Why book Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

After shutting its original downtown location in 2015, Four Seasons opened its new Bangkok outpost as part of the Chao Phraya Estate, a multi-million-dollar development on a quiet stretch of the Chao Phraya River. Designed by renowned architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the new hotel (that has now been open four years) is bigger, brighter, and more of an urban retreat than its predecessor, and has recently been awarded a spot in the prestigious World’s 50 Best Hotels list.

With a handful of incredible restaurants, dreamy riverside pools, and a wellness hub that rivals most in the city, the hotel has become a urban retreat for those looking to explore the city. Full of charming courtyards, water features and stunning flowers, the hotel exudes a contemporary atmosphere which is present throughout the hotel’s 299 rooms and suites.

Location: 8/10

Located within Bangkok’s creative district, the hotel sits about 45minutes (traffic depending) south of the airport and is surrounded by galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. It is also right on the river, allowing daily access by the hotel’s boat to the famous IconSiam mall (which is definitely worth a visit for the luxury shopping and street food hall, on the lower ground floor) and is also close to the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain station which allows for easy access to the main city.

Rooms & Suites: 8/10

There are a total of 14 different room categories available including 5 room options and 9 suites, combining to a whopping 299 rooms overall. Each cleverly designed space is complete with high ceilings and expansive windows to enhance the bright, airy atmosphere, complimented with modern, stylish interiors, accented by contemporary Thai touches. The entire room is automated from the lights to the window blinds and the bathrooms, decked out with marble and his and hers sinks, offers Byredo Gypsy Water products and a decadent and deep bathtub. Colours of taupe and grey are mixed with sumptuous textures like faux ostrich leather, Thai silks and artworks. 

Food & Drink: 10/10

There are a total of eight dining destinations and bars at the hotel ranging from casual cafes and street food eats, to Michelin star dining and Italian favourites. The three stand out options are Yu Ting Yuan, a signature Chinese restaurant where you can enjoy Executive Chef Tommy Cheung’s renowned tasting menu while watching the chefs prepare peking duck, barbecue crispy pork, and dim sum in the show kitchen. Delicious dim sum lunches are available daily whilst dinner offers an array of pork, BBQ and Cantonese signatures like Abalone and peking duck. The pork with honey sauce was stand out for me, along with the light and crisp lobster spring rolls and the pickled cucumber.

Next up is Riva del Fiume open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Inspired by the villas of Lake Como, the restaurant makes the most of natural daylight and river views, creating a timeless Italian lakeside atmosphere. The venue features a wood-fired oven for gourmet pizzas and schiacciata, a counter for homemade pasta prepared with the chef’s unique recipe, and a lava stone grill for Fiorentina steak and special meat cuts. A chef’s table also allows single diners to enjoy gourmet pizza at the communal table or experience a special menu crafted by the chef. Breakfast is served here daily and not to be missed – from the Thai favourites and daily a la carte menu to continental favourites, the options are endless (and the coffee, for once (I never rate hotel coffee), is fantastic!)

The shining star however is Palmier by Guillaume Galliot, a French restaurant on the riverside. Chef Guillaume’s approach to cuisine is deeply rooted in his upbringing in France’s Loire Valley, where he was surrounded by bountiful produce and a vibrant culinary culture. His early passion for cooking led him to the world’s culinary capitals, honing his skills and developing a distinctive style that marries the rustic charm of French brasserie dishes with a refined, contemporary sensibility.

With accolades including three Michelin stars for his work at Caprice, Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Chef Guillaume now brings this blend of innovation and tradition to Palmier, crafting a menu that celebrates the simplicity and flavour of French brasserie fare. Menu highlights include classics such as roasted frog legs, foie gras, Wagyu steak and frites, and sole meunière, along with Galliot’s signature dishes like Land & Sea tartare, an innovative take on French onion soup, and a tower showcasing the freshest seafood.

BKK Social Club, situated in the heart of the hotel, has also become an institution in the city evoking the legendary glamour of Latin America with a menu of bespoke cocktails, craft spirits, rare Champagnes and the finest cigars. The pistachio margarita is not to be missed.

Spa & Facilities: 9/10 

Spanning over 2,500 square metres (26,900 square feet), this spa at Four Seasons Bangkok integrates three key wellness streams: Body, Mind, and Work. The overall focus lies on holistic healing, with mindfulness sessions, steam room and vitality pools on offer to all, complemented by a rotating roster of visiting master practitioners. When it comes to treatments, the options are endless from facials and body treatments ranging from Traditional Thai to body lifting massages and more. High-performance and organic products from brands such as Omorovicza and Sudtana are used to tackle issues ranging from anxiety and insomnia to sports injuries and skin concerns whilst guided meditations, reiki, pranic healing, Ayurveda, and acupuncture are available. On the top floor of the two story facility sits an incredible fitness centre designed by Jean-Michel Gathy, a 35-metre (115-foot) lap pool, movement studio, and a Muay Thai ring.

The dynamic Health Club, an integral part of the Urban Wellness Centre, offers expansive gym facilities, personalised training sessions, and invigorating group fitness classes, including HIIT, spinning, mat Pilates, and aerial yoga, catering to various fitness levels. Additional amenities include vitality pools, ice baths, and herbal aromatherapy steam rooms, creating a comprehensive environment for both exercise and relaxation. Seriously – if you are looking to stay healthy and active whilst traveling, this facility caters to your every need.

The Verdict: 9/10

The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River is truly an urban escape from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok. The service is stand out and matches the rest of the hotel: it’s slick and by the book and no request is ever too big or too small. The rooms are incredibly comfortable and the facilities ensure you have everything you need at your fingertips. The stand out features for me are the food and the sheer amount of beautiful orchids that fill this fabulous hotel!

Doubles from about AED1,575 a night, fourseasons.com

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