For nearly 50 years, the Dusit Thani Bangkok has welcomed the likes of royalty, dignitaries, celebrities and common folk. From the late US president Ronald Reagan to singer Enrique Iglesias to an inconsequential magazine writer like me, the hotel has had a rich history. But despite its age, it's looking good and isn't slowing down at all, even if it is closing its doors in early January. Sure, it's only temporary but it's closing for a pretty sizeable amount of time -- at least three and a half years. However, does that mean there's nothing at the Dusit Thani except for weathered walls, an aged building and an establishment that's on its way out? Nothing could be farther from the truth.
If there's a perfect time to enjoy what the iconic hotel has to offer, it's now. Come January and the entire building will be demolished, which is bittersweet, but make the best of its last two months to enjoy it. The five-star hotel near BTS Sala Daeng and MRT Silom stations has 517 guestrooms and suites, a spa, swimming pool and fitness centre, and a number of restaurants. All of these have not sacrificed quality just because the hotel is nearing closing date.
The numerous rooms have not only welcomed people from all walks of life, but those of a higher stature have resided in the hotel's Thai Heritage suites. These suites are designed to reflect the provinces like Ayutthaya and Lop Buri and are beautifully decorated and furnished to aesthetically showcase the look and feel of the historic places. Despite the many celebrities and dignitaries these suites have housed over the years, there are no signs that they have aged. More importantly, is the fact that you have the chance to stay in one of these historic suites as they're now priced at only B9,900++ per night, including a 60-minute Thai massage for two, a set dinner at a restaurant of your choice and Dusit Club benefits.
The Dusit Thani is also well known for its many sumptuous dining choices and you can't go wrong with any. Head over to Thien Duong for a taste of Vietnam with their extensive menu that will satisfy Vietnamese cuisine lovers and can be a fine introduction to the cuisine. If going local is your thing, there is no better place than Benjarong, a beautifully decorated restaurant that serves the finest Thai like their fall-off-the-bone lamb massaman, a must-try. The variety of Thai delicacies for you to feast on is wide. For Chinese, The Mayflower Chinese Restaurant is where you need to be. A wonderful selection of dim sum is available for lunch, along with a larger variety of Chinese delicacies. If you're craving steak, then Hamilton's Steakhouse it is! Fortunately, I was told that three restaurants -- The Mayflower, Thien Duong, and Benjarong -- aren't going anywhere: the hotel will close down but these three restos will relocate and will continue doing what they do best: serve Bangkokians the best Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai.
Aside from the culinary journeys, Dusit Thani's Devarana Spa caters to your relaxation needs. Founded in 2000, Devarana Spa is found in numerous Dusit Thani locations and offers the getaway bliss you need to de-stress from work and city life.
Obviously, Dusit Thani isn't pressing on the brakes just yet. General manager Titiya Xuto said that the term "transitioning" is how they describe the end of an era. After all, Dusit Thani isn't closing for good but is being renovated albeit for three and a half years or so. Also, once the hotel stops operations, they aren't keeping silent till the new hotel opens. Titiya said that services like catering and housekeeping will still be available for hire and with the restaurants being relocated, the Dusit Thani isn't exactly going off the radar.
Their "Timeless Legend" campaign, which started in July will continue until January as it celebrates the hotel's historic 49 years. Part of the campaign is "Meals and Memories", where all the aforementioned restaurants, as well as Hamilton's Steakhouse will take guests on a trip down culinary memory lane as they reminisce the good old days of the hotel and the restos. Finally, to top off the year, Dusit Thani will be hosting the "Journey Across Time" event, a gala dinner on New Year's Eve to celebrate the year that was and the year to come. If two people book the dinner, priced at B3,990++ per person, the booking comes with a complimentary one-night stay so you can spend the first day of 2019 in the legendary hotel. It's sad to think, however, that a few days later, the hotel will be closing its doors.
The Dusit Thani Hotel is nothing short of legendary, so enjoy the last few weeks of their services and restaurants. Though a new hotel will rise up in its place -- albeit stills with the same quality, charm and character of Dusit Thani -- the original hotel will always have a place in our hearts. g
