Thailand: Part III - Anantara Siam Bangkok

It was well after 1:00 when I had gathered my luggage and found the taxi stand at BKK. I had booked a transfer, but the supplier was forced to cancel at the last minute. Fortunately, I looked it up before arriving, and found that the taxi experience is a little different. You go to a ticket machine, and it gives you a numbered ticket. The number represents the parking spot your taxi is in. I knew to do this, but forgot to look up the hotel address. The driver didn't know it, so there were a few minutes of googling before we were on our way. It turns out, it was my atrocious Thai pronunciation that was the issue. 

The lobby was very quiet as I entered, but service was immediate and attentive. I was supplied with a cold towel, some tea, and a cookie while I checked in at the counter. I received my room key, and bell services brought my bags to my room.

The room was well equipped, and nicely decorated. The door faced an interior courtyard, so the hall was open, but covered.

 

Ah breakfast! The breakfasts at Anantara properties are rightly celebrated. In addition to multiple food stations catering to just about every conceivable breakfast desire except cold pizza, they also have an a la carte menu where you can order freshly prepared options such as eggs and pancakes. These menus vary by location. For the first morning, I chose the red velvet banana pancake with cream cheese syrup. For the second morning, I chose some buffet decadence with smoked duck and salmon, cheese, and honeycomb. The service was excellent, and coffee quite good. The atmosphere was also lovely, being in a covered part of the courtyard, which included lush plants and a koi pond.

What better way to digest a late breakfast than with a swim and a lounge by the pool? The pool area is large, with lots of very comfy loungers, and your choice of sun or shade. There is also a bar, from which you or the obliging servers can grab drinks, and a covered smoking area for the nicotine inclined.

The hotel is beautifully decorated with many artworks, plants, and water features.

The health club in the hotel has a hot tub, steam rooms, and showers. Towels, lockers, robes, and sandals are provided to hotel guests.

I had dinner at The Spice Market, which is the hotel's Thai restaurant. There was a complementary appetizer of leaves which could be dressed with a variety of light fillings such as dried shrimp, small chilies, and lime. I found this to be the case in almost every restaurant in which I had dinner when I was in Thailand. I also had the duck and vegetable spring rolls, which were delicious, but a bit too much for just me.

Next: Part III - Anantara Golden Triangle Elephant Camp and Resort