Oriental Residence – Hotel Review

With a plum position on Bangkok’s leafy embassy row and apartment-style rooms equipped with kitchenettes and top-notch amenities, the Oriental Residence is fit for even the choosiest of diplomats (or discerning travellers). The elegant interiors and airy common areas mix Thai touches with hints of French flair, a mix that’s also evident on the menus of the excellent on-site bistro and the hotel’s Michelin-starred French restaurant. This is a smart choice for travellers looking for a quiet refuge away from the frenetic pace of downtown, without sacrificing on location or style.

The location

Located just off a tree-lined boulevard (a rarity in this concrete-clad city) in the ritzy Phloen Chit district, the hotel is a 10-minute stroll from the nearest BTS station and a multitude of shopping malls. Bangkok’s largest park, Lumpini, is just as close by. Both the local (Don Muang) and international (Suvarnabhumi) airports are about 45 minutes away.

The rooms

C’est chic! From the spacious entry-level studios (45 square metres) to the multi-bedroom suites – all of the 145 rooms come with fully-equipped kitchenettes and sport polished wooden floors, huge marble-clad bathrooms and elegant furnishings in a palette of soft greys and beige. Thanks to the apartment-like setup, including TV nooks and ample closet space, the rooms feel remarkably homey and are, therefore – unsurprisingly – popular with long-term guests.

Food and drink

Resembling a Parisian brasserie, Cafe Claire on the ground floor serves up an excellent buffet breakfast from 6am to 10.30am, covering the continental classics (including made-to-order eggs, French toast and pancakes) and local specialties like rice congee and fried noodles. During the day, it’s a popular meeting spot for business executives and embassy staffers, when the kitchen dishes out indulgent French bistro fare. Think lobster bisque, beef Rossini, snails in garlic butter – the works. The main dining draw, however, is the one Michelin-starred Savelberg restaurant, where Dutch chef and restaurant owner Henk Savelberg delights his guests with skillfully prepared and beautifully plated modern French cuisine.

For business travellers

Location, location. The hotel is tactically pitched between Bangkok’s two main business districts, Phloen Chit and Sathorn, which are both just a short taxi ride away. On site, there are multiple conference rooms and a business centre. All rooms are fitted with large working desks.

For wellness travellers

The fourth floor functions as the hotel’s wellness hub. There’s a small gym, accessible 24 hours a day. The views over the adjoining Dutch ambassador's garden make for a scenic early-morning workout. Next to it, the semi-covered pool is large enough for laps, while the tented cabanas offer the perfect spot for poolside cocktails. The hotel doesn’t have its own spa, but the friendly concierge can suggest plenty of options nearby.

The Fab Factor

Tucked away on the second floor is the snug Oriental Bar. Ask for the ambassador’s specials – cocktails curated by the top diplomats from the neighbouring embassies. 

SEE ALSO: What Not to Do in Bangkok – And What to Do Instead