Riverside Elegance: My Stay at Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River

Stepping into Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River felt like I was walking into a gallery than a hotel. Think high ceilings with hanging sculptures and lights, towering orchid displays, abstract oil paintings, and water features that brought a calm to the bold splashes of color.

At the center of it all is The Lounge, the lobby bar serving small bites, cocktails, and afternoon tea. It quickly became a lively gathering spot during our stay. Bartenders crafted creative cocktails while a mix of guests from business travelers to families filled the space.

The location stood out, too. Being right on the Chao Phraya River gave the hotel a scenic backdrop. We used the private boat several times; compared to other riverboats, it felt far more comfortable and upscale. It took us to ICONSIAM and Sathorn Pier, which made shopping and sightseeing really convenient.

We booked a Deluxe King Courtyard View room, but were upgraded at check-in to a Deluxe River View. The category is listed as “partial river view,” but one glance out the floor-to-ceiling windows and we had a clear look at the water, so it felt like much more than partial.
As someone who is 6’1”, I love rooms with high ceilings, and FS Bangkok did not disappoint. The sitting area was set up with a bed for our 10-year-old son, but there was still a separate chaise for relaxing. There was plenty of storage (great for a family stay) and a well stocked mini-bar, and the real highlight was the bathroom. It had a standalone stone tub, a dual vanity, a separate rainfall shower, and sliding doors that opened up the bathroom to make the space feel bigger or closed off for privacy.

Overall, the style leaned modern and artistic but still felt cozy enough that we could unwind easily.

Service was what we’d expect from Four Seasons: smooth and consistent. Everything we needed was handled quickly and politely, but we didn’t have any standout “above and beyond” moments this time. Solid service, just not the most memorable compared to other Four Seasons stays.

The property has two outdoor pools facing the river, a 35-meter lap pool, a spa and wellness center, fitness facilities, and art gallery spaces.

Here’s what we tried during our stay:

• Couple’s massage: The Signature Massage was one of the best spa experiences we’ve had. Relaxing atmosphere, skilled therapists, and exactly what we needed after a busy day in Bangkok.

• Afternoon tea at The Lounge: A real highlight. When we visited, the hotel was running the “101 Days of Summer” afternoon tea with renowned pastry chef Joaquin Soriano and Executive Pastry Chef Andrea Bonaffini. The menu included creative savory bites like foie gras toast and crab tartlets, and desserts that were as fun as they were delicious. Pairing afternoon tea with our massage was the perfect combination of indulgence and relaxation.

• Private boat: A small but very memorable perk. Having a comfortable, shared, Four Seasons/Capella co–branded boat to take us to ICONSIAM or Sathorn Pier made exploring easy, and it felt like a luxury compared to the other crowded boats on the river.

Who should stay here

I’d recommend Four Seasons Bangkok to first-time visitors. The riverside setting offers a refreshing change of scenery, but you’re still close enough to the center of the city to see and do everything. The clientele is impressively diverse. At breakfast, it felt as though every corner of the globe was represented, the dining room alive with a symphony of languages. Guests ranged from business travelers and fashion-forward jetsetters to families accompanied by nannies, a true cross-section of international life.

Things to consider

• There isn’t much right outside the hotel, but everything is easy to reach by boat, taxi, or Grab. Next door is Capella Bangkok, another luxury hotel. If you want to switch up your dining or grab a drink in a different atmosphere, it’s literally steps away.

• Bangkok weather is consistently hot and humid, so pack light clothing.

• I was also surprised by its rates—especially during shoulder and low seasons, a Four Seasons of this caliber could charge much more.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Bangkok page.