Four Seasons Bangkok Review: An Oasis in Chaos

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Introduction

The Four Seasons Bangkok is a masterpiece urban resort embodying the essence of the Four Seasons brand. My daughter and I got to experience the hotel as part of my 4 Luxury Hotels, 2 First Class Flights, The Million+ Award Redemption trip in March 2023. It is a remarkable property that serves as an oasis for guests away from the hustle and bustle of the chaotic Bangkok metropolis.

There aren’t many hotels that I deem perfect, but this certainly was one of the few exceptions in my years of travelling. Welcome to the Four Seasons Bangkok review. It’s a long one, so buckle up.

This hotel review is the 4th part of a series covering my recent trip to Singapore, Thailand, India, and UAE:

Luxury Hotels, 2 First Class Flights, The Million+ Award Redemption

Singapore Airlines 19-Hour Non-Stop Experience

What’s it like to travel on Scoot for 2 hours?
Four Seasons Bangkok Review: An Oasis in Chaos

The Singapore Suites Sweet Spot
Treated like Royalty at the Taj Palace Hotel Udaipur
Luxury Retreat at The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra
An Oasis in UAE: Qasr Al Sarab
Qatar Qsuites is home in the Sky

Four Seasons – Roots in Canada

Four Seasons is an ultra-luxury hotel brand that is among the top in the world. Its roots originate in Canada, where the first hotel opened in 1961 in downtown Toronto, Canada. It is still headquartered there today.

Ultra-Luxury Hotels & The Four Seasons

What are ultra-luxury hotels anyway? It’s just words that I’ll be using to classify a hotel tier that is 98% above the Marriotts, Hiltons, Hyatts, etc. out there. Many hotel brands are in this ultra-luxury tier, including Jumeriah, Capella, Belmond, Taj, Oberoi, Anantara, Aman, etc. Only some St Regis, Waldorf Astoria, or Alila/Park Hyatt’s are at the same level as these.

Why are these brands 98% above the rest? What makes them so unique? It’s the intangibles, like the consistent quality of service offered at any property worldwide. The attention is on you, the traveller who is their guest.

When a hotel can provide service that works like magic by anticipating a guest’s needs, that is perfection in my books. Now imagine this personalized experience following the guest automatically at any Four Seasons hotel. This is what Four Seasons offers. Their IT platform contains guest profiles that update after each stay based on preferences and notes entered by hotel staff. The property will know the guest’s preferences when staying at the following Four Seasons. This goes beyond just the type of pillow a guest will like; it also contains guest characteristics. For example, if a guest is too needy, the property staff will cater as such versus a more laid-back guest. This strives to ensure that every guest has a pleasant experience.

Then there is, of course, the hard product itself, the tangible or the physical aspects of the hotel that are often exceptional in all ultra-luxury hotels. This includes attention to detail, something which I appreciate. For example, a Four Seasons I was at had Dyson hair dryers branded with the Four Seasons logo. It’s over the top, yet impressive. Another example was being offered to choose the type of fragrance I would like sprayed in the room during turn-down service.

When comparing Four Seasons to the other ultra-luxury brands, personal preference sets Four Seasons apart from the others. Four Seasons hotels are a classic luxury with a modern design that feels like a second home to me. The hotels are bright and airy, with rooms having just the right amount of clutter. It’s not too minimalistic, yet not too busy. Not too plain, yet not too flashy and opulent. Rooms and common areas have good lighting, often natural, which I appreciate. Then there is the Four Seasons Bed, wow! I have yet to find a better bed in a hotel.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Booking

The Four Seasons Bangkok was recommended by my good friend and fellow writer here on PMB, Allan Yong (aka pekflyer). Allan is a strong critic of hotels. If he says a hotel is good, it is.

I made the booking through a Four Seasons Preferred Partner (FSPP) and received the following benefits:

• Early Check-In/Late Checkout, subject to availability
• Daily full Breakfast for two people per bedroom served in a hotel restaurant or through In-Room Dining
• Hotel/Resort Credit of USD $100.
• Upgrade of one category based on availability at the time of check-in.

What’s great is that it costs no extra to book an FSPP rate, but it must be booked through an agent that can offer it. The luxury travel industry is now saturated with agents, but now I only book exclusively through The Luxury Traveller. Jarvis Marcos, the founder, has built relationships with many exclusive luxury hotels worldwide, including the Four Seasons Bangkok. As such, he was able to go above and beyond the posted FSPP benefits to make our stay extra special,

The cost of the room was USD $589/night.

This may be understandably expensive for many, including myself.  However, I was able to offset the expense using my Scotia Scene Points. Most Four Seasons hotels are well over $1000/night, except for a select few. The Four Seasons Bangkok is an excellent-priced hotel for what it offers.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Location and Property Layout

The Four Seasons Bangkok is located along the Chao Phraya River in the city’s creative district. The hotel is part of the 14-acre Chao Phraya Estate, which boasts Bangkok’s most extensive private waterfront. It has the Four Seasons Bangkok, the Four Seasons Private Residences, and the luxury hotel Capella.

The hotel advertises itself as an urban resort in the heart of Bangkok, and I agree with this statement. The property has extensive private grounds, pools, galleries, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a place to find solace in the hustle and bustle of the giant Bangkok metropolis.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Arrival and Check-in 

It was 8:45 AM when our taxi turned off the busy Charoen Krung Rd onto the private gated estate. I instantly felt transported into an oasis when we entered through the gates. After we pulled up to the entrance, our doors were opened by a staff member and we were greeted by name:  “Welcome, Mr. Bhavsar and Ms. Zoe.”

As we entered through the front doors and were escorted to the lobby, I felt like I was walking through a gallery; it made quite an impression on me: paintings, sculptures, large vases, and extravagant floral arrangements all lit up with the extensive natural light coming through the large windows overlooking a courtyard pond.

The lobby had quite a design effect. Looking from the outside, it looked small but commanded an appearance look with its orange glow and the striking chandelier.

A staff member immediately greeted us with cold towels and juice. While I completed the check-in formalities, another staff member kept my daughter busy on the couch as they chatted about her interests in Bangkok and what she was excited to do. They also informed her of the kid’s activities if she was interested, especially at the pool. And, of course, like every Four Seasons offers kids, a stuffy to take home.

Our room was requested for early-in, and we received it despite it not being a standard FSPP benefit; thank you, Jarvis. We were then escorted down a long hallway leading away from the lobby. The hallway had more floral displays, modern art, and many comfortable seating areas.

We exited through the doors outback and onto a large, open, terraced space with an artificial lake surrounded by lush foliage. There were also seating areas amongst the pathways, with some offering views of the Chao Phraya River.

Lush Foilage throughout the property

We continued down the path, through another set of doors and into the building where our room would be located. As we walked through the hallway, I could not help but feel aesthetically satisfied by the architecture. So far, extensive attention to detail has been given at every turn, which is impressive.

Our room would be on the 4th floor, and given its location, I knew it would provide us with a direct view of the Chao Phraya River.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Premier River-View Room

Upon entering the room, the ginormous floor-to-ceiling windows took my breath away. Lots of natural light dispersed throughout the room, something that I am very appreciative of.   The design and textures in the room are exactly what appeal to me: modern, classic luxury.

The view out the window was stunning and a wonderful place to sit and watch the boats ride along the river.

Furniture in the room aside from the Four Seasons signature bed was a desk, daybed, and a chaise.

As you can see from the smile on my daughter’s face, she was pleased with the welcome amenities that included fresh fruit, pastries from the Cafe Madeleine bakery on site, handwritten notes by staff and Jarvis, balloons, and a chocolate concoction that my daughter enjoyed hammering it open to reveal more goodies inside of it. Gold-plated cutlery was provided in a discreetly hidden leather-backed case.

Lots of technology was employed in the room, with digital controls for the curtains and lighting and an iPad with the Four Seasons app. Also, you can use your phone if you like. The app provides information about the hotel and for any requests, including making reservations at the restaurants or spa.

Other amenities in the room included a large wardrobe, books and magazines about Thailand, a QR code for ordering room service, a luggage area, and a fully stocked minibar. Nespresso coffees and teas were complimentary.

I also particularly enjoyed making my own Negroni following the instructions provided.

The bathroom is often as important as the room itself, and it met all my expectations of a world-class luxury hotel. To set it apart from the rest of the room, the designers used a slightly darker tone with black marble for the countertops and grey tiling. There was a double sink, an oversized soaking tub, a rainfall shower, and a toilet in its separate large room.

Toiletries were provided by provided by Byredo, a UK brand.

Bathroom with Oversized Tub

Four Seasons Bangkok – Drinks and Food 

The Four Seasons Bangkok offers stellar bars and restaurants, and we often saw non-guests coming just for the food and beverage offerings. We had the opportunity to try out the Breakfast at Riva del Fiume, pastries at Cafe Madeline, and drinks at the Social Club. We did not get to try the Michelin Star Yu Ting Yuan and the Brasserie Palmier restaurants, but I have heard nothing but positive reviews.

Riva del Fiume – Breakfast
Let’s start with Breakfast, which we had complimentary as part of our FSPP rate. It was served at the Riva del Fiume restaurant located just outside the building where our room was. We could sit inside or outside on a small garden patio. We chose to sit outside on that patio overlooking the river. As we were escorted to the table, I could not help but be stunned at the sheer beauty of the brasserie styled indoors and the buffet breakfast that we walked past.

Indoor Seating @ Riva del Fiume, source: timeout.com

Breakfast Buffet

In addition to the buffet breakfast, a la carte options could be ordered, and we ordered a Thai Omelette and an  Eggs Benedict.

The quality of the food, especially the buffet offerings, was excellent.

Cafe Madeline – Bakery

I had heard many positive reviews of this French bakery, a must-try when visiting Bangkok. The bakery is open all day and serves French pastries along with your java and tea options. Pastries are so visually appealing that it’s hard not to indulge in some of them.

This bakery was so good that I will return in the future even if I am not a guest at the Four Seasons Bangkok.

Social Club – Drinks

The Social Club is a popular hotspot in Bangkok renowned for its unique drinks, including Negronis. The bar sets the scene with a grand opulence as you entered.

We were escorted to our seats and offered snacks and flavoured water while I perused through the drink “book” as it was that big.

I was very impressed by the staff’s knowledge of the drinks, and they were able to recommend cocktails that would best suit my palate, including the Negroni flight, which was a highlight.

Lobby Lounge – bar/coffee shop

Near the lobby of the hotel is the lobby lounge, which is difficult to miss, given its striking appearance. It is open all day, but we never got a chance to enjoy it; an afternoon tea might be in the cards for the next visit.

The lounge extends out the back onto the terrace overlooking the hotel’s artificial lake.

Summary

All the F&B that we indulged in were exceptional. Usually, I don’t prioritize the quality of food and drinks when selecting a hotel. However,  Four Seasons Bangkok surpassed my expectations, and I would love to return and indulge my taste buds again.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Facilities

Four Seasons Bangkok hosts several facilities like an art gallery, gym, and pools. We had the chance to try out some of the facilities during our stay.

Riverside Pool

The riverside pool is the star attraction. It comprises a kid’s pool and two main lap pools, with one having a section with jacuzzi jets. Lounge chairs were around the pool’s edges, with daybeds in the back. As well, there were meshed lounges within the shallow areas of the pool.

Service at the pools was excellent, with a daybed offered to us and made up immediately. We were proactively given two towels each, which I do not commonly see happen at hotels. Water was also provided along with the poolside food and drink menu. My daughter tried a lemon mocktail that she was very impressed with.

I realized later that the hotel also has a hidden Courtyard Pool that is rarely used. It also looks very nice:

Pool staff came by to chat with my daughter about her stay and if she’s been enjoying herself. They seemed keen to know if she participated in any kid’s activities, perhaps for feedback. Although we did not have enough time, we did stop by the kid’s center:

                                                                                                                                 

Gym

The Four Seasons Bangkok boasts a stellar gym; unfortunately, I did not get to try it out. Had I gone, I would have noticed the other pool that the gym overlooks. The gym contains many cardio and weight machines and looks remarkable from the pictures.

Art Gallery

There is an art gallery at the Four Seasons Bangkok, and we had to go check it out. I had low expectations, but it felt like a proper gallery after exploring it. There was a special exhibition at the time called ART Space by MOCA Bangkok. It contained paintings and artifacts demonstrating the artist’s attempt to connect to something beyond our world, deep space and beyond.

An art gallery at a hotel is unnecessary and could be considered over-the-top pointless. However, an art gallery that blends in with the design, theme, and clientele that the hotel invokes undoubtedly makes sense. Seeing a hotel property make good use of an otherwise empty open space was refreshing.

Boat Service

The Four Seasons Bangkok is not in the heart of Siam or Sukhumvit, where everything is accessible by walking and is well connected to transit. However, it offers complimentary boat service to Icon Siam Mall and Sathorn Pier for easy transit connections.

Four Seasons Bangkok – Checkout

The checkout process was seamless and very personal. A bellman appeared promptly to grab our bags while I headed down to the lobby to complete the checkout formalities. The staff was very interested in knowing how our stay was and if there was anything they could improve on. They even wanted my daughter’s opinion, and the inquiry seemed genuine. We were then promptly walked through the door where our bags and Uber awaited us to take us to the airport on the next legs of our journey, including Singapore First Class Suites.

Bottom Line

Bangkok is a city of chaos, which I mean in a good way. It’s one of my favourite cities worldwide that I can visit repeatedly and not be bored. However, after a long day in the heat, pollution, noise, and traffic, nothing is more satisfying than returning to an ultra-luxury hotel to find some oasis like the Four Seasons Bangkok.

The Four Seasons Golden Rule is to always treat others how they wish to be treated.  It is their corporate guiding principle, and it came across in the level of service that I experienced at the Four Seasons Bangkok. I look forward to my return very soon.