Bangkok Selection
Bangkok’s 5 Star Hotels (Forbes Travel Guide 2025)
If you’ve ever wondered why travel writers and hotel junkies get so excited about “Forbes Five Stars,” here’s the backstory:
Started in 1958: Back then, it was called the Mobil Travel Guide (yep, as in the gas company). It was the first real star‑rating system for hotels and restaurants in the U.S. Think of it as the OG of travel guides.
Anonymous Inspections: Here’s the cool part—Forbes inspectors travel incognito, checking in like normal guests. They measure everything from how crisp the sheets are to how quickly the staff remembers your name. No hotel knows when it’s being tested.
The Five-Star Standard:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The absolute top tier. Think flawless service, world‑class dining, dreamy rooms, and those little extras (like turndown chocolates or a butler who somehow predicts you want sparkling water before you even ask).
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Still luxury, but not quite as over‑the‑top.
⭐⭐⭐ Very nice, but not in the Forbes luxury club.
Bangkok’s 5 star hotels short summary:
1) Capella Bangkok
Location: Charoenkrung Road, riverside location on the Chao Phraya River
Price Range:
USD: $600–$1,000+ per night
EUR: ~€550–€920+
Checkout time: 12:00 PM
Transport: ~40 minutes from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) | 5 min walk to Charoenkrung Road shopping & eateries | Hotel boat shuttle to ICONSIAM mall
Restaurants:
Côte by Mauro Colagreco ⭐ – Michelin‑starred French Riviera‑inspired cuisine by chef Mauro Colagreco (of Mirazur, World’s Best Restaurant 2019). Refined tasting menus with river views. (reservation)
Phra Nakhon – Homestyle Thai dishes showcasing regional flavors, in a scenic riverside setting.
Tea Lounge – Afternoon tea and artisanal pastries in a serene lounge with garden and river outlook.
Facilities: Breakfast🍳 | 🌊 Infinity riverside pool | 💆 Auriga Wellness Spa | 🏋️ 24‑hr fitness | 🎶 Live music lounge
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2) Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
Location: Charoenkrung Riverside, across from ICONSIAM with private boat shuttles
Price Range:
USD: $700–$1,200+ per night
EUR: ~€645–€1,105+
Checkout time: 12:00 PM
Transport: 10 min by boat to BTS Skytrain Saphan Taksin | 45 min drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Restaurants & Bars:
Le Normandie by Alain Roux ⭐⭐ – Two Michelin Stars. One of Asia’s most renowned fine‑dining spots, serving classic French haute cuisine with contemporary flair and sweeping river views. (reservation)
Sala Rim Naam – Traditional Thai cuisine paired with nightly cultural dance performances in a romantic riverside setting.
Lord Jim’s – An institution for seafood lovers, offering à la carte and buffet dining with floor‑to‑ceiling river views.
The Bamboo Bar 🍸 – World’s 50 Best Bars 2023 (#39). A legendary jazz bar since 1953, celebrated for inventive cocktails showcasing Thai ingredients and live nightly jazz.
Facilities: Breakfast🍳 | 🏊 Two outdoor pools | 💆 Award‑winning Mandarin Spa | 🏋 Gym & yoga studios | 🎻 Historic Author’s Lounge for afternoon tea
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3) The Peninsula Bangkok
Location: Riverside on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya River, opposite ICONSIAM
Price Range:
USD: $350–$700 per night
EUR: ~€320–€645
Checkout time: 12:00 PM
Transport: Complimentary hotel boat to BTS Skytrain | 40 min drive from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK)
Restaurants & Bars:
Mei Jiang – Acclaimed Cantonese fine dining, known for its elegant dim sum and multi‑course menus.
Thiptara – Serves Thai specialties in charming open‑air teak pavilions along the river.
River Café & Terrace – International buffet and à la carte with panoramic riverside backdrop.
The Lobby – Known for its sophisticated Peninsula Afternoon Tea tradition with live music.
Facilities: Breakfast🍳 | 🏊 3‑tiered riverside pool | 💆 The Peninsula Spa | 🏋 Wellness programs & fitness | 🛶 Hotel boat services
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Local Tours
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