Nick Downing, General Manager of The Siam, shares insights into the hotel’s success and unique appeal in Trends Season Three.
To kick off Trends Season Three, filmed in the Library at The Siam, we invited Nick Downing, General Manager of The Siam, to discuss why this hotel, voted one of the Top 50 Best Hotels Worldwide, is Bangkok’s must-stay riverside retreat.
Conceived by Krissada Sukosol Clapp, also known as Khun Noi, and designed by the acclaimed architect Bill Bensley, this stunning escape is nestled in the heart of Dusit, the royal neighborhood of Bangkok. The plot of land where the iconic hotel now stands was owned by the Sukosol family and left unused for decades until the visionary Khun Noi saw the potential to bring a new style of luxurious hospitality to Bangkok. The Sukosol family enlisted Asia’s renowned starchitect, Bill Bensley, who shares a passion for collecting quirky vintage items and objets d’art that adorn the hotel. From this collaboration, The Siam was born.
Nick notes that with only 38 suites and villas, The Siam offers a truly unique escape in Bangkok. Guests are transported into a magical world of vintage and whimsical artwork.
Siam is a boutique gem set on three acres of premium riverfront property, transporting guests to a bygone era, surrounded by collectibles and antiques, quintessential Thai hospitality and contemporary comforts. The hotel consists of 28 suites and 10 pool villas, including private pool villas. When the property was first built, many raised eyebrows as traditionally, hotels profit on economies of scale. There was skepticism about whether having only 38 rooms could make the hotel successful in terms of guest experience and financial sustainability. The Siam has proven itself to be a resounding success with global recognition.
On the topic of sustainability, Nick mentioned Marisa Sukosol Nunbhakdi, Vice President of Sukosol Hotels Group and President of the Thai Hotels Association, who is passionate about transforming Thailand’s hospitality industry into a greener operation. The hotel introduced refillable water flasks, presented to guests along with a map of refillable spots along Bangkok’s riverside.
Nick emphasizes that while a hotel is built from concrete and walls, the heart of the hotel and guest experience is created by the soft power of the team working there.
Nick believes that words like “luxury” and “boutique” have become quite generic these days, often losing their true meaning. Many “boutique” hotels boast about style but lack warmth and soul. Ultimately, it has to be more than just design. However, The Siam is blessed with a stunning Bensley design.
Nick attributes The Siam’s success to its being family-owned and independently managed. The Sukosol family, led by Khun Kamala, has always given him the freedom to do whatever it takes to succeed. Nick’s primary goal is to ensure that both guests and team members are happy, which ultimately leads to success and creates an exceptional reputation for crafting memorable experiences beyond merely checking in and out.
At The Siam, guests have the unique experience of exploring Bangkok by boat from the hotel’s private pier. When it comes to relaxation, they can indulge in a pampering session at The Siam’s spa or unwind with a sunset cocktail at the hotel’s riverfront bar. There’s also a Vinyl Room, a tribute to analogue music, the memorabilia-filled Library, and a new addition, The Story House—an ultra-stylish and uber-comfortable bar. Walking through the garden, guests will find the Bensley Art Gallery. For those seeking something unique, there’s the opportunity to receive a traditional Sak Yant tattoo from a Thai master.
Guests frequently mention the sense of space throughout the property. Most hotel designers or owners would have put over 100 rooms on a site of this size, but The Siam was created to ensure a sense of exclusivity and serenity—a true sanctuary to retreat to after a day exploring the frenetic energy of Bangkok.
When asked about the nationality of guests, Nick advised that the USA dominates, with Americans loving the ultra-luxurious property that blends vintage art with modern comforts. The hotel has a good mix of nationalities staying, and being an ultra-low-density property with only 38 rooms, it never feels bustling or crowded.
The Siam’s architectural design has a striking blend of Deco and Asian influences with dramatic black-and-white theme throughout. Due to both Bill Bensley’s and Khun Noi’s love for the reused and repurposed, quirky antiques and curios, the whole hotel exudes the atmosphere of a hotel and museum, with its corridors and rooms filled with artwork and antiques from around Asia and beyond. Owning family member, Khun Noi, is known for constantly decorating and styling areas around the property as he finds new pieces or inspiration. The latest is The Story House Bar, which has taken a dramatic turn with red-accented pieces and a gothic-style chandelier—both recent additions that surprise even regular guests.
Nick said he’s early riser and enjoys walking around the hotel in the early morning, soaking up the serenity at sunrise.
The Siam’s signature restaurant is the riverside Chon Thai Restaurant. However, rather than going down the “fine dining” route, Nick and his culinary team have focused on offering exceptional home-style cuisine, allowing guests to enjoy the best flavors of Thailand while sitting in the historic surroundings of century-old wooden Thai houses.
What’s next when you’re already so successful? The Sukosol family has their sights set on Chiang Mai. The family owns an incredible site that lends itself to creating a unique experience for Chiang Mai. We’ve heard whispers that Bensley Design has been drafted in to conceive the concept for their next bold step. We’ll keep watching this space!
It was an absolute delight to film Trends Season Three at The Siam, and we invite everyone looking for a tranquil, luxurious stay in Bangkok to step into the enchanted world of The Siam.
Read the full schedule of Trends interviews.
David Barrett is a MICE Consultant, Marketing Strategist and digital video advocate. Founder of DBC Group, Member of Institute of Place Management (MIMP) his motto is “Everybody has a story to tell. Let me tell yours.”
David is a long-term resident of Bangkok having lived and worked in the Thai capital for more than 32 years. He is recognised in the Thai tourism and hospitality industry for his passion for promoting Thailand, his love of Thai food, and his creative approach to marketing.
64 years young, David is a Brit in Bangkok. Born in St Helier, UK, he returned to the UK and set up home in Cornwall during the COVID pandemic. With business back as usual, David has returned to Thailand. He’s a man on a mission to interview leaders and trend-setters in business, sustainability, the arts and entertainment. You can watch his weekly conversations on Trends YouTube channel.
