Hotels in Bangkok: the two we would book

Why we picked it

What convinced us is the scale and the character: a house of art and antiques in three acres of river gardens, with its own pier, a shuttle boat into town and three Michelin Keys. We would book it for a slow Bangkok: mornings in the garden or at the Opium Spa, a riverside pool villa as the base, and the old town reached by boat rather than by traffic.

• Three acres of lush gardens on the Chao Phraya River, filled with art and antiques
• Courtyard and riverside pool villas, plus an infinity pool
• Daily breakfast, butler service and Wi-Fi included in every stay, according to the hotel

• Riverside gardensThree acres of lush gardens on the Chao Phraya
• Swimming poolsPrivate pool in each pool villa, plus an infinity pool
• Wi-FiComplimentary and property-wide
• BreakfastDaily breakfast included in every stay
• Butler serviceIncluded in every stay
• Shuttle boatComplimentary, to and from Saphan Taksin pier
• Restaurants and barsChon Thai, Deco Bar & Bistro, The Story House, The Pier and Bathers Bar
• Opium SpaTreatments, yoga and meditation
• Signature experiencesCuisine, history, the arts and martial arts
• Air-conditioningTemperature-controlled in every room
• MinibarWith complimentary water and local snacks
• BathtubIn every suite and villa, with a separate walk-in shower
• Family-friendlyExtra bed or baby cot available

Why we picked it

We would book it for the combination of river and old town: a boutique hotel with a pool by the water, a riverside bar at sunset and the main temples reached by boat or on a short ride. It is the easy base for a first visit to Bangkok.

• A riverside swimming pool and a gym with views of the river
• Most rooms have a large balcony, free Wi-Fi and contemporary Thai furnishings
• Chao Phraya Express boats, MRT and Skytrain connections, and the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Chinatown within reach

• Riverside poolOutdoor pool along the river
• GymWith views of the river
• Wi-FiFree throughout the hotel
• Restaurant and caféBabble & Grill and a relaxed café
• Riverside barsRiverside Bar and The Bar at Petit Soleil
• 24-hour receptionWith concierge help
• Airport transferOn request
• ParkingSelf-parking at the hotel car park
• MassageAvailable at the hotel
• Babysitter service
• Air-conditioningIn every room
• Minibar and safeIn the rooms