Question: What if these walls could talk, what stories would they whisper about Siam’s first luxury hotel? The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok stands before us. It is more than just a hotel. It is a living testament to Bangkok’s rich history and evolution.
The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok started its journey in 1876 as The Oriental. It quickly became a haven for foreign traders and dignitaries. American Captain Dyers and his partner J.E. Barnes first opened The Oriental Hotel to accommodate the sailors. But this original structure burnt down in 1865.
Later, Danish captains formed a partnership to open a replacement hotel. The board decided that the opening of the new River Wing in 1876 would mark the official establishment date.
Enter Hans Niels Andersen. In 1881, this Danish businessman acquired the premises. He envisioned a respectable hotel with Western amenities. Prince Prisdang Jumsai encouraged Andersen to build a luxury hotel. The Oriental opened on May 19, 1887. It had 40 rooms designed by Italian architects Cardu and Rossi. It was Siam’s first luxury hotel, boasting features unseen outside the royal palace.
The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok hosted its first major event in 1888. It was a grand banquet celebrating Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. King Chulalongkorn himself inspected the hotel in 1890. He deemed it worthy to host visiting royalty.
Over the years, the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has changed hands. Marie Maire took over ownership in 1910. The Japanese Army leased it during World War II and used it as an officer’s club. Allied prisoners occupied and vandalized it after the war.
In 1947, a unique partnership breathed new life into the hotel. Germaine Krull, a photographer turned hotelier, took the helm. With her were Prince Bhanu, General Chai Prateepasen, Pote Sarasin, John Webster, and Jim Thompson. Thompson used his artistic skills to restore the hotel. Krull established the Bamboo Bar, a Bangkok hotspot.
The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok expanded in 1958 with the Garden Wing. It featured the city’s first elevator and Le Normandie Restaurant. Italthai acquired Krull’s share in 1967. Giorgio Berlingieri and Dr Chaijudh Karnasuta founded Italthai. They appointed Kurt Wachtveitl as general manager.
In 1972, the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok acquired an adjacent property. This allowed them to build the 350-room River Wing.
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group acquired a 49% interest in The Oriental in 1974. By 1985, they combined The Mandarin in Hong Kong and The Oriental under one name. The hotel officially became the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok in 2008.
Today, the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok offers 331 rooms and suites. The Authors’ Wing houses suites named after famous writers. They include Joseph Conrad, Somerset Maugham, and Noël Coward. The River Wing features suites named after Barbara Cartland and Graham Greene.
Celebrated for its excellence, the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has won numerous awards. Travel + Leisure named it “Best City Hotel in Asia.” Condé Nast Traveler recognized its spa.
The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok stands as a symbol of timeless elegance. Its history is woven into the fabric of Bangkok itself. From its pioneering beginnings to its modern-day luxury, it continues to captivate guests. The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok offers an experience unlike any other.