3 Bangkok boutique hotels once homes of the rich
All of the suites and villas at Chakrabongse Villas have private decks. Chakrabongse Villas
At Chakrabongse Villas, Narisa Chakrabongse, the great granddaughter of King Rama V, turned three unused pavilions in her family’s riverside palace into two villas and two suites.
Built in 1909 as the residence of Narisa’s grandfather and father, HRH Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath and Prince Chula Chakrabongse, the boutique hotel features classic Italian Villa style with lots of handcrafted details.
Guests can choose between an Ayutthaya-style Thai Villa or a Garden Suite with plenty of trees and flowers, while the River House is where to catch stunning sunset views of the famous Temple of Dawn.
The China House overlooking the swimming pool is the latest addition to the palace, featuring traditional Chinese furniture, doors and fabrics.
Rates are from 8,000-23,000 baht in the low-season (May-September) and from 10,000-25,000 baht in the high season (October-April).
396 Maharaj Road, Ta Tien. Tel: +66 (0)8 9810 0498 or +66 (0)8 7011-7575.
Guests of Phraya Palazzo can only get there by ferry, which leaves from Bangkok's Rajathiwas Temple Pier. Praya Palazzo
Built in 1923 as the bridal house of Thai high society member Phraya Cholabhumi-Panit and his wife, this Italian-inspired mansion on the Chao Phraya riverbank was a monument of love for the newlywed couple.
Baan Bang Yii Khan was eventually left to ruin before architect Wichai Pitakworrarat decided to bring it back to life and slap a new name on it: Praya Palazzo.
He managed to preserve most of the mansion’s intricate details and create a 17-room boutique accommodation with plenty of antiques and dark wood to give it a 1920s feel.
Room choices range from superior to riverside suites. Guests can stomp around on a hundred-year-old wood floor and sit on antique furniture while still having access to all those 21st century comforts like air conditioners and infinity swimming pools.
In terms of dining, the hotel restaurant serves sophisticated Thai dishes at the Praya Dining restaurant.
What makes this place really exclusive is that it can only be accessed by boat. Rates are from 6,400-20,000 baht over the January-September period and 8,400-25,000 baht in October-December.
757/1 Somdej Phra Pinklao Soi 2, Bangyeekhan. Tel: +66 (0)2 883 2998, +66 (0)2 322 9155.
In 2010, Baan Pranond received an award from the Association of Siamese Architects for its architectural preservation.Baan Pranond Bed & Breakfast
Former Supreme Court Justice Phra Nondapanya built this three-bedroom Thai colonial mansion 70 years ago. When he passed away it was rented out for a while but was eventually abandoned and left to ruin.
Enter his granddaughter Tasma Cotsmire. Armed with a 10 million baht budget, she recently brought Baan Pranond back to life.
It now has a bright yellow façade and inside guests will find the same style of old vintage décor that filled it when it was first built, including teak floors and four-poster beds.
This is a place for those who want to stay somewhere unique but not pay 20,000 baht a night. All nine rooms are simple but elegant, some overlooking the pool.
Rates average from 2,500 baht to 6,000 baht per night, but weekly deals are available so check their website for the latest specials.
18/1 Charoen Rat Road, Yannawa, Sathorn. Tel: +66 (0)2 212 2242.
