7 other thrills to find at The Peninsula Bangkok
MANILA, Philippines - 1. The glamorized tuktuk. The Peninsula Bangkok has its trademark elegant fleet of Rolls-Royce and BMW limos, but what is a trip to Bangkok without the sight of the Thai tuktuk? The Pen's version of this native transport can take you anywhere you want, but the hotel’s front office manager Vince Reyes (in photo, right) says it is often used by cooking class enrollees at The Peninsula Academy to go marketing for ingredients.Vince, by the way, is The Pen executive who personifies the hotel's legendary excellence in hospitality and service.His is the handsome face that greets you and anticipates your every need. A third-generation member of the famous Aristocrat clan, Vince is the only hotelier in a family of restaurateurs.
2. Helicopter service. In a city where traffic can be unpredictable, trust The Pen Bangkok to provide you a helicopter when you want it.And like The Pen HK, it has a heli lounge where you can enjoy a few drinks while browsing through antique aviation maps and gadgets.
3. A room with a viewpoint. Yes, every suite has an uninterrupted view of the Chao Phraya River. And distinctive Thai touches such as teak floors, rich silk furnishings, Asian art pieces, in-suite dining and all the hi-tech comforts you need. I love the goose down pillows and duvets, the walk-in closets, and the bathroom's two vanity units, separate shower cubicle,TV, and hands-free phone. Vince Reyes says the view of New Year fireworks by the river is so awesome that The Pen rooms are pre-booked way in advance for the yearend holiday season.
4. Dining al fresco by the Chao Phraya River. This is my favorite experience here — dining outdoors at the River Cafe and Terrace, the wind gently blowing upon your face, as you watch the boats pass by at night. The buffet table combining oriental and western cuisine offers everything from melts-in-your-mouth salmon sashimi to prawns, lobsters, lamb and wagyu steak to the most divine desserts. From here, The Pen offers free rides on its boats to riverside destinations such as the new Asiatique shopping complex just a few minutes away, which is open until midnight.
5. The Pen afternoon tea at The Lobby. A Peninsula vacation is never complete without the afternoon tea, which includes my fave scones and mini cucumber sandwiches. You can enjoy it either indoors or at the riverfront terrace and of course,with live music in the afternoon — with a Filipino band!
6. Thai dining under the stars. Also located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River is The Pen's Thiptura, where you can enjoy all the authentic Thai dishes you crave for under a majestic banyan tree.
7. A swimming pool with a breathtaking view of the river and the city. The Pen’s serene three-tiered outdoor pool is flanked by Thai salas where you can seek shade and comfort. The pool has a length of 288 feet.
