Hotels & Accommodations
The Siam’s Antique-Filled Hotel Suites Make a Big Impression in Bangkok
THE SIAM IS NOT MERELY a hotel; rather it’s a distinctive destination that artfully blends Thailand’s rich cultural tapestry with modern luxury. Anchoring a particularly graceful curve of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok’s Old Town, the picturesque location offers guests a unique urban retreat bursting with character, providing a peaceful atmosphere while conveniently close to the dynamic pulse of one of the world’s most exciting cities.
The riverbank setting provides not only breathtaking sights of the mighty waterway but also easy access to Bangkok’s historic district, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city’s iconic landmarks, from the Grand Palace to Wat Po and Wat Arun temples — which can be conveniently reached via the hotel’s private luxury river boat.
With interiors designed by architectural luminary and longtime resident of the Thai capital, Bill Bensley, the guest experience is never less than remarkable. But Bensley’s heart was clearly captured by this project, resulting in public spaces that never fail to surprise and delight guests with beauty, humour and individuality.
Intelligent Design
The hotel’s 38 rooms, divided into 28 suites and 10 exclusive pool villas, create the intimate and tailored feel of a true boutique stay. Each suite and villa is sumptuously appointed, featuring soaring ceilings, simple, elegant lines and references to colonial aesthetics.
The villas, each equipped with a private pool, lush garden and around-the-clock personalised butler service, offer an unparalleled level of privacy and indulgence. The sophisticated vibes are complemented by Bensley-esque elements, such as precise lines in black and white, and unique gallery-like spaces featuring carefully curated art and antiques.
The attention to detail found in the hotel’s design is reflected throughout its operations. The property’s selection of restaurants and bars offer style, charm and culinary excellence — a challenging task in a city renowned for its food and drink.
Flagship restaurant, Chon Thai, sits inside a restored teakwood structure, featuring a traditional dining room where guests can delve into a menu of Thai dishes and modern recipes perfected by the talented kitchen team using fresh locally sourced produce that showcases the vibrant tastes and techniques of the country.
Capping the culinary experience and transforming the kitchen into a classroom, the hotel also hosts personalised cooking classes, where guests can experience a day in the life of a chef, embarking on early morning market visits to select the freshest ingredients before creating their own Thai masterpieces. For a more leisurely pace, the hotel’s classic Afternoon Tea service at The Story House is an unforgettable selection of sweet treats and savoury snacks that reflect the hotel’s modern outlook and dedication to tradition.
Cultured and Relaxing
In addition to refined accommodations and culinary delights, The Siam offers facilities and cultural experiences that elevate any stay into something truly special.
For those seeking authentic cultural immersion, the hotel features a Sak Yant tattoo studio, where guests can receive sacred Thai tattoos steeped in tradition and spiritual meaning. The Muay Thai boxing ring allows for up-close-and-personal lessons in the national sport.
Opium Spa offers a vast array of wellness treatments, including the Samadara Ultimate Age-Defying Facial, Thermal Infusing Facial, Contouring Marine Body Wrap and Green Tea Salt Cleanse, each of which draws on ancient Thai therapeutic practices. Or revive yourself with massage options including the Aroma Journey Massage, Muay Thai Massage and Swedish Massage, for the ultimate in relaxation
Guests can escape into other worlds at the hotel’s private Screening Room, where movies can be enjoyed in an intimate, luxurious setting. And The Vinyl Room, which invites music aficionados to unwind amid an expansive collection of vinyl records, provides nostalgic, relaxing and inspiring memories.
For a lasting keepsake, guests can participate in an analog photo experience by ordering a “Collodion wet plate” portrait session, capturing the essence of their stay in a timeless format and providing a unique souvenir that will last forever.
Book now with The Siam Senses promotion, which offers guests staying three nights or longer the chance to explore the hotel’s services and amenities at their leisure. The package includes a choice of a massage treatment at Opium Spa and a delightful Afternoon Tea at The Story House. Guests will also receive a free bottle of wine upon arrival, daily breakfast at the riverside restaurant, and the personalised assistance of a dedicated butler.
With its stunning design, exceptional accommodations, curated dining and individualised services, The Siam is an unparalleled destination where every moment matters.
For reservations and more information about The Siam’s Signature Experiences, please visit www.thesiamhotel.com.
Article Sponsored by The Siam.
Images courtesy of The Siam.
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Hotels & Accommodations
Oriental Hotels reports Q1 standalone net profit at Rs 8.71 crore
The city-based company had earned a net profit of Rs 3.64 crore during the corresponding quarter of last financial year.
For the financial year ending March 31, 2025 the net profit stood at Rs 44.52 crore.
Commenting on the financial performance, company Managing Director and CEO Pramod Ranjan said, “In Q1 FY26, OHL reported a revenue of Rs 107 crore, 26 per cent over the previous year enabled by the completion of significant asset upgradations and sustained demand momentum.”
“The EBITDA (Earnings before Interest Taxes, Depreciation and Amortisation) for the quarter stood at a healthy Rs 25.4 crore and a PAT of Rs 8.7 crore,” he said in a company statement on Saturday.
The standalone total income for the June quarter went up to Rs 107.24 crore, from Rs 84.78 crore registered in the year ago period.For the financial year ending March 31, 2025, the total income of the company stood at Rs 444.63 crore.
Oriental Hotels has seven hotels, including Taj Coromandel, Chennai, Taj Fisherman’s Cove Resort and Spa, Chennai, Taj Malabar Resort and Spa, Cochin, Vivanta Coimbatore, Gateway Madurai and Gateway Coonoor. PTI
Hotels & Accommodations
Radisson Hotels, THSC and The Job Plus Enable Hospitality Careers for Underprivileged Youth
Srinagar, 18 July 2025: As part of Radisson Hotel Group’s CSR initiative, the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), in collaboration with The Job Plus (Strategic Partner) and multiple training partners, has successfully trained and placed 308 underprivileged youth in hospitality job roles across India.
Among these, 70 youth from Jammu and Kashmir—trained by Arc Hospitality and Swale IT & Skills—have been placed in reputed hotel groups such as Radisson, Park Inn, and The Svelte. Out of them, 20 candidates were felicitated with offer letters during a special ceremony held at Radisson Hotel, Srinagar, on 18th July 2025. The event was presided over by Mr. K. B. Kachru, Chairman – South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, and a member of the Governing Body of the Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council (THSC), along with Mr. Rajan Bahadur, CEO, THSC.
Associations like the Hotel Association of India (HAI) also work closely with THSC to support industry-aligned skilling and placements.
In total, 308 candidates have been successfully placed in leading hospitality brands such as Radisson Hotels, Hilton, Conrad, The Oberoi, Lemon Tree, Holiday Inn, Sarovar Ahuja Residency, Amritara, Park Plaza, and Svelte. The placement drive reflects strong gender inclusivity, with 153 male candidates (49%) and 155 female candidates (51%) benefitting from this initiative.
This program stands as a shining example of industry-led skilling and employment, opening up dignified career paths for youth from underserved regions, including Jammu & Kashmir.
This initiative is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts between industry, strategic partners, and training providers. By bringing together corporate CSR support, expert implementation, and quality skill development, the program not only addresses the growing demand for skilled professionals in the hospitality sector but also provides life-changing employment opportunities to underprivileged youth. The success of this model paves the way for replicating similar high-impact skilling programs across other regions in India.
Hotel Trends
A Morning Chai with the Watchman: How @alsisarhaveli Made Me Feel Like Family
Inspired by @alsisarhaveli (not sponsored)
Checking In Without Expectations
When I booked a night at @alsisarhaveli, I wasn’t chasing history or expecting luxury. It was just a midway stop on my way from Udaipur to Delhi — a pitstop in a pink city I’d seen only through Instagram filters. The haveli was charming, with peeling pastel walls, carved jharokhas, and courtyards that whispered of past grandeur.
I arrived late, tired from the 8-hour bus ride. The reception was quiet. A polite nod from a sleepy staff member, a room key, and a brief “Breakfast is at 8 AM, madam.” That was it. No welcome drink, no tour of the property. I went to bed assuming this would be just another night on the road.
The Unexpected Encounter
At 6:30 AM, the soft ring of temple bells woke me up. I stepped out onto the haveli’s rooftop terrace, still in my pajamas, the morning air sharp and fragrant with marigolds.
That’s when I saw him — the old watchman, probably in his 60s, pouring himself chai from a steel flask, sitting cross-legged by the edge of the terrace. He looked up and smiled. “Utho gay toh chai toh banti hai,” he said. (“If you’re up, chai is a must.”)
I hesitated, then nodded. He gestured toward a second cup. No fancy crockery. Just thick-glass tumblers, the kind you find in roadside dhabas. I joined him.
Chai, Conversations & Royal Memories
What followed was a 45-minute conversation I will never forget.
His name was Kailash. He had been working at the haveli for over 30 years — first as a helper, then a watchman. He told me stories of the royal family who once lived there. How the haveli had a secret staircase for the women of the house to watch Holi festivities from behind stone lattices. How the kitchen once fed 40 people daily.
“Ab sirf tourist aate hain. Selfie leke chale jaate hain,” he said with a half-smile. (“Now only tourists come. Take selfies and leave.”)
He wasn’t bitter. Just nostalgic.
We sat sipping chai as parrots fluttered by and sunlight hit the sandstone walls. In that moment, I didn’t feel like a tourist. I felt like a guest. Not of the hotel — but of the haveli’s soul.
The Goodbye That Stayed
I left a couple of hours later. There was no formal checkout process. No one asked for feedback or ratings. But Kailash came to the gate and said, “Agli baar aana toh ruko thoda zyada.” (“Next time you come, stay a little longer.”)
I smiled and nodded. And I meant it.
Why This Memory Lingers
It wasn’t the bedsheets or breakfast that made my stay memorable. It was a shared cup of chai. A real conversation. A glimpse into a world I hadn’t planned to see.
In a world of algorithms and itinerary overload, it’s the quiet, unplanned human moments that give travel its true magic.
So, to @alsisarhaveli — thank you for reminding me that sometimes, the smallest gestures become the biggest stories.
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