In Love with The Siam
My best friend was looking for a nice place to propose to his longtime girlfriend and as a future groomsman (or in this case, groomswoman) and an architecture columnist, it is my duty to find the perfect place for him.
“She loves the river view, and she loves antiques,” he said of his girlfriend. So the obvious choice that comes to mind is the one and only “The Siam Hotel” which is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya river.
The Siam is one of my favorite places that is a fine exemplar of design. Owned by the renowned “Sukosol” family, the person behind this exotic property is Krissada Sukosol Clapp, the well-known rock star whose family inherited a beautiful plot of land that was to become the site of this hotel. Krissada is the creative director of The Siam.
Private Residences | Photograph: Courtesy of The Siam Hotel
Set in three acres of land, The Siam has 39 guestrooms designed by famous architect Bill Bensley, who was the design mastermind behind some of the world’s most famous design-hotels. Combining his expertise with Krissada’s vision, the outcome is a white art deco building, with a blend of Thai décor in its design. The designer’s team have added multiple floor-to-ceiling windows with darkcolor frames to allow natural light to enter, giving the building a majestic modern touch. A triangle glass roof is right in the middle of the main building to capture all eyes and utilizes natural light to brighten up the interior.
Inspired by Paris’ Musée d’Orsay, the property impresses with a palette of black, white, cream and grey as the main colors to convey the art deco style. All guestrooms are uniquely adorned with its own oriental artworks and antiques. The lofty ceiling makes the rooms spacious and all rooms are outfitted with opulent furniture and a kingsize bed. The natural textures such as wood, marble, leather, and handwoven furnishings are used to add the final touch of luxury amid a cozy, relaxed atmosphere.
Private Cruise | Photograph: Courtesy of The Siam Hotel
Atrium | Photograph: Courtesy of The Siam Hotel
Upon arrival by limousine boat at the hotel’s dark wooden pier, guests would then be led along a pathway lined with tropical trees to the main entrance and the lobby area, passing a serene infinity pool overlooking the Chao Phraya river. The atrium by the pool has a small fountain and walking garden, which adds a refreshing vibe to the ambience.
On the hotel premises, there are several F&B outlets, each distinguished from the rest by its theme, interior design and choice of food. A Thai teak wood house plays host to a Thai restaurant called Chon Thai offering authentic Thai cuisine. The Deco Bar & Bistro serves a variety of western food options, from pastas to pizza and sandwiches. It boasts black and white marble tiles, black round pillars supporting the second-floor balcony, and 1920s-1930s inspired interior décor. The Café Cha – just steps away from the lobby – offers a secluded corner to enjoy pastries, cakes, coffee or tea served in a pot.
The Siam Hotel | Photograph: Courtesy of The Siam Hotel
Besides serving as a hotel, The Siam functions as Krissada’s private museum that houses a substantial collection of antiques plus unique objects d’art ranging from old books, sculptures, vintage car models, to typewriters and vintage turntables. One of the interesting corners here is a beauty salon that does hair styling, facials, manicures, and pedicures. The salon’s elegant décor, from dark wood paneling to plush vintage leather chairs, transports you to another world that’s most likely a more flamboyant era of Bangkok.
The hotel also offers classes in Muay Thai boxing and Thai cooking. Guests can enjoy a Thai massage and other spa treatments, or join a relaxing cruise along the river aboard a refurbished rice barge to experience the gorgeous Bangkok sunset.
Aerial View of The Siam Hotel | Photograph: Courtesy of The Siam Hotel
When it comes to the perfect place to get on one knee to pop the question, nothing beats the English garden located on the upper floor of the hotel building that offers plenty of peace and privacy. It’s the perfect place for that special occasion, blessed with a superb panorama of the Chao Phraya river, lush greenery, and white and cream furniture. No matter which spot in the hotel my friend chooses, I’m sure she’ll say yes!
The Siam Hotel
3/2 Thanon Khao, Vachirapayabal, Dusit
Tel. 02 206 6999
www.thesiamhotel.com
