There is a lot of history-hype surrounding the Oriental, which is greatly enforced by the hotel’s marketing department. The truth is that only a tiny wing of the hotel bears resemblance to the rich aristocratic 1920’s style one would expect, and this part is frequently closed for special functions. The rest of the hotel dates back to the 1960s and 1970s, and is a soul-less construction of bland and cheap architecture. The rooms, while nicely appointed and maintained, are quite small and dark with low ceilings, which gives them a claustrophobic character. The bathrooms are at best average-sized and lack privacy. There is not one door that can be properly shut while the toilet is visible from the bedroom through a large glass wall that can not be fully blinded. The communal and garden areas are well groomed with great attention to detail, but are also quite small and can easily become overcrowded – the pool area in particular. On a more positive note, the service throughout the hotel is impeccable indeed. Only the receptionists and the concierges
seem always very hectic and the advice provided is overly brief, lacking substance and attention. All of the restaurants offer excellent ambience, service and cuisine. This comes with a hefty price-tag, however, where food and beverages are priced similarly to a first-class hotel in NY City. The evening-buffet on the terrace sets you back by USD 150 for two without wine. Order one of their less expensive vintages and you pay USD 125 per bottle. Other extras do not come cheap either. Their Spa charges a hefty USD 80 for a Thai massage, which can be had everywhere throughout the city at excellent day spas for a fraction of the cost (e.g. USD 20 at Mulberry Spa round the corner). Also, avoid booking external services
such a sightseeing tours through the Hotel, as they add a ridiculously high premium of 100% to the external rate. In sum, the hotel knows the mastery of overcharging wherever possible, but at least they do so with great politeness and a wonderful smile.

My family and I stayed at this hotel at the end of March for 2 nights
on our way to Australia. We booked 2 river side superior rooms and the I have to say they had excellent views and the quality of the fixtures and fittings were as expected for a genuine 5* hotel.

We had organised with the hotel to pick us up and return us to the airport. This is well worth doing and although more expensive than taking a taxi, the sevice you receive, from picking up your luggage, escorting you to the car, giving you cold flannels and water in the car is well worth it.

Check in was fast once we arrived at the hotel and the service received from all staff was excellent, although the constant bowing took a while to get used to.

We only ate at the hotel which was perhaps a silly thing to do whilst
in Bangkok, however the breakfast buffet and dinner buffet overlooking the river was excellent.

The gym is well worth a visit too, even if you don't use the equipment. Firstly, you take their river bus across the water from the hotel to the gym. The gym has everything you could want to use and the equipment was completely up to date. They hand you towels, water and head phones upon arrival and every machine has a tv built in.

Overall, this hotel caters for an older audience with many guests aged over 50. Mostly Europeans. There were no other families staying
at the hotel and our kids (aged 15 & 12) were literally the only ones.

It has to be said in other comments on the hotel that this is one of the best hotels in the world. I think that statement was true around 10 years ago. The hotel is a little tired and could use some work. Having stayed at genuinely one of the best hotels in the world last year, The Burj Al Arab in Dubai, The Mandarin Oriental needs to review their standing in the market.

Would we stay there again? Probably, although we might take a look at
the Shangri La next time.

Best hotel I've ever stayed at - impeccable service, wonderful restaurants, magnificent spa. Expensive, but worth every baht!

this is one of the best hotels i have ever stayed in. The service was impeccable and the rooms were lovely. I took my young son and they catered for our every need. I cannot recommend this hotel enough.