Capella Bangkok – Bangkok’s Chic Urban Riverside Resort with Michelin-Starred Cuisine

A new era of opulence has blossomed along the eastern bank of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River. With an air of sophistication yet a carefree charm, Capella Bangkok seamlessly blends modernity with timelessness. It marries the effortless elegance of a grand establishment with the warmth and character of a boutique hotel. This splendid urban retreat boasts accommodations with river views, featuring private villas perched right at the water’s edge. Each room is attended to by Capella Culturists, and the fine dining experience is Michelin-starred. Whether you seek to immerse yourself in the vibrant heart of the Thai capital or simply unwind in the welcoming embrace of this urban sanctuary, Capella Bangkok offers the ultimate vantage point to observe a river undergoing a renaissance. Read on to discover more.

Around 210,000 years ago, Capella, which means “bright northern star” in Latin, was the brightest celestial body in the night sky. While it’s no longer the brightest, Capella still stands out as the sixth brightest star, with its distinct yellow hue, residing in the Auriga constellation. On the banks of Thailand’s Chao Phraya River, a prominent star of a different kind, the Capella Bangkok, shines brightly.

Capella Hotel and Resorts, the boutique luxury hotel chain based in Singapore, presents the stylish Capella Bangkok as the sixth gem in its constellation. Designed by renowned architects Andy Miller and Richard Scott-Wilson of Hamiltons International, the hotel comprises three key elements: a hotel block, a ground and first floor with courtyards, and a lower ground floor with river-facing gardens.

An Urban Riverside Resort

Entering the building, guests are met with a stylish and breathtaking lounge area which also doubles as the Tea Lounge, featuring a marble floor, sparkling ceiling lights, intricate Thai-inspired screens, and Asian antiques. This elegant area of relaxation serves as a transition area leading to the Living Room, accessible to guests only with an electronic key card.

The Living Room

In the Living Room, all guest check-in formalities are handled with sophistication and a personal touch, offering guests a cool drink, tea, or champagne. A warm and hospitable Capella Culturist then introduces guests to their light-filled, elegant room with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River, marking the start of an extraordinary experience.

Capella Culturates

Like to explore the city’s liveliest neighbourhoods through boat rides or bike tours? Maybe you’re interested in experiencing Muay Thai or guided meditation led by monks. Or perhaps you’re in search of a coveted reservation in some of the city’s best fine-dining restaurants? Capella Culturalists, akin to your personal concierge with insider access to the city’s best experiences, are available to assist in immersing guests in the local culture – every guest has an assigned Culturalist for their stay.

On the Banks of the Chao Phraya River

The waterway is the star of the show at the Capella Bangkok and the architects have made every effort to embrace the prime location with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. The resort is located within the Chao Phraya Estate, with the Four Seasons Residences as its equally well-to-do neighbour. Lie back and watch the world go by from a range of comfortable spots, from the terrace – complete with an outdoor saltwater pool and four-poster loungers, through to the spa and outdoor restaurant.

A house car and a private pier enable guests to travel with luxurious ease, both on land and water. The private boat service can take you to the nearby Iconsiam Mall, which boasts an array of luxury brands that cater for guests’ every desire as well as taking guests up to South Sathorm Pier which connects with the BTS Skytrain. Taxis take around one hour to the airport depending on traffic and can be organised in a flash by the hotel concierge.

If you want door-to-door service for arrival and departure the limousine and VIP fast-track services at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports, ensure seamless navigation through airport procedures for both arrival and departure. which can be coordinated 24 hours in advance.

All River View Guest Quarters

The hotel accommodates 101 rooms, 16 of which are suites and seven are villas with private balconies or a verandah with a jacuzzi plunge pool. Each has a Bluetooth speaker, a Nespresso coffee machine, a minibar, free snacks and Etoile de Siam bath products by Bottega. Whichever room guests choose they’ll get a fantastic outlook as they all face the river, but for the finest, book the Presidential Villa. This comes complete with two bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, a garden and a jacuzzi plunge pool, perched at the river’s edge.

Riverside Premier Suite

During our stay, we resided in one of the Riverside Premier Rooms. Elevated on the upper floors, the Riverfront Premier is a residentially designed retreat boasting a private balcony and sweeping panoramic views of the river. Situated between the fifth and tenth floors, it offers an elegant and homely atmosphere, adorned with custom art and a spacious marble bathroom. You can choose between a king-size or twin beds for the utmost comfort. The inviting balcony is furnished with a comfortable divan, where you can savour the bustling river scene at dawn with a rich ristretto or in the evening with your favourite sparkling beverage, creating memorable moments by the water’s edge.

Bedroom & Lounge

The entire room can be cleverly controlled via an iPad.

Bathroom

The bathroom has a view that looks out over the veranda, with twin sinks, a central bath, and a separate rain shower.

I love grading a hotel bedroom on its amenities and this bathroom was awash with goodies. The clever set of boxes depicting a historical scene of the Temple of Dawn pulls apart into everything you will need for a stay ranging from mouthwash and shaving kit to a comb, brush, and toothbrushes.

Hallway & Dressing Area

As you enter the room to the right running along the back of the bedroom is a separate hallway which is huge offering plenty of space for hanging two full suitcases. Hotel service also includes pressing of up to 5 garments per day.

Personal Bar

A personal bar with complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages is provided in all guestrooms.

Outside Space & View

Turn Down

The service across the entire hotel is incredible, guests want for nothing, and the team really go above and beyond with the housekeeping, with items hung up and folded and the turn-down service also includes the running of a bath.

Villas

Experience serenity by the river in luxurious villas, including a two-bedroom Presidential Villa. Each villa offers separate living and dining spaces with folding glass doors that open to lush private gardens. You can enjoy an outdoor jacuzzi plunge pool, a riverfront daybed, a spacious sunlit bathroom with an oversized tub, and both indoor and outdoor showers.

Villas: Accessed through a private courtyard entrance, they feature a comfortable layout with a separate living room, dining room, a spacious bedroom with a king-size bed, a large marble bathroom, a powder room, and a jacuzzi plunge pool surrounded by tropical gardens. You can also enjoy a front-row seat to the vibrant river life from a sala for two.

The Presidential Villa: For the ultimate indulgence, the 2-bedroom Presidential Villa offers 595 square meters of indoor and outdoor space. The villa features a separate living and dining room, a spacious master bedroom with a four-poster king-size bed, a second bedroom with two double beds, two large marble bathrooms, a powder room, and a plunge pool surrounded by tropical gardens. Additionally, there’s a sala and elegant outdoor furnishings, making it a perfect venue for a romantic dinner or a BBQ evening by the water’s edge.

Michelin-Starred Riviera Food

The signature restaurant Côte is led by the renowned Argentinian chef Mauro Colagreco, best known for helming the three-Michelin-starred Mirazur, in Nice. Côte has one Michelin star and brings the flavours of the Mediterranean (France and Italy), using organic herbs and veg grown in the onsite greenhouse. Select from the à la carte menu or the nine-course Carte Blanche tasting menu, in which you can truly experience the chef’s prowess.

Phra Nakhon

Few restaurants in Bangkok can compare to the combination of location and cuisine found at Phra Nakhon, Capella’s riverside Thai speciality restaurant. Nestled in a riverbank garden, this restaurant offers breakfast in both indoor and outdoor settings, featuring a diverse range of local and international dishes. However, it’s during lunch and dinner that Phra Nakhon truly shines, delivering a delectable Thai experience. Diners can anticipate an array of authentic dishes inspired by different regions of Thailand, as well as cherished family recipes that utilise locally sourced ingredients for an extensive menu of Thai soups, curries, and noodles.

You can read our full restaurant review here

Breakfast

Breakfast In Your Room

For guests who are in a hurry room-service breakfast can. be ordered, at an additional charge, the menu ranges from Western, to Thai, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. We opted for the Japanese.

Stella Bar

Stella is Capella’s beautiful cocktail bar and a place to be seen, where glamorous crowds spend hours finding the perfect Insta-worthy pose. A vintage, bohemian, and colonial vibe reigns here, where guests can order from a cocktail menu celebrating four iconic females in the bar industry. A majestic white peacock centrepiece stands at the centre and live music is a regular part of the experience.

Chin Chin Hour

Every night hotel guests can enjoy Chin Chin Hour, offering free cocktails, wines, and beer along with snacks for an hour.

Tea Lounge

Capella Bangkok cordially invites guests to partake in an exquisite Afternoon Tea in the Tea Lounge. This delightful experience pays homage to the timeless charm of Asian tea culture and the artistry of French pâtisserie.

Guests can select from a curated array of premium black, white, green, and oolong teas, as well as a medley of fresh herbal and floral infusions. In recognising that tea is not merely a beverage but a cultural and social ritual, Capella Bangkok proudly showcases Connoisseur’s Teas, featuring rare, handpicked leaves from the cool hills of southern China and northern Thailand. These teas can be customised with a choice of tropical and botanical elements.

The Signature High Tea Experience promises a feast for the senses. It begins with a Tea & Herb Trolley to rejuvenate the palate, followed by an array of delectable savories made fresh that day. Handcrafted Scones are then served, accompanied by jam, chocolate spread, and clotted cream. A Dessert Trolley follows, showcasing dainty delicacies like tarts, madeleines, macarons, and cakes. To add a touch of sparkle to the afternoon, creative cocktails or mocktails, including the “Champagne Piscine,” will be served at your table.

Swimming Pool

Auriga Wellness Spa

Auriga, a Latin term signifying ‘charioteer,’ finds its celestial counterpart in the central position of the Capella star within the constellation Auriga, mirroring the exquisite placement of Capella Bangkok’s spa within the hotel. Thailand is renowned for its gentle yet disciplined approach to body therapies, and the Auriga Spa presents a range of holistic and personalised treatments that will make it hard for guests to bid adieu.

A visit to Auriga Spa is an indulgent experience. It commences with a personalised consultation, enabling guests to specify preferences and areas of focus. Guests also choose from an array of aromatic massage oils. Afterward, unwind in the vitality pool, sauna, or rain showers.

The massage treatments begin with a gentle warm-up that helps your muscles relax, followed by a sequence of light pressure and long, soothing strokes to release knots and tension, particularly in areas like the shoulders and temples.

The result is profound relaxation – the ultimate goal of any spa treatment.

The gym within the spa complex provides fitness classes, ranging from low-impact Hatha yoga to high-octane HIIT sessions.

Capella Hotels & Resorts

Capella Hotels and Resorts hailed as the world’s Best Hotel Brand in the 2023 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, has earned a remarkable array of accolades, including top rankings for their properties in Singapore, Bangkok, and Hanoi. Their unique approach, encapsulated in the “Senses of Capella” 21-day journey, engages all seven senses to create an unparalleled experience. Capella’s commitment to excellence is evident in its dedication to tradition, discovery, and personalised service, as well as its passion for culture and craftsmanship. Their Capella Culturists curate unforgettable, local experiences, while Capella Youth initiatives reflect a dedication to sustainability and community. With captivating destinations worldwide, from Bangkok to Riyadh, Capella Hotels and Resorts offer an extraordinary and holistic luxury hospitality experience.

Final Thoughts

This five-star establishment blends escapism with a connection to local culture. Coming from a brand whose philosophy is based on tradition, discovery and individuality, Capella Bangkok encapsulates a holistic and unique spirit and it’s no wonder it is one of Bangkok’s best luxury hotels.