New hotels popping up around the city are a common sight in Bangkok. It's a delight to see that tourism isn't slowing down and that the city is being modernised more and more each day. The downside is that the essence and spirit of old Bangkok may be forgotten amid the urbanisation. However, there are a few who choose to not only preserve the old culture of the city, but also share it with people from out of town. We've got four hotels with rich histories you could check in at for a different experience.
PRINCE THEATRE HERITAGE STAY
441/1 Charoen Krung Road
http://princeheritage.com, http://fb.com/PrinceHeritageStay, 02-090-2858
Gentrification is taking over Charoen Krung. However, there's a forgotten hidden gem on Soi 46 across Lebua Sky Tower: the Prince Theatre Heritage Stay. Tucked away inside a small alley, this building's been around for about 100 years and has been resurrected as a boutique hotel.
HISTORY
The building's history dates back to the era of King Rama V. Originally it was a casino with a show to keep butts on seats and money flowing. The only problem was that it was illegal and so the entire thing was disbanded. It was then rebranded as a wholesome theatre that screened silent slapstick movies and eventually, films such as the James Bond series and Jaws in the 70s. However, this was also the time when multiplexes were becoming a thing and stand-alone cinemas were fading away. In an effort to keep it going, they started showing risqué films in the 80s until it finally closed down eight years ago and the building was abandoned.
FEATURES
The hotel retains that old-school cinema charm with its wooden floors and huge red curtains. They also show movies on their projected screen, which start from the floor and goes all the way to the ceiling. They've also got a small exhibition showcasing the cinema's history in the lobby, as well as a bar and plenty of seats for guests to chill, drink and have a conversation or watch a movie. The hotel has shared rooms, one with a capsule-like look and feel to it, as well as a duplex shared room with two floors (duh) and cubicle-like divisions. Of course, you can also opt for one of two lofts, which are duplex rooms, or suites, both of which are located behind the huge screen.
LOCATION
With the building's history and location, the Prince Theatre Heritage Stay is surrounded by local homes and people who have witnessed the building's transformation. In fact, many who live there can share their stories about the building depending on the era they witnessed. The hotel is nearby a number of legendary restos that have been around for a while, like Jok Prince. The location is perfect for experiencing street food. If you're intimidated exploring by yourself, don't worry -- the hotel does guided walking tours.
THEATRE RESIDENCE
69/4-8 Soi Wat Rakang, Arun Amrin Road
http://theatreresidence.com, fb.com/TheatreResidence, 02-848-9488
Everyone is familiar with the Grand Palace and it's a must-do for tourists or else they don't really feel like they've been to Bangkok. However, one of the places that has been forgotten is across the river, which is equally rich in culture and history, and this is where Theatre Residence is located.
HISTORY
The location of Theatre Residence was originally a place where royal artists and performers would reside. After all, the Grand Palace was just across the river, so all they had to do was take a boat when they were called upon to perform. In 1992, legendary actress of stage and screen Patravadi Mejudhon decided to establish the Patravadi Theatre, Bangkok's first open theatre. It operated until 2008 when heavy floods hit the city, causing the Chao Phraya to overflow and badly damage the theatre. In its place, the Theatre Residence was built and has now been operating for almost a year.
FEATURES
The Theatre Residence prides itself in its long history in the performing arts by welcoming guests in its open-air lobby with exhibits of its past and productions. It doesn't stop there though. Each floor houses a number of other items from Patravadi Mejudhon's private collection, showcasing a meeting of the old and new. One of the items on display is a check-in book for guests attending performances which is worn, torn and brown because of age, yet guests provided phone numbers and even their emails! They have four room types, their most expensive being the River View Room, which not only gives you a gorgeous vista of the Chao Phraya but also a view of the Grand Palace. The pool is in the middle of the hotel and it almost seems like you're in a park. Despite being in the city, everything is serene and quiet.
LOCATION
There's nothing wrong about Bangkok being modernised, but if you want to get a feel of old Bangkok, Theatre Residence is in the thick of it. Guests can give alms in the morning as monks from the nearby temple pass by. There's also a market that's walking distance from the hotel where guests can immerse themselves in the local culture. The hotel offers canal tours, which is a glimpse of life along the river in the years gone by. Aside from being a hop, skip and boat ride away from the Grand Palace, you can also take a tuk tuk to cultural hotspots like Chinatown and Wat Pho, or if you're feeling a little slovenly, Khao San.
THE RAWEEKANLAYA BANGKOK WELLNESS CUISINE RESORT
164-172 Krung Kasem Road
http://raweekanlaya.com, http://fb.com/RaweekanlayaHotel, 02-628-5999
It's hard to think of a wellness resort in the middle of the city. Of course, there are numerous spas and massage parlours (actual parlours and not those naughty ones that scream "sexual harassment"), but you would never think of spending a few days of wellness and relaxation in Bangkok. Raweekanlaya may just prove you wrong.
HISTORY
The building was originally built in the late 1800s during the reign of King Rama VI. It is also part of Thewet Palace, which was located nearby. It was the residence of one of the king's governess. The original architecture remains intact, having only been restored, with a few additions and tweaks, so that the place retains its 19th century feel.
FEATURES
The resort feels like a mansion. This is obvious with its quaint space and only 38 rooms. Guests can choose to stay in the City Wing or the Garden Wing. Being a wellness resort, Raweekanlaya manages to make guests disconnected from the city despite being on a main city road. Credit should be given to the tall trees and greenery surrounding the resort, which makes it feel as if you're in a hidden garden in the city. A wellness resort wouldn't be complete without a spa, and Raweekanlaya's Imperial Spa totes traditional therapies that have been passed down from generation to generation, using the Photalai tradition. "Cuisine" is also in their name and Raweekanlaya Dining doesn't disappoint. A entire spread of Thai dishes can be found on their menu. If you're feeling "picky", guests can head over to the garden where they can pick out veggies and herbs that they want the chef to cook.
LOCATION
Being a wellness resort, guests who stay here would probably want to spend more time in the hotel relaxing and taking in its history than go sightseeing. However, if you really can't be stay in one place for long and are itching to walk around, the resort is a taxi ride away from the Grand Palace and its surrounding temples and museums, as well as the Dusit Zoo for a trip to the wild side.
MIAMI HOTEL
Sukhumvit soi 13
http://thaimiami.com, http://fb.com/thaimiamihotel, 02-253-5611
Retro and old-school aesthetics are making a comeback. Fashion magazines are in love with the look our grandparents once sported and ironically, this is being boosted with the help of social media, especially Instagram. If a blast from the past is what you're seeking, the Miami Hotel is for you.
HISTORY
The original owners started the hotel when the Vietnam War was in full swing and GIs from the US were making their way through the country. Wanting to be farang-friendly, the owners named the property the Miami Hotel. Not only did it sound familiar to foreigners, but because the year was 1965, which was when Thailand won the Miss Universe title in -- you guessed it -- Miami. Their logo also incorporates the Miss Universe crown from that year. Aside from a few renovations, the hotel has pretty much kept the same look and layout since then. In fact, it still retains the old-school regulated layout for hotels back then: a pool in the middle and four floors. A restaurant and cafe was part of the regulations but it's since closed down. The hotel hasn't closed down since it first opened and they've had guests from the 60s bring their families and tell their stories about when they stayed in the hotel years before.
FEATURES
The Miami Hotel offers guests a choice of a Standard Room, which can have a double or twin bed or a Family Suite, which is slightly bigger. They're also in the process of setting up a hostel-like accommodation with bunk beds that will open next month. Aside from the usual trappings, the Miami Hotel is unique in its aesthetic and style. Walking into the lobby, you're suddenly transported back to the 60s. Most of the decor doesn't just emulate the style of that period, but it actually is from that period. In fact, the hotel still used an old-school switchboard until a few months ago! The style of the hotel has also been a point of interest for many fashion magazines who have booked it for photoshoots. You can check out their FB and IG for classic-looking photos.
LOCATION
The Miami Hotel is conveniently located in-between BTS Nana and Asok. Terminal 21 is a nearby mall and numerous streets stalls line Sukhumvit. Make sure you don't get ripped off or buy fake Viagra.
