We review Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, a hip and stylish retreat overlooking the Chao Phraya River
A dose of decadence perched high in the sky.
Having visited Bangkok hundreds of times, even lowkey living there during the pandemic, I’ve long since established my personal blueprint for the city. I know the neighbourhoods I love, the hotels where I’m a familiar face, and my favourite restaurants to frequent. So, when I was invited to stay at the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel, a five-star contemporary property on the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, I knew I had to set aside my usual routines and expectations. This was a chance to experience a different side of town. The hotel has been a fixture for almost a decade, known for its hip, modern design. All 250 guest rooms and suites serve up uninterrupted river views, offering an atmosphere that is energetic and chic, yet still relaxing.
While this stay was complimentary, all thoughts and opinions are our own.
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok Hotel review
The rooms and suites
Every room here faces the river, from the 30 sqm standards to spacious 65 sqm Panorama River View Junior Suites and multi-bedroom options. I stayed in a Panorama River View Junior Suite, which felt like having my own private tower in the Bangkok skyline.
The view was, first and foremost, one of the most spectacular I’ve experienced in the city. Positioned on the corner of the building, I had sweeping, far-reaching vistas as far as the eye could see. It wasn’t just a cityscape, but a living panorama of the bustling river below, with its water taxis and glittering dinner cruises.
I’ll be honest: a private balcony is normally a non-negotiable for me. While the fabulous Avani rooms don’t have them, the spacious layout and floor-to-ceiling windows – a framing truly top-tier sunsets – meant I never felt claustrophobic or the need to step outside for air.
This is a place to spread out, kick back in the chic corner couch, and order room service. While I’m usually all about a rain shower, the enormous freestanding tub overlooking the city was impossible to resist. The expansive bathroom also features dual vanity basins, making it perfect for couples who like their own space (or if you’re just single like me and like to dabble in multiple basins for the pure luxury of it). Even working was a dream, with an expansive desk overlooking the views. My remote office suddenly felt like a scene from a blockbuster movie.
The highlight? A stunning golden Buddha statue situated right below my window, which lit up at night. Watching visitors to the adjacent temple light floating candles in the water around it offered an unexpected cultural experience without even leaving the comfort of my suite.
Rooftop decadence
The rooftop is the heart of the hotel’s scene to be seen, home to all its leading venues. On the 26th floor, you’ll discover SEEN, where Chef Olivier da Costa brings his renowned fusion of South American flavours. This eclectic indoor-outdoor space offers a sensual playground of diverse dishes like ceviches, sushi, and gourmet sliders, alongside stunning views and lively music. Perfect for sunset moments, SEEN showcases a globally inspired menu rather than traditional Thai cuisine you get in many other hotel restaurants.
It’s also home to the hotel’s bar, SIN. With DJs on the decks nightly, and the tunes echoing through the hotel’s lifts and sound system, it’s a place to indulge and become a part of the city’s social set.
The undisputed star of the rooftop, however, is the magnificent infinity pool. Also on the 26th floor, it offers panoramic views of the city skyline and the River of Kings as you float your stresses away. It was so breathtaking I even took my laptop up to the pool for a few hours, working while soaking up both the sun and the vistas below.
The neighbourhood
Here’s the thing about the riverside hospitality scene: it’s decadently fabulous, with luxury brands lining this historic artery, but it’s not the type of area where you simply walk out the door and into vibrant streets. It’s a significant distance from my usual haunts and the city’s bustling tourist areas. Instead, properties like Avani+ and its sister, the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, are self-contained havens. To reach the bustling heart of Bangkok, you’ll need to plan taxi rides and brace for potential traffic.
Fortunately, for convenience, the hotel is directly connected to the Riverside Plaza, which features 68 shops, several restaurants, and some takeaways. Most importantly, it has the only 7-Eleven in the area – an around-the-clock blessing. Major malls, like ICONSIAM and Asiatique, are a short taxi ride away. The hotel also offers a complimentary 20-minute shuttle boat to the Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain station every 20 minutes, ideal for those happy to decipher local public transport.
Final thoughts
Avani+ Riverside Bangkok is indeed a vibe – one that’s fun, hip, and effortlessly stylish. While it’s quite a distance from buzzy areas like Silom or Sukhumvit, that’s precisely its charm. It’s a relaxing, calm space removed from the chaos, where you can overlook the city and admire its cultural richness from a serene perch. For me, it was the perfect two days of serenity and style to ease into Bangkok before venturing into the glorious madness of the rest of my itinerary.
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