When Shang Palace re-opens October 25 at the Shangri-la Bangkok it will crown a three-year renovation of the riverside city resort, perennially top rated in virtually every survey of top hotels. The main work was done between 2010 and 2012 at a cost of around $60 million and ranged from completely new landscaping to a top to bottom redo of the rooms, suites, public areas, restaurants, health club and signature Horizon Club.
Nearly $4 million was spent this year on Shang Palace, and in addition to an Executive Chef the hotel has imported dedicated head chefs to oversee separate Barbeque and Dim Sum kitchens. For elite travelers there will be multiple private dining options, including the Corundum Room seating up to 100 with private bathrooms and a separate entrance. Six other private dining rooms named after precious gems (Ruby, Diamond, etc.) seat between 10 and 30.
As part of the main renovation completed in 2012 the Chi Spa increased treatment rooms to 12 from nine, and the Next2 Café was expanded to provide better views of the river. At 802 rooms, including 72 suites, the hotel is the largest luxury property in the Thai capital. There are 62 suites in the Shangri-la Wing and 10 more in the Krungthep Wing. Top suite in the Shangri-la Wing is the one-bedroom 2,529 square feet Siam Suite. Two additional connecting bedrooms can be added, and there is the ability to then close off all three keys into one secured unit making it a favorite for Heads of State, Royalty and other elite travelers who value added security.
Two additional specialty suites on the two floors directly below offer about 2,238 square feet of space each, however they both have two bedrooms so slightly less living area. The amenity laden resort also has two tennis courts, a helipad less used these days thanks to Bangkok’s lessened traffic and several private meeting rooms as part of its expansive Horizon Club.