The Siam

The Siam is such a special place that four nights barely felt like enough. We could have spent much longer just taking in the atmosphere, though staying there may spoil you for other hotels because it feels like it's in a class of its own. Every room and corner is filled with beautiful antiques, and the design is stunning, with so much care in the details. The service is hard to beat, too. We loved the à la carte breakfast, and the food was great. Afternoon tea, dinner, the boat trip, and the exceptional spa are all worth the splurge. It was an unforgettable stay.

My favorite part was the private boat ride on the river. It was slow, intimate, and unforgettable. The days also included riverside breakfasts at Chon Thai Restaurant, sunset time at the pier, and Western food at Deco Bar and Bistro. The duck confit there stood out. I stayed in a Courtyard Pool Villa, one level below the Riverside Pool Villa. It felt peaceful and private, like a home, with a pool tucked into its own courtyard. Opium Spa offers wonderful treatments, including Margie’s Monte Carlo signature therapies, and there’s also a full boxing ring for Muay Thai and a well-equipped gym. Above all, the people made the stay. The butler service was warm, personal, and intuitive. This was my first stay with The Set Collection, and it was extraordinary. The Siam has three Michelin Keys, is one of two hotels in Bangkok and six in Thailand with that recognition, and ranked number 26 on the World’s Best Hotel list in 2024. With just 28 suites and 10 villas, this feels like an intimate retreat on a historic stretch of the Chao Phraya River, the River of Kings. Bill Bensley’s design feels deliberate and timeless throughout. The Sukosol family’s collection of rare artifacts and historical pieces makes the property feel more like a living gallery than just somewhere to stay. It’s one of the most stunning hotels I’ve ever experienced.

The riverfront setting was a real highlight, and the hotel has its own boat for cruises or getting guests around Bangkok. The staff were amazing, and the General Manager checked in with us every day, which was a nice touch. We had a spacious, luxurious room, and the food and drinks were always enjoyable. The architecture is stunning, too. It was one of the best parts of our three-week trip, and I’d highly recommend staying here when visiting Bangkok.

The little rooms and spaces kept surprising me. Between the film room, library, and music room, I felt a bit like Alice in Wonderland, finding a new magical corner each time. The decor is gorgeous, with a black-and-white deco style, antique photos, and objects chosen with real care by the generous owners. My private butler, Gawn, helped plan each day and had top-tier recommendations. He was easy to reach and went out of his way to make me happy. The hotel has only 38 rooms, so everyone seems to know who you are. The complimentary private river boat was lovely, the staff were professional, and general manager Reza (great name) was kind and easy to talk with. Breakfast was always tasty, and I really enjoyed the cool jazz band at Deco Bar. Khop kun ka for an unforgettable experience. 10/10, this place is perfect.