I was looking for somewhere comfortable and convenient, with easy access to the BTS transit, a good breakfast, and enough on-site facilities that I wouldn’t mind spending a bit more time at the hotel instead of always running around the city.
This review covers how I booked, what it’s actually like staying here day-to-day, and whether The Athenee Hotel has earned a permanent spot in my Bangkok rotation.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Booking
As of 2026, cash rates at The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok generally hover around 6,800 THB ($294 CAD) per night on most dates I checked, with occasional spikes up to roughly 12,000 THB ($518 CAD) when major events or conferences are in town.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Exterior
When it comes to using Marriott Bonvoy points, you can expect to pay in the range of 33,000–47,000 points per night, depending on the season and demand.
Using our valuation of 0.6 cents per point (USD) / 0.8 cents per point (CAD), you’ll usually be in “reasonable” territory, with the better value showing up when cash rates are closer to that 12,000 THB mark.
This can also be a good home for a Marriott Bonvoy Free Night Award, especially from the 35,000-point certificates that you can top up with up to 15,000 points.
If you slot in a 35K certificate on a night pricing around 40,000–45,000 points, you’re getting more than just a token use out of it.
As a Luxury Collection property, The Athenee Bangkok participates in Marriott STARS, a preferred partner program.
If you’re booking a cash rate – and especially if you don’t hold Marriott Platinum Elite status or above – it’s in your best interest to reach out to Prince Collection, our in-house travel advisor team, and have them make a STARS booking on your behalf.
With a STARS rate, you’ll enjoy a bundle of extra perks, typically including:
A complimentary one-level room upgrade, subject to availability
A $100 USD property credit per room, per stay
Complimentary daily breakfast for two
Early check-in and late checkout, subject to availability
The key detail is that you’ll pay the same as the best flexible rate you see on Marriott’s site, but walk away with extra benefits that you won’t get by booking on your own.
Book Luxury Hotels with Prince Collection
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Location
The Athenee Hotel is located on Wireless Road (Witthayu Road), right in Bangkok’s embassy and business district, a short walk from Phloen Chit BTS station.
From the hotel, it’s around a three–five minute walk to Phloen Chit BTS on the Sukhumvit Line. This is one of the biggest selling points of the property.
Taxis and ride-hailing in Bangkok are comfortable and affordable, but traffic can go from “moving nicely” to “why did I do this to myself” very quickly. Having a reliable BTS option on your doorstep makes a big difference.
For shopping, you’re in a very good spot. Central Embassy is just down the road, and you can easily walk or ride the BTS one stop to Chit Lom and Siam for CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, and the rest of the Siam cluster. If your Bangkok itinerary is heavy on shopping, cafés, and air-conditioned wandering, Athenee’s location works very well.
Central World Shopping Complex
You’re also close to Lumphini Park, which is about a 10–15 minute walk away, making morning runs or sunset walks pretty easy if you want a break from the concrete.
In terms of classic sightseeing, you’ll still need to plan for a longer BTS + taxi combo to reach the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, or Chinatown.
Athenee isn’t the most convenient base for old-town temple hopping, but for a city stay focused on business meetings, embassy visits, upscale dining, and easy mall access, it’s a very practical home base.
From Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), driving time is usually around 40 minutes by car, more if you’re coming in during rush hour. You can also connect via the Airport Rail Link and BTS if you’d rather avoid sitting in traffic.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Check-in
For this stay, I arrived by BTS. After the short walk from Phloen Chit station, stepping into the lobby felt like entering a classic city hotel rather than a trendy new build.
The first thing that catches your eye is the sweeping staircase and large chandelier, with a grand floral arrangement and a black piano anchoring the centre of the space.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Lobby
The lobby is spacious, with plenty of sofas and armchairs spread around, so it never really feels crowded even when there are events going on.
The check-in desks sit off to one side, with a long counter backed by a gold wall and a detailed model of a royal barge. It’s a nice nod to Thai design without feeling too over the top.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Check-in Desk
Check-in itself was handled at the main desk, although it can also be completed at the Royal Club Lounge on the 26th floor if you’re Marriott Platinum Elite or above.
I was offered The Athenee’s signature Valaya Bloom welcome drink – a butterfly pea, apple peach, and citrus blend – along with a cool scented towel, which was a nice first taste of the hotel’s royal Thai touches.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Welcome Drink
My room was already ready, so things moved quickly. After a brief explanation of the property – breakfast venue, pool and fitness hours, and where to find the Royal Club lounge – a staff member escorted me towards the elevator bank and up to the room, rather than just handing over keys and sending me on my way.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Elevators
Overall, the arrival and check-in experience felt smooth and well-organized, with a classic style of service that matches the look of the lobby.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal Club King Room
For this stay, I was in a Royal Club Room, 1 King, which is essentially a Royal Room plus lounge access.
The base category at the hotel is the Athenee Room; the Royal Room is one step up, and the Royal Club layer then adds access to the Royal Club Lounge on the 26th floor.
So if you’re comparing room types, the hard product here is the Royal Room, with the lounge benefits layered on top.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal King Room
Walking into the room, the look is classic and refined rather than trendy. The king bed sits in the centre with a tufted headboard, matching bedside tables, and lamps on either side.
The walls are framed with panelling and subtle Thai-inspired patterns, and the carpet and upholstery sit in soft neutrals, so it feels more like a traditional city grand hotel than a flashy new build.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal King Room
The welcome setup made a strong first impression. On the bed, the Athenee team had arranged towel elephants and a red “Welcome” ribbon, which was a super charming touch to arrive to.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Welcome Decoration
By the window, a curved sofa with a small coffee table held a generous amenity: a bowl of local fruit and a plate of chocolates and sweets laid out on a white-and-dark chocolate chessboard branded with the hotel’s logo, complete with a knight, a pawn, and a lone macaron on the back row, plus a handwritten card from the hotel team.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal King Sofa
A small note mentioned that the fruit is sourced from local suppliers, which is always good to see when you’re about to work your way through a dragonfruit.
I’m not sure if the choice of chess pieces was meant to say anything about my guest profile, but I decided not to overanalyze a tray of good chocolate and just ate it.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Welcome Gift
Near the window, there’s also a proper desk setup with a comfortable chair and convenient power outlets. The position by the window gives you plenty of natural light and a decent city view while you work, and the Wi-Fi held up well for both work and streaming during my stay.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal King Desk
The bathroom keeps the classic theme going, with beige marble across most surfaces, a single vanity with good counter space, a separate bathtub, and a glass-enclosed shower.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Bathroom
Toiletries are Byredo Le Chemin in large pump bottles, which is a clear step up from generic hotel products and feels on-brand for a Luxury Collection property.
On the counter, there’s also a neatly organised amenity box stocked with pretty much everything you could have forgotten at home, from toothbrushes and razors to cotton buds and mouthwash.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Bathroom Amenity Kit
Overall, the Royal Club King Room is a comfortable, well-maintained space that fits the hotel’s more traditional style.
The room itself is a step up from the base Athenee Room, and when you add lounge access on top, it lands in a nice sweet spot for a city stay.
Club rooms also come with two complimentary pieces of laundry or pressing per day. I sent down a very wrinkled Uniqlo shirt, mostly in the name of “research” for this review – the complimentary pressing was probably worth more than the shirt itself.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Complimentary Pressing Service
It came back perfectly crisp on a hanger and ready for another lap in the Bangkok humidity, which is the kind of small, practical perk that makes a longer stay feel a lot more comfortable.
Other Rooms & Suites at The Athenee
During my stay, I also had the chance to tour a few other room types and suites, which helps put the Royal Club King in context if you’re wondering how much extra space or polish you get by moving up from the base Athenee Room.
If you’re not too fussed about room categories and just want to hear about the other aspects of the hotel, feel free to jump ahead to the next section on the Executive Lounge.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Ruen Thai Suite
The Ruen Thai Suite is the most distinctive space I saw at The Athenee. It’s designed to resemble a traditional Thai home from the Ayutthaya period, with rich wood panelling everywhere, carved details, and decor that feels much closer to a heritage residence than a standard hotel suite.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Ruen Thai Suite Foyer
The Ruen Thai Suite’s living room feels like a high-end Thai residence, with warm wood panelling, low daybeds, and traditional decor pieces framing the city views. It’s a huge, inviting space that works just as well for lounging with a book as it does for hosting a small group.
Ruen Thai Suite Living RoomRuen Thai Suite Living Room
The Ruen Thai Suite has a dedicated writing desk set against a full wall of windows, blending traditional wood detailing with city skyline views. It’s a quiet spot to work or just enjoy the outlook.
The desk area is dressed up with orchids and Thai-inspired decor, including a golden elephant statue, which reinforces the suite’s traditional residential feel rather than a generic hotel vibe.
Ruen Thai Suite Desk AreaRuen Thai Suite Desk AreaRuen Thai Suite Desk AreaRuen Thai Suite Desk Area
The Ruen Thai Suite also has a dedicated dining room with city views, plus a small kitchen tucked off to the side, which makes it easy to host a meal or lay out snacks without calling room service every time.
Ruen Thai Suite Dining RoomRuen Thai Suite Kitchen
The master bedroom continues the Ayutthaya house vibe, with warm wood paneling, teal accents, and wraparound windows that let in plenty of light.
There’s also a cosy sitting area in front of the TV, so the room feels more like a small apartment than just a place to sleep.
Ruen Thai Suite Master BedroomRuen Thai Suite Master Bedroom
The master bathroom keeps the Ayutthaya theme going, with rich wood panelling, deep-blue walls, a sunken stone tub, and dual pedestal sinks that face each other across the room.
Master BathroomMaster Bathroom
In the shower, there’s even a large ceramic water urn with a wooden ladle – a quirky, traditional touch that makes the whole space feel more like a private Thai bathhouse than a standard hotel bathroom.
Just off the bathroom, there’s a dedicated dressing area with a built-in vanity and generous wardrobe space, which adds a nice sense of separation between getting ready and the rest of the suite.
Dressing AreaDressing Area
The second bedroom in the Ruen Thai Suite comes with two single beds, the same warm wood panelling, and plenty of floor space – ideal if you’re travelling with family or friends.
There’s also a full-size desk and extra storage so it still feels like a proper bedroom, not just an add-on.
Ruen Thai Suite Second BedroomRuen Thai Suite Second Bedroom
The second bedroom also gets a full marble bathroom, with a separate walk-in shower and deep soaking tub, so whoever stays here doesn’t feel like they’re stuck with a second-tier bathroom.
Ruen Thai Suite Second BathroomRuen Thai Suite Second Bathroom
Overall, if you’re travelling as a family or a small group and want something that feels more like a private Thai residence than a standard hotel suite, the Ruen Thai Suite is the showpiece to aim for.
And according to the Athenee team, it’s even rumoured to have hosted Lisa from BLACKPINK on the group’s first Bangkok tour, which adds a bit of pop-star mystique to the space.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Executive Lounge
The Royal Club Lounge is located on the 26th floor, and it’s very much the “hotel within a hotel” for guests in Royal Club rooms and select suites.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge
As you step in, there’s a small reception area where the lounge team can help with check-in, restaurant bookings, and anything else you need, before the space opens up into a series of bright seating areas overlooking central Bangkok.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Desk
The lounge is open from 6:30am–10pm, with different spreads throughout the day:
Breakfast: 6:30am–11am
Afternoon tea: 2:30pm–4:30pm
Evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres: 5:30pm–7:30pm
Outside of these times, there’s self-serve tea, coffee, and soft drinks available throughout the day. Officially, you can have breakfast here, but I’d actually recommend heading down to The Rain Tree Café for the full buffet and saving the lounge for quieter moments.
Royal Club Lounge RefreshmentsRoyal Club Lounge RefreshmentsRoyal Club Lounge RefreshmentsRoyal Club Lounge Refreshments
During my stay, I mainly used the lounge for afternoon tea and the evening service, as well as popping in for coffee and tea while catching up on work.
It’s a relaxed, comfortable space to answer emails, watch the traffic crawl along Wireless Road from above, and, in my case, take far too many photos in the name of “research” for this review.
Royal Club LoungeRoyal Club LoungeRoyal Club LoungeRoyal Club Lounge
Evening cocktails and hors d’oeuvres
The evening spread at the Royal Club Lounge is more than just a few finger foods.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
There’s a proper salad bar, grilled vegetables, quinoa salads, and plenty of cold items to start, alongside small sandwiches and shrimp sliders on charcoal buns. A cheese board, fresh fruit, and bite-sized desserts round things out if you’ve got a sweet tooth.
The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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On the hot and savoury side, you’ll find rotating Thai and Western canapés – think corn salad in small bowls, duck crostini, and other tapas-style bites – plus house wines, beer, and basic mixed drinks.
The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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The Athenee Hotel Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
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There’s also a printed drinks list with Chang beer, basic spirits, a couple of whiskies, and house red, white, and sparkling wine – all complimentary during the evening cocktail hours.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
It’s easily substantial enough to replace dinner if you’re not too hungry, and I never left the lounge feeling underfed.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Royal Club Lounge Evening Cocktail
Afternoon Tea
For afternoon tea, the lounge rolls out a surprisingly substantial spread. There’s a mix of savoury bites – think mini sandwiches, charcoal buns stuffed with salad, and little plates of grilled beef and veggies – alongside plenty of sweets, including cakes, brownies, cookies, dried fruit, and scones with clotted cream and jam.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Afternoon TeaAfternoon TeaAfternoon Tea
It’s very easy to turn this into a late lunch or a pre-dinner snack, and I appreciated having a quiet space to graze, sip tea, and get a bit of work done while watching the traffic crawl along Wireless Road below.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok Afternoon Tea
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok Afternoon Tea
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok Afternoon Tea
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok Afternoon Tea
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok Afternoon Tea
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok Afternoon Tea
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok Afternoon Tea
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok Afternoon Tea
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok Afternoon Tea
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Breakfast
Breakfast is served downstairs at The Rain Tree Café, and it’s absolutely worth leaving the lounge for.
I went down right when it opened at 6am to take photos for this review, and at that hour the restaurant was wonderfully calm and spacious, with just a handful of other early birds scattered around.
One thing I really liked about The Athenee Hotel is its focus on local sourcing. All of the rice served across the property is organic and purchased directly from small farms in northeastern Thailand, which quietly gives even a simple bowl of rice a bit more story behind it.
BreakfastBreakfastBreakfastBreakfast
The spread is classic Bangkok-luxury in scale, with separate stations for Western, Thai, Japanese, Indian, and made-to-order noodles, plus a generous salad and fruit corner.
There’s a central island with a DIY pressed juice station, where you can pile up whatever fruits and vegetables you like and have them juiced to order – easily one of the highlights of the buffet.
Cold Pressed JuiceCold Press Juice
Western & Bakery
The Western spread covers the usual hot items: baked beans, sautéed mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, chicken sausages, and oatmeal.
The bakery corner is where things get more interesting. There are soft bread rolls, mini doughnuts, jam-filled buns, cinnamon rolls, dragon fruit danishes, and a separate stand of almond croissants. In front, jars of peanut butter, honey, and fruit jams let you build your own perfect toast or roll.
To finish on a sweet note, there’s also a small ice cream station with a few flavours – fun if you’re treating breakfast more like brunch or travelling with kids. I stuck to juice and coffee most mornings, but it’s nice to know a breakfast sundae is there if the mood ever strikes.
The Athenee Hotel Bangkok Breakfast Ice Cream ToppingsThe Athenee Hotel Bangkok Breakfast Ice Cream
Cereals, Salads & Fruit
For a lighter start, there’s a cereal bar with Honey Stars, crispy rice, granola, Ko Ko Krunch, and muesli.
YogurtYogurtMilkCereal
The “Organic Corner” has mixed greens with toppings like cherry tomatoes, pumpkin, carrots, and beans, plus several dressings. Nearby, quinoa salad and shrimp cocktail salad offer quick, ready-made options.
Egg Station & Griddle
There’s a live egg station where chefs prepare eggs to order, including fried eggs, omelettes with your choice of fillings, and eggs Benedict.
Egg StationEgg StationEgg StationEgg Station
On the same counter, you can also grab pancakes, waffles, French toast, or Thai coconut pancakes, which keeps the made-to-order items neatly in one place.
Thai coconut pancake
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Waffles and French Toast
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Hash brown and Beef Bacon
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Cheese, Cold Cuts & Pork Station
Just off the bakery corner, there’s a generous cheese and cold cut station. You’ll find sliced Emmental, local halloumi, feta, and a couple of vegan cheese options, plus walnuts and dried fruit if you want to build a proper breakfast board.
Meat lovers are equally well looked after, with honey-glazed ham, bacon, various cured pork cuts, and sausages laid out alongside pickles, mustards, and capers.
Pork StationPork Station
Thai Cuisine
The Thai section is generous for a hotel breakfast. You’ll find white rice and organic riceberry, vegetable fried rice, red curry with beef, deep fried eggs tamarind sauce, pad thai, and simple boiled greens in broth.
It’s easy to put together a proper Thai meal first thing in the morning if you’d rather skip Western comfort food.
Japanese Cuisine
The Japanese corner offers miso soup with wakame, tofu, and spring onions, grilled salmon, steamed rice, and a few types of pickles. It’s a nice lighter option if you’re in the mood for something savoury but not too heavy.
Korean Cuisine
The Korean station had dishes like spicy stir-fried pork, sautéed greens, and japchae-style glass noodles.
Chinese Cuisine
On the Chinese station, there was a full dim sum selection with baskets of siu mai, har gow, and steamed buns, plus Chinese dough fritters with sesame oil, soy sauce, or condensed milk.
Indian Cuisine
The Indian station is another highlight. During my stay, there was pav bhaji with soft bread rolls, upma, aloo paratha, and a side of papadum. Mango chutney, mixed pickles, green chillies, and mint sauce are set out so you can dial up the spice as you please.
Noodle & Laksa Station
At the noodle station, a chef prepares bowls of laksa to order. You choose your noodles, vegetables, and toppings, and everything gets assembled in a fragrant, mildly spicy broth – a great alternative to the buffet trays.
Noodle StationNoodle Station
Taken together, Rain Tree Café’s breakfast is more than just a big buffet – it’s varied enough that you can eat completely differently each morning, whether you’re in the mood for pastries, Thai curry, or a light bowl yogurt and fruit, and even a scoop of ice cream on the side, if you’re in the mood.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Dining
The Athenee Hotel has eight restaurants and bars on-site, covering everything from royal Thai cuisine to Cantonese, French, and poolside bites.
Rather than run through every outlet here, I’ll focus on The House of Smooth Curry, which I actually had the chance to try myself.
I was lucky enough to be invited to lunch at The House of Smooth Curry by Khun Aom from The Athenee team, and it ended up being one of the most memorable meals of my stay.
The restaurant’s design is a beautiful nod to traditional elegance; it feels less like a hotel dining room and more like a private Thai townhouse.
Polished herringbone wooden floors, deep teal walls, and curated artwork create an intimate, lived-in atmosphere that immediately signals you’re in for something “proper”.
The House of Smooth CurryThe House of Smooth CurryThe House of Smooth CurryThe House of Smooth Curry
Led by Chef Montri, the kitchen specializes in Royal Thai cuisine, with a heavy emphasis on organic ingredients sourced directly from local farmers.
Because we were treated to a tasting-style lunch, I was able to sample several signature dishes, each of which showcased a remarkable level of craftsmanship.
We began with Khao Kreap Goong—crisp, light prawn crackers served with a remarkably punchy, sweet-and-savory chili dip that set the tone for the bold flavours to follow.
Prawn CrackersAppetizer
Appetizer – Chor Muang Pla Chorn Na
We started with these striking purple flower dumplings. The dough is naturally colored with butterfly pea flowers and hand-carved into intricate petals using brass tweezers—a true staple of Royal Thai snack-making. These were filled with a savory mixture of organic Suphan Buri snakehead fish.
The House of Smooth Curry – Chor Muang
Thong Dee Pomelo Salad & Ayutthaya River Prawn
This was arguably the star of the show. The salad used Thong Dee pomelo, known for its perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, topped with crispy shallots and toasted coconut. It was paired with a massive, char-grilled organic Ayutthaya river prawn. The creamy, orange “tomalley” in the head was incredibly rich and buttery.
Ayutthaya River PrawnPomelo Salad
Yum Pu Nim
A vibrant spicy soft-shell crab salad. The crab was fried to a light golden crisp and served on a bed of fresh celery, tomatoes, and onions with a sharp, punchy lime dressing.
The House of Smooth curry – Spicy Soft-Shell Crab Salad
Main Dish Trio
For the mains, we shared a platter that highlighted regional diversity: a decadent Southern crabmeat curry with turmeric and betel leaves served with rice noodles, smoky char-grilled pork spare ribs with an I-Sarn style chili sauce, and wok-fried lotus stems with prawns in a savory soybean paste.
The House of Smooth Curry – Main Dish
Dessert – Mango Sticky Rice
To finish, we had the classic Nam Dok Mai mango with organic purple sticky rice and a velvet-smooth coconut cream. The personalized “Thank you Jason” written in chocolate on the plate was a lovely final touch.
The House of Smooth Curry – Mango Sticky Rice
The flavors here are bold and layered, yet the kitchen is happy to adjust the heat to your preference. Accompanied by a refreshing lemongrass-and-lime mocktail, it was the perfect escape from the Bangkok heat.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – The House of Smooth Curry
If you only have time for one sit-down Thai meal during your stay, this is absolutely the place to be.
The Glaz Bar
On the lobby level, right next to Rain Tree Café, you’ll find The Glaz Bar, which doubles as the hotel’s living room and evening gathering spot.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – The Glaz Bar
The centrepiece is a dramatic chandelier made of golden spheres hovering above the bar, with the bottles and glassware glowing underneath – it feels suitably glamorous without being intimidating.
The Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation HourThe Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation Hour
By coincidence, my visit overlapped with an elite appreciation night here, so I had the chance to sample a selection of wines and meticulously plated canapés.
The Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation HourThe Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation HourThe Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation HourThe Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation Hour
The bites leaned heavily Thai – think small, jewel-like portions topped with herbs and edible flowers – and paired nicely with a glass of sparkling wine.
The Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation HourThe Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation HourThe Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation HourThe Glaz Bar – Elite Appreciation Hour
Even outside of special events, The Glaz Bar makes for a pleasant pre-dinner drink or a low-key nightcap spot if you don’t feel like venturing out.
On-Site Cafés
If you’re after something more casual, the hotel connects directly to a bright lobby lounge area with three easy options:
Starbucks, for the usual global comfort order
Café de Petal, a floral-themed café with pastries, cakes, and coffee
The Bakery, an artisanal bakery and coffee shop on the ground floor
Café de Petal in particular is a lovely spot to park yourself for an hour or two. The seating area is filled with greenery, soft pink and mustard accents, and a mix of sofas and armchairs that feel more like a stylish living room than a mall café.
Café de PetalCafé de Petal
The Bakery leans more patisserie than grab-and-go. It specializes in afternoon tea and French-inspired desserts, and is open daily from 7am–6pm.
The space sits within a larger conservatory, so you’re surrounded by greenery and natural light – a very pleasant spot to linger over a latte and something sweet.
The Bakery also ties into the hotel’s sustainability story. The Athenee sources all of its rice organically and directly from farmers in Amnat Charoen, and that same rice is used across the property’s restaurants and dessert offerings.
The Athenee Bangkok – The BakeryThe Athenee Bangkok – The Bakery seating
During my visit, there were also beautifully packaged bags of the hotel’s organic, locally sourced rice available to purchase – a nice way to bring a small piece of Thailand back home.
Between these three venues, you’re well covered for a quick caffeine fix, a light bite between activities, or a relaxed place to catch up on emails without committing to a full restaurant meal.
Neighbourhood & Nearby Eats
One thing I really appreciated about The Athenee Hotel was how easy it was to dip in and out of “real” Bangkok.
Step outside the driveway and you’ve got local food, great coffee, and a supermarket all within a few minutes’ walk.
Big C Foodplace & “Hidden” Shortcut
Directly across from the hotel entrance near Café de Petal is a Big C Foodplace – essentially your neighbourhood supermarket.
It’s perfect if you’re staying a few nights and want to stock up on bottled water, snacks, fruit, or a cheap late-night bite, and it’s much more reasonable than paying minibar prices.
What Google Maps doesn’t tell you is that there’s a hallway right next to Big C that acts as a handy shortcut. Walk through it and you’ll pop out near Madam Somtum and the BTS station, saving yourself a bit of time (and avoiding some of the less pleasant sidewalks).
It’s a small thing, but once you’ve used it once, you’ll probably take this route every time you head out.
BigC foodplaceHallway to BTS Phloen Chit
Madam Somtum
For something a bit more local than hotel dining, Madame Somtum is an easy option nearby. As the name suggests, the focus is on som tum (papaya salad) and other Isan dishes – think grilled meats, sticky rice, and plenty of chilli.
Prices are very reasonable, and it’s a nice way to squeeze in at least one casual, “no-frills but delicious” Thai meal during your stay.
Just keep in mind that this restaurant is closed on Sundays and does not accept credit cards.
Tum Tad Madam
Rise Coffee
If you’re picky about your coffee, make time for Rise Coffee, a short walk from the hotel. It’s a bright, minimalist specialty café with proper espresso, filter options, and fun signature drinks – I went for their signature Black Fizz coffee, which hit the spot in Bangkok’s heat.
RISE CoffeeRISE Coffee – Black Fizz
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Other Facilities
Outdoor Pool & Garden
The fourth-floor pool deck is where The Athenee really leans into its “urban resort” side. The free-form pool curves around a traditional Thai pavilion, with Bangkok’s skyline in the background and plenty of loungers and cabanas dotted around the edge.
Outdoor PoolOutdoor PoolOutdoor PoolOutdoor Pool
Just beyond the pool you’ll find a landscaped garden with neatly trimmed hedges and palm trees, almost like a little green maze in the middle of the city. It’s a quiet spot for a stroll, photos, or letting kids burn off some energy while you still feel “on property.”
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Outdoor Garden
On the same level is The View bar and lounge, a semi-open space where you can order drinks or a light snack without having to fully leave “pool mode.” It’s also a pleasant spot to sit with a laptop or a book if you want fresh air but don’t feel like changing into swimwear.
The View BarThe View Bar
On the same level, you’ll find a small kids’ play area with mats, picture books, simple toys, and a few board games.
It’s nothing huge, but if you’re travelling with younger children, it’s a handy little corner to keep them occupied in between dips in the pool.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Kid’s Area
Fitness Centre
The hotel’s fitness centre is located on the same level as the pool, so you can go straight from treadmill to sun lounger if you’re feeling virtuous.
The space is bright and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the surrounding towers.
You’ll find the usual mix of cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights, along with enough floor space for stretching or body-weight exercises.
Fitness CentreFitness Centre
The Athenee Spa
If you’d rather unwind than work out, the hotel spa is also housed on the same floor. Treatments lean towards classic Thai and oil massages, along with facials and body scrubs, and the overall vibe matches the rest of the property: calm, polished, and quietly luxurious rather than over-the-top.
The Athenee SpaThe Athenee Spa
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Hotel Experiences
Beyond the usual pool-and-gym routine, The Athenee Hotel also runs a rotating schedule of daily activities, ranging from Muay Thai and cooking classes to sustainability tours and mocktail workshops.
Some sessions are complimentary, while others have a small fee, and spots are limited – so it’s worth checking the weekly schedule and reserving in advance if something catches your eye.
During my stay, I joined Floral Journeys, an afternoon workshop hosted at The View bar overlooking the pool. Over the course of an hour, one of the hotel’s team members patiently walked us through the art of folding lotus flowers and weaving pandan leaves into small decorative pieces.
The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Floral Journeys
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Floral Journeys
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Floral Journeys
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The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok – Floral Journeys
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It’s a simple activity on paper, but surprisingly calming in practice – part craft lesson, part mini-meditation. I’m definitely not the most artistic person, but with a bit of guidance I still walked away with a small vase of folded lotuses I was genuinely proud of, plus a new appreciation for the floral arrangements you see all around the hotel.
Conclusion
All things considered, The Athenee Hotel, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok is an easy 5/5 for me.
The location strikes a great balance: close to Phloen Chit BTS, major malls, and neighbourhood spots, while still feeling calm and surprisingly walkable by Bangkok standards. Being able to stroll to coffee, Big C, and local restaurants without battling traffic is a huge plus.
On-site, the hotel delivers where it matters: a comfortable club room, a genuinely useful Royal Club Lounge, and a breakfast spread at Rain Tree Café that makes it very tempting to overeat before 9am.
Add to that solid dining options like The House of Smooth Curry, plus casual cafés and bars, and you’re never short on places to eat or linger.
What really sealed it for me, though, was the service provided by the staff. Everyone I met was warm, relaxed, and genuinely kind – it felt closer to being looked after by friends than a transactional hotel stay.
With strong elite recognition, great facilities, and a top-notch service, I’d happily return to The Athenee Hotel on a future trip to Bangkok.