the pool at Chatrium

Silver Waves above the Chao Phraya River

Chatrium's outdoor Pier 28 restaurant

Chatrium Lobby Lounge

Chatrium Club One-Bedroom Suite

Adrian Brown, Chatrium's amiable General Manager

A city with no shortage of five-star hotels, Bangkok is home to one deluxe property that remains nearly unknown three years after its opening.  Never heard of Chatrium?  While the name of the hotel may be unfamiliar, the name of its eponymous owner is not.  Chatri Sophonpanich is one of Thailand's foremost business leaders, of the type that finds success in a wide array of commercial ventures, which in Khun Chatri's case includes Bangkok Bank and Emporium Suites on Sukhumvit Road.

Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok is part of a hotel/residence complex located, as its name implies, on some very coveted real estate right on the Chao Phraya River, a bit further south along the river's eastern bank from its more illustrious hotel neighbours Mandarin Oriental and Shangri-la.  The lack of name recognition implies no lack of quality, however; Chatrium is an impressive property with a considerable wow factor thanks to a privileged location, well-designed layout, expansive accommodation, and enthusiastic management under the outstanding leadership of Australian Adrian Brown, formerly GM at the famous Eastern & Oriental Hotel in Penang.

The riverside location offers guests extensive views of Bangkok's principal waterway and the city beyond.  Other aspects include an appealing entry court that serves the three towers of the complex, one of which is for full-time residents, the second for long-term guests in serviced apartments, and the one closest to the river for short-term hotel guests.  Coffee drinkers will appreciate the Starbucks on the ground floor of the complex, which also houses a 7-11 convenience store.

Chatrium's expansive lobby is at once spacious and welcoming, designed to make the most of the water views and lovely landscaped gardens that lead to the river. Though the three towers together may look imposing from the outside, the hotel has a surprisingly intimate feel for a property with 396 suites spread over 30 storeys.  There are only 14 rooms per floor, positioned on all four sides of the building, thereby eliminating the endless corridors of doors common to large hotels.  There are only three room categories at Chatrium: Grand Room (60sqm), one-bedroom suites (70sqm), and two-bedroom suites (120sqm); with these dimensions, they may also be known as Big, Bigger, and Biggest.  Even larger Premier Suites are double the size, and the Presidential Suite measures a huge 460sqm.

The hotel's 35m outdoor pool is a favourite with families.  Did I mention every accommodation category, big, bigger, or biggest, comes with a private kitchen?  This feature makes the two-bedroom suites especially appealing to families seeking a home-like environment—one that includes endless views of the river and city through the floor-to-ceiling glass windows or from the balconies.  Those of the one-bedroom suites are large enough for an outdoor dinner an a private patio in the sky.

Chatrium's executive lounge (Chatrium Club), bar area, and elegant Silver Waves restaurant are found on the top floor of the hotel.  Again, the stylish surroundings and smart layout (the lounge connects directly to the restaurant through a private door) make a positive impression.  The lounge offers some interesting books to peruse while enjoying the complimentary afternoon cocktails and canapés.  In addition to Club access, guests staying in Chatrium Club suites enjoy complimentary WiFi and complimentary daily laundry service (two pieces).

Importantly, Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok is located close to the airport expressway for easy transfers avoiding local traffic almost all the way.  The hotel's private boat provides a shuttle service to the S6 Saphan Taksin (Taksin Bridge) BTS Skytrain station for convenient access to the shopping extravaganza of the Chidlom district.  Bangkok's renowned Shrewsbury International School is located just across the street. 

Chatrium Hotel Riverside Bangkok
28 Charoenkrung Soi 70
Bangkholame
Bangkok 10120
tel:  66 2 307 8888
www.chatrium.com