The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok

Time Out

18-07-2025

Luxury at first glance, heartfelt at every step
The Ritz-Carlton has long been a name synonymous with luxury, with iconic addresses in cities such as New York, London and Tokyo. So, when the brand finally made its Bangkok debut in 2024, expectations were sky-high and – having now stayed there myself – I can firmly say it lives up to the hype.
Just to clear things up, this isn't the same as The Ritz-Carlton Residences at MahaNakhon. This is a brand-new, standalone hotel under Marriott International, reportedly built with a B5 billion price tag – a hint of the opulence inside. Located within One Bangkok, the city's newest mixed-use development, the hotel enjoys a prime position with uninterrupted views of Lumpini Park. It also subtly blends elements of Thai culture and design, offering an experience that feels both global and distinctly local. Here's why The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok is worth the splurge.
Why stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok?
Although it's located right in the heart of the city, the hotel's position overlooking Lumphini Park makes it feel like a serene escape from the Bangkok bustle. It's the kind of place you could happily stay in all day long, with multiple dining options and meticulously designed spaces that invite you to linger.
The interiors are thoughtfully curated, featuring artworks by local and international artists sprinkled throughout. While the establishment draws on Thailand's rich cultural roots, it pairs that heritage with a clean, modern feel. One of my favourite spots is the eighth-floor lobby, where a peaceful pond and delicate glass lotus sculptures by Thai artist Nathakorn Kanitvaranun create an almost dreamlike atmosphere. If you're there at sunset, the whole space glows with the warm light of golden hour.
But what truly sets this hotel apart is the hospitality. From the moment I checked in, the staff made me feel genuinely cared for. Small gestures stood out such as the evening turndown service, which came without needing to ask and how they remembered my name and even what I ordered for breakfast. It honestly felt like they could anticipate what I needed before I said a word.
What are the rooms like at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok?
Housed in a sleek 216-metre-high tower, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok offers 260 rooms – some with private terraces, all with floor-to-ceiling windows framing panoramic city views. Room options range from the 50-square-metre deluxe to the spacious 102-square-metre Gardenia Suites and the 127-square-metre Marigold and Amaranth Suites. The deluxe rooms are available with three view options: Lumphini Park to the west, the embassy and downtown area to the north and the Chao Phraya River to the south.
I stayed in a deluxe room with a terrace overlooking Lumphini Park on the 21st floor, which also came with club lounge access. The lounge offers services such as a dedicated concierge and five food and beverage presentations throughout the day.
The room felt comfortable and well put together. It had everything I needed, including a king-size bed with Frette linens, a coffee machine, electric kettle, high-speed internet, a Dyson hairdryer and a 65-inch TV.
The bathroom was one of the highlights. Finished in marble, it featured a separate bathtub and walk-in shower, along with a Japanese-style toilet and remote-control bidet. Bathrobes were soft and breathable and Diptyque bath products added a touch of sophistication. Just a heads-up, if you decide to take the products home with you, there's a charge of B2,500 per bottle.
Of course, the room had everything I needed, but what I appreciated most were the little extras such as the complimentary shoe-shining service for guests. A little warning, though: each room features a fun 'cabinet of curiosities', where you can find a selection of drinks tucked away inside the drawers. You might find yourself tempted to enjoy a nightcap here more often than planned.
Where's there to eat at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok?
There are a few great options to explore. I had a full dinner at Duet by David Toutain and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my stay. The restaurant is set inside a glasshouse with an outdoor terrace and seats just 32 people for both lunch and dinner. The menu is created by French chef David Toutain and Chef de Cuisine Valentin Fouache, focusing on seasonal, farm-to-table dishes. When I visited, it was the summer menu and I got to try dishes like zucchini with lemon balm and pistachio. It's fine dining, but not stuffy at all – just thoughtful food in an elegant setting.
For lunch, I tried Lily's, the hotel's all-day dining restaurant that serves a mix of local and international dishes, with a focus on 'reconsidered classics'. The space feels welcoming and stylish with open kitchens and a mix of seating options, from cosy tables for two to more social sofa setups. On weekdays, the place offers a lunch set with two courses, available from Monday to Friday. The set included starters like A5 wagyu tartare, mains such as khao soi crab curry and desserts like bunny goat milk cheesecake. If you prefer to order a la carte, you can choose from their bites, bowls and single plates, which are available throughout the day.
When it comes to drinks, Caleō is a story-driven space where each cocktail draws inspiration from iconic social clubs around the world. Derived from the Latin for 'being in love', the bar embraces passion and a zest for life through perfect pairings and personalised moments. Served in vintage glassware and announced by the ring of a bell at sundown, drinks here aren't just beverages, they're little rituals.
What is breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok like?
Breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok is absolutely worth getting out of bed for. If you like a calm start to your day, head to the Club Lounge on the 23rd floor. It offers a light spread of pastries, congee, dim sum and a selection of drinks.
But if you're ready to go all in, Lily's is where the real breakfast magic happens. There are four stations to explore – Thai dishes, an Arabic salad bar, sides and a pastry corner. It honestly feels like breakfast heaven. You'll find six kinds of milk, loads of juice options and an egg station that even serves egg siam, a Thai twist on eggs Benedict. If you don't feel like walking around, you can also order straight from the staff.
The must-try is Lily's Thai tea waffle, a delicious nod to the Thai-Belgian Friendship Bridge visible just outside the window. It's soft, floral and full of that bold Thai tea flavour we all love.
Whether you choose the club lounge or Lily's, both spots come with a sweeping view of Lumpini Park. Trust me, it's the kind of morning that makes you want to wake up early even on vacation.
What is the service like at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok?
As soon as you arrive, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok makes you feel genuinely cared for. The staff are exceptionally warm and attentive. I stayed for just one night, and many of them already remembered my name. So if you're staying longer, I wouldn't be surprised if they remember your daily order too.
Throughout your stay, the team is more than happy to show you around and explain the hotel's amenities. One of my favourite touches was the personalised wake-up service. You can request a simple wake-up call or take it up a notch and have tea or coffee delivered to your room at the exact time you choose. Right on the dot, a staff member arrived with a full tea set and a small snack.
What impressed me most was how the staff often anticipated what I needed before I even asked. When I was taking photos by the pool, the staff brought over a phone tripod without me saying a word. Later, they quietly placed towels, water and even mosquito spray by my lounge chair.
What is the spa and what other facilities are there at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok?
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok offers a good range of wellness facilities. The spa centres around what they call 'Meaningful Wellness Journeys', with treatments focusing on mind, body and skin. You'll find steam rooms, saunas and a jacuzzi. What I found most interesting was the Himalayan salt room, a softly lit space lined with pink salt bricks that's said to help with relaxation and breathing. It was a pleasant surprise and definitely worth checking out if you want to try something a little different.
The hotel has two outdoor saltwater pools, including a small one for kids. The main pool area is peaceful, with views over Lumphini Park, plus plenty of loungers and cabanas. There's also a poolside bar offering drinks and snacks. It is usually open from early morning until evening, though the bar closes a bit earlier.
For families, the Kids' Club provides fun and engaging activities to keep little ones entertained, giving parents some well-deserved downtime.
The fitness centre is open 24/7 and is well-equipped with technogym machines, free weights, cardio equipment and dedicated stretching areas. Personal training sessions are also available.
What's the area like around The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok?
The hotel is set in One Bangkok, a new mixed-use development right at the corner of Wireless and Rama IV roads. While parts of the establishment are still opening in phases, you'll already find stylish cafes such as % Arabica, Gallery Drip Coffee, and boutique spots such as Club21 and King Power City Boutique. The complex also includes pop-up exhibitions, landscaped walkways and open public spaces that make it feel more like a modern urban village than a commercial zone.
Right across from the hotel is Lumphini Park, a peaceful green oasis in the heart of Bangkok where you can enjoy a refreshing morning walk, a jog or simply relax by the lake away from the city's hustle and bustle.
There's also plenty to eat and do close by. If you look for a place to shop or dine, Central Embassy and Central Chidlom are a short drive away. For something more local, Polo Fried Chicken is a long-time favourite known for its crispy garlic chicken. If you're after more modern spots, theCOMMONS Saladaeng has a good mix of cafes and small eateries and Woof Pack nearby often has art shows and food pop-ups.
Getting around is easy too. Both Saladaeng BTS and Lumphini MRT stations are within walking distance, so you can explore the rest of the city without much hassle.
Why should you book a stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok?
The Ritz-Carlton, Bangkok truly lives up to the luxury it promises. What really sets it apart is the exceptional service. The staff here genuinely care about every detail of your stay, making you feel welcome and looked after as soon as you walk in. It's that personal touch – the warm smiles, remembering your preferences and anticipating your needs – that turns a stay into a memorable experience. If you're looking for a place that combines comfort, elegance and heartfelt hospitality, this is definitely worth considering.