Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, long known simply as the Oriental, has welcomed travellers on the banks of the Chao Phraya for more than 150 years and is the city's most storied hotel. Its original colonial building, now home to The Authors' Lounge and a handful of historic suites named after famous guests, is dwarfed by the later River Wing and Garden Wing, but it still sets the tone, along with an unhurried, attentive style of service that the hotel is known for. Writers, royalty and film stars have stayed here, and the photographs on the walls tell that story.

Rooms and suites are spread across the wings, most with views of the river, decorated in a classic style with Thai silks and dark wood. Dining is a large part of the appeal. Anne-Sophie Pic at Le Normandie, the French restaurant on the top of the River Wing, holds two Michelin stars; The China House serves Cantonese food; Baan Phraya and Terrace Rim Naam serve Thai dishes; Lord Jim's and Riverside Terrace offer buffets; and Ciao Terrazza is Italian. Across the river, Sala Rim Naam hosts traditional Thai dining, and The Spa occupies a teak building on the Thonburi bank. The Bamboo Bar, Bangkok's best-known jazz bar, and The Authors' Lounge for afternoon tea complete the line-up.

The hotel runs a complimentary shuttle boat between its pier and ICONSIAM every 30 minutes, and a one-way boat to Sathorn Pier on request, which makes it easy to reach the river express boats and the BTS at Saphan Taksin. Restaurants have dress codes, especially at dinner in Le Normandie, so pack at least one smart outfit. Reservations can be made directly with the hotel by phone or through the reservations email address.

The Mandarin Oriental suits couples, honeymooners, luxury travellers and anyone with a love of history and grand hotels. Families are welcome, though the atmosphere is calm and refined rather than resort-like. Rates are among the highest in the city.

The hotel is at 48 Oriental Avenue in Bang Rak, at the end of a lane off Charoen Krung Road, in one of the oldest parts of the city's riverside. Saphan Taksin BTS station and Sathorn Pier are about ten minutes' walk away. The galleries, cafés and shophouses of Charoen Krung, the Assumption Cathedral and the old East Asiatic Company building are all close by.