Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

The story

Rooms and suites pair Thai style with modern touches, look over the garden or the river, and come with 24-hour butler service. Arrivals are greeted with jasmine garlands, and a historical arcade holds a Jim Thompson Thai silk shop. A recent update mixes old and new aesthetics, and many staff have spent their entire careers here. Dining spreads across the property: Chaoshan and Cantonese cooking at The China House, a redefined take on Thai food at Baan Phraya, traditional Thai at Sala Rim Naam, an international buffet at Lord Jim's and afternoon tea in the Authors' Lounge. The Mandarin Oriental Shop sells cakes and pastries, and a complimentary shuttle boat runs across the river to ICONSIAM.