Shanghai Mansion Bangkok, Chinatown, Bangkok, Thailand - Explore & Book

"Shanghai Mansion Bangkok is superbly sited for those who wish to stay in the heart of Bangkok's jubilantly chaotic Chinatown, and who appreciate quirky interior design. Rising above a restaurant and coffee shop (don't be put off by the mall-like exterior), you reach the second-floor lobby by lift. Architect Julian Coombs has sought to reflect the colour and character of Shanghai Mansion’s namesake; think decorative Chinese lanterns, plush red silk cushions and antique birdcages. The lobby lounge, in opulent ‘30s Shanghai style, is a great place to bring your book or magazine. Or gaze down from the library’s internal balconies through the colourful hanging lantern-decked atrium onto which the stained-glass-windowed rooms look. But the Shanghai Mansion is really all about its rooms - great fun in either chinoiserie chic or pre-war Colonial, with cushion-bedecked four-poster beds and lantern-dominated bathrooms. This is the perfect place for the budget-conscious who want to be in the heart of the action. Highs Located in one of our favourite areas of Bangkok - bags of character, dripping in history and the cities best street food and restaurants on your doorstep Contemporary chinoiserie or pre-war Shanghai-style rooms will provoke a gasp upon entering and are romantically intimate During our last visit we were delighted with the dim sum afternoon tea, served by older Chinese ladies who took great pleasure in telling us about each tea on offer A cool, quiet haven with little or no traffic noise - impressive considering the intensity of Chinatown’s streets Lows Superior Rooms (Mei Hua) are smaller than the other rooms and lack natural daylight - we'd opt for one of the Deluxe Rooms (Ying Hua) instead Thin doors in Superior Rooms (Mei Hua) mean that, audio-wise, nothing is left to the imagination; common areas are also noisy so ask for a room away from the lobby lounge Check-in can be rather disorganised and staff speak limited English; we did get very big smiles though The hotel’s restaurant, Red Rose, though good, can’t be beaten by the street food in Chinatown" - Nicolas Buchele