Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok

The Chatrium Hotel Riverside is an imposing, palm tree-flanked tower that rises up from the Chao Phraya riverside. The entrance is defined by a sleek wall of blue tinted windows; inside, there's a feature wall of shimmering gold mosaics, light paneled walls, clean-lined tables, and brushed-cotton chairs. The effect is calming, like walking into a cool oasis. The front desk is a vision in orange, crowned by a large piece of driftwood shaped like the letter C.The infinity pool area is similarly elegant, with mature palm trees shading the lounge chairs that flank the 35-meter pool overlooking the Chao Phraya river. With its full bar and views, the Pool Bar, as it's called, is a popular spot for guests to lounge and snack on treats by the water throughout the day. The restaurants are similarly stylish, but the hotel tends to be rather quiet and calm, thanks to its popularity with longer-stay guests who appreciate the rooms with kitchenettes.

There are a few sights to see within walking distance of the Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok, such as the Asiatique Night Bazaar, a large, open-air night market with over 40 restaurants and plenty of entertainment. The hotel operates a free regular shuttle boat between the hotel and Sathon Pier, where there's a skytrain stop for easy access around the city, as well as the Tourist Boat, which runs sightseeing trips up and down the river. Major sights like the temple of Wat Arun, whose impressive spire silhouette is one of the most recognizable in Southeast Asia, are harder to get to on public transportation, but the hotel can arrange taxis and car service if necessary. The hotel offers free parking.

The Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok has three types of rooms: Grand rooms, Club rooms, and Suites. Suites are, unsurprisingly, the largest, many able to accommodate families for extended stays; Club rooms allow access to the private 36th-floor lounge, which offers free drinks and snacks throughout the day. All rooms are decorated in the same romantic, vintage-inspired style that prevails throughout the hotel. Dark hardwood floors are partly carpeted, mahogany tables and spotlights in the ceiling lend an elegance to the space, and cream walls, pastel and cream furniture, and walls of windows keep things light and breezy. All rooms have kitchenettes, which have all modern appliances, including electric stovetops. Bathrooms are large, with huge white tiles, soaking tubs, walk-in rainfall showers, waffle bathrobes, slippers, and signature toiletries. All suites have flat-screen TVs, coffeemakers, free Wi-Fi, minibars, and 24-hour room service. Higher-floor rooms have the best views of the city's rooftops, although the quiet street means that even rooms on lower floors don't get much noise. Note that not all rooms have river views, but all rooms do have private balconies.

The most popular restaurant in the hotel is Silver Waves Chinese, located on the 36th floor, which serves top-notch dim sum and boasts panoramic views of the Bangkok skyline. The River Barge restaurant on the lobby level serves an array of international cuisine, both a la carte and buffet-style. Pier 28 offers a la carte dining and a selection of cocktails served on a riverside terrace. There's also a more casual cafe with pastries and coffee. There's a riverside infinity pool with bar and snack service, and the terrace also has two smaller pools for children, as well as a hot tub. In addition to the kids' pool, kids' menus and babysitting services are available. The fitness center is large and well-equipped. There's also a spa that offers a full range of treatments, as well as a sauna and steam room. Various authentic spa treatments are available at Namita spa. For business travelers, there's a business center and conference center. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, free parking, and a free ferry service up the river.