The Shangri-La offers world-class services and well-appointed rooms in the heart of Bangkok, says Vipasai Niyamabha
The Shangri-La is definitely one of the top five-star hotels in Bangkok. However, most people think of the hotel only when they have activities involving MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions). The hotel has had a strong presence in the MICE market over the last decade.
Recently, the hotel's management team decided that it wanted to make the 15-year-old Bangkok Wing a more attractive destination for guests other than MICE groups. This is a new market for luxury, for these guests prefer to be away from the Main Wing. Only 100 metres away, from the Main Wing, the Bangkok Wing is along the bank of the Chao Phya River.
There is a nicer and bigger swimming pool in the Bangkok Wing, which is exclusively reserved for guests of this wing. It also has a separate lobby lounge, Riverside Lounge, on the ground floor, and Chi Spa on its second floor.
The Bangkok Wing has 119 guestrooms and 10 suites, and each of them is equipped with a private balcony overlooking the river and Taksin Bridge. 
It is nice to have a balcony, and also the hotel was thoughtful enough to install soundproof windows to keep the peace in the room. This is a very important element to have, as when you open the door to the balcony, the noise from all those cars driving on the bridge is so loud. It is nicer to appreciate the view from inside the bedroom.
The good thing about five-star luxury hotels is that they are considerate when it comes to the details. It seems every amenity is in the right place. A bottle of drinking water and a glass are placed on the bedside table, a hairdryer is easily found in a drawer and a modem for a hi-speed Internet connection is on the desk.
The Shangri-La also offers a long pillow menu. And guests can get anything they want from a personal butler, from bath gel to a CD. Personalised service is indeed a hallmark for this well-established hotel, which boasts a well-trained staff and high-standard facilities. Even Bangkok's new generation of boutique hotels will find it difficult to compete with this grand old hotel.
At a glance
High point: This is a luxurious five-star hotel by the river and BTS Skytrain. It is hard to find a better location than the Shangri-La's Bangkok Wing.
Low pzoint: Due to its close proximity to the road and river, this is a noisy location. But at least the windows are soundproof.
Pay for it: Deluxe room in Bangkok Wing starts at $250 per night
Find it: Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok Wing, Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road, Bang Rak 10500
Phone it: (02) 2367777
Website: www.shangri-la.com/bangkok
