Lonely Planet Review

Another grand, world-renowned luxury hotel by the river, the Shangri-La is beautiful without being unapproachable. Surrounded by tropical gardens, the establishment is elaborately elegant and has a kind of 'Dr Livingstone I presume' feel to it.

Doormen in safari suits usher you through a lavish lobby where hallways lead off to a realm of exclusive bars, reputed restaurants and exotic foliage. The riverside pool is gorgeous and expansive. Guests reside in minimalist modern Asian decor, warm wood and smooth curved lines. The design is tasteful and the features are faultless, yet somehow the whole affair lacks flair. Regardless, this is an elegant, luxuriously equipped hotel with world-class business facilities. Staying in the Krungthep wing will allow you a lovely garden balcony overlooking a private pool and the river. Admittedly, the Shangri-La falls just short of the unique opulence and utter exclusiveness of its premium riverside neighbours, but by the same token it is less austere, providing a more accessible brand of opulence. Families, for example, or people without visibly endless riches, will not feel out of place.