The Waldorf Astoria opens in Bangkok this Aug 1. And here's what we know about it.

The six bars and restaurants promise something seriously special.

5 years ago

By Choltanutkun Tun-atiruj
| Jul 20, 2018

First slated to open in 2015, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is really, truly opening this August. It’ll be the first incursion of the Hilton’s luxury hotel brand into Southeast Asia.

Perched near the Royal Bangkok Sports Club and Ratchaprasong Intersection, the hotel features interiors by Hong Kong-native architect Andre Fu, who's known for his East-meet-West style and was named Designer of the Year for Maison & Objet Asia in 2016.

The 171 rooms and suites—including some of the largest in downtown Bangkok at 300 sq meters—each feature floor-to-ceiling windows. They're currently accepting reservations for arrivals on or after Aug 20, with a King Deluxe Room starting from around B8,000/night.

Excitingly for Bangkokians, there will be six swanky bars and restaurants, whose designs are in keeping with the Waldorf Astoria New York hotel's dramatic Art Deco interiors.

Floors 55 to 57 comprise three dining outlets designed by in-demand concept firm AvroKO. They were also responsible for Park Hyatt’s Penthouse Bar and Grill, and if the renderings below are anything to go by, there's more than a whiff of the same New York-referencing opulence—all brass, marble, heringbone and glamour.

The Michelin-baiting, showstopper restaurant sounds like it will be The Front Room, which offers "Nordic-Thai cuisine." Nordic in culinary circles generally denotes something earthy and experimental, usually drawn out over long tasting menus with a boat-load of fermentation and modern culinary techniques in the mix. Waldorf is promising "original visual and contextual flavors that are innovative yet familiar." Hmm.

Less inventive yet no doubt highly satisfying is Bull & Bear, a 55th-floor steak and seafood place with a raw bar and open-flame grill. Expect dry-aged steak and amazing views.

In the upper lobby, The Brasserie will serve traditional French cuisine—sauteed Mussels, steak frites, beef bourguignon—with beers and ciders. We like the sound of that!

As for drinks, Waldorf Astoria's renderings reveal two truly stunning bars: The Loft, a New York-inspired cocktail bar channeling the spirit of the original Wadorf Astoria in drinks taken from The Old Waldorf Astoria Barbook; and The Champagne Bar, which as well as bubbly and stunning views promises a few more cocktails.

The Art Deco Peacock Alley will serve light meals and pastries throughout the day.

The hotel is set to open by Aug 1 with the rooftop slated to be finished by the end of that month.

151 Ratchadamri Rd., 02-035-8108. waldorfbangkok.waldorfastoria.com