HOTEL BUZZ: The Siam Bangkok

Situated beside the Chao Praya River and ideally located near the city’s most historic palaces, temples and museums, the Siam stands surrounded by all the beauty and intrigue of must-see Bangkok. Crafted by renowned architect Bill Bensley, the hotel combines the ambient architecture of colonial Thailand with flourishes of Art Deco splendor.

All of the Siam’s rooms are individually styled with unique turn-of-the century furniture and artwork, so that each enclave presents its own experience. To maximize intimate comfort, a personal butler attends to each room. The 16 Siam Suites provide a Deco salon or Colonial verandahs, and the 12 Mae Nam Suites offer unsurpassed views of the river. The 10 Pool Villas feature Thai, Chinese or Colonial design, with internal gardens and private swimming pools, as well as open-air roof terraces. For a singular experience, four Thai teakwood houses, traditional Siamese homes on stilts, have been imported from the ancient capital of Ayutthaya for guests to stay or dine.

The hotel’s facilities are designed with all of the travelers’ needs in mind. For dining, the Thai House and Cooking School prepares authentic Thai cuisine, or try the hotel’s Deco Bar and Bistro for round-the-clock service. Guests are welcome to use the spacious gym or comprehensive spa. Or they can enjoy the quiet hotel library, done in period style, as well as the classic coffee and tea house,  stylish art gallery and lush gardens. A state-of-the-art screening room, meeting room, and pier access to the Chao Praya are also available.

Connecting Suites and Villas are available upon request. Rates begin at $500 per night. For more information, visit www.thesiamhotel.com.