The hype
Families and couples love the resort vibe and pool, but solo travelers and party-goers find the location frustratingly isolated.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
$150-250/ night
Book this if You want a full-blown tropical resort experience with a massive pool, but still want to be technically inside Bangkok.
Why People Love It
- The massive pool is a legitimate oasis with a deep end (3m) and swim-up bar
- Free shuttle boat to the BTS Skytrain makes the commute feel like a mini river cruise
- Breakfast at The Market is a sprawling, multi-station event right by the river
Quick Take: It’s a 1990s grand dame that feels more like a relaxed island resort than a city hotel, provided you don't mind the 20-minute boat ride to civilization.
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The 'free shuttle boat' is charming until you're waiting for it in the heat or it's full during peak hours.
- You are traveling with kids who need a massive pool to burn off energy
- You prefer a slow, resort-paced morning over rushing to sightseeing
- You appreciate classic Thai architecture over glass-and-steel minimalism
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8.5
- Housekeeping: Daily and thorough, though they sometimes miss dust on the high dark-wood molding.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean marble, but grout lines show age. Water pressure is good but temperature stability is a common complaint.
- Maintenance: Generally good, but expect scuffs on wooden furniture and worn carpets in hallways.
- Linens & towels: High quality, crisp white linens. Towels are fluffy and plentiful.
- Odors & scents: Lobby smells of lemongrass (signature scent). Some older rooms have a faint musty/carpet smell.
Sleepability™
7MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Long-tail boat engines revving on the river (early morning)
- Wedding DJ bass from the Riverside Terrace or Trader Vic's (weekends)
Before you book
Good to know
- The shuttle boat runs every 30 minutes to Saphan Taksin (BTS) and ICONSIAM
- A deposit of ~2,000 THB per night is required at check-in
- Join the 'GHA Discovery' loyalty program before booking for potential room upgrades or late checkout
What to pack
- Mosquito repellent (riverside location = mosquitoes at dusk)
- Universal travel adapter (outlets are often older styles)
Room Genie
Best picks
- Deluxe River View (high floor) for the classic Chao Phraya sunrise
- Junior River View Suite for the extra space and lounge access (worth it for the cocktails)
Rooms to avoid
- Garden View rooms on low floors facing the tennis courts (zero privacy)
- North Wing rooms closest to the Riverside Terrace if you are a light sleeper (buffet/show noise)
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“I am requesting a room in the South Wing, high floor, facing the river. Please ensure I am NOT facing the tennis courts or the Riverside Terrace event space, as I am sensitive to noise.”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the location too far from the city?
It feels far. You are on the Thonburi side. Getting to the BTS requires a 15-20 min boat ride. It adds commute time but removes street noise.
Is the pool actually good?
Yes, it's one of the largest in Bangkok, deep (3m in parts), and surrounded by real palm trees. It's the hotel's best feature.
Does the hotel feel old?
Yes. Built in 1992 and renovated in 2014, it has a 'classic' feel. Think dark wood, carpets, and marble bathrooms that are clean but dated.
Can I walk to 7-Eleven or street food?
Yes. The hotel is connected to 'Riverside Plaza' (mall with basics). For street food, walk 5-10 mins down Charoen Nakhon Road to Soi 17-21.
Is breakfast included?
Depends on your rate. If paying separately, it's pricey (~1,000 THB) but the spread is massive and high quality.
Are there weddings often?
Very often. It's a popular wedding venue. Check if there's a big event scheduled during your stay if you want quiet.
Insider Tips
- ✨
The 'Riverside Plaza' mall connected to the hotel has a 'Coffee Club' with river views for a fraction of the hotel breakfast price.
- ✨
Walk out the front, turn right, and go to Soi 21 for 'Heng Hoitod Chawlae'—famous crispy oyster omelets.
- ✨
The shuttle boat also goes to ICONSIAM (huge luxury mall)—use it for a free scenic ride even if you don't shop.
5 things to know before you go
💡The shower temperature can be temperamental—fluctuating between hot and cold in older rooms.
💡The 'Garden View' is often a euphemism for 'facing a concrete wall or tennis court'.
💡You can hear the 'whistle' of the pier staff directing boats from river-facing rooms.
💡The swim-up bar prices are steep; happy hour is the only time it makes sense.
💡There is a 'sulfur pool' listed in some amenities, but it's really just a spa plunge pool or a misunderstanding of the pool's chemical treatment—don't expect an onsen.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort is located and what's nearby.