Taste of luxury in the heart of Bangkok

DANNY GOCS

THE Peninsula Bangkok rises 37 storeys above the Chao Phraya River, across the water from the central business district.

The hotel, which opened 11 years ago, was designed in a W-shape to ensure that every room has a view of the Bangkok skyline.

Of course, it’s not just the view that is brilliant. The 270 rooms and suites are luxurious and spacious, with plenty of five-star touches.

The curtains in the rooms open and close at the touch of a button. And at one end of the bath in the marble bathroom is a built-in TV.

Dining is an experience at the Peninsula Bangkok with seven eateries ranging from the elegant Mei Jiang restaurant to the Thai-style Thiptara situated on the river bank.

The hotel has 144 chefs under the control of British-born executive chef Philip Sedgwick and the hotel’s kitchen complex would be quite at home in a large luxury liner.

It’s a Peninsula tradition to take afternoon tea in the lobby, enjoying delicious cakes.

One of the popular activities at the hotel is the Peninsula Academy where guests can learn Thai cooking.

The first part of the half-day class involves a visit to the local market to check out the fresh fish, vegetables and fruit. Then it’s back to the hotel and a steep-roofed hut overlooking the pool where a Peninsula chef makes the cooking look easy as he leads the demonstration — and everyone gets to taste the results.

If you are seeking a relaxing massage or a health treatment, visit the Espa spa located in a colonial-style three-storey building. And allow time to soak in the jacuzzi or sip honey-ginger tea in the special relaxation centre.

Spend time in the enormous three-tiered outdoor swimming pool where you can relax and enjoy magnificent river views.

On the Peninsula’s private wharf, one of the hotel’s fleet of steep-roofed boats waits to shuttle guests across the river to the train station and shopping centres day and night.

And at the entrance to the hotel is the trademark fleet of Rolls Royces to transfer guests to the airport.

For more information
www.peninsula.com

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