Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Having stayed at the MO several years ago, we decided to return for my birthday weekend. We had a lovely 3 nights in a mandarin room which was spacious with great river and city views.

Unfortunately, we were disappointed on our first morning when we went for breakfast. The MO were hosting a large Chinese company event for a month which resulted in an overcrowded, chaotic breakfast area. This had a significant impact each morning of our stay. There were a lot of people at all the stations (no queueing, but a lot of pushing), at times the staff struggled to replenish food such as the roast meat counter. I asked if they had any more and was told it had all gone. Considering the MO has a reputation for having the best buffet breakfast in the city, based on our experience, we would not agree with that. Furthermore, one morning I asked for freshly squeezed orange juice I was told it would be brought to our table. What arrived was the concentrate off the buffet, which was very disappointing. I asked staff what the best time would be to arrive for breakfast, I was informed ‘after 10.00.’ Considering it closes at 10.30, it would leave little time, and I doubt there would be much selection of food left by then.

Breakfast aside, we never had a crowd problem at the other dining options. We had dinner at Terrace Rim Naam, which was a lovely way to spend the evening. We had drinks in the Bamboo Bar on two nights, which was good. Although, the dress code is not enforced which was unfortunate; people were wearing jeans, sports clothes etc. We also had lunch at Verandah, which was good. Of note, we also dined at Le Normandie which I have reviewed separately (very disappointing experience). Service was good in all eateries and generally throughout our stay.

We booked the Evening for the Senses tour which was excellent; we will do this again if we return to the MO. Our guide was Or, she was very good. We also booked the limousine pick up service from the airport, which was a nice and convenient way to begin our holiday.

On the whole, we had a mixed experience at the MO. In future, if we decide to return, I would check with the hotel if they were hosting large events in advance of our stay so that I could make alternative plans if needed.

There’s something about this place it slows you down softens everything, and makes you notice the little moments.

Mornings by the river became my favourite ritual, just sitting there with a coffee, watching the city gently wake up

the team remembers you, not just your room number, and that warmth stays with you throughout nothing feels rushed, nothing feels forced it all just flows so naturally.

Sorry for the late review.
The arrival route by car is perhaps slightly odd as you feel you are going down some Bangkok back streets but then turn in to the hotel with a welcome by people in uniform and pith helmets together with other staff, great. On arrival check-in was efficient and information. They also booked a table for our evening meal.
We booked a Chao Phraya Suite. This was an excellent room with a view over the pool, gardens and the river. There is a small balcony to view the outside from and large windows to do the same if you want to say in the Air Con. Almost more than you really need for one night. The bed was comfortable and a good night’s sleep. Tea and Coffee plus a mini bar which was not over priced compared with some hotels and the price of drinks in their bars/restaurants.
In the evening we were at The Verandah Restaurant. There were thunder storms when we arrived early afternoon but by evening these had cleared and we were given a table right by the river. Most tables in this restaurant have a river review to some extent. But that may not be important to all. I think it helps take in the atmosphere, lots of lights and the dinner dance cruise boats going up and down.
The food was good as was the service and attentiveness. There is a wide choice of food and given I am not a fan of over spicy/hot food it shows they had a good selection.
The next morning, we had an early start, check out was efficient and they provided Breakfast Boxes were provided and there was more than enough in them, in fact we shared them both with our guide and driver.

From the moment we walked through to the receiving and welcome desk we were not greeted by from any STAFF at ALL.
Ushered to our table and given the menu for the optional drinks packages by Khun Piyamart who has a full knowledge of the menu and she offered with Great Extra Main Dish.
An amazing array of fresh seafood available that is displayed and prepared as ordered. Today fresh Main Prawn was special highlight. Prawns, crabs, oysters shucked as required, mussels and fresh sushi selections are just some delights that were on offer.
Vast selection of cold cuts, cheeses, salads, tempura, soup, lambs chops, also available.
Superb dessert choices, like sticky rice and mango, chocolate fountain, and too many other dessert choices to mention.
Food excellently presented and fresh and flavor top quality. Attentive and well trained is Khun Piyamart.
Kindly be asked the Management, Please forward our GREATEST ATTITUDE to Khun Piyamart is just "Brilliant" will be appreciated.

We will come back in a heartbeat. Although the main building really doesn't look spectacular from the outside, the inside and the rest of it is just fabulous. Super friendly and helpful team, nice pool, quirky but really cool boat-crossing to reach the (excellent) gym, awesome breakfast buffet. Rooms are clear, well maintained and constantly checked upon. Wonderfully comfy and spacious beds...

Stayed 9 nights. Everything was absolutely perfect. The hotel itself, the room, the decorations, the atmosphere, the staff (every single one of them), the service, the sweet considerations, the food (truly top-notch), the restaurants, the massages, the politeness, the kindness, the professionalism, the efficiency ... my goodness I could go on and on. I adore this hotel and will be back to live like a VIP again for a few days. Highly highly recommended. One of the very very best heritage luxury hotels in the world and I felt so privilged and honored to have stayed there.

Absolutely faultless experience from the MO. Incredible food, location and service.

I'm lucky enough to of been a regular for quite a few years. I had not been back here for two years, and coming back was like coming home to my world of being dipped into a glass of Champagne. The great thing about the MO here is that they keep updating and making changes to benefit the guests. I experienced the all new Gym facility, and I was blown away. The new gym facilities and decoration are incredible. All new state of the art equipment, shower area, sauna, steam room, ice plunge pool, and so much more. So much detail and effort has gone into making this area a first class experience. Andreas and the team in the gym are always so friendly, attentive, and helpful. I also loved my Spa experience again, feeling on top of the world when I left my treatment, from arrival to departure, you are treated with the warmest service. All of the staff at the MO Bangkok deliver service from the heart, there are too many names to mention as every interaction is a positive, friendly, caring, and kind experience. The pool area is run by the amazing team who are incredible. I got to meet all three Ambassadors who are long standing employees who have retired, but still have a place at the heart of the hotel, and will be there to look after you as they always have. This is the number 1 hotel in the world, faultless, with such attention to the smallest detail , they remain my favourite hotel always, and forever. With my deepest thanks to all the wonderful staff who work so hard to ensure us (the guests) have the most wonderful experience. Thank you, Simon 🙏

The friendliness upon check in was unbelievably professional and friendly. She walked me to the balcony room on 15th floor and told me everything I needed to know. That’s a full five star!
After refurbishing the hotell looks great. This is our third stay here. We love Mandarin in Miami (before they temporarily closed) but this hotel cannot be compared to any other hotel we have stayed at. This is in a class of its own.
Even turn-down service is exceptional! Towels. Bed linens, bath amenities- all perfect. View was amazing.

My only complaint would be service at pool. Don’t get me wrong, staff is nothing but amazing and do a great job. Just miss all the different snacks we were served a couple of years back. Now you just get ice water and towels upon arrival. An occasional replacement of water and some ice cream at the end of the day.
Disappointing compared to what used to be.
Coffee pods were not in our room, had to call and ask. One more thing : breakfast was a complete chaos. High season I know, but there were too many people and too little staff. Ordered some pineapple but it took too long so we eventually left. Coffee and orange juice took a very long time to arrive.
Same experience yesterday when having dinner at the same place. Staff were literally running around, very stressed and things took very long time to arrive.
However-we really love this hotel and we will definitely come back. In the meantime, hopefully there will be less people or they have hired more staff down at the terrace restaurant.

Classic, super nice hotel, Beautiful lobby, surprisingly good food at the Verandah, all staffvery friendly, large nice rooms, convenient with the little boat which takes you to the gym in a few minutes. I would not mind staying here longer or another time. Dinner by the river is a great atmospehere.

The concierge helped us locate a cell phone we had misplaced in a cab - much appreciated!

Exceptionnal experience for the most reknown hotel in Bangkok (so well deserved). Service +++ attention to every details, food especially breakfast quality and diversity (many vegetarian qualitative options), Bamboo bar back in the 50´s, suite over the river. #bestplaceinBKK

The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, is truly world-class. We will absolutely be back to this specific property, and based on this exceptional experience, MO will be our first choice when booking hotels in other global destinations going forward. Thank you for the incredible memory!

Not as nice as other Mandarins I’ve stayed in the past. The service, atmosphere, and overall experience fell short of the standard I’m used to from their properties.

The staff at the MO Bangkok are truly exceptional. Their ability to remember and recognise guests and treat them more as friends and family is something quite extraordinary to experience. The location and F&B facilities are truly memorable and the rooms good although there are a few aspects of the rooms that could be improved.

Great food.. excellent service. Professional and courteous staff. Overall it was such a nice experience. Must visit place to witness warm and great hospitality.

Service is truly impeccable! Beds are soft (which is hard to find in Asia) and the whole experience is extraordinary. Carpet and some interior soft finishes are getting a little tired but that’s just being nit picky.

The location is great and the accommodation was good

The Verandah restaurant was excellent

The issues that arose with the concierge, in relation to a non boat pick-up, occasionally in the restaurant but most notably at the front desk on check out seemed all to do with communications, arising mainly due to poor understanding of plain English. This was not an issue at other hotels we stayed at in Thailand and Cambodia, so the Group appears to have challenges to overcome if the hotel is to rated as Excellent, at least by this Reviewer

Overall the rating is Very Good, but no better

This was the nicest hotel that I've ever stayed in. From the beautifully appointed room to the excellent breakfast and, of course, the amazing pool, it was a pleasure being here. But the best part of all was the wonderful service from everyone at the hotel. Such a delight! Thank you.

Wonderful hotel.
Lovely room (910) with great river views ….good to be on higher floors to get the views
Excellent breakfasts and evening meals
Staff really helpful and friendly.
Hotel has its own boat which gets you to other side of river

It is really a 6 star in its own right with the attention to detail, rooms, staff and location. 5 stars are so varied, especially in Asia, this is in a league with only a few others. Very expensive, but worth a treat.