Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River – Review

Bangkok’s riverside Charoen Krung district is home to one of the city’s most striking and design-focused hotels. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River spans a tiered series of cascading buildings woven through courtyards of reflective pools and water features, with 299 rooms and suites, six restaurants, a Michelin-recognised culinary offering, an award-winning destination bar, and Urban Wellness Centre. It recently earned the #14 spot in the inaugural World’s 50 Best Hotels list and was awarded two Michelin Keys, a major milestone as one of the first hotels in Thailand to receive this prestigious recognition. With river views at every turn, rotating contemporary art installations and a serious food and drink programme, you have without doubt one of the capital’s most incredible urban resorts. The Luxury Editor recently stayed, read on to discover more about why this is one of our favourite luxury hotels in Bangkok.

Background & Concept

Having opened in late 2020, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River marked the brand’s highly anticipated return to the capital after a five-year hiatus. The original Four Seasons Bangkok, located in the city’s central Ratchadamri area, was a longstanding favourite for over a decade, and its departure left a notable gap in the city’s luxury hotel scene, which this riverside property confidently fills.

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok sits at the heart of a 14.2-acre Chao Phraya Estate development, which also includes the ultra-luxury Four Seasons Private Residences and neighbouring Capella Bangkok. Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River was conceived as more than just a hotel, the property is a multi-sensory experience shaped by the vision of interior architect Jean-Michel Gathy of DENNISTON. Working in close partnership with Thai artist Pongsatat Uaiklang (Khun Dong) of Dong Sculpture and the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Bangkok, Jean-Michel Gathy has created a destination hotel which interweaves cultural references and contemporary Thai art throughout.

Check In

Arrival feels cinematic. Water installations guide you from the street-side entrance to the soaring entrance courtyard, where towering, Thai Cabinet Sculptures stand. Their interlocking black and gold forms pays homage to ancient carpentry techniques. A centuries-old banyan tree stands at the heart of the circular arrival space framed by soft uplighting and surrounded by perfectly manicured mounds of shrubbery. The tree offers a moment of stillness and grounding, a symbolic gesture of shade, shelter and Thai hospitality.

From the moment of arrival, a plethora of door staff are on hand to greet you with a traditional Thai wai (ไหว้) as your suitcases are relieved, and by some quietly impressive magic, your name repeated as if welcoming back a familiar returning friend. As you are ushered along to the arrival courtyard on way to the reception, take note of the dramatic wall art to your right-hand side. Designed by Khun Dong under Gathy’s conceptual guidance, inspired by the graceful movement of Thai fabrics, the artwork showcases white elephant patterns, a revered symbol of power and prosperity in Thai culture.

At reception, look overhead where a sculptural chandelier of cascading leaves appears to float, catching the light in soft motion. While the counter’s folded form echoes traditional Thai textiles, complemented by a vibrant wall piece behind that picks up the colours of dusk on the Chao Phraya.

Art

Beyond the reception and arrival courtyard, art is woven throughout the entire hotel experience. Through corridors and in the lounge areas, you will encounter bold abstract canvases by leading Thai contemporary artists, many sourced in collaboration with MOCA Bangkok, while sculptural glass forms and curated objects placed on low tables and sideboards add a tactile counterpoint, encouraging pause and appreciation.

Several larger-scale installations act as centrepieces. The Contour of Chao Phraya River, with its sweeping gold accents, traces the river’s serpentine course from the city to the Gulf. Nearby, Life Reflection captures the glow of a riverside sunset in sculptural form. While The Water Hyacinth installation, a collaboration between Gathy and Khun Dong, is equally evocative, transforming a once-overlooked floating plant into a symbol of sustainability and craft.

The Lounge

The Lounge, which connects with the lobby and reception, faces the hotel’s central reflecting pond, offering a relaxed, all-day setting with views across the inner courtyard and out to the Chao Phraya. Designed to feel more like a living room than a hotel lobby, it’s a space to enjoy a coffee, cocktail or afternoon tea.

On select evenings (and just by lucky chance, the first night I was staying), the Lounge corridors were brought to life with traditional Thai dance performances. Dressed in shimmering gold and ivory costumes, dancers glide through the marble-floored hallway to the gentle rhythm of classical music.

Location

Located on Charoen Krung Road in Bangkok’s riverside Creative District, the estate is surrounded by contemporary galleries, artisan stores, cafés and independent restaurants. Being removed from the throng of Bangkok and positioned beside the river gives the hotel a resort-like atmosphere, something completely unique in the capital. However, a complimentary shuttle boat connects guests to the luxury mega mall ICONSIAM and then on to Saphan Taksin BTS station, linking directly with the Skytrain network. From there, it takes around 20 minutes to reach Siam Paragon and the city’s major retail and cultural hubs, meaning you can enjoy a serene riverside retreat along with city access at the same time.

Garden

The hotel is anchored by a tiered central garden of reflecting pools and walkways, creating a low-profile landscape that softens the surrounding glass architecture. While elevated terraces with lounge seating appear to float above the water.

By day, sunlight dances across the pools. As night falls, uplighting transforms the space, drawing out the textures and contours, creating a meditative calm.

Rooms & Suites

There are 261 rooms and 38 suites, ranging from 50 sqm to 300 sqm, each designed with high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows and a choice of river or garden views. Each room and suite includes 55-inch flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi, bedside charging stations, and in-room tablets for accessing hotel services and daily activity calendars. Twice-daily housekeeping with evening turndown, same-day laundry and pressing, complimentary overnight shoeshine, and digital newspapers via PressReader.

Rooms

Rooms come in five categories, including: Deluxe Room, Deluxe Palm Court Room, Deluxe River-View  Room, Premier River-View Room and Premier Balcony Room, with the latter offering private outdoor space. Interiors are contemporary, with soft greys, muted golds, polished woods and curated Thai artworks. Bathrooms are luxuriously appointed with deep soaking tubs, walk-in spa-style showers and double vanities.

Suites

Suites span nine categories, options range from the family-friendly Studio Family Suite and the light-filled Studio River-View Suite to the alfresco charm of the Studio River-View Terrace Suite. For more space, the Four Seasons Balcony and Executive Suites offer enhances layouts ideal for extended stays.

Travelling groups can opt for the Deluxe River-View Two-Bedroom Suite, while the Riverside Terrace and Chao Phraya Terrace Two-Bedroom Suites provide expansive outdoor areas for entertaining. At the pinnacle sits the Riverfront Penthouse, an exceptional residence with sweeping river views and the ultimate in privacy and exclusivity.

My Room During My Stay

During my stay, I was hosted in room 402, a Premier River-View Room. These rooms are 50 m2 and located on floors 3 – 11. Spacious and light-filled and making the most of the setting with cinema-wide windows that frame a stretch of the Chao Phraya. Interiors are calm, minimalistic offering refined Thai detail with soft cream walls, low-profile furnishings in polished dark wood, offset by deep indigo and muted gold.

The king-sized bed, dressed in white linen and signature Four Seasons pillows, is framed by a sculpted fabric headboard and softly illuminated pendant lights. Either side, floating bedside tables house controls for lighting and curtains and blinds, while an in-room tablet offers access to hotel services. The 55-inch flat-screen TV is integrated opposite the bed, while a daybed sits alongside a circular table, providing a flexible space for working, dining, and enjoying the ever-changing view.

Bathroom

The bathroom feels more like a private wellness space than a standard hotel en suite. Finished in polished black marble with soft lighting, the layout is spacious, with jack and jill doors that run from floor to ceiling, which can be closed off for privacy. A freestanding tub sits at the corner, across from it, twin sinks are set into a long marble vanity. Amenities include Byredo’s ‘Gypsy Water’ toiletries, a plethora of full amenity kits in little boxes and a neatly pressed monogrammed linen with my initials on it. While a separate rainfall shower and WC with a Japanese Toilet add further privacy.

Hall

The entrance hallway includes Integrated wardrobes to the left where there’s ample hanging space, a luggage rack, and drawer storage.

Drinks Console

A marble-topped minibar nook is stocked with crystal glassware, a Nespresso machine, artisanal teas, and premium spirits and snacks. There’s a separate drawer for tea service with loose-leaf blends, a ceramic teapot, and nine china cups and saucers. Complimentary Thai mango gummies are replenished daily, while dehydrated lime and bottled cocktail ingredients allow you to create an impromptu sundowner or late-night nightcap. Beneath, a chilled drawer holds Laurent-Perrier Champagne, craft beers, soft drinks and miniatures, while small finishing touches like the daily ice replenishing don’t go unnoticed.

Turn Down

By evening, the room transforms again. Curtains are drawn, the lighting softens, and a fresh pair of slippers is placed neatly on a mat beside the bed. A small sleep ritual, titled ‘Soak & Soothe’, is set out on the bedside table (a different surprise each night). A laundry bag is positioned at the foot of the bed. Details that go beyond the expected include sunglasses I left out, set on a Four Seasons glasses cloth, and a drying rack set up for swimwear, all done without request.

Food & Drink

Dining is a major draw, with multiple restaurants, a patisserie, and BKK Social Club, one of the best bars in Asia.

Riva del Fiume Ristorante

Positioned riverside with three outdoor signature terraces with views of the Chao Phraya River. Riva del Fiume Ristorante is inspired by the villas of Lake Como. Subtle rose and blush tones, white marble floors, natural wood panelling create a warm and relaxed ambience. Seating moves from casual banquettes to bistro-style tables, giving the space a laid-back, sociable air. The open kitchen brings the energy of a traditional Italian kitchen to life, with wood-fired pizzas and schiacciata straight from the oven, house-made pastas prepared daily at the counter, and prime cuts of meat grilled over lava stone.

During my visit, Head Chef Enrico Maritan and his team presented a tasting menu that delved into the culinary soul of Italy. Seasonal produce and protected-origin ingredients were at the heart of every plate, alongside exceptional meat and seafood sourced globally. Highlights included akami tuna tartare with Kristal caviar and bergamot shaped like a fish, grilled calamari with ’nduja and bottarga, and house-made agnolotti filled with ossobuco and Toma del Maccagno dressed at the table with generous shavings of truffle by Head Chef Enrico Maritan himself. The Mayura M9 oyster blade steak was intensely rich, while the coconut and raspberry dessert brought a light, playful finish.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served each morning at Riva del Fiume Ristorante, where you can dine indoors or al fresco on the shaded terrace. I chose outdoors. The buffet is extensive and immaculately presented, combining continental classics with Thai, Chinese and Mediterranean elements. From freshly baked viennoiserie and Italian cold cuts along with a cheese and charcuterie station to har gow dumplings, egg and seaweed soup, and grilled saba mackerel, there is something to suit every palate.

The à la carte menu features dishes like the signature eggs Benedict with home-cured salmon, homemade balik salmon crepes with pickled roe, and an indulgent Mayura M9 steak and eggs. At one point, as I was attempting to balance my phone while eating, a staff member quietly brought over a phone stand, unprompted. It’s this thoughtful gesture that defines the service style across the entire hotel.

BKK Social Club

Named the best bar in Asia on the World’s 50 Best Bars 2023, and #12 in the world by the famed World’s 50 Best Bars 2024. BKK Social Club evokes the legendary glamour of Latin America and a Tribute to Mexico City’s Spirited Heart. Lead by beverage Manager Philip Bischoff, who shares the artistry of mixology and passion with bespoke cocktails that reflect the typical drinking culture of Latin America, combined with local Thai touches.

The bar is inspired by the 1900s’ Art Nouveau movement, with a glamorous main salon reminiscent of domestic Latin American grand architecture. Two semi-outdoor courtyards wing the main salon. One side is home to Bangkok’s cigar aficionados, while the other offers a space to enjoy cocktails and Champagne outside with Latin tunes as the background music of choice.

To complement the cocktails, the menu features inventive bar snacks and nibbles, including tacos, ceviche, and artisanal guacamole, which is theatrically hand-prepared in a marble mortar and pestle tableside.

Yu Ting Yuan (御庭院)

Meaning “Imperial Courtyard,” Yu Ting Yuan is the hotel’s signature restaurant offers an immersive experience in Cantonese cuisine. Inspired by the landscape and traditional courtyards of the country. Yu Ting Yuan offers an interactive dining experience where guests can enjoy Executive Chef Tommy Cheung’s renowned tasting menu while watching the chefs prepare Peking duck, barbecue crispy pork, and dim sum in the show kitchen.

Palmier by Guillaume Galliot

Situated on the riverfront, the restaurant offers a relaxed dining atmosphere in which to enjoy timeless brasserie classics, elevated by Chef Guillaume Galliot. Inspired by French tropical design with hints of colonial style, the restaurant combines soft, natural materials and hues with a touch of modernism. Menu highlights include brasserie classics such as roasted frog legs, foie gras, Wagyu steak, and sole meunière, along with Guillaume Galliot’s signature dishes like Land & Sea tartare, hot & cold onion soup,  and a seafood tower showcasing the freshest seafood. The focus is on sharing and social dining.   

Chao Phraya Terrace

An outdoor restaurant inspired by Bangkok’s vibrant street food scene, offering a “Farm to Table” experience. Ingredients are sourced exclusively from regional parts of Thailand, with a focus on artisanal and sustainable practices through partnerships with small farmers and family-run companies. The menu highlights traditional Thai cooking techniques, including charcoal grilling using lychee wood from Nan province and coconut charcoal from Prachuap Khiri Khan, which infuses dishes with smoky flavours reminiscent of Bangkok’s bustling food streets. 

Cafe Madeleine

Named after the famous dessert, executive Pastry Chef Andrea Bonaffini introduces a new market offering with specialty cakes available in whole, mono portion, or bite-sized petit mignons. Located at the riverfront next to the pier, Cafe Madeleine provides both indoor and outdoor seating.

Wellness

Urban Wellness Centre is a destination in itself. Across 2,500 square metres, it offers a multi-sensory experience encompassing fitness, mindfulness and recovery. The spa includes nine treatment rooms, vitality pools, an herbal steam room and a heated indoor pool. Treatments range from Thai rituals and Reiki to advanced skincare with Omorovicza. Fitness facilities include a 24-hour gym, lap pool, Muay Thai ring, and movement studio offering everything from spinning to aerial yoga.

If that all sounds too energetic, head outside like I did to the tiered infinity pools, which curve alongside the river, where you can sit back, enjoy the river views, and order a drink poolside.

Final Thoughts

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River has created an exceptional urban resort experience that feels both expansive and intimate. Service is personal and tailored to you, while its destination dining and guest amenities offer a one-of-a-kind hotel experience in the heart of busy Bangkok. It’s a hotel that leaves a lasting impression long after check-out.