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

+ 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.

+ 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.