This sprawling resort is a little off the beaten track, located on the Thonburi side of the Chao Phraya river, a few miles away from Bangkok’s main tourist sights. 

From 6am to midnight, regular boats whisk hotel guests to Saphan Taksin Skytrain station, from where it is just a few stops to downtown Bangkok. A boat to the Royal Palace takes 30 minutes and a taxi to either of Bangkok’s airports takes around an hour.

The hotel has six restaurants and bars, four of which were closed during my Covid-19 pandemic visit.

I stayed at the Anantara Riverside Hotel on a Test-and-Go scheme. A mandatory PCR test on arrival into Thailand was performed in a special area right after arrival from the airport and the check-in was done directly in the room. 

The staff were friendly and gave me all the necessary information about the hotel and the Test-and-Go procedure.

My room was spacious, with a large open bathroom  and a small balcony facing the pool and river. It featured everything that I needed.

I arrived early morning and received my PCR test results around 4 pm and then was free to roam around the hotel, or go out.

I had a delicious breakfast at Trader Vic’s restaurant the next day before I checked out. 

I can recommend the Anantara Riverside Hotel to anyone who does not seek a typical downtown high-rise hotel but prefers lush gardens and Thai style decorations rather than international hotel chain decorations.