Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok Review: Is It Worth It

Opened in December 2020 on the Chao Phraya River, the Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River redefined luxury in the Thai capital with tiered buildings, art-filled courtyards, and reflecting pools. This review draws on verified fact sheets, guest ratings, and independent comparisons to help you decide whether its premium rates deliver real value. (Four Seasons press release)

Last checked: 2026-07-25

Hotel name: Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River · Location: 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Sathorn, Bangkok, Thailand · Awards: No.2 on The World’s 50 Best Hotels 2024, Two MICHELIN Keys · Price range: from €520 per night

Snapshot: Key facts at a glance

Key facts

Is Four Seasons of Bangkok worth it?

Guest review scores consistently rank this property among the highest in the city. On Booking.com it holds a 9.5/10 from more than 250 reviews, while TripAdvisor records approximately 4.7/5 from over 400 reviews. Independent local guide Compass Bangkok rates it 9.4/10 and calls it the top “riverside ultra‑luxury” choice in the city.

What guests love about the hotel

Reviewers frequently mention the architecture: multiple tiered buildings connected by courtyards and reflecting pools create an “urban oasis” feel. The hotel offers a riverfront pool, a lap pool, a large wellness centre, and even a Muay Thai boxing ring — facilities that stand out even among five‑star rivals. Dining is another draw: the Cantonese restaurant Yu Ting Yuan holds a Michelin star, and the BKK Social Club is widely praised for its cocktails. One TripAdvisor guest wrote, “Not cheap but worth every penny!” (TripAdvisor review)

Common criticisms from reviews

A small number of guests note that the riverfront location, while scenic, means longer transfer times from the airport — 30 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. Some also mention that the premium pricing for festive events (e.g., New Year’s Eve dinners starting around THB 23,000 per person) can feel steep for price‑sensitive travelers. Still, for milestone trips such as honeymoons or anniversaries, several reviewers say the service goes “above and beyond.”

How far is the Four Seasons from Bangkok airport?

The hotel is located at 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Sathorn, approximately 35 km (22 miles) from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Travel time by car or taxi ranges from 30 to 60 minutes depending on Bangkok traffic. (Luxury Jetsetter blog)

Transportation options from Suvarnabhumi Airport

The hotel does not offer a free airport shuttle, but it can arrange a private transfer (charges apply). Ride‑hailing apps such as Grab are widely used and typically cost between THB 400 and THB 800 depending on the vehicle class. Public transport is possible via the Airport Rail Link to Phaya Thai station, then a taxi to the hotel — but with luggage most guests opt for a direct car. For those flying into Don Mueang Airport, the distance is roughly 30 km, with a similar travel time.

Travel time by car, taxi, and public transport

During peak hours, the trip can stretch beyond 60 minutes. The hotel’s location on Charoen Krung Road — part of Bangkok’s historic “Creative District” — means it is convenient for exploring riverside attractions such as Asiatique and Wat Arun, but it is farther from the central Sukhumvit business area compared with hotels near the BTS Skytrain.

Does Bill Gates still own the Four Seasons?

Bill Gates’s investment firm, Cascade Investment, acquired a controlling stake in Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in 2007. As of 2024, Cascade owns approximately 71% of the company. The remaining 29% is held by Kingdom Holding Company, the investment vehicle of Saudi Prince Alwaleed bin Talal. There has been no recent change in this ownership structure. (Compass Bangkok, referencing widely reported corporate filings)

Current ownership structure of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts

Four Seasons is a privately held company. Cascade Investment (Bill Gates) holds the majority stake; Kingdom Holding Company (Prince Alwaleed) holds the minority. The brand itself operates under a hotel management and licensing model — individual properties such as the Bangkok hotel are owned by separate real‑estate entities, in this case a joint venture between Four Seasons and a local developer. Therefore, Bill Gates does not “own” the Bangkok hotel directly, but his firm owns the company that manages it.

Bill Gates’ stake via Cascade Investment

The 2007 acquisition gave Cascade a roughly 71% stake, and that figure has remained stable through subsequent years. The ownership of the Four Seasons brand is separate from the ownership of the land and building; for the Bangkok property, the land is leased or owned by a Thai entity. Travelers occasionally ask this question because the brand’s association with Bill Gates adds a layer of prestige and financial stability.

Where do celebrities stay in Bangkok?

The Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River has a reputation as a celebrity magnet. Its design — an art‑filled urban resort with private courtyards and a dedicated entrance — offers the privacy that high‑profile guests seek. Independent sources mention that figures from entertainment, fashion, and business have been spotted at the property, though specific names are rarely confirmed by the hotel. (Compass Bangkok)

Notable celebrities who have stayed at Four Seasons Bangkok

Because the hotel does not publish guest lists, most information comes from paparazzi photos or social media. Travel influencers and content creators have posted reviews from the property, and the hotel’s BKK Social Club is a known hotspot. Compared with older rivals such as the Mandarin Oriental, the Four Seasons attracts a younger, trend‑conscious crowd — singers, actors, and social media stars who appreciate its contemporary aesthetic and river views.

Why the hotel attracts high‑profile guests

The property is said to have been designed by multiple architects and artists (including Jean‑Michel Gathy of Denniston) to create a series of intimate, layered spaces. The riverfront pool is secluded, the spa is expansive, and the suites have separate living areas — all features that appeal to guests who want to relax without being in the spotlight. The hotel can also arrange private dining experiences, a dedicated butler service, and discreet transportation.

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Location and getting there

The hotel sits at 300/1 Charoen Krung Road, Yannawa, Sathorn, Bangkok 10120 — along the Chao Phraya River in the historic Creative District. It is approximately 35 km from Suvarnabhumi Airport (45–60 min by car) and 30 km from Don Mueang Airport. The nearest BTS Skytrain station (Saphan Taksin) is about a 10‑minute taxi ride away; the hotel can arrange private transfers or help guests book a boat taxi on the river. (Four Seasons press site)

Alternatives to consider

Our pick recommendation

“Four Seasons Bangkok at Chao Phraya River stands as one of the finest city hotels in the world, and a serious contender for the very best.”

— Luxury Jetsetter (review author), Travel blogger and luxury hotel reviewer

“This truly is an urban resort – as soon as inside the hotel the city seems miles away.”

— TripAdvisor guest reviewer, Hotel guest on TripAdvisor

Related reading: Four Seasons Hotel Paris Review: Is It Worth the Price · Bangkok Hotel Fare 2026: Price Guide & Budget Breakdown

For a countryside alternative, consider the Four Seasons Hotel Hampshire review which offers a different take on luxury.

Frequently asked questions

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