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TRAVEL ETC: SLEEPOVER A bed
in Bangkok; Hotel Shangri-La
Where is it?
In a prime location on the banks of the Chao Phraya river, a few
hundred yards south of the centre of Bangkok. A regular boat service
to the main sights departs from a nearby pier. The new sky train
terminates at the doors of the Krungthep wing - a real bonus, enabling
you to dispense with predatory taxi drivers.
What's it like?
The 25-storey building, which curves to reflect the bend in the
river, is spread over two wings: the original Shangri-La and the
more exclusive Krungthep. Riverside rooms have a marvellous view
of the city, though during our visit this also included two sorry-looking
elephants on the far bank. |
What's its USP?
A haven of fresh air in a city notorious for heavy traffic and pollution.
Its two pools are blissful places to pass the afternoon after a
morning of sightseeing. Each has a Jacuzzi to soothe the bumps if
you've been travelling by bus in the region. There is also a Buddhist
shrine in the shadow of a banyan tree.
Ambience?
Oozing five-star luxury, from the vast entrance hall and the wood-
panelled lifts to the palm trees and orchids in the riverside grounds,
the hotel regularly hosts royal visits. It has its own small shopping
complex.
Service?
Generally excellent, friendly and helpful, though some restaurant
staff displayed a persistent desire to take away your drink before
it was finished.
Rooms?
The 850 spacious rooms are equipped in ascending degrees of luxury,
according to price. Ours had fresh flowers and de luxe chocolates.
From pounds 130 a night to pounds 190 with river views. Better to
book a package: British Airways Holidays (0870 242 4245) offers
five nights, with flights, from pounds 775 per person.
Food?
The hotel has nine restaurants, of which the pick is Angelini's,
an Italian eatery spread over three storeys that has been voted
one of the world's top 10 hotel restaurants. Prices are surprisingly
reasonable given the quality, with a meal for two with wine costing
around pounds 40. The ice cream was superb. The Maenam Terrace by
the riverside serves up local hawker- style dishes, including a
delicious pad thai (prawns, shrimps, peanuts and noodles) for a
fiver.
Clientele?
Honeymooners breaking up the long haul to Australia, holidaying
families, businessmen whose wives have joined them after the deals
have been done.
Things to do?
Take a boat trip along the river. You can book the hotel's luxurious
evening dining cruise from its own pier for pounds 25 per person,
or hop on one of the public boats and enjoy the same views for 12p.
Make sure you get to the Grand Palace, whose temples remain one
of the outstanding sights in Asia. Or just stay by the hotel pool
and have a foot massage (pounds 20).
Address?
89 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
(00 66 2 236 7777; www.shangri-la.com).
Mark Rowe |
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