Uncover the Secrets of Bangkok's Hidden Gem: Raweekanlaya!
Raweekanlaya Review: Bangkok's Secret Garden (That I Almost Missed!)
Okay, so, I've just emerged from a blissful, slightly blurry (in the best way possible) stay at Raweekanlaya Bangkok. And let me tell you, this place… it's not just a hotel, it's a freakin' oasis! Seriously, tucked away in the bustling heart of Bangkok, it's like stumbling into Narnia after dodging tuk-tuks and street vendors for an hour. Was it perfect? Nah. Nothing ever is. But the imperfections? Honestly, they just added to the charm. Let’s just dive in, shall we? Prepare yourself, this is going to be a long one. I tend to ramble when I'm truly impressed (or mildly annoyed.)
Getting There & Settling In (Accessibility & First Impressions):
Finding Raweekanlaya… well, that was a little adventure in itself. Bangkok traffic, you know? But once you’re through the gates… whoosh. Instantly calmer. The hotel itself claims it's accessible – Facilities for disabled guests are listed – but I didn't directly assess that (though elevators are definitely a plus). I did see that the Car Park [free of charge] is a godsend, especially if you're braving the city by car. The Airport Transfer is an absolute must-have considering the sheer chaos of the airport. They get you there, safely and soundly. The reception, Front desk [24-hour] is helpful. Everyone greets you with a genuine smile. The initial feeling is, "Ah, I've found the calm."
The Rooms (Where the Magic Happens):
My room? Oh man, my room. Let's just say I spent an embarrassing amount of time sprawled on that ridiculously comfortable bed, watching the Satellite/cable channels. It had a blackout curtains, which is HUGE for jet lag and the searing Bangkok sun. The Air conditioning worked perfectly (a non-negotiable in this climate). The complimentary bottled water were a lifesaver (hydration is key, people!). And the Wi-Fi [free]? Rock solid. I could stream my terrible home videos without a hitch! I also loved the Bathtub and the Bathrobes! Bathrobes are a small luxury that I always forget to pack.
The room was equipped with Additional toilet, Alarm clock, Bathroom phone (because, why not?), Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker (essential!), Desk, Extra long bed, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar (tempting!), Mirror, Non-smoking, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Wake-up service, and a Window that opens to let in the fresh air (though, honestly, the AC was my best friend).
**But… There's Always a But… **
The biggest thing that really bothered me? The lack of proper Interconnecting room(s) available. I wanted to stay with my family, but we have to book separate rooms. Annoying.
Dining, Drinking, & Snacking (Fueling the Fun):
This is where things get really good. The Restaurants are fantastic.
- The Breakfast [buffet] (Yes!). Oh. My. God. The selection? Mind-blowing. They had everything: Asian breakfast, Western breakfast, freshly squeezed juices, fruit, pastries, the works. I may have eaten my weight in croissants. And the Coffee/tea in restaurant flows freely. There's also Breakfast in room, and I can see how handy that would be for those lazy mornings. I went for the buffet, every single day.
- The Poolside bar: Cocktails by the pool? Yes, please! The Poolside bar is a perfect spot to relax and soak in the sun. Nothing's better than swimming and sipping on a classic drink.
- Happy hour: I missed out. But I definitely heard murmurs of good deal.
I did notice there was a coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Poolside bar, Snack bar, and even a Vegetarian restaurant. The A la carte in restaurant option also provided an alternative.
Ways to Relax (The Real Reason You're Here):
Okay, folks, this is where Raweekanlaya really shines. This is where it goes from “nice hotel” to “escape the real world.”
- The Spa: This is where I lost myself for a solid three hours. I had the Body scrub AND the Body wrap! Heaven. Pure, unadulterated heaven. The spa itself feels like a secret garden. The Massage was out of this world! I swear, my body was thanking me for days. I may have nodded off. Okay, I definitely nodded off.
- Swimming pool: The Swimming pool [outdoor] is also perfect for a cool dip! There's a Pool with view, which makes it that much better.
- Fitness center: I tried to work out in the Gym/fitness room but failed.
- Sauna, Steamroom: The Spa/sauna is available for the spa guest.
- Foot bath: I didn't try it, but it looks really cute!
My Favorite: The Massage (and the Tiny, Annoying Imperfection)
Okay, I need to expand on this. The massage was the highlight of my trip. I opted for the Thai massage, and it was intense in the best way possible. My masseuse, I swear, had magical hands. She worked out every knot, every tension, every tiny bit of stress I'd been carrying around. I left feeling like a new (and slightly oiled) person.
NOW, for the tiny, slightly irritating imperfection. The spa was so good, but there was a slight issue with the music. It kept skipping, like a scratched CD. It was such a minor thing, but it broke my immersion slightly. But… honestly? It's the kind of thing that makes you laugh later. Like, "Remember that time I got the best massage of my life, but the music kept glitching?" It added character, I guess.
Cleanliness & Safety (Because, You Know, Reality):
Let's be real, hotels are under a microscope these days. Raweekanlaya gets it right. They take their Cleanliness and safety seriously. I saw Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer everywhere, and the staff all seemed well-trained in Staff trained in safety protocol. Of course, there's a Doctor/nurse on call.
- Hygiene certification is visible.
- Anti-viral cleaning products are used.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items.
- Individually-wrapped food options are available.
- Safe dining setup.
- Physical distancing of at least 1 meter is standard.
- Cashless payment service is available.
Things to Do, Services and Conveniences (The Extras That Matter):
- Concierge are exceptional. They helped me with everything, from recommendations to booking tours.
- Daily housekeeping kept everything sparkling.
- Luggage storage was a lifesaver.
- Laundry service (I sent my clothes in, and they came back smelling amazing).
- They have all the standard stuff: Dry cleaning, Ironing service, Currency exchange.
For the Kids, and Others:
I don't have kids, but I did notice Family/child friendly accommodations. There's a Babysitting service available too! So, if you have kids, this is definitely family-friendly.
Other facilities is available for guest's is Business facilities, Gift/souvenir shop, Elevator, Safety/security feature, Smoking area, Car park [free of charge].
Now, the Slightly Messy Bits:
- The Internet access [LAN] and Internet access were super fast. I mean, seriously fast. I didn’t have any issues streaming or working (though, who works on vacation?). They even have Internet services.
- Meeting/banquet facilities are available for work or special events.
- I didn't see any Couple's room, but there's a Proposal spot
- Pets allowed unavailablePets allowed.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
YES! Absolutely, positively, yes! Raweekanlaya is a hidden gem. It is a haven in a busy place, you'll feel like you're in a secret garden. Yes, it's got some minor
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Raweekanlaya Ramble: A Bangkok Diary (with a Side of Soul-Searching)
Okay, so I'm in Bangkok. Finally. After months of scrolling through Instagram and fantasizing about those damn tuk-tuks, here I am, sprawled on a ridiculously comfortable bed in The Raweekanlaya. And let me tell you, it's not quite the Instagram reality.
Day 1: Arrival & That Damned Durian
4:00 AM (My Time, aka "Why Did I Book a Red-Eye?"): Landed bleary-eyed at Suvarnabhumi. The humidity hit me like a humid, fragrant wall. Instantly regretted my "light layers" strategy. Should've packed the damn sauna suit.
5:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Taxi to The Raweekanlaya. Traffic was…well, it’s Bangkok. An hour of swerving, horns, and a near-heart attack when a scooter decided to become one with the taxi. But the city! Alive even at dawn. The gold of the temples, the vibrant chaos…it’s intoxicating.
7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Checked into the hotel. Oh. My. God. This place is gorgeous. Colonial charm meets zen tranquility. I actually gasped when I opened the door to my room, which overlooks the… wait for it… historic canal. I could live here. Actually, I want to live here. This is the life.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM: Breakfast. The buffet. I went a little wild. Mango sticky rice, a mountain of fresh fruit, tiny little pastries that practically dissolved in my mouth. Okay, maybe I went very wild.
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM: Exploration! Wandered around the grounds of the hotel. Discovered the pristine pool. Contemplated taking a dip, but the idea of removing my newfound and hard-won layer of breakfast felt… wrong. Just basked in the glory of the courtyard, which is, apparently, the site of the original Royal Hospital dating back to the reign of King Rama V. (Read that in the hotel pamphlet. I’m learning!)
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: The Durian Incident. Okay, so I’d heard stories. Tales of offensive smells and culinary nightmares. Naturally, I had to try one. Found a vendor down the street. Regretted it instantly. The smell! It filled the air, a potent blend of sewage and… I don’t even know what. But I bought a small container anyway. Took a bite. My face contorted. It tasted like… rotten custard mixed with gasoline. I managed two more bites before sneaking the rest into a nearby trash can, hoping no one saw me. Shame! (But seriously, the lingering smell is still haunting me.)
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Passed out in my room. Jet lag is a force of nature, people. Don’t underestimate it.
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM: Evening stroll along the canal. The hotel offers a little boat ride! The light was gorgeous, the air was thick with the scent of… well, something less pungent than the durian (thank god). Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) looked magnificent from the water. I felt a pang of… peace? Okay, maybe I’m starting to understand the “Bangkok magic.”
8:00 PM - 9:00 PM: Dinner at the hotel restaurant. Pad Thai. Okay, THIS is what I came for. Flavour explosions. And the best part? I could order it in my pyjamas and no one would even bat an eye. Perfection.
9:00 PM - Bedtime: Journaling, staring out the window, and fighting off the lingering durian memory. Trying to reconcile my conflicting emotions: awe, jetlagged grumpiness, a newfound respect for Thai cuisine, and a deep-seated distrust of any fruit that smells like a biohazard.
Day 2: Temples, Tuk-Tuks, and Tourist Trauma
8:00 AM: Wake up. Still alive. (Durian flashbacks are diminishing!) Decided to conquer the temples.
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Wat Pho (Reclining Buddha) and Wat Arun. Wat Pho blew my mind. The sheer scale of the Reclining Buddha is astounding. And the intricate details! I spent ages just wandering around, mouth agape. Then, of course, there were the massages. Got a foot massage, almost fell asleep. Then went to Wat Arun (the one from the boat trip) and felt a wave of that peace thing again. You know, the one that might lead me to start getting those dreads and buy a bunch of tie-dye.
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM: Tuk-tuk ride! Brave! Chaotic! Exhilarating! The driver tried to sell me "gems," which felt very… touristy. I politely declined. But the wind in my hair, the jostling, the city whizzing past…it was pure Bangkok mayhem, and I loved it.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Lunch. Found a tiny little noodle shop. A street vendor's cart. Best noodles of my life. Cheap as chips! I’m starting to feel like a local… (except for the fact that I'm clearly a pasty-white tourist with a slightly panicked expression).
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM: The Chatuchak Weekend Market. Oh. My. God. It's vast. It's overwhelming. I got lost. I got a little claustrophobic. I almost bought a ceramic cat that looked suspiciously like my own cat. I found a cute little vintage store where I went WILD. I haggled! (I think I did alright…) I bought a silk scarf for my mum, a t-shirt that said “Bangkok Nights” and an antique map of Thailand (which I will certainly never hang up because I'm terrified I'll be robbed). Pure sensory overload. I needed a cold Chang and a nap.
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Nap. Essential.
5:00 PM - Bedtime: Back to the hotel, back to the Pad Thai, and back to the quiet contemplation of the canal. Reflecting on the day's events. Trying to reconcile my love for this city with the inherent messiness of travel. And trying to figure out where I can find some more Pad Thai. Maybe I'll order room service…again. I’m pretty sure I can get a lifetime supply of Pad Thai sent to my room. I might consider that, considering current circumstances.
Imperfections & Anticipated Day 3:
Okay, so I haven't perfectly mapped out the whole trip. I'm flying by the seat of my pants (which, by the way, are currently soaked through my sweat). Tomorrow, I'm thinking about visiting the Jim Thompson House. And maybe… maybe… conquering the Chao Phraya River. I’m still a little scared of the water. I'm trying to embrace the chaos here and not plan every single moment. This is a work in progress, a messy, beautiful, durian-scented work in progress. Wish me luck.
And ps. if anyone can get rid of the durian smell out of my nostrils, please let me know. Seriously.
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Raweekanlaya Bangkok: Spill the Tea (and the Mango Sticky Rice!)
Okay, Spill! Is Raweekanlaya REALLY a Hidden Gem? Or Just Another Instagram Trap?
Ugh, okay, here's the truth, and buckle up, because I've got opinions. YES. It IS. But... with a caveat. It's not hidden in the "you'll never find it" sense, more like "it's discreetly nestled away." The location is near all the 'must see' temples! I first stumbled upon it while desperately trying to escape the *absolute chaos* of Khaosan Road. (Pro-tip: DO NOT go there unless you enjoy being herded like a particularly sweaty herd of tourists). Anyway, I needed a breather, a proper gin and tonic, and a promise of quiet. Raweekanlaya promised all three. And delivered. Mostly.
It's not like, a secret society clubhouse. A little Googling and you'll find it, but it *feels* hidden, which is the whole point. It's tucked away within a gorgeous (and ancient, like, seriously old) garden, so you immediately lose all sense of that Bangkok bustle. Think tranquil, think lush, think... actually breathing clean air. It’s still very popular and well known but not overcrowded like a mall.
My first impression? Pure, unadulterated *relief*. Then, slight confusion because the architecture is a beautiful blend of old and new... like, how do they *do* that without it looking like a bad renovation? Answer: They just *do*. It worked wonders. Trust me it's worth the location!
The Rooms! Were They, You Know, CLEAN? And Luxurious? Spill the Deets!
Alright, let's talk about rooms. Because, let's be real, a hotel room can make or break a vacation. And Raweekanlaya's rooms... well, they're pretty darn good. I'm not gonna lie. I'm a bit of a clean-freak. Okay, maybe a *lot* of a clean-freak. And everything – from the sheets to the (thankfully spotless) bathroom – was immaculate. HUGE relief. No questionable smells. No rogue hairs. (This is important!).
Luxurious? Yes! But not in the *pretentious* way. Think more, elegant, understated. The décor is all about that calming Thai aesthetic – think teak wood, silk fabrics, and a general sense of Zen. My room had a balcony overlooking… wait for it… a *garden*. (Am I gushing? Maybe. I still dream about that balcony.) I spent WAY too much time there, sipping tea, reading, and just… *being*. They even have really good pillows. And let me tell you – a good pillow is key. It's a life-saver.
I did – and this is a minor, *minor* gripe – find that the lighting in the bathroom was a touch… dim. Not ideal when you're attempting to apply complicated makeup. I have a habit of trying to look like I'm in a makeup tutorial and then completely failing and then looking like I'm applying war paint. But hey, a small price to pay for everything else being so perfect.
The Pool! Tell Me Everything! Was it crowded? Did you get a decent tan? (Important questions!)
The pool! Okay, okay, this is where Raweekanlaya really pulled out all the stops. Look, I love a good pool. I’m always the first one in – and the last one out. This pool… was magical. It’s surrounded by trees, so it feels super secluded. You can actually relax. Not a horde of screaming kids or people bumping into you while they’re taking 100 selfies. Heaven.
And about my tan? Well, let's just say I came home with a very respectable glow. They provide a good amount of sunbeds around the pool, and I never once struggled to get one. (This is, you realize, a *huge* win!) There's also a little bar right there, so cocktails are within easy reach. I may or may not have spent several afternoons alternating between swimming, sunbathing, and sipping a very refreshing mango daiquiri. (Don't judge! It was hot!). The staff were, without exception, wonderful. Always friendly, always attentive, always remembering my drink order (which, let's be honest, is a sign of true hospitality). I actually felt *pampered* and didn’t even feel guilty about it!
In short: The pool is a 10/10. Go. Swim. Tan. Repeat.
Food! Omg the Food! Dish the Dirt! (Or, y'know, the Deliciousness.)
Alright, food. Let’s talk about the most important thing: the food! Okay, so the restaurant at Raweekanlaya is called The Green House and it's… well, it's good. Actually, I take that back, it's *very* good. I would have been ecstatic to eat at the restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Everything I ate was so delicious and fresh! And the mango? The sticky rice? Seriously, I think I gained five pounds on that alone, but it was SO worth it. I have to be honest - the prices were a little higher than what I was used to, but for such a special and high end experience, it was such a good deal!
One small complaint, I only wish there was a more diverse selection of authentic Thai dishes! Maybe my taste buds are just too picky. Overall, the deliciousness was absolutely phenomenal!
Spa Time! Seriously, Was It as Relaxing as the Brochure Promised?
The spa. Oooooh, the spa. Okay, I'm a sucker for a good spa. I need the pampering. I need the massage! And Raweekanlaya's spa… it delivered. Big time. The atmosphere is serene – think soft lighting, soothing music, and a general sense of "leave your worries at the door." The actual treatment rooms are utterly gorgeous. And the therapists? Professional, skilled, and… actually listened when I said "medium pressure." (This, surprisingly, doesn't always happen!)
I had a Thai massage. It was amazing. I walked in feeling like a bundle of stressed-out knots, and I walked out feeling like I could fly. Honestly, one of the best massages I've ever had. The only downside? It ended. I could have happily stayed there for hours. They provide the most fragrant oils, and the whole experience just oozes luxury. Yes, it's more expensive than the massage parlors on the street (duh!), but trust me – it's worth the splurge. Treat yourself. You deserve it.
Anything Weird Happen? Any "Travel Horror Stories?"
Okay, so nothing *horrifying* happened. Thank goodness! I'm not a fan of travel disasters.Wallet Friendly Stay
