Kempinski Sindhorn and Siam Kempinski, Bangkok’s Luxurious Twins

The luxury brand Kempinski is one of the oldest hotel chains in the business, with a history dating back to 1897. From its beginnings in central Europe, Kempinski has in recent years experienced meteoric growth in the Middle East and Asia, to the point where a few cities in these two regions now boast multiple Kempinski properties.  

A case in point is Kempinski’s Siamese twins in the Thai capital: Sindhorn Kempinski and Siam Kempinski. The latter is the more established of the two, and was even reviewed previously on this site, back in 2014. The former opened years later, in 2020, and is now being featured in Hotel Scoop for the first time. 

To be sure, both hotels can justifiably be classified as urban resorts. For those discerning travelers seeking a nuanced distinction, Siam Kempinski jealously guards its reputation as Bangkok’s luxurious oasis, while Sindhorn Kempinski emphasizes its designation as an urban wellness sanctuary. 

Sindhorn Kempinski

The sleek, modernistic Sindhorn Kempinski earns its wellness chops by virtue of three full floors dedicated to wellbeing and fitness facilities, dominated by a huge cantilevered outdoor pool, a good portion of which is also covered, for extra protection from the sun. Enjoy a cooling dip with an expansive view of the city, or swim laps and relax afterward in one of the myriad surrounding chaise longues.

Naturally, there is a wide variety of other exercise options as well, at the Boutique Fitness Center, equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and staffed with highly trained personnel to assist with training and even diagnostics. There are also studios in which classes are held, such as spinning sessions, yoga tutorials, and even a Pilates Sanctuary. 

The centerpiece of Sindhorn wellness, meanwhile, is arguably the Luxury Spa by Resense. In addition to an extensive menu of healthful and pampering massage and beauty treatments, the spa’s comprehensive hydrothermal area offers a hi-tech range of complementary experiences designed to energize and revitalize. 

Sumptuous Accommodations

Sindhorn Kempinski comprises 274 welcoming guest units, all of which actually qualify as either suites or junior suites. Even the smallest “room” category in the hotel clocks in at a spacious 710 square feet.

True to exacting Kempinski standards, units are furnished to provide the highest levels of comfort and sophistication: comfortable king-sized beds, user-friendly climate control, charging stations for any number of portable electronic devices, laptop-sized safes, and large flat-screen televisions with multi-channel and multi-lingual programming offering a comprehensive array of entertainment and service options. For example, one may either program a wake-up call – at exactly the appointed hour, the television sounds pleasant chimes – or request one the old-fashioned way: by calling the front desk, where a friendly and efficient clerk will make sure you don’t oversleep. Naturally, free WiFi extends to all guest rooms, as well as public spaces. 

The refreshment corner also leaves nothing to be desired. It comes with complimentary mineral water and selections of premium coffees and teas, a mini-refrigerator, and espresso machines as well as teapots. Some units come with free mini-bars, others with a complete kitchenette, including a ceramic hotplate, microwave, plates, glasses, and utensils.

The capacious bathrooms are fastidiously clean, with large soaking tubs and separate shower stalls equipped with dual showerheads. Twin sinks enhance the convenience factor for couples, while pampering toiletries cover every possible hygienic need a man or woman might have. Bathrobes, slippers, and hair dryers complement the thirsty bath towels.

Restful sleep is assured, with even a pillow menu for choosing the perfect cushion(s) for your head and body. Children, too, will feel right at home, in suites designed with young people in mind. Indeed, the property is family-friendly throughout, with a kids’ club brimming with fun and educational activities. 

Drinking and Dining Options Galore

While Bangkok is a city brimming with gourmet dining establishments, as well as tasty street food on almost every corner, it’s hard to do any better than staying in the hotel and eating at one – and preferably more – of the on-site restaurants. First and foremost, the flagship Flourish restaurant, which has Michelin Bib Gourmand status, is the perfect introduction to local cuisine. 

Kempinski hotels always caters to international tastes, and Sindhorn Kempinski is no exception: beyond Thai food, Ki Iazakaya serves tempting Japanese delicacies, Bistrot de la Mer is a French-style bistro, and Berthold Delikatessen is a European continental cafe par excellence.

Before dinner, consider sipping a relaxing cocktail in the Bangkok Bar of the impressive and lush Lobby Lounge. Regardless, definitely plan on a nightcap in the cozy Firefly Bar, where live jazz music plays nightly, and Ken the bartender has been recognized as rising star in the art of mixology.

Last but not least, the famous Kempinski champagne breakfast, with its lavish buffet, is a traditional indulgence not to be skipped. The rich smorgasbord is, of course, a hallmark of the nearby Siam Kempinski as well – a property that is also on any Bangkok must-list, for its serenity, gastronomy, and convenient access to world-class shopping.

Siam Kempinski 

Siam Kempinski, built around its unforgettable central quadrangular artificial atoll, has been refurbished and expanded since the previous review 12 years ago. Now with just under 400 guest rooms and suites – 22 of which enjoy direct pool access from their patios – the property is equal to its Sindhorn sister in every respect, from the aforementioned furnishings and amenities characterizing high-end accommodation (including the distinctive animal-themed family suites) to Michelin-level dining.   

Moreover, Siam Kempinski is linked by a direct pedestrian bridge to Siam Paragon Mall, a sprawling, multi-tiered shopping complex spanning more than 5,000,000 square feet. Nicknamed “The Jewel of Asia,” Siam Paragon is primarily renowned for its high-end luxury fashion boutiques and Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, fun for the entire family. 

Dining at Siam Kempinski kicks the level up a notch, as the elegant Bra Sua restaurant – the clone of Michelin Star Thai restaurant Kiin Kiin – presents “Whispers of the Land,” an immersive tasting menu encompassing the length and breadth of the nation’s bounty, with your personal guide accompanying you on your gastronomic journey from beginning to end. If you are staying at Sindhorn Kempinski, the hotel will be happy to arrange for one of its slick limousines to whisk you between properties, to enter the rarified worlds of Sra Bua or ALATi Grill.

Not to be outdone by Sindhorn in the realm of wellness, Siam Kempinski also boasts its own exquisite spa, as well as a health club with the latest fitness equipment.  Both hotels offer nearly round-the-clock 24-hour access for maximum convenience of business and leisure guests wishing to work out.

Rates at both Sindhorn Kempinski and Siam Kempinski begin at approximately $275 per night, and trend upwards depending on room/suite size and seasonality.  

Check rates for Kempinski Sindhorn online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.

Check rates for Siam Kempinski online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.

Text and photos by Buzzy Gordon, who was a guest of both hotels for purposes of review. As always, the opinions expressed are his own. Additional photos courtesy of Sindhorn Kempinski and Siam Kempinski.