Oriental Residence Bangkok – Wireless Road
Monica Tindall
Like a home away from home (or the home you wish to have), Oriental Residence Bangkok provides comfort and luxury in the heart of Bangkok.
You couldn’t dream of a better location for business or leisure travel. In the middle of the city’s green lung, the property is bordered by the gorgeous tree-filled embassies of the USA and Netherlands. The entire strip is filled with lush vegetation and the city’s biggest park, Lumpini, is just a short stroll down the street. In the other direction, there are commercial centres, such as Central Embassy, and dining and entertainment options galore. There’s much to explore in this green suburb, and you can do most of it on foot.
Oriental Residence Bangkok
Oriental Residence Bangkok embraces Oriental charm and Thai warmth. The expansive lobby windows bring in natural light, forming a connection with the outdoors and its incredibly green address. The absence of walls creates an open and airy space, a hallmark of modern classic elegance. Armchairs flank a sofa, and a wall of prints is lined up directly above a table of flowers. This classic symmetrical arrangement brings a sense of order to the welcome, a direct contrast to the bustle found just footsteps from the door.
A white, cream and light grey palette with a splash of blue holds textured fabrics and a few carefully selected accessories like orchids and artworks. The furniture has clean lines and simple forms, yet decorative elements in lamps and floral arrangements hint at a classic aesthetic. The design balances refined grace and modern simplicity, creating a sophisticated and welcoming atmosphere. This finesse carries through to the rooms and, in our case, a two-bedroom park view suite.
Two-bedroom Park View Suite
Oriental Residence Bangkok offers a variety of room options to suit different preferences, including one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom suites. Our two-bedroom suite is spacious: larger than many city apartments, I imagine. At 120 square metres, it comfortably accommodates four adults and a child, or five adults (one on the sofa, I presume). The suite boasts two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a well-equipped kitchenette, a spacious living and dining area, a separate laundry room, and a private outdoor balcony overlooking the lush green grounds of the US and Dutch embassies.
The kitchenette features a washer-dryer, iron, ironing board, full-sized fridge and freezer, TWG tea and local coffee pods for the espresso machine, kettle, microwave, toaster, pots, pans, cutlery, hot plate, and crockery. I always aim to travel with only carry-on luggage, so having an in-room washer-dryer is incredibly beneficial in keeping with that goal. Preparing simple meals is also a breeze, and reheating street food or adding our own beverages to in-house dining provides great flexibility.
The living room features a sofa, work desk, dining table for four, and a large smart TV. The hardwood flooring and cream and soft sage palette create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Subtle changes in textures, from the headboard to the wallpaper and curtains, add depth and visual interest. The space exudes a modern classic aesthetic with a timeless design that combines sophistication and practicality. Meticulously crafted with intricate details and finishes, it is designed to last and remain stylish for years to come.
The primary bedroom features a king bed, while the second bedroom offers a choice of queen or twin beds. The rooms have custom mattresses, a pillow menu and excellent blackout curtains, enhancing the chance for a comfortable night’s sleep. There’s one international electrical outlet, but you can ask for adaptors from reception if you need more (They have plans to add more in the upgrades). Additional amenities include a shoe polishing service, an evening turn-down service, and comfy slippers. Full-sized wardrobes keep bags out of sight and the room tidy, and both rooms have large smart TVs.
Both bathrooms are modern and minimalist, featuring cream marble flooring, clean lines, neutral colours, and a sleek, uncluttered look. The vanity has a unique, wavy design with a smooth countertop and integrated sink. The fixtures are contemporary, with polished chrome faucets and a wall-mounted light fixture. The shower area is enclosed with glass and has high-pressure dual shower heads. Panpuri bath products are provided in refillable pumps, and recyclable amenities such as bamboo toothbrushes further reduce environmental impact. The toilet has a modern, wall-mounted flush system. The primary bathroom also includes a bathtub and twin vanities. Overall, the rooms are elegant and sophisticated, focusing on functionality and simplicity.
Food & Beverage Options
While you could comfortably dine in this suite or explore the dynamic dining options surrounding the property, Oriental Residence Bangkok’s several in-house dining options are worthy of attention.
Café Claire
The all-day-dining outlet, Café Claire, serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Taking up a corner of the ground floor, its expansive windows take advantage of the bordering giant trees. With natural daylight gently illuminating the space, it’s particularly pretty during the day, with mottled light reaching tables through the surrounding foliage. Soft French tunes supply background music, adding to the European bistro appeal.
I have the chance to enjoy lunch here one day, and appreciate the quality range of options, paired with several wines by the glass. Take a more in-depth look at Café Claire’s lunch menu here. The hotel’s promotion boards show a rotating range of unique offerings, such as Friday night jazz, Instagram-worthy afternoon teas like the Voyage du Ballon and London Eye Ferris Wheel, and some great set lunch offers. Seems like there’d be plenty to keep me writing if I had time for a more extended stay.
Breakfast at Café Claire
Breakfast inclusions vary with different stay packages at Oriental Residence Bangkok, but it’s generally either a light buffet with the provisions of two à la carte orders, or an à la carte menu. However, by the time you’ve ordered a hot and cold drink and a main from the à la carte menu, you’ve spent nearly as much as the price of the buffet, hence my suggestion to head straight to the smorgasbord.
Tropical fruit, salads, cheese, dips and pastries line the counter. A local cheese selection and Middle Eastern mezze, such as murtabal and baba ganoush, are excellent. I also appreciate the ice bucket holding chia seed pudding and yoghurt in small jars.
Western and Asian favourites stand alongside several plant-based options on the à la carte menu. My go-to is generally poached eggs with avocado and greens, so I’m grateful for the pick. However, the flat croissant with cured salmon, truffle eggs Benedict, fluffy French toast and crepe brimming with whipped cream and cheesecake cubes (!) also look eye-catching, if not at the very least indulgent. Dim sum, rice bowls, noodle soups and fusion dishes like tom yum eggs round out the menu.
Coffee from the hills of Chiang Mai provides the standard beans, and dairy alternatives like almond and oat milk are available. Fruit juices are pressed to order, and TWG supplies a generous variety of tea blends.
Oriental Bar & The Play Deck
My stay is a whirlwind visit between trips to Luang Prabang and Kuala Lumpur, with several gastronomic experiences with Thailand’s top chefs thrown in. As such, there’s not a moment to check out The Play Deck or the Oriental Bar (I know, shock, horror, how did I not manage to squeeze in a cocktail?). However, with plans for a complete upgrading of rooms and forging ahead in making the property a truly luxurious stay, I will return for sure. I’ve borrowed some images from the property so you can see the Oriental Bar below. (I’m sure I can hear a Negroni calling me.)
In-room Dining
With an elegant dining table set up in our two-bedroom suite, it’s easy to take advantage of in-room dining. It’s especially appreciated with a delayed flight and late-night arrival. We give full marks to the Baked Spinach with mozzarella (THB240), Barramundi with cauliflower puree, eggplant, moussaka, tomato salsa and pumpkin puree (THB660), and the Atlantic Salmon with a smooth mashed potato topped with mustard beurre blanc and sided with poached leek and vine tomatoes (THB760). And, oh, the cheeseboard is lovely post-meal with a glass of red.
To burn off those calories or simply relax in between city adventures, the property has a floor of facilities that includes a fitness centre and a swimming pool.
Oriental Residence Bangkok Facilities
The fourth floor holds a pool long enough to do laps, lined with sun recliners and relaxation cocoons. Three-quarters are covered, with the remainder exposed to the sun, making it usable no matter the sun’s position in the sky. While the fitness room is small, there are several cardio machines, mats and free weights. It’s enough for maintenance, and it’s open 24 hours (thank you!). I choose to skip the indoor cardio on this trip, though, and head to the abundantly-shaded Lumpini Park just a few minutes up the road. With so many trees, it’s an attractive place for a run or a stroll at most times of day.
Special Deals
Sounds like a brilliant stay, doesn’t it? But wait, before you head to your favourite hotel booking site, it’s wise to browse Oriental Residence Bangkok’s website first, as they have some fantastic deals when you book directly. For example, one such website exclusive is an early check-in at 12 pm and late check-out at 2 pm, with one signature cocktail at Oriental Bar per person per stay. Book a stay for three or more consecutive nights and get a complimentary afternoon tea box on arrival. The hotel also guarantees the best rate, claiming that if you find it cheaper elsewhere, not only will they match the price, but also give a further 20% off.
Oriental Residence Bangkok Review
With the recent prestige of a One MICHELIN Key Award and membership in the Small Luxury Hotels of the World community, the team at Oriental Residence Bangkok are determined to continue onwards and upwards. The next 18 months will see an upgrading of rooms and facilities, lifting the luxury experience even further. The plan is to do one floor at a time with a buffer floor in between, so there should be minimal disturbance to guests in the process. Whether you go now or after the renovations, Oriental Residence Bangkok is an incredibly convenient and comfortable choice with the added benefits of kitchenettes and laundries, making the property ideal for extended stays.
Reasons to stay at Oriental Residence Bangkok: beautiful neighbourhood in the city’s green lung and embassy district; short stroll to Lumpini Park, shopping, dining and entertainment; sophisticated and calming setting; warm service; convenient for longer stays with a kitchenette in all rooms and washer-dryer in many, too; gorgeous park views from the upper floors.
Oriental Residence Bangkok
110 Wireless Road Bangkok 10330
Phloen Chit BTS Station (700 m)
Chit Lom BTS Station (1 km)
+66(0) 2125 9000
www.oriental-residence.com
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