Shangri-La Bangkok

89 Soi Wat Suan Plu

New Road

Bangrak

Bangkok 10500

Thailand

Website

This review, like all of my reviews, will focus mostly on the wheelchair access aspects of this hotel. For other reviews check out tripadvisor. However, I should say that the level of service and attention to detail that I experienced at this hotel was second to none. In summary, the hotel presents some challenges for a wheelchair user, but the service and accommodation level means that I am in the odd position of not recommending it for wheelchair users but I will definitely consider it for my next stay when in Bangkok! 

We ended up staying there as I was looking for a mid to upper range hotel that could accommodate two adults and two small children in a wheelchair accessible room. This turned out to be more difficult than expected in Bangkok.  Eventually, after many e-mails with different places the best value seemed to be offered by a twin deluxe balcony room in the Krungthrep wing of the Shangri-La. The rate included various extras like free wi-fi, free breakfast, afternoon tea and pre-dinner drinks and personalized check-in. Getting there by public transport involved several transfers and since we had two young children and lots of bags and would be quit jet-lagged I booked an airport pick-up from the hotel. The vehicle used for such a large group is a Mercedes  Vito. This is challanging to get in to if you cannot stand or walk (like me!) but we managed with the help of a hefty wedgie from my wife.  Access into the hotel is level and check-in could not have been easier. The breakfast/lounge area is down two shallow steps. The hotel has a ramp that it supplies when you need to access this area. The staff are very quick to leap to assistance - almost too quick! You can hardly pause to look around before someone asks you if you need help. That's not a complaint - it's a bit surprising at first but I could get used to it. 

The room was located very close to the lifts (elevator).  There is a mixture of stone and deep pile hard-to-roll-on carpet on the floor.  The room is just large enough to accommodate two twin beds and a rollaway and leave room for a wheelchair to move around. There is a balcony with a lip.  It is difficult, but possible,  for a chair to get in and out of the balcony. The work desk is easy to access and at a comfortable height. The sockets are all easy to reach. The TV remote was left in easy reach. Switches by the bed control all the lights and the blinds. The beds are a comfortable height for transferring without difficulty.  The safe, mini-bar and tea/coffee maker were all easy to reach although some of the glasses and so on we're too high. 

The closets were easy to access although the hang rail was very high - barely reachable from a wheelchair. Some of the other items (e.g. iron and laundry bags) were too high to reach. 

The bathroom was large with a wide door. The toilet was positioned to enable a 0 to 180 degree left handed transfer. There was a grab rail on the wall but not positioned ideally. The toilet is low, about 500mm (20").  I like this much more than the extra height toilets common in adapted rooms, but I know it does not suit everyone. There was no knee room under the sinks, but they did project a little so were usable. The room had a bathtub with high sides. Grab rails were well positioned to provide assistance in transferring and the hotel will provide a transfer seat for the bath if requested. There is a hand-held shower rose as well as a tap in the bath. 

All in all the room felt like a normal room adapted for handicapped use and is perfect for ambulant disabled although it could present come challenges to a wheelchair user. I was totally comfortable there. 

Getting around the property presents its challenges. The Krungthrep wing is separate from the main hotel area and there is no barrier free access between the two. To get from one to the other you need to find a member of staff, and they will lead you through some sub-terranean service tunnels to the other building. This is not as bad as it might sound and the only comment I can make is that the bits of the hotel that regular guests don't normally see are spotlessly clean and everyone seems to be moving with determination and efficiency!  

There is no access to either of the two hotel pools. You can leave the hotel and explo the surrounding streets (full of the contrast and wonder that is Bangkok) but there is a very steep hill to negotiate to get back to the hotel entrance. 

All in all, I have mixed feelings about the Shangri-La, Bangkok as an option for wheelchair accessible accommodation. It presents challenges and is not ideal on many levels but I was totally charmed by the ambience and service and spent many peaceful hours looking out ove the river and enjoying myself. Normally I either recommend or don't recommend an establishment. My head says not commended, my heart will bring me back.