5 Best Hotels in Silom and Bang Rak, Bangkok

One of Bangkok's most prestigious riverfront properties, the Shangri-La rivals even the more famous Mandarin Oriental. Crystal chandeliers illuminate the palatial marble lobby, and the adjacent lounge offers marvelous Chao Phraya views through floor-to-ceiling windows. The peace of the gardens is interrupted only by the puttering of passing boats. In the luxurious Krungthep Wing, a separate tower across the garden, the rooms are larger and quieter, with balconies overlooking the river—a rare treat in Bangkok. The hotel is a short walk from BTS Saphan Taksin.

With beautiful rooftop venues and abundant flair, the ultraluxurious Tower Club section of Lebua, on the 53rd through 59th floors, has spacious rooms with stunning upper-floor views and prices to match. The fancier rooms come with full kitchens, washers and dryers, and private balconies. Tower Club privileges include free tapas, high tea, and cocktails in the Tower Lounge, along with priority reservations at any of the State Tower building's restaurants. The hotel is at the end of Silom Road near the river, convenient to most attractions.

Spread over 6 landscaped acres on Sathorn Road, the Sukhothai has numerous courtyards that make the hustle and bustle of Bangkok seem worlds away. Standard rooms are spacious and furnished with teakwood and Thai-silk touches. The one-bedroom suites, by contrast, are exquisite, with oversized teak paneled baths and dual washbasins and mirrors. The hotel's Colonnade restaurant, where breakfast is served, is set in a pavilion on an artificial pond. Both the Thai restaurant, Celadon, and the Italian restaurant, La Scala, are outstanding.

From gigantic sparkly Muay Thai boxing gloves on room beds to a swimming pool with an underwater sound system and twinkly LED lights, the high-flying W is loaded with snazzy design and high-tech touches. Rather than standard or deluxe rooms, here they're called "wonderful" or "spectacular." The hotel is a nightlife hot spot, known for its annual Songkran pool party and weekly ladies' and guys’ nights with free-flow bubbles at Woo Bar.