There are luxury hotels throughout Bangkok that deftly combine minimalist style, decorative accents, historic Thai iconography and luxuriant amenities. While Salil Hotel Riverside Bangkok, opened in late 2023, falls into the 5-star boutique hotel category, it is, by design, not a run-of-the-mill luxury property. The lobby makes an immediate impression, while different public spaces, rooms and suites immerse one into an ambiance rooted in Thai history, all while capturing a Bangkok that is a touch irreverent and forward-looking.

© Elyse Glickman

The Chao Phraya riverfront property has 235 rooms and suites broken down into 12 distinct configurations. The hotel’s Journey of Dreams mission statement is brought to life in every room thanks to slightly psychedelic decorative motifs and elements that enliven eclectic mixes of Art Deco and Mid-Century Modern sensibilities, providing visual continuity with public areas. However, Thai artists, architects and interior designers behind the concept have taken great care to ensure the results capture the dream theme without being too Disney-esque. Room amenities, such as smart TVs, minibars, premium bedding, bath amenities also found in the hotel’s HARNN Heritage Spa Riverside and signature Salil pajamas, bridge the gap between the practical and the fanciful.

Artist Jay Soonthornsawad is the creative force behind the hotel’s overall theme, while surrealist artist Nattapon Pichairat puts his stamp on the hotel’s unique look with wall motifs blending Thai mythology and Alice in Wonderland motifs. Nakrob Moonmanas’s collages adorning walls in the public areas deftly blend vintage photography, original illustrations and newspaper clippings. Artists Panyawat Phitaksawan and Atthak Vannason complete the vision, tying together HARNN Heritage Spa Riverside, fitness and yoga studios, and Rabbit Moon Aquatherapy — the city’s first-ever rooftop hydrotherapy pool with enchanted forest accents and city views. There are also conversation-starting spaces for business and event functions, including its ballroom, the Dressing Room, The Pier and Pet Zone. The Playroom functions as a well-appointed area for pre-event mixers and small gatherings.

© Elyse Glickman

Pajamas and decorative home accents used in the rooms are available for purchase at Galleria, an upgraded open-retail concept replacing the standard hotel gift shop, as are fashion accessories from emerging Bangkok designers and brands like PDM and Madmatter Studio. Karmakamet, at the other end of the lobby, is a wonderland for home and body fragrance enthusiasts, with aesthetics and displays on par with some of Paris’ best fragrance house boutiques. Chocoholics can venture to the second floor to explore KanVela Craft Chocolate, where French-trained Thai chocolatiers offer bars, drinks and desserts with unusual flavor profiles.

The exterior, best viewed from the riverside end of the property, evokes 1930s Hollywood. Outdoor corridors with dining, spirits and retail concepts offset the pool. These include Jumbo Lobster at Riverside, Pacific Cigar Divan, BRIX Dessert and BRIX Mini Bar, Taproom by the River, and Japanese ice cream parlor Rintaro.

© Elyse Glickman

Hotel flagship restaurant NAVA is divided into four distinct rooms — NAVA Kitchen, NAVA Chef’s Table, NAVA Sala and NAVA Terrace. From 7 a.m. to late morning, these sections are strung together with a breakfast/brunch buffet featuring a rotating selection of Thai curries and noodle dishes, Western breakfast items, and a Japanese sushi and salad bar. Dinner menus are in keeping with the hotel’s imaginative vibe, with appetizers and main courses mixing and matching ingredients sourced from across Thailand, from regional farms to the Chao Phraya and Mekong rivers to the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea. Highlights include spicy and sour smoked dried fish soup, spiced Pomelo and prawn salad topped with dried southern crispy catfish, stir-fried jumbo crab meat with fresh yellow chili and coconut tips, and deep-fried sea bass topped with sweet chili sauce.

The hotel is tucked into a residential enclave of the Charoen Krung Road neighborhood, next door to a Buddhist temple populated by friendly cats. Access to taxis, ride share services and BTS Skytrain stations to other parts of the city is quick and easy with an assist from concierge staff who know which options are most efficient.

The Salil Hotel Riverside

2052, 7-9 Charoen Krung 72/1 Alley
Wat Phraya Krai, Bang Kho Laem
Bangkok 10120, Thailand
tel 66 2 844 8787