In a city filled with esteemed luxury hotel brands, creating a standout property requires true vision. The Siam, a 39-suite luxury urban resort located along the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, exemplifies this vision. Established by Thai musician and actor Krissada Sukosol Clapp under his family’s Sukosol hotel brand, The Siam has continued to thrive since its opening in 2012. It was recognized as the “Hotel of the Year – Asia Pacific” in 2019 by Preferred Hotels & Resorts during their Awards of Excellence.
Collaborating with renowned architect and interior designer Bill Bensley, Krissada crafted The Siam with an Art Deco influence. The hotel’s predominantly black and white decor serves as a backdrop for Krissada’s extensive collection of antiques and unique treasures, which he has gathered over the years.
Consequently, The Siam is often hailed as one of the most exquisite luxury hotels in the city, filled with remarkable artifacts that elevate its charm beyond the ordinary. Guests can discover something extraordinary at every turn, from watching a film in the screening room adorned with an E.T. statue to receiving a sacred “sak yant” tattoo in a specially consecrated area of the resort.
Krissada envisions The Siam as an indie hotel, reflecting his musical roots and the challenges that come with being a smaller player in the hospitality industry. “When we started out, we were up against big names like Four Seasons, Marriotts, Park Hyatts, and Orientals. As a local family hotel, we were relatively unknown,” he shares in a soft-spoken manner.
He emphasizes the importance of establishing a unique identity in a competitive environment. “To stand out, we needed to be different, work hard, and cultivate a following like an indie band or a great independent film making its rounds at festivals. You build that audience, and sometimes it succeeds while other times it doesn’t… I hope our efforts pay off.”
So far, it seems that his aspirations are coming to fruition.
Photos: Alexi Van Damme CEO and Founder AX Media Thailand
