Our stay at Anantara Riverside Bangkok was a genuinely warm and memorable experience.
Check-in was handled efficiently at the main front desk before we were invited to continue the process at the Kasara Lounge due to our upgrade to a Riverfront Suite. This transition felt seamless and thoughtful rather than transactional. Miw greeted us at the lounge and took time to clearly explain the resort layout, available facilities, and our GHA Titanium benefits without rushing. Her manner was friendly and sincere, and it felt like she genuinely cared that we understood and enjoyed the experience. Dada later helped orientate us around the expansive resort grounds, which was helpful given the size and layout of the property.
The Kasara Lounge itself was a consistent highlight throughout the stay. The space was quiet, comfortable, and never felt crowded. Light snacks, fresh fruit, and drinks were available all day, making it an easy place to retreat to between activities. Afternoon tea was well executed, with scones, cakes, and savoury sandwiches. The iced mocha deserves special mention. It was rich, balanced, and easily better than what you usually get in hotel lounges.
Our Riverfront Suite was exceptionally spacious and well positioned. Located in a corner wing across the canal, the suite offered a wraparound balcony with an open, unobstructed view of the Chao Phraya River. The sense of space and privacy was excellent, and the river traffic passing by added atmosphere. The sunrise the next morning filled the room with soft light, and the skyline view was especially calming. The suite was clearly designed for longer stays, with a practical layout, generous storage, and a living area that did not feel cramped.
The room was already prepared for our arrival, with the crib neatly arranged and welcome amenities thoughtfully laid out. These included a generous fruit basket with a whole mango, as well as local sweets and snacks that reflected Thai flavours. The minibar was fully stocked, including a separate wine fridge, which is something rarely available. The bathroom was large, clean, and well stocked with towels. Diptyque toiletries were provided, which added a familiar and premium touch.
Turndown service was handled with care and attention to detail. We returned to find small gifts placed in the room, including a soft elephant trinket that our daughter loved, and along with a box of flower-shaped soap. These touches may seem small, but they added warmth to the stay and showed intention.
For breakfast, we opted for the main restaurant instead of the lounge to get more variety. The spread was extensive and covered Thai, Western, Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and other options, which suited different preferences without feeling repetitive. Eggs, coffee, and tea were offered directly at the table, which helped service feel more relaxed. We chose outdoor seating, which was comfortable and shaded, though pigeons were a downside. One unfortunately dropped poop onto my plate mid-meal, which did take away from the experience and is something the hotel should manage better.
We did not use all facilities during this short stay. The pool area looked relatively small for a resort of this size and appeared crowded at full occupancy, so we skipped swimming. The kids' club looked newer and more modern than some other parts of the property, though we did not have the chance to try it this time.
Checkout was smooth and efficient, once again handled by Miw, with the concierge coordinating luggage and transport without delay. The entire process felt calm and organised, ending the stay on a positive note.
Overall, Anantara Riverside Bangkok left us with a strong impression, not because of over-the-top luxury, but due to consistent service, thoughtful recognition, and genuine hospitality. As a loyal GHA and Minor Hotels guest, this is one of the few properties where that loyalty felt clearly acknowledged in meaningful ways.
