Described as “a calming riverside oasis in the centre of cacophonous Bangkok,” Capella Bangkok has been earned top spot in The World’s 50 Best Hotels awards 2024 at a glittering gala in London. The Thai property leads a prestigious list designed to “shape the aspirations of consumers, travellers and hoteliers globally.”
Opened in 2020 on the Chao Phraya River in the Charoenkrung district, the Capella is surrounded by lush gardens and “exudes the elegance of a grand dame combined with the intimacy of a boutique hotel,” states 50 Best (which also produces separate lists of bars, restaurants and events).
Further, it “is a masterclass in serenity and calm, from the neutral-toned, clean-lined, Japan-esque design to the brilliant and seemingly semi-psychic service that anticipates your every waking need. Space and light are integral features of all the 101 rooms, suites and villas here – the entry level rooms with their dressing rooms, oversized, light-splashed bathrooms and lounger-equipped terraces are close to apartment-sized – but, if you really want to appreciate the luxury of space in a tightly packed city, Capella Bangkok’s riverside villas deliver in spades.”
Meanwhile, food offerings are “elevated,” the bar “ultra-glamorous,” and a team of personable Capella Culturists “ease the stress, whether by organizing a bespoke, guided shopping spree through the city’s legendary malls, or a private meditation session with the head monk of a 250-year-old temple.”
Capella Bangkok, where rooms start at approximately $1,200 per night, placed 11th last year. Last year’s winner, Passalacqua in Italy, slipped to No.2.
Other highlights from the list (alas, there are no Canadian entries), include:
- The list celebrates hotels from 37 destinations across six continents, plus 15 new entries
- Asia leads the way with 19 ranked hotels in total, including four in Bangkok: Capella Bangkok (No.1), Mandarin Oriental Bangkok (No.12), Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River (No.14) and The Siam (No.26), while Japan has three hotels featured including Bulgari Tokyo (No.22), which also wins the Nikka Best New Hotel Award 2024.
- Europe boasts 13 winning hotels, with France, the UK and Italy each featuring four properties, including Cheval Blanc Paris (No.4), Claridge’s (No.11) in London and Four Seasons Firenze (No.19).
- North America has nine hotels on the list including Chablé Yucatán (No.16) in Mexico.
- Oceania and Africa each boast four hotels on the list, including The Calile (No.25) in Brisbane and Mount Nelson (No.28) in Cape Town.
- The Carlo Alberto Best Boutique Hotel Award goes to Passalacqua (No.2), Lake Como
- Soneva Fushi (No.8), Maldives wins the Lost Explorer Best Beach Hotel Award for a second year running
- Maroma (No.18), Mexico, wins the Flor de Caña Eco Hotel Award, audited by the Sustainable Restaurant Association
- New accolades include Ferrari Trento Most Admired Hotel Group Award, awarded to Aman; Atlantis The Royal (No.9) in Dubai receives the Highest Climber Award; and Raffles London at The OWO (No.13) wins the Lavazza Highest New Entry Award
If you enjoyed or found this story useful, we’d appreciate if you would forward it to a colleague or friend who may also enjoy it. If, on the other hand, a friend shared it with you, welcome! You can get all the latest travel news and reviews from Travel Industry by simply clicking HERE.