Exciting changes are taking place in Bangkok along the banks of the famous River of Kings. Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok has decided to maximize its outstanding location by putting more emphasis on the river. From guestrooms to river excursions, the hotel is focusing on the mighty Chao Phraya River in order to give guests a true sense of experiencing exotic Thailand.
The two-story Lobby with spectacular river views has been redesigned and refurbished with emphasis placed on the use and enhancement of space. With the hotel's tropical garden and Chao Phraya river in full view, furnishings have been created to blend the gold and beige interior décor with the colorful green and blue exterior. Comfortable seating in tropical style couches and upholstered chairs adds to the intimacy. The enlarged lobby has an attractive bar area with tables set right up against the windows for really spectacular views. To bring the garden feeling into the lobby, there are rainforest walls with falling water, tropical plants and large rain jars set on pedestals.
Even the Shangri-La wing entrance has been redesigned to provide a more spacious and elegant feel. Guests are greeted by dramatic arches and large rain jars raised on pedestals in front of the main entrance. The front foyer with marble floor and inlay mosaic featuring a decorative leaf-motif is striking. The reception area has been enlarged and is decorated with Thai sculpture.
A major refurbishment of guestrooms in both the Shangri-La Wing and the prestigious Krungthep Wing has also been completed. The US$ 22 million renovation project involved major changes to guestrooms. The focus concentrated on luxury while providing contemporary design and convenient workspace. Set at an angle, guest beds are placed to maximize views and space in the room. Refurbishment to the modern, elegant Shangri-La Wing rooms included an entire bathroom redesign with dramatic new features such as more spacious bath area, heavy rain shower, and dramatic lighting.
A new Horizon Club on 23rd, 24th and 25th floors and Horizon Club Lounge, in the Shangri-La Wing, have been recreated to cater to business travellers and visitors for their enjoyment of special attention, privileges and services provided. For convenience the two floors on 23rd and 24th have been linked by a dramatic spiral staircase, so guests on either floor have easy access to the Horizon Club Lounge. The Horizon Club Lounge provides amazing views of the river and Bangkok neighborhoods.
International cuisine with an interactive dining experience. Opens 24 hours daily. High-speed broadband internet access has also been introduced to all newly renovated guestrooms in both Krungthep Wing and Shangri-La Wing since towards the end of last year. In addition to the guestrooms' communication conveniences, guest using the banquet and conference facilities will be able to enjoy this high-speed connection to the internet in all function rooms area of both wings as well. Simply hook up to internet service and broadband high-speed connections, guests can get their work done faster.
The hotel also offers Horizon II, a luxury boat which provides elegant river cruising. With two air-conditioned cabins for dining and expansive deck space for taking in the scenery, guests are provided with a charming introduction to life along the river. There is a daily cruise to the ancient capital of Ayutthaya and nightly dinner cruises passing by exotic palaces, glittering temples and night markets on the river.
In addition to focusing on the river, the Shangri-La Bangkok is also making a point of enhancing guests' stays with more personalized experiences. The hotel has also provided Daily Thai Cooking classes, which are being given along the banks of the river in the hotel's charming teak pavilion Salathip restaurant conducted by Salathip's chef. The classes include a jaunt to an authentic vegetable market, a hands on cooking lesson and then delicious Thai lunch in restaurant. The hotel also offers a daily "Activitze" program with special classes in meditation and Thai crafts and arts such as flower garland making, Thai massages, banana leaf folding and fruit and vegetable carving.
Lastly, the hotel announces the official opening of the new and innovative NEXT2 – Cafe & Terrace on Monday 6 October, bringing all the cooking, Chefs and Cooks right next to you… It's a "walk-about" through a variety of cuisines and flavours, kitchens, people, wine and dine. With a choice of six different live food stations, in addition to other wide buffet selections as well as extensive all-day dining a la carte menus, NEXT2 is a concept that blends international cuisine with an interactive dining experience.
Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok, where a staying by the River of Kings makes any visit to Bangkok a unique and special experience.
