The Oriental one of the most famous hotels in the world, home to the stars and celebrities, with unmatched standards of service and indeed, a name that is as legendary as Bangkok itself. Since its founding in 1876 on the majestic River of Kings, The Oriental has become one of Thailand's best-known icons and played a significant part in upholding the country's traditions of impeccable hoteliering. With 34 suites, 359 rooms and over 1,000 staff, the hotel provides a standard of service, comfort and individual attention that has won it "The World's Best Hotel" award for ten years by the Institutional Investor Magazine of New York. In addition, it has won 22 top-place awards by other prestige publications like the London-based Executive Travel, Business Traveller and Euromoney, Conde Nast Traveller, PAT A Travel News, Travel Trade Gazette, Australian

Business, Meeting and Incentive Travel and the US television series, Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous. The lobby of the River Wing is over 10 years old but seems to have an everlasting freshness. First time visitors are impressed by the teak wooden bells of classical Thai design. Panoramic views of the i river and garden are afforded through the glass wall. A string quartet plays every evening whilst guests are served drinks by attendants whose combined service with a smile is world famous. The exquisite Somerset Maugham Suite has inspired a scene in the famous play Chess. It has been home to many distinguished guests.

The decor is a blend of old world elegance and modern day comfort. It is dignified and yet casual — a designer's interpretation of Somerset Maugham's unique style. In tribute to Maugham, Joseph Conrad and many other authors who have stayed at The Oriental, the hotel has dedicated The Authors' Lounge, a spot sought after by photographers, movie directors and fashion magazine editors for cool, refreshing drinks, a cup of midmorning coffee or afternoon tea. There are fresh white walls, luxuriant tropical plants, and photographs of old Bangkok adorn the walls.

Hand-crafted furniture and soft, inviting cushions give it a peaceful, calming atmosphere. The Normandie is one of Asia's most renowned French restaurants, where the highest-rated Master Chefs from France regularly present their individual, distinguished cuisine. Here, ceiling to floor glass panels provide diners with breathtaking panoramic views of the Chao Phraya River. The Normandie serves a la carte luncheon and dinner. Coat and tie are required for dinner. Italian visitors to The Oriental have praised the authenticity of their national dishes served at Ciao restaurant.

The China House, set in an elegant private residence that has been beautifully restored, provides the finest Cantonese cuisine prepared by Master Chefs from Hong Kong. Across the river from The Oriental is the Sala Rim Naam, the "Pavilion by the River", decorated and furnished in traditional Thai style with a varied menu of selections from different parts of Thailand.

The Orientate river cruises offer an unforgettable adventure to Ayutthaya, Thailand's former capital and to Bang Pain, the Summer Palace of Kings, for a full day's excursion with lunch and refreshments served on board. The hotel has pioneered the concept of spas in Bangkok and spread Thai heritage through cooking schools and culture classes. The preeminence of the hotel has been upheld by Kurt Wachtveitl,

who became General Manager in 1967 at the age of 30, two years after arriving in Thailand. A graduate of the Lausanne Hotel School in Switzerland, he also studied Philosophy at the University of Madrid and History of Art and Literature at the Dante Alighiere School in Rome, an experience which helped him to appreciate the intricacies of the hotel business. Wachtveitl is a recipient of Thailand's Royal Decoration of Fourth Class (Companion) of the Most-Exalted Order of the White Elephant, the Order of Merit, presented by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany, and the French Distinction Internationale titled "Personnalite de l'annee 1991" (Personality of the Year 1991) in the hotel industry.

Oriental Hotel
48 Oriental Avenue,
Bangkok 10500
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