Shanghai Mansion Bangkok

At the aptly named Shanghai Mansion, the memorable decor is one of the main draws. The style blends 1930s Shanghai with modern boutique hotel trends, and guests can expect plush, velvety seating in jewel colors, lots of wood carved with geometric Art Deco patterns, and framed posters of 1930s Shanghai women. There are Chinese objets d'art everywhere, from the vases displayed on glass shelves in the lobby to beautiful painted pottery hung on the wall in Cotton jazz lounge. Fish swim in an interior courtyard pond underneath colorful birdcage lanterns. The building itself has a storied history and has been used as a trading house, an opera house, a stock exchange, and a department store housing Chinese herbal medicine shops (behind the front desk is what looks like an antique Chinese medicine cabinet, perhaps a nod to this former incarnation). The many freebies here, from the welcome drinks to the scheduled tuk-tuk service, helps make this a true boutique experience. 

There aren't many hotels located right in the heart of Chinatown, and Shanghai Mansion is the most convenient option for those hoping to sample Bangkok's famous street food in the evenings. Just walk carefully, as the streets here are far from pedestrian-friendly. It's also within a 10- to 15-minute drive to Bangkok's most popular temples, including Wat Pho, Wat Phra Kaew, and Wat Arun. Wat Traimit is even closer -- a three-minute drive (or five-minute walk for those brave enough). The hotel offers free tuk-tuk service to popular sights at scheduled times. 

The beautiful chinoiserie of the common spaces carries over into the rooms, which are full of bold, colorful fabrics and sophisticated patterns. Many rooms have four-poster wood bed frames with beautiful, intricate carvings. The thoughtful extras make all the difference here, from the free minibar items to the quality toiletries to the beautiful painted teapots. The rooms are also surprisingly quiet for the busy location, but some lack natural light (those without a view may have colorful, rather than transparent, glass windows). For many, though, this just adds to the sultry, romantic vibe. Bathrooms have walk-in showers (and charming, quirky birdcages with fake birds); some suites have freestanding tubs. Slippers and robes are provided. The flat-screen TVs get a couple of English channels. Room service is available for those who want a romantic night in. Those staying in Ying Hua Deluxe Rooms and Mu Dan Suites get butler service, which includes luggage unpacking, personalized concierge service, turndown service, and customized minibars.

Though the Shanghai Mansion lacks a pool, it does have some nice eating and drinking options. Red Rose restaurant offers a quality breakfast buffet (for a fee) and tasty Chinese-style dishes later in the day (for example, crispy whole duck) in an elegant space with black and white checkered tile floors and chandeliers. Cotton lounge serves Chinese fare for lunch and dinner, and offers cocktails and (often) live jazz in the evenings. There's also a casual outdoor terrace bar with a TV playing sports games. A ballroom is available for special events. Wi-Fi is free, as is tuk-tuk service to major sights.