As a Bangkok novice, I didn’t really know what I was looking for when searching for my place of residence during my vacay to BKK. But on my hotel specification to yours truly was a boutique style, glamorous and something-a-little-different-hotel. So I did some research and came across Shanghai Mansion. Score – it ticks all three, plus some more. Being the only boutique hotel in Bangkok’s China Town, not only was I extremely satisfied with my find of Shanghai Mansion but I’d even go so far to say that it is probably in my top 5 hotels that I’ve ever stayed in!
So what makes it so special?
Set right in the heart of China Town, Shanghai Mansion is perfectly situated. But the most special feature for me is the opulent and traditional Chinese decor and style throughout the hotel. Straight at the outset of stepping out from the busy streets into Shanghai Mansion brings a wave of tranquillity, glamour and luxury whilst oozing romance. Not to mention the level of service received from all of the lovely staff there!
Tell me more…
Shanghai Mansion seeks to bring old Shanghai together with new-chic Shanghai, so maintaining the traditional motifs combining it with elegant and fun twists brings an ambience of romance and Chinese charm and everywhere you walk within the hotel – you get this feeling.
And the rooms?
When escorted to our room for the first time, I had a bit of ‘WOW’ moment. Firstly, the velvet sofa caught my eye – how luxurious!? The next thing that jumped out was the size of the bed! A quadruple king size – yes please :D. But it didn’t stop there… round the corner was a stand alone, over-sized bath tub that could surely persuade any avid showerer to swap for a bath or two. There was an even separate shower and toilet rooms.
I couldn’t help but notice that everything was immaculately clean and every single detail was thought out carefully (even the complimentary toiletries were beautiful coconut products). Also, may I point out… they offer a free mini bar which I thought was extremely refreshing seeing as hotels usually overcharge as much as possible for their mini bars.
Therefore I can say that I would give the rooms a 10/10.
What about the food and drink?
After the excitement of exploring the room, we set out to experience the Jazz Lounge at the front of Shanghai Mansion to grab something to eat. The saxophonist that was playing here was so mesmerising and if you do visit Bangkok – even if you don’t stay at the hotel… definitely have a drink in the this bar. The atmosphere is so relaxing and I couldn’t help myself but to sing along to the beautiful jazz.
The menu at the bar all sounded pretty delicious, but I found something on there that I had never tried before (plus I’m a sucker for sweet food); avocado ice cream in a coconut!? Go on then! No regrets – it was insane and a must try for sweetaholics like moi <3
The cocktails are reasonably priced too – where sparkling wine is usually priced at a premium around south east Asia, the Bellini’s here were one of the cheapest cocktails on the menu – I’ll take three please ;).
The breakfast was also delish! Keeping within the traditions – there were some Chinese/Thai choices whilst also offering a diverse selection of eggs made to order, fruit, yogurt, different spreads etc. But my favourite thing again, and what Shanghai Mansion constantly wins at – is the layout and look of not just the food but the breakfast room’s decor.
Any cool history behind Shanghai Mansion?
Whilst we were staying at Shanghai Mansion I was very intrigued to find out about the history of the hotel – I discovered that it was one of the first 9 story high buildings in Bangkok China Town so it was quite an architectural landmark then (which was pretty high in those days – nothing like the huge sky scrapers of today), it then was a Chinese Opera House and was a gathering for Chinese cultural performing arts. This lives on through the style of the hotel and even now – the beautiful big hall is used for dances, shows and other similar performing events.
Like what you see?
So, looking for a glamorous, yet – may I add, great value hotel to stay at during your visit to Bangkok? I can highly recommend Shanghai Mansion. To take a look for yourself, and to book this beautiful hotel, click here to book on booking.com.
