Finding the right hotel for a family with kids vacation can be a challenge. You want a place that’s not only luxurious and comfortable for adults but also welcoming and practical for the little ones. As a mom of a very active 5-year-old daughter, I know the struggle all too well. We recently had the pleasure of staying at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, and I’m excited to share my honest thoughts on whether this is the right choice for your next family trip.
Our first impressions were nothing short of spectacular. From the moment we stepped into the lobby, we were enveloped in an atmosphere of modern elegance and warmth. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive, immediately offering my daughter a welcome grape juice while my husband and I enjoyed a refreshing welcome drink. This small gesture made us feel right at home and set a positive tone for our entire stay.
Overall, our experience at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok with kids was fantastic, and I can confidently say it’s a wonderful choice for families. The hotel managed to strike a perfect balance between sophisticated luxury and child-friendly practicality. It’s a place where both parents and children can feel pampered and well-cared for.
Pros and Cons: A Quick Look
To help you make an informed decision, here’s a quick summary of the pros and cons of our Waldorf Astoria Bangkok family stay.
Pros:
- Exceptional Service: The staff was consistently friendly, professional, and genuinely happy to help families.
- Spacious & Luxurious Rooms: The rooms are beautifully decorated and offer ample space, which is a huge plus when traveling with kids.
- High-Quality Amenities: The double-sink bathroom and Aesop products were a lovely touch, and the large bathtub was a hit with my daughter.
- Outstanding Breakfast Buffet: A wide variety of high-quality food, great drinks, and attentive service make for a perfect start to the day. The fresh-cut fruit was a major highlight.
- Great Location: The hotel’s proximity to CentralWorld and its indoor playgrounds is a major advantage for families seeking entertainment and dining options.
- Child-Friendly Pool: The pool area is safe, clean, and has a shallow section perfect for kids.
- Thoughtful Touches: The welcome drinks and child-sized amenities show that the hotel genuinely thinks about its younger guests.
Cons:
- Limited Dedicated Kids’ Facilities: While the pool is great, there is no dedicated kids’ club or indoor play area within the hotel itself.
- Slightly Long Walk to BTS: While manageable, the walk to the nearest BTS stations (Chitlom or Ratchadamri) might be a bit much for very small children on a hot day.
- Room Service Kids Menu: The lack of a specific kids’ menu for room service is a minor point, although the staff were great at accommodating our requests.
- Breakfast Buffet Variety: While delicious, a greater variety of local Thai dishes at the breakfast buffet would have been a nice addition.
Our Family Room Experience
We were incredibly lucky to receive a complimentary upgrade to a spacious suite, which was a dream come true for our family trip. The room was beautifully designed with a calm, elegant color palette and was a true haven after a day of exploring Bangkok. The space was so generous that my daughter had plenty of room to play without us feeling cramped.
The main bedroom featured a luxurious queen-sized bed that was incredibly comfortable. One of the highlights of the suite was the very large walk-in closet, which was a game-changer. It not only provided ample storage for our luggage and clothes but also included a dedicated dressing table and an iron. This meant we could keep the main living area tidy and organized, which is a major plus when traveling with children.
The bathroom was equally impressive. It featured a double-sink vanity with high-quality Aesop amenities. This made getting ready in the mornings and evenings so much easier for all three of us. The circular bathtub was spacious, and there was a separate shower area that was large enough for me to comfortably shower with my daughter. Having a well-designed and spacious bathroom is a small detail that makes a big difference on a family vacation. The hotel staff also thoughtfully provided child-sized amenities, which my daughter loved. A toothbrush and toothpaste were provided for children.
Kid-Friendly Activities & Amenities
The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok excels at providing a relaxing experience for families, and this extends to their kid-friendly facilities, especially the pool area.
The rooftop pool offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. While there isn’t a dedicated, enclosed kids’ club, the pool area has a shallow section that is perfect for younger children. The water was a comfortable temperature, and my daughter had a blast splashing around safely. Towels were readily available, and we could order drinks from the poolside menu. A restroom was conveniently located nearby, but please note that there are no dedicated changing rooms. The pool hours were generous, allowing us to enjoy a swim in the morning and a quick dip in the afternoon.
Beyond the hotel, the location is a great starting point for family fun. While it is a short walk from either Chitlom or Ratchadamri BTS stations, the walk itself is manageable and the surroundings are pleasant. The hotel’s proximity to CentralWorld is a huge advantage.
This massive shopping mall offers a wide range of dining and shopping options, but more importantly, it houses some fantastic indoor play areas. We visited HarborLand at Ekamai, which, although on the pricier side, offered an incredible variety of play equipment that kept my daughter entertained for hours. We also checked out “Playmond” at CentralWorld, another fantastic indoor playground with a massive ball pit and safe, high-flying play structures. The staff there were great at guiding the children and ensuring everyone’s safety. This convenience of having multiple indoor play options nearby is a major benefit for families, especially on a hot or rainy day.
Dining for Families
Dining at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok was a delightful experience. We had the pleasure of enjoying both room service and the breakfast buffet, both of which were excellent.
For dinner one evening, we decided on room service. Although there wasn’t a separate kids’ menu, the staff was very accommodating. My daughter, a lover of Italian food, was thrilled with the spaghetti with meatballs. The portion was generous and the flavors were delicious. My husband and I enjoyed a smoked salmon bagel sandwich and Gapao rice, and the fresh fruit platter was a perfect, healthy finish to our meal. The quality of the food was exceptional, and it was a great way to have a relaxing family dinner without having to leave the comfort of our suite.
The breakfast buffet was an absolute highlight of our stay. When we were seated, we were immediately offered a choice of fresh juices, smoothies, and a selection of Mariage Frères teas and coffees from a menu.
The variety was impressive. The staff was quick to provide a high chair for my daughter and made us feel welcome in a comfortable sofa-style booth, which is perfect for families. The buffet itself was extensive, with a wide array of salads, freshly baked pastries, and international dishes. The only minor point for improvement would be to have more Thai dishes available, but the quality and selection of everything else more than made up for it.
The fresh fruit section was a standout feature. A chef was on hand to cut fruits for you on the spot, ensuring they were as fresh as possible. The mangoes were particularly exceptional and something I highly recommend trying. There were plenty of options for even the pickiest eaters, from pancakes and waffles to a variety of cereals and bread. I didn’t see specific baby food options, but the buffet had so many soft food choices that it wouldn’t be an issue. My daughter found plenty of things she enjoyed, from fresh fruit to croissants.
Beyond the hotel’s dining options, we were excited to find a Sushiro at CentralWorld. While a bit more expensive than in Japan, the quality was fantastic. The fish was incredibly fresh and the portions were larger than what we’re used to in Japan. If your family loves sushi, I highly recommend a visit.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
Would we stay at the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok again? A resounding yes! The Waldorf Astoria Bangkok review is overwhelmingly positive from a family perspective.
This hotel is best suited for families who appreciate luxury and excellent service but also want practical amenities and a welcoming environment for their children. It’s perfect for families with school-aged children or toddlers who are past the stage of needing a dedicated kids’ club to stay entertained. The proximity to CentralWorld with its myriad of entertainment options makes the lack of an on-site kids’ club a non-issue. If you are a family trip looking for a beautiful, comfortable, and centrally located hotel in Bangkok that genuinely cares about its guests, both big and small, then the Waldorf Astoria Bangkok is an excellent choice. It truly offers a memorable and relaxing getaway for the whole family.
