Oriental Residence Bangkok | Thailand

“Take care of the luxuries and the necessities will take care of themselves.” Dorothy Parker

The Oriental Residence Bangkok (ORB) is a sleek hotel nestled amidst leafy avenues on Wireless Road in the quieter embassy district of the city near the vast Lumpini Park. The central location is just a stone’s throw from the Sukhumvit luxury shopping malls and the Ploenchit BTS Skytrain station, both within easy walking distance. On first glance the exterior resembled an office block but as we entered the lobby first impressions of the interior were good, in fact as soon as we arrived at this luxury accommodation that we discovered by chance online, we felt completely at home.

Oozing charm and sophistication, the hotel had the feeling of a long and distinguished heritage but surprisingly it’s actually quite new only opening in 2011. Predominately white decor throughout is combined with pastel tones and lashings of marble that add to its ageless charm. Pops of colour are added by vases of fragrant fresh blooms, white paneled walls with clusters of feature artwork, classic yet contemporary furniture and subtle coloured textiles. You can easily see why this exclusive five star gem is ranking as Bangkok’s sixth best hotel on TripAdvisor (when we booked) receiving both the travel site’s Travellers Choice Luxury Award 2016 and Certificate of Excellence last year.

Check-in was speedy and seamless, every member of staff we encountered was courteous and professional, something that was consistent throughout our five night stay. There are 145 rooms made up of 104 elegant apartment style suites in this twenty-one storey hotel, the higher floors are given over to forty-six privately owned residential apartments which are accessed via a separate lift and lobby area, these apartments even have their own private pool and sky terrace on the thirty-second floor. Our one-bedroom suite was on the tenth floor and was tastefully decorated in the same palette as the lobby giving it the extra wow factor. No expense had been spared it seems when this hotel was designed and furnished, the suite was spacious, well equipped and extremely comfortable.

A large open-plan kitchen, dining area, lounge and work space gave way to a huge bedroom with lots of storage and a massive en-suite bedroom, you could easily live in this well-appointed suite which is bigger than most studio and one-bedroom apartments. Crisp white quality linens and the softest and most comfortable bed we have ever slept in made it difficult to get up every morning, something I struggle with at the best of times. There was also a two page pillow menu to aid a restful night’s sleep, nightly quotes and a fresh flower were laid on the pillow as part of the turndown service, little details that add to the luxury concept. A small balcony accessed from the lounge offered uninterrupted views of the city’s skyline.

The suite had two flat-screen TV’s and a DVD player, a fully equipped kitchen including a microwave and a selection of TWG teas, a work desk and good wifi connection throughout. The large bathroom had a separate glass-fronted rainshower, dressing table and a full range of luxury toiletries.

Café Claire located on the ground floor is a chic Parisian inspired venue stylishly decorated in a monochrome theme, black leather booths and marble tables with mirrored walls give the cafe a bistro feel. The food and service throughout our visit were excellent, we enjoyed a complimentary afternoon tea on arrival that was served with a selection of gourmet TWG teas.

Classic miniature scones were served with mini savouries instead of the usual crustless sandwiches, French delicacies of financiers, chocolate éclairs and assorted macarons that the cafe is famed for made up the third tier of the delicious selection, served daily the afternoon tea is available for hotel guests and non-residents too. Breakfast was also served in this cafe with a help yourself buffet, fresh breads, pastries and juices and a hot selection made to individual order. Café Claire was also open for lunch and dinner and served a selection of beers and wines late into the evening.

The Play Deck on the fourth floor houses the fitness centre and open air outdoor pool that has cityscape views. The pool is lined with curtained cabanas and funky wicker egg chairs, perfect spots to escape the intense sun, a must when we visited earlier this month as temperatures soared to unbearably hot and humid. Light bites and drinks are also served here from the bar and there’s a small dining area overlooking the city.

Gourmet French restaurant Savelberg Thailand is located at ORB, a standalone concept in the hotel grounds just opposite the lobby. Founded by Michelin starred chef Henk Savelberg from Holland it offers diners French fine dining with a Dutch twist. It is open for lunch and dinner but we didn’t eat there during our stay.

The hotel has an active Corporate Social Responsibility programme raising money for charity by selling Teddy Bears at the reception desk and donating proceeds from the sale of Cafe Claire’s tasty brightly coloured macarons to local projects. They also hold fundraising events such as the Flower Power pool party and participate in global sustainability efforts such as Earth Hour.

The Oriental Residence Bangkok was outstanding in every way, classy and opulent but not pretentious. The service was unprecedented, I could quite happily have stayed for a longer duration to enjoy more of the exceptional hospitality. I cannot recommend this hotel enough and I would not hesitate to stay there again.

The Nitty Gritty

Oriental Residence Bangkok, 110 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok

Telephone: +66 (0) 2125 9000

Website: www.oriental-residence.com

Check-in: 2:00pm

Check-out: 12:00 noon

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The good……..

Comfiest bed in the world

Large elegant suite

Courteous and professional staff

Amazing experience from check-in to check-out