As far as new looks go, it doesn’t get much better than the one at Dusit Thani Bangkok. For those seeking accommodation that offers something fresh, evocative and with a hint of history, look no further for a fabulous travel destination.
What’s new here?
Everything! This hotel opened its doors late last year after a five-year facelift. The original Dusit Thani Bangkok was built in 1970 as one of the city’s first luxury hotels. It quickly became beloved by Thailand’s high society, and for the following decades quietly observed as the Silom area blossomed around it, while basking in its iconic, supermodel-esque status.
However, like many of us post 50 years old, the hotel needed a makeover. In a bold move, the property was completely torn down in 2019 and rebuilt from the ground up. Covid delayed the overhaul somewhat, but it was worth the wait. Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, the new Dusit Thani Bangkok is a reincarnation that has wildly outshone itself.
How’s the revamp?
The stunning aesthetics are all down to Hong Kong interior designer André Fu. This new manifestation reinterprets the original hotel’s classic qualities through a modern lens, and Fu had a hand in every detail – from the lavish fifth-floor wellness centre to the impressive array of elegant lampshades. The building is still standing tall at 39 floors, but with 257 rooms, down from 517, Fu had more communal space to play with. The revamp now includes one of the largest ballrooms in Bangkok, the seductive 1970s Bar, and the fabulous Spire Rooftop Bar, which features nightly DJ performances and a cool cocktail selection. The “Antimatter” hit the spot with its whisky-forward yuzu and lychee flavours, with a touch of Thai spice for an exotic kick.
The chichi ambience of the Dusit Thani envelopes you the moment you enter the glass-fronted, triple-height lobby, washed in subtle shades of cream, latte, and aquamarine. Old-school grandeur comes to life with hexagonal ceiling pleats inspired by lotus leaves, and flowing bronze screens. But it’s the two ornately painted stone pillars standing tall beside delicate sculptures and murals that gets our design-loving hearts thumping. Both pillars were salvaged from the original property’s Benjarong restaurant. Adorned with hand-painted murals, they make for stunning visual showstoppers. The hotel also showcases Thai artists, featuring sculptures, earthenware, and murals.
What are the sleeping arrangements?
All guest rooms are situated on one side of the building, offering views of Lumpini Park from every one. Huge box windows offer incredible views of lush greenery set amidst ever-expanding skyscrapers, which appear to stand guard over the capital. Hours can be spent resting on the padded window seats, watching cars race along Rama IV Road below, while in the distance, park-goers enjoy a game of tennis and boating among the trees.
Inside the rooms, pistachio wainscoting with Japanese vibes contrast beautifully with celadon silk rugs, bronze detailing, and soft gold fabric screens crafted by local artisans. The bathroom is a wonder to behold. The large soaking tub will become part of every guest’s pre-evening cocktail ritual. A special shout-out goes to the Japanese toilet, which lifts its perfectly heated seat automatically when you open the door. (Endless fun ahead!).
Club rooms and suites come with Porsche airport transfers and access to the 39th-floor club lounge and terrace, which serves food and drinks throughout the day.
Where are we dining?
All-day restaurant, The Pavilion, carries a speakeasy-like allure. The breakfast selection is massive, featuring hot and cold hams, cheeses, sausages, salads, piles of tropical fruit, freshly baked pastries, plus made-to-order eggs and plenty of Thai fare.
Committed to preserving the essence of historic Dusit Thani flavours, the evening menu here showcases authentic Thai dishes with Cantonese specialities. Our starter of Yum Som Choon Som O was a salad of melt-in-your-mouth Phichit pomelo, green mango, braised pork, and fluffy fried fish. The Massaman Wagyu curry was a thick, homestyle treat of beef shank, potatoes, and lotus seeds with crispy roti bread for dipping. A trio of ice creams – young coconut, caramelised banana, and mango sticky rice – followed to cleanse the palate. We recommend bagging a seat by the window overlooking the outdoor “waterfall” – a reimagined nod to the original that featured in the inaugural building.
Can we just hang out?
There’s no better place to recline than beside the 25-metre infinity pool. Located on the fifth floor, it blends seamlessly into the surrounding skyline, and swimming here feels like floating at one with the city. Flanked by whirlpool baths and plush loungers, take a dip as the sun sets, and the surroundings begin to twinkle with nighttime promise. There’s also an enormous gym, a “sanctuary dome” where guests can join yoga and sound healing sessions, and the Devarana Spa, offering traditional Thai healing practices alongside fancy French facials. If shopping’s more your thing, a brand-new mall is slated to open as part of the Dusit Thani complex towards the latter part of 2025, meaning you’ll have top-notch accommodation, high fashion, food, relaxation, and quintessential Bangkok magic neatly packaged in one perfectly renovated and rejuvenated spot.
98 Thanon Rama IV, Si Lom, Khet Bang Rak, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10500 Thailand
dusit.com
