The Mandarin Oriental Bangkok is like travelling back in time to the Agatha Christie era of old world charm and service. Indeed afternoon tea is a specialty of this fine 5 star hotel served in the aptly named Authors Lounge.Built on both sides of the Chao Phraya river the hotel provides a free regular boat ferry to its luxurious health spa and gym and restaraunts on the far side of the river.These boats are like old Chinese junkets and are lit up at night giving a fairy tail feel to the whole experience.Be sure to bring your camera. Extremely polite and helpful staff many of whom are dressed in traditional Thai costume,open doors,call taxis,carry bags to your room and generally make you feel very special during your stay.Concierge and desk staff remember your name and anticipate your request for your room key having it ready before you reach the desk.But behind all of this traditional values ethos the hotel glides quietly through it's daily buisness on the ultra modern technology of the best Las Vegas hotels. High speed lifts take up to the top of its 15 floors in seconds. Wi Fi and in room internet and multi channell flat screen tv along with air conditioning and a business centre make up many of the essential modern world requirements.Huge windows give you a panaramic view of the river and Bangkok depending on where your room is.Clean room and do not disturb signs are also switch operated from your room turning on the relevent light on the wall outside.Breakfast is served al fresco in the Verandah over looking the river and the numerous restaurants serve french,italian pizza, Chinese,Asian and European dishes to suit every palate.The traditional Thai meal and dance show in the Sala Rim Naam is a must see. No one does massage like Thailand and the Mandarin's health spa is the best you will find. A fully equipped Gym will help you burn off the world class cuisine.A string ensemble plays in the Foyer in the evenings. Management are always at hand to deal with any issues or questions you may have. As a honeymoon destination it is peerless.Bangkok can be a culture shock for first time visitors but the Mandarin Oriental will be your oasis to return to so you can recharge your batteries before you tackle Bangkok's famous night life.During my stay members of the Thai Royal family arrived one evening, a testament to the status of this fine hotel.

My wife and I were married at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok eleven years ago. Khun Tippy orchestrated the ceremony beautifully, helping us to plan the wedding from the United States. Thank you wherever you may be!

I surprised my wife with a return to the Oriental Hotel this year for our anniversary. I booked over the phone and the agent was extremely helpful, noting in the reservation that we were celebrating our anniversary.

I booked a room, spa treatment, dinner and brunch with the in-laws through a combination of phone and website. It was extremely easy. Emails were returned in a flash, confirming reservations at the restaurants.

On the day of arrival, we were greeted in typical Oriental Hotel fashion (i.e. staff opening doors with a smile, Jasmine leis for each of us...). We came to the room to find chilled wine and a little cake that said "Happy Anniversary". After relaxing for a bit in our upgraded room, we made our way to the spa across the river. The experience was amazing! Thai classical massage with an exfoliating rub.

We happened to be staying on a Tuesday night, so we were invited to a reception at the Author's Lounge (try to stay a Tuesday night). We were treated to drinks and hors d'oeuvres. The theme was from the Thai restaurant, so Thai classical dancers made their way through the crowd as we ate and drank. We had dinner at Le Normandie overlooking the Chao Praya River. We then returned to our room to find the turn down service had placed a heart of roses and another special note to wish us a Happy Anniversary.

All in all, this was an amazing stay that could not have occurred anywhere besides the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok. Add free wifi to everything else I have mentioned and the experience is unforgettable ;-)

Thank you to all the staff at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Bangkok!