The Amari Bangkok Review – An Escape From the Madness

Bangkok is an incredible place, full of culture and life and tuk tuks, but as you can imagine, its very hot, very sweaty and can feel like it’s hard to escape the madness. Amari Bangkok allows for exactly that…

With different hotels scattered throughout the city, it can be difficult choosing the perfect, happy haven to wind down in. I stayed at the Amari Bangkok, and couldn’t have asked for anywhere better.

Thailand had been on my bucketlist for a long time before I decided to make 2025 the year I ticked it off the list. The flight time from London to Bangkok is 11 hours 40, and when I touched down in the late afternoon, the air was sticky and humid and I was in desperate need of a shower and some rest, wanting to be in the best possible state to explore. The journey time from Don Mueang International Airport (DMK) to the Amari Bangkok is around 40 minutes. Expect to reach some congestion when you’re right in the thick of the city, but it’s a great chance to take in the sights and sounds around you and make the most of the air con!

As soon as you pull up to the Amari Bangkok you can just tell you’re somewhere special. Planted firmly in the Pratunam district, it’s perfectly located to explore Bangkok. Platinum Fashion Mall is just across the road, while CentralWorld, Siam Paragon and Gaysorn Village are all just a ten minute walk away. You can take your time to meandre through the bustling markets, take to the water on a boat tour of the canals, and sip cocktails from 78 floors up in Sky Beach in the King Power Mahanakhon building. The hotel itself exudes understated luxury, where you know you’ll be looked after, but you don’t need to worry about overpretentiousness. Tall ceilings with an elegant Murano glass chandelier provide a gateway to the different restaurants and bars the hotel has to offer.

Check in to the hotel was a smooth experience, with each member of the team super friendly and welcoming. I sipped a refreshing welcome drink, was given my key and my bags were taken up to the room, with me following swiftly behind. The toll of a long day of travelling was starting to hit me by this point, so it was with much appreciation that I padded through thick-carpeted corridors to my room and could throw myself down on the bed.

The Room

I stayed in a premier room which was incredibly spacious. After popping my bag down I noticed a beautiful welcome gift of sweet treats and a card welcoming me to the hotel. The room itself was beautiful, with tumbling views of the city below, the glittering lights sparkling, but my room feeling like a cocoon of calm.

The room has a more than ample size working area, if the need to work is required (although I wouldn’t recommend working in Bangkok, there’s too much fun stuff to do!) My beautifully made bed was in the centre of the room, while the rest of the space was decorated in beautiful blues, soft whites and greys, with pops of colour such as an orange arm chair. There are USB sockets next to the bed, a safe for storing valuables and plenty of spots for sitting with a good book. The bathroom was modern, with a waterfall shower, large mirror above the sink, and beautiful-smelling toiletries.

After seeing the city lit up at night and the sunrise the next day, it whet my appetite for everything the city had to offer and I couldn’t wait to explore. Having firmly set my base up in the Amari Bangkok and already concluded it’s the perfect spot for a stay in the city, I packed my bag with water and mosquito spray and headed out for the day.

Breakfast

When staying in a Premier room, you have access to Club Siraa benefits, such as the Siraa Lounge for breakfast, again with a view to behold, you wouldn’t opt to eat breakfast anywhere else.

I felt spoilt for choice at this breakfast with a options including fresh coconuts to drink, health juices, and so much more. You can either help yourself to the buffet offerings, or order from the a la carte menu and both have a wide range of choices.

The Pool Area

The inviting loungers alone are enough to tempt you for a relaxing afternoon around the pristine modern pool and lawns at Amari Bangkok. It really is a beautiful area that gives you tranquillity in the middle of mayhem. The spa is just behind the pool and I really recommend booking yourself in for a massage, then heading out into the sunshine where you can revel in utter relaxation, your muscles loosened and soak up the suns rays. It’s rare to find such an oasis in a city as bustling as this one and it’s the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring, or to just spend a day in-between sightseeing feeling like you’re really on holiday.

To Eat and Drink

Food is the aim of the game at Amari Bangkok and is something the hotel does extremely well. Too often hotel food is considered more of part of the hotel experience than something powerful enough to stand alone. Yet the Amari Bangkok proves it’s more than easy to provide a place of culinary excellence within a hotel, and somewhere that’s not just popular because guests are staying, but that people flock from all around the city to dine at too.

From elegant fine dining to casual bites, the hotel caters to every craving. Amaya Food Gallery is a vibrant, market-inspired space where live cooking stations serve everything from authentic Thai dishes to international favourites. For something more refined, Prego Bangkok brings a taste of Italy to the city with handmade pastas and rustic charm, while Italthai Cellar is the go-to for an intimate evening of wine and light bites.

Standout dining options were ChomSindh and Nila. ChomSindh celebrates the country’s coastal heritage, with a menu inspired by rivers, seas, and lakes. Expect beautifully plated dishes where fresh, responsibly sourced seafood takes centre stage, paired with bold spices and traditional cooking techniques. The interiors mirror the cuisine, calm and inviting, with soft lighting and stylish detailing that feels modern yet rooted in Thai tradition. It’s the kind of restaurant where every meal feels like an experience, whether sharing small plates with friends or indulging in a long, leisurely dinner. Everything is imbued with flavour, the atmosphere buzzes and it’s a real experience.

NILA brings something altogether different to the Amari Bangkok dining scene, offering an exquisite journey into the flavours of Indian coastal gastronomy with Portuguese influences. Indulge in rich curries, fragrant breads, and dishes designed to awaken the senses. During my visit, I had a tasting menu with a cocktail pairing, something totally unique that I haven’t had before. The result was something absolutely incredible, with each dish and drink bringing out eachother’s flavours and making a meal I will never forget. I’d say it’s easily one of the best meals I’ve ever eaten and as a travel and food writer, there is some tough competition!

When out and about in the city, you must visit Oriental Residence Bangkok, for Afternoon Tea at Café Claire, Krua-A-Roi for street food style dishes and The Gate Grand Palace which has a wide range of cuisines.

To Do in Bangkok

Bangkok is a melting pot of culture, culinary delights and things to do. I spent three nights and four days here and found it more than enough to get a real feel and taste for what Bangkok has to offer. Some of the best activities you can’t miss include:

A tour of Jim Thompson’s House

Tucked away in a lush garden oasis, Jim Thompson’s House offers a glimpse into Jim Thompson’s life, one of themost pivotal figures in revitalising the Thai silk industry in the 50s and 60s. The traditional teak house is an enchanting spot to learn about Thompson’s life, where you can wander through the beautifully preserved rooms, admire the intricate antiques, and step back into a world where history and creativity intertwine.

Thompson mysteriously disappeared during a holiday in the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia in 1967 and the case has never been solved, though there are many conspiracy theories behind what happened. You can spend a good couple of hours here, and there’s a cafe if you want to grab a bite to eat or a drink during your trip. The entrance fee for the Jim Thompson House museum is 250 baht for adults and 150 baht for visitors under 22 years old (ID required). Children under 10 years old can enter for free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last guided tour at 5:00 PM.

A Bangkok River Tour

The Chao Phraya River is Bangkok’s water motorway, and seeing the city from this perspective is nothing short of magical. Glide past glittering temples, riverside markets, and bustling neighbourhoods, each bend of the river revealing a different side of the city. I recommend getting the longtail river boat as I did, for a chance to swap the busy streets for a slower, more cinematic perspective. You can get a real glimpse into everyday life here and see the different architecture that makes up Bangkok.

A trip to Wat Arun Temple

Rising gracefully on the banks of the river, Wat Arun, also known as the Temple of Dawn, shimmers with a mosaic of porcelain tiles that catch the sunlight throughout the day. It’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in culture (you can even dress up in traditional clothes and have your hair done which makes for a really unique experience!) Climb its steep steps for sweeping views over the city, or linger at its base to soak up the serenity that makes this one of Bangkok’s most iconic temples. If you aren’t dressing up, be sure to dress modestly, so cover up your shoulders and make sure you aren’t wearing anything short.

Go shopping

Bangkok is known for its shopping and its malls and and markets are an adventure in themselves. Glittering, sprawling shopping centres mix high fashion with local flair and you’re sure to find a bargain or gift here – just be prepared for it to be busy! From the designer boutiques of Siam Paragon to the quirky finds at MBK and the luxury elegance of Gaysorn Village, there’s something for everyone. There are also plenty of markets, including the night markets where you can find a range of local wares and fake designer items. I found some great bargains here (including a temporary phone after I managed to drop mine in a puddle and break it the second day into the trip!) There are also plenty of places to grab a bite to eat, or send your other half off to wait for you if shopping isn’t their thing!

To conclude

Bangkok is a city with an energy unlike any other. The atmosphere is electric, it’s bustling, it’s busy and there’s so much beauty to be found in the chaos. There are tranquil pockets of calm, where you can float down the river, when under the shade of the temples, or visiting spots such as Jim Thompson’s house. The air is fragrant with the smells of spices, the sun is hot on your skin, and there is something to see around every corner. I find it can be easy to get overwhelmed in somewhere so busy, which is why Amari Bangkok is the perfect place to make your base. It’s a hotel that encapsulates city-living, where you have all you could need at your fingertips, but you can also relax just as easily as you can be on the go.

The spa is a real must-visit, and you’re sorely missing out if you don’t take advantage of the pool views, cocktail in hand. Elevate your trip with the Club Siraa experience and don’t leave without dining in at least one of their on-site restaurants. It’s by no means a small hotel, but the staff and overall hotel experience make every guest feel special. It’s by no means a small hotel, but the staff and overall hotel experience make every guest feel special. When heading to Bangkok there is no better place to stay and I, for one, can’t wait to return.

For more information on Amari Bangkok visit: https://www.amari.com/bangkok
Book on booking.com here