Shangri-La Hotel Bangkok

The Shangri La Bangkok didn't meet my expecttion of a 5 star hotel ! The receptionist was not friendly, my room was alright,quite big and nice river view but looked outdated. There is no socket or usb point to charge your phone by the bed. I used the second swimming pool away from the breakfast restaurant, it was nice and quiet and the staff were really nice, the same when I had dinner at the Italian, very nice service. The service was poor at the long bar, and at the thai restaurant ! No smile or stuck smile. It looks like the staff do not want to be there...too much effort !!! Breakfast was alright, but too busy ! Didn't feel like a 5 star breakfast restaurant ! More like a factory atmosphere. I travel a lot with my job and also for holidays ! So I'm used to stay in 5 star hotels ! But the Shangri La didn't meet my expectations !

Found the beds incredibly hard and thus this review is clouded by lack of sleep.The air conditioning was also noisy. Lovely surroundings and is perfectly placed on the river with access to train and boats, far better than the crazy road system. The river gives an amazing vista to watch the world go by. The pool area is lovely and it is difficult to believe you are in a City. The staff are amazing. Not so amazing were the staff on the patio who seemed pretty indifferent to guests. The Long Bar features a Happy Hour, although remember the price you see is not the price you pay and 7% tax and 10% service is added. There is also nightly entertainment although when we went it was pretty poor. The breakfast has a great choice and overlooking the River makes a good start to the morning. The rest was 'so so'. Many guests were at a conference so they could dominate. I had high hopes for SL but the lack of sleep would mean I'd look for somewhere else if staying in Bangkok.

Great hotel, although not cheap. The only flaws were: had to call 4 times to get a scale in the room. At checkout had to wait 25 minutes and ask 4 times to bring our luggage down Staff is very polite and helpfull. Loy Kratong was wonderfully organized.

Having stayed at the hotel on 2 previous occasions 5 and 10 years and really enjoyed the experience, this was just 'OK'. The property is in a great location on the River and provides a wonderful vista to watch the river traffic go by. The hotel runs a once an hour shuttle to the huge shopping mall on the opposite side of the River. So what was 'so so'. I am 67 years old and stayed at many hotels around the world. The bed was the hardest and most uncomfortable I have ever experienced. The pillows weren't much better. The air con with a 1 degree change went from freezing cold to oppresively warm. The bedroom is functional, the bathroom needs better lighting. Our room was never serviced until around 4pm. The LongBar (its actually quite short!) has a decent happy hour although the entertainment was dire on Sunday night. A lady who couldn't sing and a piano player that was equally clueless. Perhaps he was the singer and she was the piano player? They even murdered Happy Birthday that takes some doing. The breakfast is to a high standard although decaff coffee was not available. The River Cruise features an excellent buffet. We experienced people that apparently hadn't eaten in a week as a line formed before we left the dock. The food is constantly stocked up so there is just no need. You can go back as many times as you like and the quality and quantity is really good. There is no commentary on the boat you go one way and see a bridge that changes colour to the music and then turn around and go to a ferris wheel that also changes colour. This seems to be what all the boats do. Most other boats seem to have live music and/or a local dance show. There is no entertainment on the Shangri La Cruise apart from the amazing river at night that for many will be quite enough. The hotel is a mecca for conference groups so at times there are large groups that know each other well. To be expected and not a criticism but an observation. The swimming pool is very well run and the loungers are more comfortable than the beds. The staff here are brilliant and exceptionally attentive. The one pet hate was on the bill for food and drink and this is not just an issue for Shangri La. It's my own personal hate that when the price you see for something is not the price you pay/ See a price and add 10% service and 7% tax. This is written in quite small writing. However the empty 'tip' box is large. You are paying approx 3-4 times the price for a beer compared to outside which is fine and the 'brand tax' for staying in a hotel of this quality. However I'd much rather decide the amount of tip I'd like to pay and not have it automatically added with the temerity to look for more. It's unneccessary and undermines the brand. Would I stay at the Shangri La again if in Bangkok? No would be my answer. A great location but lack of sleep means I'd look for other options and there are plenty of them. Check out was also incredibly slow.

A beautiful establishment with so many features. Room was old school and comfortable with a balcony and view over the river. Breakfast buffet was great as was the bar area overlooking the river. Close proximity to everything including river ferries up to the temples and Grand Palace. Hotel gives you a boat lift to Siam Iconic shopping centre.