Why stay?

On a parcel of prime riverfront real estate, this chic 10-story retreat oozes discreet elegance and understated luxury. Capella Bangkok embraces you with warmth and a welcoming, personal touch from the moment you walk in. In fact, the hotel’s affable general manager can often be seen right at the door to greet arriving guests by name. If you’re looking for something bespoke, this is the place for you.

The neighborhood

Capella Bangkok makes up part of the exclusive mixed-use development known as Chao Phraya Estate. It’s directly connected to Charoen Krung, the oldest paved road in the city, which runs through the old-meets-new Creative District to the north. Dedicated concierges dubbed Capella Culturalists will happily guide guests through the shophouses and temples of the historic environs.

An aerial view of Capella Bangkok.

The feel

As soon as you enter the polished, earth-toned lobby, you’ll see how seamlessly the indoor and outdoor areas connect, with the hotel’s lush greenery on display through windows that run the whole length of the airy space. Look for artistic details like the exquisite wall hanging from renowned Thai textile artist Ploenchan “Mook” Vinyaratn. Service-wise, Capella Bangkok staff are endlessly attentive and helpful. Check-in doesn’t take place at some next-please counter, but on sofas in the comfortable, guests-only living room with a glass of champagne. Staff members will drop whatever they are doing to escort you to your destination in the hotel, and are always quick to enquire if you need anything at all.

Guest quarters

Uninterrupted views of the Chao Phraya, Bangkok’s fluvial beating heart, beckon from all the rooms and suites in the main building, while pool villas on the river’s edge have their own individual charm—living and dining areas open out to manicured garden featuring a sala with a daybed. The widespread use of lattice paneling and light-toned wood ensure that the rooms are bathed in warm tropical light. Floor-to-ceiling windows accentuate the glow, as do the balconies and outdoor spaces. Verandah suites, for example, have their own plunge pools with built-in Jacuzzis on an inviting terrace.

Food and drink

Côte by Mauro Colagreco is stellar in so many ways. While the celebrated Argentinian chef provides the oversight and the vision, the kitchen is in the hands of the very talented Davide Garaviglia, who spent seven years in Colagreco’s three-Michelin-starred Mirazur and has more than earned his own star here in Bangkok. (Whispers around town say that Côte is a leading contender for a second star.) The food takes its inspiration from Mirazur, but adds local produce and Garaviglia’s own personal flair. Beyond the seasonal tasting menu, you’ll want to seek out year-round favorites like slivers of beetroot showered in caviar and cream. Côte’s dining room is especially lovely and alive at lunch when you can enjoy the river views. Right beside the Chao Phraya, chef Kannika Jitsangworn serves up Bangkok specialties in Phra Nakhon (it’s also the setting for one of the best and most eclectic à la carte breakfasts in town). Stella mixes cocktails and live jazz in a bar where a majestic white peacock is the centerpiece.

Chef Davide Garaviglia in action; a dish at Côte by Mauro Colagreco.

Wellness factor

Auriga Wellness’s program was designed by GOCO Hospitality to reflect the diverse heritage of Charoen Krung road, with treatments that incorporate traditional Thai, Chinese, and Indian therapies. Skincare comes from 111SKIN. You can book a trainer for yoga and muay Thai of course, not to mention tai chi and TRX workouts.

Family matters

Capella Bangkok pampers its younger guests with the same attention given to grown-ups. Kiddie-appropriate robes, slippers, and amenities are complimentary, as are in-room teepees and toys. A host of activities will keep them busy, from painting traditional Khon dance masks and Lanna paper umbrellas, to learning about Thai desserts or taking a fun and educational cooking class with the hotel’s own executive chef Antony Scholtmeyer. Nanny services are also provided.

Sustainability cred

The hotel’s efforts to do well by the planet are certified by EarthCheck. From building materials to natural ventilation to air quality and waste management, the environmental consultants monitor the back-of-house initiatives that guests might not even notice. Capella Bangkok also has its own greenhouse where organic ingredients that couldn’t be more local are grown on-site for use throughout the F&B outlets.

What else?

Capella’s Culturalists are one of the many features that set the hotel apart. These experts of local life and culture can arrange all sorts of activities beyond the property, from street food tours to long-tail boat trips along the sleepy khlongs (canals) of old Bangkok.

Reviewed by Vincent Vichit-Vadakan

capellahotels.com/en/capella-bangkok
+66 2 098 3888
300/2 Charoen Krung Rd., Yan Nawa, Bangkok, Thailand

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