Located on the banks of Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, the AVANI Riverside Bangkok is one of the city’s newest and most modern hotels. Perched above The Riverside Plaza shopping mall and beside its sister property, the Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, the AVANI hotel is geared towards young couples and business travelers, and has a sleek, contemporary vibe.
Service & Facilities
On the professional side, there are several meeting rooms and conference areas, and the hotel can accommodate 1,500 delegates and up to 80 exhibition booths. For leisure, there’s a small spa with a range of different treatments available (invigorating, relaxing etc.), all of which use local and natural cosmetics. There’s also a decent gym with wonderful views: you can hop on a running machine and feel as though you’re literally sprinting through the skyline.
Though it’s only a year old, the AVANI has already carved out a reputation for being one of the coolest places to have a cocktail in Bangkok, with trendy young people jostling for tables at the rooftop bar and restaurant each evening. But how does the rest of the hotel measure up?
Style & Ambiance
The AVANI Riverside certainly makes the most of its location, and there are impressive views over the river and city skyline from every window. Guests arrive into the lobby on the 11th floor and are greeted by a striking open design with clean lines and flashy bronze finishes. The enormous windows, high ceilings and light tones ensure the hotel feels fresh and welcoming, and the brightly smiling staff are warm and alert.
The bedrooms are spotless, open and minimalistic, and business travelers have been carefully considered: there’s a spacious work desk, a media hub docking station and super fast WIFI. For those who aren’t working, the TV has a wide range of new films and shows you can watch from the comfortable king bed. The bathrooms have large and powerful rain showers, a generous selection of complimentary toiletries, and plenty of storage.
What makes the AVANI truly outstanding can be found on the top floor. A stylish 25-meter infinity pool allows guests to swim against a backdrop of soaring skyscrapers – the perfect travel photo, judging by the number of enthusiastic selfies going on. AVANI guests also have access to Anantara’s complimentary shuttle boat service, so making your way downtown is as easy as climbing aboard. Go just before sunset to make your journey truly special.
Food & Drink
During the day the rooftop is a relaxed space, but as night falls the glam factor revs up with the opening of Attitude Rooftop Bar and Restaurant. With incredible views over the city, particularly as the sun sets and the lights begin to sparkle, the bar is one of the best places to sip cocktails in the city... but it isn’t just a place for pre-dinner drinks.
The food here is exceptional, and guests can feast on a mouth-watering selection of tapas-style fusion dishes. Sample as much as you can (everything is delicious!) but make sure to leave room for dessert: go for the incredible apple mousse, which is almost too beautiful to eat. Breakfast is served at the Skyline restaurant, where you can admire river views over your coffee, and for business travellers or visitors in a rush, you can grab a quick, fresh bite from The Pantry.
VERDICT: The AVANI merges relaxed riverside ambiance with slick urban style. With all the facilities you need, sensational sky-high views and mouthwatering food, it exemplifies the effortless allure of modern Bangkok. I’ll certainly be back, even if I only have time for a cocktail and another portion of apple mousse.
