Chakrabongse Villas

Chakrabongse Villas is a special place. One of the best things I did when planning my husband’s and my Bangkok visit is take the advice of a reviewer who basically said, ‘Why stay at a chain hotel/resort, when you can stay at Chakrabongse?’ When you walk through the gates, you sense the place’s history. And Ohm, the manager, can tell you about it. For one thing, you walk right past the private house that belongs to the owner, who’s the granddaughter of the prince who built the house back in 1908. We stayed in the River View Suite the first two nights, and in the Garden View Suite our last night on our return trip to the city. The River View Suite was especially wonderful and spacious. Not just Ohm, but all the people who work there are wonderful. Ohm gave us the great tip to explore the 24-hour flower market nearby after dinner. Dinner was different each of the three nights, and delicious. Yes, we ate there each night! We tired ourselves out sightseeing during the days, so coming back to the quiet of Chakrabongse for dinner, knowing we had a table saved for us, and wonderful Natt to tell us about all the dishes, was great. Breakfast was yummy, too. While we ate our dinner on the banks of the Chao Praya, we could see Wat Arun temple across the river, golden in the night. Some tour/party boats, with the occasional egret floating along on a pad of grass, would pass by. And we didn’t find those boats one bit noisy or annoying. It was all a wonderful show. I wish I could stay there a few nights every year!

What an amazing hotel. It’s centrally located near some of Bangkok’s biggest sites, but it feels like a peaceful oasis. The rooms were comfortable and had a Thai flair. The grounds have absolutely beautiful landscaping, plus a view of the river and Wat Arun. Ohm and the team could not have been kinder. They were very accommodating when there was an issue with the air conditioner (which was out of their control), and Ohm gave us some good suggestions for the area. Breakfast at the hotel was amazing. We just wish we would have stayed for dinner!

What a stunning oasis! With beautiful grounds and pool! Yet…It’s close to the main sites; the flower market and easy walk to a pier and metro station. The service is top-notch. I felt like a movie start having breakfast on the terrace!