Staying at the Star of Bangkok: The Capella
I’ve had the opportunity to visit Thailand several times as a local while visiting my family living just south of Bangkok. My time was spent on islands where Thais vacation, like Koh Samet, and in small towns where tourists are never spotted. This past visit, I enjoyed a traveler experience and reimagined my trip to Thailand as a first timer. For my stay in Bangkok, I wanted the full experience and chose to rest my head at the Capella Bangkok on the Chao Phraya River. This urban resort experience was nothing short of extraordinary, showcasing the perfect blend of understated luxury, impeccable service by staff that remembered your name from day one, and thoughtfully curated moments that I still think about and recreate in my mind.
A Riverfront Urban Oasis
I love the Capella Bangkok’s location, right on Charoenkrung Road, the city’s oldest paved street. Surrounded by trendy cafes, small art galleries, and boutiques, the Capella is a great place to get your foot into Bangkok’s urban pulse. The hotel is built in a way that captivates you by the views of the Chao Phraya River, and it is strategically designed so that you can admire the water from every corner of the property.
Elegance in Every Detail
Each room, suite and villa at the Capella Bangkok is designed to maximize the beauty of its riverside location. My favorite villa, number 8, is a true sanctuary and unique to its kind in Bangkok. With a private verandah, a jacuzzi plunge pool, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing the river, it felt like my personal paradise. The interiors struck a perfect balance between contemporary sophistication and timeless charm, creating a space that felt both luxurious and inviting.
The Capella’s accommodations are over the top when it comes to size, ranging from the spacious Riverfront rooms to the Presidential Villa, ensuring every guest finds their ideal haven. For those seeking an extra layer of exclusivity and looking to splurge, the riverfront villas offer private plunge pools, tailored benefits like jet lag wellness treatments, and round-trip luxury airport transfers.
Gastronomic Delights
Capella Bangkok’s other strong point is its food. You can dine at Côte by Mauro Colagreco, a riviera-inspired, two-Michelin-starred restaurant helmed by Mauro Colagreco (the only Argentinian chef with three Michelin stars). Or my favorite: the Phra Nakhon. Serving authentic regional Thai cuisine by the river, this restaurant offers an intimate and flavorful journey through Thailand’s culinary heritage to begin or end your trip on a very, very high note.
Thoughtful Touches
I just love it when a hotel understands hospitality and the service doesn’t feel force. You know? Their attention to detail and personalized service is second to none. The inclusion of a Capella Culturist — a dedicated personal assistant — ensured that every moment of my stay was seamless. From organizing a sunset boat ride to sharing insights into the local culture, my Culturist’s expertise added an invaluable dimension to my visit. They understood my vision and made it happen.
Other notable inclusions that I think set this property apart are the flexible check-in and check-out times. Who doesn’t love a flexible check-out time? Also, I really loved my mocktail at the “Capella Moments” in the Living Room, featuring engaging cultural and gastronomic activities. It’s usually not my go-to at a hotel of 100+ rooms, but this was so well done and so intimate that I planned my day around it.
If you’re a morning person, you will love the complimentary sunrise yoga by the riverside.
Wellness and Relaxation
Auriga Wellness, Capella’s spa, offers a tranquil escape with treatments rooted in ancient Thai healing traditions. I indulged in a bespoke therapy that left me rejuvenated and ready for my eternal flight home. I spent hours here, and I mean hours.
An Unforgettable Experience
Sophisticated yet approachable, Capella Bangkok exudes a sense of effortless luxury. It’s a destination hotel that celebrates the art of hosting well and with warmth. If you’re seeking a riverside retreat that combines cultural immersion with unparalleled luxury, this urban oasis is the perfect choice. My stay was a dream brought to life, and I can’t wait to return.
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