Waldorf Astoria opens first hotel in Bangkok

The Waldorf Astoria brand is making its first foray into South East Asia with the official opening of the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, nestled within the 60-storey Magnolias Ratchadamri Boulevard in the heart of the Thai capital.

Guest rooms and facilities

Architect André Fu and his design studio AFSO designed the main hotel, with 171 spacious and luxuriously-appointed guest rooms and suites all embracing the Thai spirit in an elegant setting. The lodgings are situated on levels 6 to 15 and offer at least 50m² of space for deluxe rooms (below), rising to an impressive 300m² for the single Royal Suite.

Spa-inspired bathrooms and marble bathtubs come standard from top to bottom, although guests staying in one of the suites will find a lot more space around the freestanding bathtub.

Level 16 plays host to an outdoor, temperature-controlled swimming pool with deck chairs and a Pool Bar, along with sweeping views of the city. The nearby 24-hour fitness studio offers all-day exercise.

The Waldorf Astoria Spa is open 10am to 10pm, with a range of signature treatments. Other guest facilities include personal concierge service, free Wi-Fi throughout and a limousine airport shuttle.

An evening out

In addition to the rooms, the hotel is aiming to become a dining destination in itself, with what it calls ‘the crown jewels’ spanning the top three floors from levels 55 to 57.

Bull & Bear on level 55 will specialise in grilled meats and seafoods. A custom-made grill designed for smoking and slow roasting will also join a live raw bar.

Level 56 houses The Loft, taking inspiration from a New York-inspired bar. Artisanal spirits and forgotten cocktails are the stars of the show, with guidance from the original 1935 Waldorf Astoria Bar Book.

The Champagne Bar takes top spot on level 57, and it promises an intimate space accompanied with an exquisite list of fine champagnes, hand-crafted cocktails, and a spectacular view of Bangkok. However, the hotel slyly notes that access is given to only ‘the most discerning of guests’.

Rounding off the eateries, the Front Room is the hotel’s signature restaurant with chef Fae Rungthiwa Chummongkhon delivering a blend of ‘new Nordic and Thai flavours’ in a relaxed setting.

The Upper Lobby houses one more restaurant and a lounge – The Brasserie offers traditional French fare from breakfast to dinner, while Peacock Alley (below) is an ideal lounge for afternoon teas and light meals.

A grand entrance

Events and functions aren’t forgotten at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok either, with the striking Magnolia Ballroom on level 10. Seating up to 330 guests, it has a footprint of 730m² and ceilings eight metres high.

The ballroom is paired with a statement sweeping staircase which will prove to be a popular backdrop for photography.

Eight meeting rooms are available, ranging from 20m² to 490m². As you’d expect, they include AV equipment and Wi-Fi, and are suited for conferences, private receptions and business meetings.

Brandon Loo

Based in Perth, Brandon enjoys tucking into local delicacies, discovering new cocktails, and making aeroplane food look good on camera.