The Chao Phraya River has been the life-blood of Thailand since ancient times. It gained the moniker “The River of Kings” because it enabled past monarchs to gain access to distant areas of the kingdom. The river is now much more than an artery of travel and trade – it has become Bangkok’s premier lifestyle location.
It is here that you will find the new Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya, surrounded by galleries, boutiques, restaurants and cafés. The Four Seasons opened for guests in December of 2020 with 299 rooms, 38 of which are suites. Features include destination restaurants and lounges, stunning event spaces, and an urban wellness centre like no other. The complex also includes 366 Four Seasons Private Residences which will open this year.
All guest rooms and suites feature high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows that create a bright, airy atmosphere which highlight the gorgeous views. The Premier River View Rooms are 50 sqm’s and offer panoramic river views.
The Studio family suites are 77+ sqm.’s and accommodate 3 guests including up to 2 children. The Four Season Executive Suites are 110 + sqm.’s and include a spacious living room with river views. The Riverside Terrace Suites are 238+ sqm.’s and provide indoor and outdoor space with river-facing rooftop terraces.
The 450 sqm. Presidential Suite may be Bangkok’s finest address. Two-storey windows frame the 10th-floor views of the Chao Phraya River. The suite encompasses a large open living area with its own bar, a catering kitchen, up to three bedrooms and an oversized rooftop terrace with panoramic river views and a private plunge pool.
In developing the food and beverage program, a dream team of experts came together to create a collection of original dining and drinking concepts, with a star-studded team of chefs, mixologists and sommeliers in the kitchens and behind the bars. Led by Executive Chef Andrea Accordi – previously of the eight Michelin-starred Four Seasons Hong Kong – along with French Executive Pastry Chef Bruce Trouyet, the team includes specialist culinarians in each restaurant. Philip Bischoff, who was previously lead bartender at the landmark Manhattan Bar in Singapore, now presides over the Hotel’s beverage program.
When entering Yu Ting Yuan, the hotels signature restaurant, you are met with floor-to-ceiling windows that reveal a gorgeous backdrop of gardens and a shimmering water reflection pond with one-of-a-kind art pieces – sunlit by day, and dramatically illuminated at night. Complementing the stylish design, Head Chef Qiu Xiaogui and his team serve authentic Cantonese cuisine and regional favourites, prepared with the freshest ingredients and presented in a refined way, creating a multi-sensory dining experience.
Craftsmanship takes the spotlight with premium Cantonese dishes such as a choice of live seafood, a robust selection of abalone and regional favourites, and an extensive barbeque range, including Peking duck. Dim sum are the key offerings for the lunch period, all prepared à la minute.
Xiaogui and his international team of four have been working together for more than eight years, each playing an integral part and lead an impressive locally-drawn team.
The timeless vibe of Lake Como is noticeable from the moment you walk through the doors of Riva del Fiume Ristorante, the hotels Italian restaurant. “We’ve spent countless hours sourcing the most flavourful ingredients from regional producers around Italy,” says Executive Chef Andrea Accordi. “From an exclusive extra virgin olive oil with Tasca d’Almerita, to the best capers found on the small island of Pantelleria in Sicily, to fried dried cruschi peppers from the Basilicata region. It’s all about letting our diners savour the best ingredients and products, skilfully prepared in authentic Italian recipes by an outstanding team of craftspeople, all at an approachable price point.”
On the menu, a selection of crudo takes centre stage, displaying the skill of the team and the depth of fresh ingredients. Handcrafted pastas, freshly baked schiacciata and gourmet pizza round out the offering, bringing diners on a full sensory journey, while generous portions encourage sociable dining and sharing.
Brasserie Palmier is the hotels French brasserie that emphasises fish and seafood with lighter preparations to suit the tropical weather of Bangkok. Choose from their robust oyster selection, signature seafood towers, beautiful fish dishes, tartare variations and salads, or go with the all-time favourites, perfect for a casual quality dining experience.”
Further restaurants include The Lounge, ideal for impromptu get-togethers and a cosy afternoon tea. Cafe Madeleine is a neighbourhood pastry shop and café offering both indoor-outdoor seating and takeaway options. And, if you just feel like staying in, take advantage of the hotels 24-hour in-room dining.
The Four Seasons BKK Social Club offers up the energy and vibrancy of a night in Buenos Aires. At the helm, innovative Beverage Manager Philip Bischoff brings his talents to the bar. Ranked #1 in Thailand, and #21 in the world of the Bar World’s Most Influential Figures, by Drinks International, Bischoff shares his artistry of mixology with bespoke cocktails that reflect the typical drinking culture found in South America combined with local Thai touches.
The glamorous cocktail bar is reminiscent of Argentine grand architecture, and is framed by two semi-outdoor courtyards. One side is home to Bangkok’s cigar aficionados, while the other offers the perfect space for social gatherings to enjoy bespoke bottled cocktails and Champagnes.
The 2,500 sqm. Urban Wellness Centre is conceived along three streams of wellness, two floors of innovation and one holistic haven. Highlighted by a lavish spa suite with its own private bath and indoor garden, plus eight additional treatment rooms, the spa also includes a spacious consultation area with retail shop, and relaxation lounges. Additional services include the in-house hair salon, barber shop and nail salon.
When you are ready for fitness, you’ll find a naturally-lit state-of-the-art gym, a dedicated mind and body studio with regular open and private classes, and a 30 metre (98 foot) lap pool.
As much as the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is the ideal choice for your holiday, it is also a business hotel. For conferences, their 800 sqm. Four Seasons Grand Ballroom features a private entrance, pre-function foyer, soaring ceilings within, and a dedicated outside Ballroom Terrace. The Ballroom can also be divided in two.
In the residential-style Conservatory, a smaller divisible ballroom offers 425 sqm’s of space plus a garden terrace. The unique Conservatory Kitchen hosts up to 200 guests for creative events, or change-of-scenery meeting breaks. Four additional studios complete the suite of meeting rooms. Meeting & Wedding planners are readily available to assist.
The hotel’s interior was designed by award-winning design legend Jean-Michel Gathy. “The core challenge that drew me to this extraordinary project was the chance to craft the ultimate urban resort experience and at the same time to create an incomparable city hotel that would not only complement but also enhance its unique, expansive riverside location” said Jean-Michel.
A complimentary boat runs throughout the day to Icon Siam and the Sathron Pier.
General Manager Lubosh Barta, who began his Four Seasons career in Bangkok 16 years ago and was most recently opening General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, sums up the experience: “Like the city of Bangkok, our new Four Seasons is full of surprises, whether it’s the breath-taking river views, the rich design details, the perfect cocktail or a striking piece of art. We look forward to offering personalised experiences in an environment of safety and trust as we embrace Four Seasons enhanced global healthy and safety program, “Lead With Care”, with uncompromising Four Seasons service in a truly spectacular setting.”
Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok
at Chao Phraya
300/1 Charoenkrung Road
Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand
+66 (02) 032-0887
www.fourseasons.com/bangkok