The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok has been a long time coming. It may be hard to believe that the legacy luxury hospitality brand with a global presence has only just made its debut in one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant cities in 2025. The Ritz-Carlton, Koh Samui opened way back in 2017, but there had been chatter in the hospitality industry for years about the brand’s expansion in Thailand’s capital. The wait, in the end, proved to be more than worth it: the hotel is housed in a striking 216m tower within One Bangkok, a transformative US$3.2 billion integrated development in the heart of the city’s Central Business District. The address along Wireless Road is, undoubtedly, a coveted one, where guests can wake up to sweeping views of the Lumpini Park, which is lush with vegetation, or the city skyline, or both, with embassies nearby.
Guests arriving at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok will be welcomed via a sweeping private driveway beneath a canopy of trees, before stepping into an interior inspired by the refined elegance of a Thai noble’s residence, which blends elements of Eastern tradition and Western sophistication seamlessly.
Art is a vital part of the cultural experience of One Bangkok, and this extends to the hotel, with thoughtfully curated pieces, such as the Hurricane Grand Silver by Fredrikson Stallard, leading designers of the British avant-garde, adding character to the Arrival Hall.
Each of the 260 meticulously appointed guestrooms and suites boasts floor-to-ceiling vistas, capturing the breathtaking views. As of the end of June 2025, the hotel is officially fully open with the unveiling of the most luxurious of these, The Ritz-Carlton Suite. The 439 sq m three-bedroom sanctuary boasts three balconies and two entrances, ideal for hosting social celebrations or luxury trunk shows.
Another worthy choice is the Amaranth Suite, which gives access to The Club Lounge on the 23rd floor. Here, they serve not one, not two, but five complimentary culinary experiences daily. After checking in seamlessly with the Club Concierge, I was guided to my room by one of the affable Ladies and Gentlemen. Alongside the room’s subtle Thai motifs are indulgent touches, including a Dyson hairdryer, Diptyque toiletries, and Frette bathrobes.
Although the dining experiences at The Club Lounge and areas such as Chinatown’s Yaowarat Night Market may beckon, make time in your itinerary to try the hotel’s establishments. Wake up to bites of Thai Tea Waffle served with Nam Dok Mai mango and whipped cream at Lily’s, or try the Khao Soi Crab Curry at lunchtime.
At sunset, I watched the sun cast its reflection upon Lumpini Park from Caleō, a romantic lounge that serves liquid libations inspired by different eras and locales, such as Yangon’s Pegu Club. There, I wrote postcards to friends around the world, sharing tales of my enchanting stay—thoughtfully delivered free of charge by Caleō.
Duet by David Toutain, the hotel’s French fine-dining restaurant, is a destination in its own right. Set within an eye-catching glasshouse, it is led by the eponymous two-Michelin-starred chef Valentin Fouache, who has experience at Michelin-starred eateries across France and Thailand. The duo’s mastery of French culinary techniques and ingredients is captured in the visually extraordinary plates, along with provenance storytelling cards that are presented as the culinary journey unfolds. In a particular dish, watercress acted as the main character of a beignet, with its peppery bite and refreshing green character balanced with the tart brightness of kumquat jelly and the minty, floral nuance of nepeta.
Thoughtfully curated to elevate every aspect of your stay, the hotel’s exceptional facilities include the Ritz-Carlton Spa, where holistic Thai techniques are centred around three core wellness pillars—mind, body, and skin—and further enhanced by luxury products from ESPA. Those travelling with families can head to the hotel’s seventh floor for the Ritz Kids club, which is ready to welcome little explorers with educational activities.
Guests can spend another evening at dusk at the hotel’s two pools, which include a whirlpool. After a refreshing swim, unwind in one of the spacious cabanas as the sun dips below the horizon. Then, walk down the stairs from the pool to watch the hotel’s Elemental Ensemble present the klong yao (long drum) performance with joyful dancing each evening.
As I sipped champagne on the Lumpini Terrace, I knew this stay would linger in my memory long after I’d departed the Land of Smiles.
