AVANI Riverside Bangkok

Bangkok

The AVANI Riverside, modern and a little brash, sits on the western bank of the Chao Phraya river, south of central Bangkok. The high-rise hotel offers 248 spacious, bright and plain rooms and suites, all with sweeping river views, complemented by an attractive infinity pool on the 26th floor.

Style and Character

Light wood, high ceilings and huge windows are central themes of this very modern hotel. The brightness both in the common areas and in the rooms and suites is very welcome as it conveys a younger, simpler and fresher feel than some of the established Bangkok riverside chain hotels further north, though the hotel's aesthetics are caught halfway between quirky and generic (the vote is still out on which way it’s going to go).

Service and Facilities

Service is friendly and switched on, though checking in can take time when the hotel is busy. Facilities are geared towards business travellers and couples. The spa is small with just two treatment rooms, with excellent views of course.

The gym, on the other hand, is rather large, with a good selection of excellent running machines, weights, gym balls and more. The very attractive infinity pool on the 26th floor is 25 metres long and truly conveys a precipitous feel.

Rooms

The 228 standard rooms are compact in size and feature large windows facing the river. Furnishings are faultless and elegant.

The smart and spotless bathrooms have sliding doors, making them either part of the room or affording guests absolute privacy. All the usual facilities – air-conditioning, TV, minibar, safe, tea and coffee, free water and Wi-Fi – are in evidence.

Food and Drink

The Skyline restaurant on the 11th floor serves international cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner. A few steps away on the same floor, the Long Bar is the perfect place for a coffee or a beer. The adjacent Pantry has a great selection of cakes and chocolates as well as some sandwiches. Numero Uno in the ground floor lobby offers a tasty selection of chocolates.

Dinner is served at the Attitude Rooftop Bar and Restaurant on the 26th floor. Diners can enjoy the spectacular views outside or retreat into smart air-con and feast on an eclectic mix of excellent fusion-style fine dining choices. The smoking caramel duck almost dissolves on the tongue and the pink grilled ahi tuna is equally delicious. Guests with big wallets can go all out with beluga caviar at 18,000 Baht (£420).

Breakfast is a buffet affair with plenty of Asian and international choices, several cooking stations and a good selection of cheeses, cold meats and salads.

The best place for a pre-dinner drink is definitely the Attitude Bar, which offers a fine selection of unique cocktails.