. Incredible antiques are mixed with the art deco-inspired design and it works. You never feel like you are in a museum, nor a stuffy hotel, it’s elegant and relaxed here downtown in ???????’? ????? ????? ????????.⁣
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We booked the private cinema room for a cosy movie afternoon and we enjoyed our yoga workout in a beautiful setting in the spa. The pool area alongside the ???? ?????? river is just lovely. A basket arrives with fans, sunscreen, mossie repellant and extra towels and well you have already met our personal Butler who stays on call and discrete until we leave late on Sunday.⁣
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We invited friends to join us for dinner with our villa being the perfect place to host guests for pre-dinner drinks. Thank you to Nick and the team for an incredibly special stay!

The Siam website and current staycation deals are found here 

The ASAI Bangkok Chinatown

???? is a fun, funky new hotel with a good price point in the heart of ????????? – interested? I certainly was especially when I heard that this is a new kid on the Bangkok block that has ????? ????????????? behind ⁣it. We are all waiting for the legend of the ????? ????? to return, and I knew these hospitality pioneers would have something special & creative to offer.⁣
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Asai Bangkok Thailand starts with a fun face-to-face encounter with a larger-than-life brightly coloured Chinese lion made from recycled plastics. ⁣
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The foyer is high-tech – you know one of these ‘swipe here’, DIY check-ins that the millennials love whilst I do a secret fist pump when I’ve passed the entrance exam and am handed the key card?⁣
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Haha don’t get me wrong I love high-tech indeed if you pop to the ladies loo it’s got a lot of swish features – a toilet that flushes as soon as you stand up, soap that squirts onto your hands, and water that turns on as soon as your hand gets ready! Nothing especially flash about any of these except that they ALL work!⁣
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This hotel is super affordable I paid 1282 Baht (41USD) including a great breakfast with Hotels.com.⁣
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It has a great communal space for hanging out or co-working but no time to linger I’m off to check out the room. The hotel has only been open a few weeks so everything is brand spanking new. ⁣
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I liked the room it is nicely styled they’ve upgraded me to a city view – thank you! It was well designed with an integrated headboard which includes a desk. The rooms are not huge but plenty big enough for Moi, nice toiletries and everything you need for a fabulous stay – except no kettle. ⁣

I loved this stay it is a vibrant area and the staff are knowledgeable to help you plan out a fun time.

The Asai Bangkok Chinatown website and current staycation deals are found here 

The Sukhothai Bangkok

The Sukhothai Bangkok reopened its doors on August 1st, 2020. All Staycation guests are currently being welcomed into the Clubroom wing.

Our staycation package cost THB 5,500 for a club room (no benefits) with a view over the pool, breakfast, and a 3 course set dinner at La Scala restaurant. Late check-out subject to availability.

What we loved about The Sukhothai Bangkok

It’s an effortless style and glamour that comes from a Bangkok leading hotel, confident in its delivery of one of the best Bangkok staycations in town.

Highlights include personal attention to detail for every guest, The Sukhothai Bangkok does Guest Services so smoothly you can’t help but be impressed. The gastro dining experiences of breakfast and dinner and breakfast are impressive, not to mention and if you choose (at extra cost) the Chocolate Buffet.

We loved the hotel’s extensive grounds and all the recreational areas; the large pool area, gym, and indeed the Sathorn location, close to Lumpini Park,

It is staycations like this, that make me realise how much I love top-end luxury pampering and when it’s this affordable, why not Bangkok?

For more information on The Sukhothai Bangkok click here

The Sukhothai website and current staycation deals are found here 

ASAI Bangkok Chinatown

 

Anantara Siam Bangkok’s Luxurious city retreat

There is a reason that the locals love the Anantara Siam. It simply never fails to deliver what everyone wants, a beautiful hotel with effortless customer service.

Their website says ‘Life’s a journey : Life is filled with opportunities to seek the exceptional, encounter the new and widen our horizons. Find your next extraordinary moment with Anantara.

AND we did!

Highlights were our exceptional Thai heritage room overlooking the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. The staff went to an extraordinary effort for my husband’s birthday with lots of in-room treats.

We had a fabulous social distancing breakfast at Mocha and Muffins and a lovely evening of snacks and drinks at the vast and oh so elegant lobby under those magnificent frescoed ceilings.

Our Covid-19 Thailand time has filled our lives with some opportunities which we will never forget, the Anantara is one of them.

The Anantara Siam website is found here

Hotel Riva Arun’s Boutique Thai charm

For a sheer spectacular, pinch me, I’m loving life in Bangkok, you will do no better than one of three stylish rooftop jacuzzi suites at Riva Arun (Room 403 is the best).

The views from these rooms and the Above Riva restaurant overlooking Wat Arun, the Chao Phraya River, and the rooftops of the Grand Palace are unforgettable.

Our moonlight jacuzzi on our private terrace and dawn yoga overlooking Wat Arun was magical. There was a reason we went there twice!

Riva Arun Bangkok website is found here

Siam Kempinski Bangkok’s World of serenity

Our Stay in Luxury package for Thai and Expat residents offered the epitome of modern Thai elegance and luxury.

A beautiful relaxing garden was indeed a sanctuary, we loved this swimming pool area. This hotel went above and beyond in regard to thoughtful guest experiences.

With their gym closed, yoga mats and gym equipment were available on request in the room, an outdoor cabana had been set up with an exercise bike. An evening foot bath was provided with bath salts in the room. We were even given anti-Covid-19 personal protection head visors.

An excellent three-course dinner at ALATi restaurant was included and breakfast was outstanding.

The Peninsula Bangkok’s Urban oasis on the River of Kings’

My birthday celebration weekend was held in Peninsula style in March before its temporary closure. The magnificent suite room with stunning views of the Chao Phraya River and the city beyond never fails to impress and was full of birthday treats and surprises.

We loved this hotel we returned again in November 2020 more here 60th Thailand Staycation and this was our chosen hotel for my 100th Thailand staycation

Breakfast and dinner at the River Cafe and Terrace and the riverside swimming pool and private cabanas are always a highlight.

Shangri-La Bangkok’s Tropical city resort

Our Executive Riverview Suite here was utterly gorgeous, we love the Thai design of this room looking out over the Chao Phraya River.

We took a package with the Horizon Club benefits. All meals were served outside at the Next2 Cafe Terrace.

This riverside retreat was a highlight, sitting enjoying the evening ‘mocktails’ and exceptional hors d’oeuvres.

It was perhaps the connections and conversations with the staff about their future plans that made the most lasting impressions. We are keen for a return visit when more is open.

The Shangri-La Bangkok website is found here.

The Athenee Hotel Bangkok’s Dine’cation package

Dine in a stunning restaurant and make The Athenee your home and they will look after you extremely well. From the enthusiastic welcome from all the staff to the three-course dinner at The Allium Bangkok, this is the best value stay we had.

It included exclusive Royal Club benefits of afternoon tea, and evening ‘mocktails’ and hors d’oeuvres.

Everything about this hotel is top-class luxury and well thought through. Loved the way they made our stay so special.

For another view check out Spoon and Wander: A gourmet staycation at the Athenee Hotel 

The Athenee Hotel Bangkok website is found here

Praya Palazzo: A private historical mansion

This charming private riverside hotel has resumed welcoming guests since their Covid-19 shut down in April.

This was a top stay for us. The location is peaceful, in a word therapeutic. The soothing yellow buildings, steeped in history, the enchanting swimming pool amidst the verdant gardens and you love waking to the little birds singing. ⁣It’s Bangkok bliss!

This exclusive boutique hotel has only fifteen rooms and guests arrive by private boat. ⁣The hotel emphasizes extra health and safety measures in the current Covid-19 climate. The staff wore masks, rooms deep cleaned and towels were safety wrapped.⁣ When you enter the hotel grounds you can’t help but immediately feel at ease.

I loved the vibe here, it was being in a wonderful movie, where you feel like the star of the show! The staff were all so helpful and went out of their way to ensure we had everything we wanted. ⁣ History buffs will love the Siam period decor, you feel like you have stepped back in time…

The food was a real highlight here. Congratulations To Chef Na and colleagues.

Check out their Buy Now, Stay Later deal: Purchase THB 3,000 in gift certificate and receive an additional THB 600 in resort credit travel anytime between May 2020 – 31 October 2021.

The Praya Palazzo website is found here

??????? ????? ??????? ?????????⁣ Staycation #96

This new 5-star hotel opened in 2020, and this is my first visit. It feels as stylish as its bronze, curvy architectural exterior looks, the hotel full of artsy touches, like the massive glass ornaments depicting a dragon in the foyer.⁣
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We have gathered for a fond farewell and cocktails at the ??????? ????? ??????? ??? on the 34th floor. In Bangkok, we’re spoilt for choice for rooftop bars & this has quickly become a firm favourite amongst my friends. ⁣
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My swish upgraded ????????? ???? (thanks again Guys) has everything needed a comfy bed, a rainforest shower bathroom with a bath, and desk space. ⁣
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The room has fantastic city views and down below the BTS trains glide about their daily business – the hotel is well located for those arriving by public transport. It would be perfect for a workcation and they offer great day packages, only THB 1,200 net. (38 USD)⁣
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This hotel cleverly appeals to the business, leisure, and one little Wren reconnecting with her Bangkok girlfriend’s markets! ⁣
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I paid 1296 THB (41 USD) for the current room-only offer but do check as not all facilities are open. The pool, gym & spa are open, what more does a girl want?!⁣

The Carlton Bangkok website is found here.

The Prince Theatre Heritage Stay

We took a little break from 5-star luxury with this staycation. Well, you should have seen Mr Wren’s expression when I told him I’d booked in at an old porn cinema! Haha, it’s all in the best possible taste these days. ⁣

Found deep in the old city area of Bang Rak, up a side alley, past the lady selling fish and a trolly of cooked duck, and don’t forget to duck under the wires hanging low, is a small hotel with a BIG past. ⁣
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It does not get any more authentic than this. It’s the contrast between the old and the new ways. Life continues here largely unchanged, and on offer is a perfect way to explore this downtown city location from all the modern comforts of your heritage stay. ⁣
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If you are a foodie, you will love the access to local eateries featured in the Michelin Guide 2020 such as Baan Somtum Prachak and Heng Piew. But even better you can order at the hotel Sanyod duck and it will be delivered to your table without the queues. ⁣
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Once a casino, this theatre has reinvented itself in many ways. In the 1980’s it was a cinema showing movies of dubious artist content and porn movies were the offers of the day. ⁣
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We choose the red suite room, at the back of the theatre. It’s a spacious room with a comfy, enormous bed, gorgeous wooden floorboards and old beams, and Interesting artwork which reflects its lively heritage.⁣ Just be aware the bathroom is on the theme and two cubicles!
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There is no view but that’s because this place is tucked away out of sight on purpose. It’s discrete, nowadays a funky, fun establishment and I would recommend it as a great Bangkok staycation option.

⁣The Prince Theatre Heritage Stay website is found here

Chakrabongse Villas  

If there was one place that everyone wanted to know ‘how was it?’ It was ultra-exclusive luxury  Chakrabongse Villas with only four suites and three Moroccan-themed rooms.  This small and intimate hotel has a big reputation and we were not disappointed, neither by the setting nor by dinner. My Bangkok friends described it as V VIP.

Tucked away behind large gates on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Old Town Bangkok we really enjoyed this location. It was great being able to walk to the Flower Market and Siam Museum, the Grand Palace is a short stroll, but better by tuk-tuk. The hotel is a member of Secret Retreats.

Once inside the grounds, we find the former royal residence, and the guest rooms are set amidst enchanting tropical gardens, with a secluded swimming pool and the restaurant found on the riverside terraces.

The hotel, including our room, was styled with interesting antiques, starting at the front door.  A massive heavy wood door is opened by an elaborate lock. We were terrified we would lose the one-of-its-kind keys! It was not the grandest room of our staycationing, and probably wins as the smallest room in its price bracket, but it did feel really special. 

Our stay was memorable during COVID times as we were one of only two guest rooms in use. Talk about exclusive!

Check out the stunning antiquities from around the globe, the orchids hanging in bunches from the trees, oh there is a calmness to life at Chakrabongse Villas, and it is one to be savoured.

Dinner was a highlight overlooking the beautifully illuminated Wat Arun – we had the Thai Set Menu. Chakrabongse Dining is found in the Michelin Guide 2020 ‘A culinary journey inside one of Bangkok most precious historic houses, well known for its delicate and authentic Royal cuisine”

If you want to take to the water and cruise in style, guests can hire the traditional James Bond Longtail boat or the hotel’s classy Riva launch. Just to top it off it also has access to two cafes from its grounds While Mouse Cafe and River Books Shop – both worth checking out during your stay.

The Charkrabongse Villas website is found here

Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok

Overall Comments: A nice enough room for a good value staycation in an unexciting part of Bangkok, unless you love shopping and parklands. The massage was good, we had a laugh at the 8 pillows on the bed as we had pre-chosen our pillow selection. We slept really well. Our walk and bike ride in Chatuchak park was a highlight! The rooftop bar could have been nice but closed due to the rains.

We choose this hotel on Bangkok’s Northern side as it was a new area of town for us and we wanted to explore the nearby Chatuchak parklands.

Shoppers will love this hotel because you are next to the Central Plaza Ladprao and close to the famous weekend markets of Chatuchak – normally the hotel offers a shuttle service to the market but not at present (August 2020)

We took the Stay Happy & Healthy Package:

Treat yourself to a healthy living package inspired by a holistic approach to wellness. Return to a state of balance with an AcuRelax massage delivered by world-class spa therapists. Reenergize your body with in-room fitness amenities and work out in the privacy of your room. At the end of the day, unwind with calming pillow sprays and luxurious eye masks for a restful night’s sleep.

The fully flexible offer includes:

• 60-min AcuRelax for 2 persons (acupressure, foot, and scalp massage)
• Satin eye mask for 2 persons
• Lavender & bergamot pillow spray for 2 persons
• Choice of pillows
• In-room Fitness Workout Kit

The Room

Thank you to Centara Grand for the upgrade to the clubrooms. We loved the huge bath and the best night’s sleep ever.

BREAKFAST

A good breakfast buffet is on offer with many choices.

It is slightly tedious with all the COVID-19 protection measures. Each guest is offered plastic gloves, all supplies individually wrapped every prune, fig, and chilli salt offered in individual containers (which are recycled) I applaud the hotel for having these COVID safety measures in place.

STAFF

We really enjoyed meeting two staff recently transferred from Phuket. They were chatty and interested in us. Say hello to Ray at the rooftop bar and Joy at breakfast. They are a shining example of all that is the best of the Centara.

CAR PARKING

For an overnight stay, we parked the car on the road beside the hotel. There are about 10 spaces directly outside the main entrance. This may be because due to their COVID protocols there is no Valet parking at present.

VERY COVID Safe

Every room is sanitised and sealed for guests to enter.

This hotel is perhaps the most COVID safe of all the hotels we have been in at the moment.

Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok website is found here : 

Summit Windmill Golf Course and Residences

We took a break from city staycations to check out the golf and the Happy and Healthy Bike Path at Suvarnabhumi airport. Both were great sporting experiences!

The One bedroom suite room was nice enough. This is a large bedroom with a separate kitchen and sitting room combined and bathroom with bath and shower. Not a king-sized bed but very comfortable and we slept well. Lovely views of the golf course from each window.

Unfortunately, the jacuzzi on the balcony which would be a highlight was broken and the water was brown. The women’s locker room together with the spa was closed, as was the swimming pool.

The staff were very helpful and drove out to the Happy and Healthy Bike track (by the airport) and picked us up as arranged after our 24 km cycle ride. They also gave a late check out after golf which was much appreciated.

The golf course is challenging – lots of water!

All in all poor value compared with elsewhere in Bangkok at the moment but pleasant enough stay but would not rush back.

Summit Windmill Golf Course and Residences Website is found here

Pullman Bangkok LGBTQ-Friendly Staycation

My friends Aon and Lan at Deer is Travelling  have recently published details of their great staycation at The Pullman Bangkok:

“We wanted to relax in a gay-friendly hotel in the famous Bangkok area ​​- Silom. Without even thinking, we chose Pullman Bangkok Hotel G and never regretted it! We were greeted just incredibly friendly with gifts, treats, and a huge white loft-style room. A staycation feels like a vacation, to be honest.”  More here…

The Raweekanlaya Wellness Resort’s Bangkok city oasis

We have not yet stayed* here but I have visited and had a hotel tour and hope to stay in the upcoming weeks.

Thanks to Coleen at Xscapeartistry.com  :

‘The Raweekanlaya a quiet, lavender-scented oasis in the middle of Bangkok. Imagine a secret garden, under a canopy of lush trees, sitting in a plush garden lounge chair, reading while you sip on a herbal tea. The birds in the trees above cover the city din, and the 120-year-old Banyan Tree shades the garden from the worst of the Bangkok heat.’

Xscapeartistry’s full review can be found here:

For more ideas check out Expique’s Guide to Bangkok’s best hotels for a Staycation.

 

Little Wandering Wren is an International Travel Writer currently with her nest in Thailand. This  Bangkok Blogger can be found on Instagram and Twitter.

This post is not sponsored. We have paid for our stays, as our intention is to support the local hotel industry at these difficult times.