Waldorf Astoria Bangkok leaves you with a feeling of grandeur and sophistication, supported by style and urban elegance. At the same time, the stay remains emotionally charged with small frictions that you can feel but not always grasp. It is precisely this quiet restlessness that makes the experience ambivalent and long-lasting. But read for yourself.
Review #110
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- Daily complimentary breakfast for two guests per room
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Content
Location
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is located just a few steps away from the Erawan Shrine – one of the city’s most famous temples and a real tourist magnet. All around: high-end shopping malls, wide Boulevards and chic rooftops. Despite this, the area is not loud, but rather elegant. Lumphini Park is just a stroll away, as are the Chit Lom and Siam BTS stations. An ideal take-off point for those who want to live centrally but value a quiet, elegant environment that is just around the corner from the famous and lively Sukhumvit Road.
Arrival
The easiest way to reach Waldorf Astoria Bangkok from Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) is by taxi or grab; depending on traffic, you should allow around 40 – 60 minutes for the journey. From Don Mueang Airport (DMK) it takes usually between 35 and 50 minutes. If you prefer public transport, take the Airport Rail Link from BKK to Phaya Thai and change there to the BTS Skytrain. From Ratchadamri or Siam station, it is just a few minutes’ walk to the hotel.
If you are traveling by train or long-distance bus, the onward journey is also easy. From Hua Lamphong Central Station, take the MRT Blue Line to Silom, then hop on the BTS Skytrain and travel towards Siam or Ratchadamri – both stations are close to the Waldorf Astoria. From the Eastern Bus Terminal (Ekkamai) or Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit), the BTS will also take you to the center quickly; a short change at Siam station and you are practically at the door.
We arrived at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK ) from our stay in Bali after a Singapore Airlines Business Class flight with a change in Singapore and then took a grab taking us to the entrance of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok in a good three quarters of an hour.
Check-in
As we arrived at the hotel by car, we were greeted warmly and our suitcases were stored for us right away. We were then led through the small Lower Lobby to the elevators, which took us to the 17th floor to the Upper Lobby.
Once there, we were again greeted warmly at reception, but because both desks were occupied, were seated on the sofas in the Lobby, where the actual check-in was carried out while we were served a refreshing welcome drink .
Unfortunately, check-in was a bit bumpy overall. We arrived even after the regular check-in time (starting from 15:00) at around 16:00, but unfortunately the Suite we were assigned to was not yet ready for occupancy. The previous guests were granted late check-out until 16:00. Unfortunately, we were fully aware that this meant we would not be able to move in until 16:30 at the earliest.
As a result, we were pretty much sitting around in the Lobby, waiting for the poor, stressed-out housekeeping team to get our Suite ready. We were given another glass of the welcome drink. But unfortunately nothing more than that, apart from apologies. It wasn’t until around 4:30 p.m. that we received our keycards, already quite annoyed.
During the check-in process, we were also given a letter in which the hotel listed exactly what the additional benefits were that we could enjoy as we had booked the Preferred Partner Rate.
It is particularly unfortunate to note that we wanted to celebrate a birthday and had been in email contact with the hotel well in advance for this occasion. Unfortunately, for whatever reason, this was not discussed or mentioned at the check-in at all.
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok at a glance
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok opened at the end of August 2018 right in the center of Bangkok on Ratchadamri Boulevard as the brand’s first hotel in Southeast Asia. The hotel occupies part of a tall building in the Ratchaprasong business and shopping district and brings classic Waldorf hospitality to the Thai capital, designed by André Fu featuring subtle references to the city’s culture.
The Lower Lobby and reception area are located on the first floor with the open Bistro Front Room. On the 17th floor in the Upper Lobby are the reception, the French-style brasserie and the Peacock Alley Lounge, which also offers afternoon tea. On the 16th floor is the heated infinity pool with views over the city as well as the spa and fitness center, which is open around the clock. Spa treatments and sauna/steam room areas are also located on this level.
At the very top of the tower, on floors 55 to 57, are the restaurants and bars with panoramic views: the Bull & Bear steakhouse, The Loft Cocktail Lounge and the Champagne Bar. The hotel’s rooms and suites are spread over floors 6 to 15.
The hotel’s architecture is very clean, modern and high-quality, but also quite sleek. We found it exciting that there are many design parallels to the Park Hyatt Bangkok, although this is absolutely no coincidence – both hotels were designed by the same architect.
Corner Suite
We had booked a King Deluxe Suite here at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. Usually we always book the cheapest room available, but in this case Waldorf Astoria Bangkok had an offer online granting a 20% discount on the booking price of Suites. The price in turn was only 10 euros more expensive than the smallest room category. So we opted for that great deal!
Well before our arrival we were exchanging emails with the hotel due to the upcoming birthday and in the course of this conversation were also offered a upgrade to a King Corner Suite – as a birthday present, so to speak, which was of course a really nice and generous gift by the hotel!
So we were assigned Suite No. 618. Let’s take a closer look at it together!
Welcome
We were accompanied to our Suite by a member of reception staff who showed us around. Unfortunately, there was only the standard welcome gift – 4 pieces of fruit – waiting for us. No welcome letter. No card. And above all, there was no sign of the promised birthday present – which we did even choose in advance!
Only after we had asked via phone call was the agreed additional birthday greeting consisting of chocolates, a small cake and a mini card brought to the room. We thought that was a bit of a shame as we had been looking forward to a lovely welcome and a great reception in the Suite for already quite a while.
Entrance
The small entrance area just behind the front door is functionally designed and directly to the right is the guest toilet with washbasin and a heated Toto toilet.
Living room
The living room is generously proportioned and is dominated by a large window front. In the center of the room is a couch with a table and armchair on a round carpet. However, it is not entirely clear why this sofa is positioned facing into the room and not looking outwards admiring the view. The furnishings make it feel as if the large windows don’t even exist.
In the right-hand corner, a round dining table with two chairs, which can also be used as a workstation, was somewhat squeezed in and felt strangely out of place. The TV is installed on the wall just behind the armchair.
The minibar is located in a separate cupboard on the left-hand side of the wall in the living area and is not included – apart from Nespresso coffee and tea. The coffee machine, kettle, crockery, water and ice cooler are available in the side compartments. The alcoholic beverages with glasses are located in the middle of the upper shelf as well as the refrigerator. It contains soft drinks, water, beer and, surprisingly, two fresh coconuts. Kind of cool, isn’t it? In the drawers were the coffee capsules, tea bags, more snacks and the price list.
Bedroom
The bedroom is entered from the living room and is naturally dominated by the bed. The TV is positioned on a sideboard immediately to the left of the doorway. Directly opposite and right next to the passageway to the bathroom, there is also a powder room corner built into an alcove.
The very comfortable king-size bed has a total of four pillows, two of which are soft and two firmer. There is also a wonderfully cozy comforter So we had a really great night’s sleep here.
Both bedside tables have a drawer. The remote control is on the left and a tablet is installed with which all the Suite’s electrical functions – such as the curtains and lights – can be controlled. On the right is the telephone with notepad and pen, as well as a clock radio.
There are also panels with buttons on the long side of the stone slab on both sides, which can also be used to control some of the featured elements. However, they are really quite battered and should have been already replaced at some point.
Cupboard
Behind the bed is a small dressing room, which is really rather small for a Suite of this category. The small walk-in closet offers space to hang up your clothes or store them in drawers, but you will also find the safe, a bathrobe, iron and ironing board, as well as everything you need for shoe care and dry cleaning.
However, the mirror on the right, which can be opened without a clearly recognizable function, caused us more astonishment than practical added value.
Bathroom
At the end of the bedroom is the generously proportioned, high-quality bathroom. To the left and right of the passageway are the two washbasins, where you will of course find a whole phalanx of Aesop care products and additional toiletries. The bathtub is installed straight ahead in the very center of the room.
We were actually rather critical of the choice of paper water bottles, which for a hotel in this category seem neither contemporary nor in keeping with the luxury standards – refillable water bottles should have been provided here.
In the left-hand corner in front of the window is the rather spacious walk-in rain shower, equipped with shampoo, body wash and conditioner. You can of course close the window with a roller blind to make it a no-see-through. The Japanese toilet is on the right.
View
Unfortunately, the highly advertised golf course view from this particular Corner Suite in the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok did somehow not exist. Instead, we had a view of the surrounding buildings and the BTS line. For such a Corner Suite, that’s somehow very disappointing, isn’t it?
This raises the question of why I am putting a Waldorf Astoria on floors 6 to 15 in a high-rise building in Bangkok. Usually, offices would be located here and the rooms above the lobby on the 17th floor. But why the Lobby and spa with the gym are on the top two floors and not the beautiful Suites with a better view is also a quite quizzing decision in our opinion.
Birthday
As already mentioned, the promised birthday surprise did not work out despite prior – very intensive – communication. The birthday was initially notactively taken up and only after feedback to the hotel did a very generous gesture in the form of a large bouquet of flowers and a visible “Happy Birthday” decoration with a larger cake follow. The compensation was quite generous and also very nice, but came too late to correct the first impression and couldn’t really save the day. Sadly, really.
Resort activities
Pool
The iconic infinity pool of the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok on the roof of the extension located on the 16th floor of the building offers an impressive view over the golf course opposite and the city district, as well as the Skytrain route. During our stay, however, there was unfortunately a very short cold spell with lots of wind and low temperatures. As a result, we only spent a very short time up here and unfortunately couldn´t enjoy it very much.
Up here, next to the heated pool, you will find some sun loungers and daybeds positioned in the ankle-deep water. Despite the bad weather, we couldn’t resist treating ourselves to a round of Cocktails.
Unfortunately, the really very nice service employee was all on his own up here and a little overwhelmed with the task. In addition to serving, shaking Cocktails and ordering food, he also had to keep an eye on the Bar and all the loungers, as well as providing the loungers with fresh towels and keeping everything tidy. But that was just too many tasks for one person. As a result, the service took a little longer, but the excellent Cocktails definitely made up for it. We only felt sorry for the poor member of staff who really ran off his heels and couldn’t keep up.
Fitness Center
Also on the 16th floor is the modern and functionally equipped gym with a great view of the city. In terms of equipment, it meets the standard of the brand and offers a few cardio machines as well as some muscle-building machines and a small free weights area. Of course, towels, water, fruit and cold refreshing towels are also available for you to use.
Spa
The beautifully designed Waldorf Astoria Spa offers not only a great view of the city in their individual treatment rooms but also a shower and a steam room, some even with a hot tub. A sauna and a steam bath are available to all guests free of charge.
Restaurants
Bull & Bear
The upscale Steakhouse on the 55th floor of Waldorf Astoria Bangkok offers a fantastic view over Bangkok, but also an open view of the kitchen. The ambience is very elegant without being intimidating or pretentious. We had two Burgers with fries and red wine for our 100 USD credit – everything was really delicious and beautifully presented. The service was also perfect and extremely friendly.
Peackock Alley
The Bar with this beautiful name is located behind the Lobby on the 17th floor and offers a fantastic view of the golf course in addition to an elegant and quiet interior. This place is extremely suitable for a light lunch, but also for an Aperitif or Cocktail in the evening.
Pool Bar
The Pool Bar is located on the side of the building right next to the spa reception and only offers a covered outdoor area. It mainly serves the pool, but you can also relax and enjoy your food and drinks at two tables.
Breakfast
Breakfast is served at The Brasserie in Waldorf Astoria Bangkok. The restaurant is located on the 17th floor of the hotel and offers a really high-quality selection of à la carte dishes and an extensive, multi-course buffet. Of course, you order hot drinks and dishes from the menu at your table and they are also served there. For everything else, simply help yourself to the buffet. You can also order egg dishes, pancakes or similar at some of the live cooking stations which will then also be served at your table if you do not wish to wait for your food to be ready. Everything was really, really tasty and the dishes we ordered were beautifully presented.
We had breakfast here on a Friday morning and had to wait outside the restaurant with a few other guests until a seat became available for us. The staff really made an effort and were extremely friendly, but given the prices charged at this hotel, I really don´t want to start the day like this especially even before having my first coffee in the morning. By the time we were escorted to our table about 20 minutes later, our mood had already dampened considerably and you can imagine the noise level in a crowded room without curtains or anything similar. Relaxed is certainly different.
Check-out
The check-out then went smoothly and professionally at one of the reception desks.
Costs
For this one night at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, we paid 14,120 THB. At the time of our stay in November 2025, this corresponded to just under 390 euros – for the lower King Deluxe Suite, mind you. The upgrade to the King Corner Suite was a kind gesture from the hotel as a birthday present and breakfast as well as the 100 USD credit were included due to the Preferred Partner Rate we had booked.
Departure and onward journey
From here, it was just a few meters down the road to get to St. Regis Bangkok. So we packed our suitcases and flowers and just walked the short distance.
Conclusion
Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is once again one of those hotels that leaves us a little perplexed. There is a lot of potential here, but also some stuff that is not structurally convincing and some things need to be done better by the staff. The Suites are great and for the most part beautifully furnished – even if one or two things seem a little out of round. The pool is fantastic and the restaurant is also great. We couldn’t really relax at breakfast – which was a real shame, as the food was really tasty.
All in all, however, I have to say that, in a true German fashion, the price-performance ratio was simply off. At a price of almost 400 euros per night, I’m not just paying for a nice Suite, but also for things like adherence to agreements and also very good service.
We can definitely recommend the Waldorf Astoria for business travelers, couples and solo travelers without too high expectations. And as is so often the case in such high-class hotels, we would recommend other hotels for families – especially with small children. You can certainly stay here, but there’s simply nothing special available at all for the little ones. I would rather stay elsewhere.
We place the hotel in the Premium segment on our EVRYWHRE internal scale. The hotel has clear strengths, but also a visible distance to the real Luxury segment.
Rating
We award this stay at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok 7 out of 10 possible points.
Unfortunately, we have to deduct one point each for the unsuccessful birthday surprise, the waiting at breakfast before being seated and the rather unsuccessful check-in.
Go there?
Yes, with realistic expectations it is possible, but certainly not as a place for special occasions.
Booking with EVRYWHRE
Would you like to spend your vacation at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok? Then book via our Preferred Partner Rate! It won’t cost you any more, but will bring you real benefits:
✔ Free breakfast
✔ Upgrade subject to availability
✔ 100 USD hotel credit
✔ VIP guest status
✔ Collect double Hilton Honors points
You can find all the details on our Booking Hub.
YouTube Review
Fancy even more info? Then take a look at our YouTube review. I promise it’s worth it! Have fun enjoying it.
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