"Why book? Minimalist, chic design and floor-to-ceiling glass make way for historic views of the Chao Phraya’s colorful boats and Wat Arun—Bangkok’s most photogenic temple. Set the scene Set in the heart of Bangkok’s royal quarter, this hotel is mere steps away from The Grand Palace and the famous Reclining Buddha of Wat Po. Tourist attractions abound—from colorful boutique shops to enticing coffee roasters—many housed in the pale-yellow, former government buildings. Yet, as you stroll down the side alleys around the hotel, you can’t escape that this is still the real Bangkok. You will pass street food hawkers chatting with day laborers, incense smoldering in small shrines, towering bags of spices headed for export and plenty of street cats, sunning beneath the laundry hanging out of open windows. The dichotomy of tourism and commerce keeps this location appealing for those seeking an authentic submersion in the city. The backstory The SALA brand has become synonymous across Thailand over the last half decade for offering luxury accommodations in small, stunning packages. The group has properties in multiple destination towns and cities, from the old capital of Ayutthaya to the island of Phuket. At Sala Rattanakosin, the striking views of Wat Arun across the Chao Phraya are maximized at every turn, from the open walls of the lobby restaurant to the all-glass bathrooms. On the roof deck, 360-degree views give you unobstructed river views, as well as an opposing view, down on glittering, red-and-gold tiled temple roofs of the Wat Po complex. Custom tours take guests around the city in style, whether it's puttering along in the tiny canals in a private longtail boat or sampling street foods on a guided bike tour of a night market. While the hotel celebrates the frenzied, colorful nature of Bangkok’s riverside, every point of modern luxury service has also been considered for the guests here, from sound proofed windows to rain showers to dry cleaning and complimentary umbrellas. The rooms The 15 guest rooms feature black walls and black, hardwood floors. Crisp, white linens and white curtains are a striking counterpoint, with texture arriving in unfinished, stone support beams. The Zen, minimalist furnishings make way for the views through seamless windows. There is no bad choice, but there are better choices. In the most affordable rooms, you’ll sacrifice a little floorplan and those epic views, but given that you get them in the first-floor restaurant and from the roof at cocktail hour (and even from the second-floor public bathrooms), you never feel deprived. The Wat Po Deluxe rooms, which face away from the river, actually give you a very striking, colorful view of tropical plants and the intricate, tiled chedis of this famous temple complex. The larger, river-facing rooms are a worthy splurge. The most opulent choice is River View Suite, where you can watch the sunset turn the temple bright purple from the comfort of your soaking tub. Food and drink Expect to meet a few foodie expats in the small Eatery & Bar restaurant here. Despite having a few chef turnovers, the food has remained inventive and lauded. That aforementioned view, exposed brick walls, comfortable leather armchairs and fine-dining service set quite the scene for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each menu proffers a few western options. However, this is a stellar opportunity to dig into excellent, authentic Thai dishes (no punches held on sour or spice), and the Thai Wok Omelet with blue crab and morning glory at breakfast is exceedingly memorable. Take the interior, metal spiral staircase to the roof each evening, just prior to sunset. Request a local craft beer, like the Bangkok-brewed Whale Pale Ale, or a Chao Phraya Gin Fizz with Makrut lime leaf. Then, find a chair and get your phone ready. This is arguably a Top 10 place in the world to catch a sunset. The neighborhood/area Strolling the narrow alleyways around Sala Rattanakosin will introduce you to every type of person you’d ever meet in Bangkok. There’s the upmarket tourist couple and the equally the scruffy backpacker set. Construction workers hang off scaffolding, paint brushes in hand, and hawkers sell fresh pomegranate juice, pork satay, and spicy Tom Yum Goong from chrome carts beneath faded umbrellas. You’ll wait for tuk-tuks alongside Thai lawyers in suits, government workers in yellow Polo shirts, as well as young college students. The service The service at Sala is seamless and friendly, and from arrival, the front desk staff feels more like a group of friends than a removed set of hotel employees. Expect enthusiastic greetings when you come and go, as well as insider tips for a city they clearly love to promote. Need to score a great dinner recommendation and then table at said venue? Leave it them. You’re in capable hands. Accessibility There are no elevators and rooms begin on the second floor, up a wide spiral staircase. Anything left to mention? First time in Bangkok? An excellent choice for meandering to the city’s biggest tourist draws. Sixth time in Bangkok? Equally excellent, as you’d miss nothing simply lounging in your bed, watching the river traffic from the picture window." - Jenny Adams
