Bangkok Luxury - 6
When is established new? Note Girlahead never uses that three-letter word beginning with an O. Epitomally fitting the blend of established and new is Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Look at the lobby now and think what has happened to it and what has happened here since the hotel’s Authors’ Wing opened 150 years ago, in 1876. It was extended in 1887, by which time it was owned by Captain James White, after which it was seemingly owned by a succession of GMs, ladies and gentlemen both.
As if a prize fighter, this venerable lady of luxury lodging has had to bounce back from significant knocks. In 1986 Shangri-La dared to open next door – then GM Kurt Wachtveitl, in charge from 1967 to 2009, frequently recounted watching his loyal guests venture to try the new place, only to rush back ‘home’ on the morrow. In 1988, Mandarin International, which had acquired a 49% interest in The Oriental Hotel Company back in 1974, formed Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.
Latest of a long line of worthy GMs, who came back here only 14 September 2026, is Paul Jones, who's come here from Geneva. He’s in charge of a global icon which includes 331 rooms and suites, with 1,200 people looking after them. These GM members just don't seem to leave. During a fleeting lunch, Girlahead was introduced to this person who's been here for 40 years, that person who's been here for 40 years, and so on. It's pretty amazing. Paul Jones was hosting lunch on the veranda, which Girlahead always loves, overlooking the water. This is the only riverside hotel that is actually both sides of the river - take a shuttle boat across to eat Thai and to go to the spa and gym.
Just as there are two sides to every story, it must be pointed out new is not always best. This is the Bangkok hotel that offers its own history class.
