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Who doesn’t hope to age gracefully, to look as good, or better, at 50 as one did at 30? Consider, then, Bangkok’s The Oriental, which in 2001 entered its 125th year still appearing in the top ranks of virtually every poll of international properties. What’s more, it continues to enhance its charms, be it with a spa, culinary events, facilities for business travelers or new cultural programs.

While every guest has his own reasons for loving The Oriental, some features remain common to all.

There is an ambience about the place that goes beyond the usual definition of luxury. Of course, the rooms are beautiful. Soft Thai silk shimmers from sofa pillows, tissue cases and, for guests staying in suites, lounging robes. Orchids abound. I once counted five arrangements in my room, in addition to blossoms in the bathroom and on my pillow after turn-down. A spokeswoman stated that some 500 bouquets of orchids are placed about the hotel each day.

Many famous authors have stayed and written here as the 38 Authors’ Suites remind us. Decor and furnishings of these rooms have been carefully chosen to reflect the character of the writers whose names the suites bear. The Barbara Cartland suite, for example, epitomizes romance, while those remembering John le Carré and Noel Coward feature, respectively, a masculine British quality and a dramatic, bold flair.

The Coward suite, along with those honoring Joseph Conrad, James Michener and Somerset Maugham, comprise the famed Authors’ Residence, connected to the main structure by an enclosed corridor housing several upscale shops. Here, in the Authors’ Lounge, afternoon tea is served by silk-clad waitresses to the soft strains of violins emanating from musicians in the nearby lobby.

A second and perhaps, even more important reason for its longevity is The Oriental’s commitment to service.

Whether royalty, celebrity, head of state or generic tourist or business traveler, each guest is special to the staff of 1,000 who, unobtrusively, ensure that no detail is neglected that could make a stay more comfortable and memorable. Wear a robe once and it is whisked away the moment you leave the room, to be returned artistically draped in the Oriental’s fan motif. Return from a meeting or sight-seeing and know that whatever the hour, morning, afternoon, or evening, someone has been in to freshen towels, adjust a sofa pillow, straighten the items on the bureau or wipe away a drop of water from the vanity.

It was only after a number of stays that I caught on to housekeeping’s little trick. When a guest enters his room, a tiny toothpick-sized twig is placed against the door. If it has been knocked over, the guest must be out and the maid or butler has yet another chance to search for some little thing that needs attention.

At night, a "sleep card" is placed on the pillow of each perfectly turned-down bed. In gold script, a quote, such as Sophocles’ "Sleep, the universal vanquisher," sets the tone for sweet dreams.

Arguably, the most appreciated staff gift is its remarkable ability to instantly remember a guest’s name and address him personally. Even if several years have passed since the last visit, doormen and front-desk staff are sure to greet you by name, adding, "Welcome back."

In such small touches has The Oriental’s legend been created and sustained.

No property, however luxurious and famed, can survive without certain concessions to the present. The catch is in adding that fitness center, spa or business center without offending the ambience that has drawn travelers for so many years. At The Oriental, each new facility contributes to a harmonious whole.

In 1993, The Oriental Spa, Thai Health and Beauty Center opened. Situated on the opposite bank of the Chao Phya River, the spa provides revitalization treatments, nutrition counseling and sessions focusing on such aspects of physical and mental well-being as meditation, yoga and stress management amid a setting of beauty and elegance.

Treatments take place in luxuriously appointed private suites, each equipped with steam, shower, Swiss shower, foyer and private dressing and bathroom in addition to the treatment area. The Oriental Suite and deluxe suites also offer private saunas and whirlpools.

While the Spa’s ambience and emphasis on gentle pampering are uniquely Thai and the philosophy toward treatment and service distinctly Asian, the treatments combine Oriental Thai herbal therapies with European skin care and beauty products. Treatments include hydrotherapy, body wraps, reflexology, aromatherapy and a variety of massages. Staff assists guests in creating programs of treatment based on individual needs.

For active guests, The Oriental boasts two pools set in a riverside tropical garden, two flood-lit tennis courts, a jogging track and a Sports Center, situated across the river near the Spa and featuring a gym with the expected aerobic equipment and weights. Arrangements can be made for golfers to enjoy some of Thailand’s finest courses.

Other options include a cruise aboard the Oriental Queen to the evocative ancient capital of Ayudhaya and the summer palace of the Chakri dynasty at Bang-Pa-In or participation in the hotel’s famed Thai Cooking School. The latter, with day and week-long courses, must be booked well in advance. A further choice is to join the Thai Culture Program to learn about the country’s monarchy, religion, arts and architecture.

Whether a guest spends his day enjoying the hotel’s facilities, viewing Bangkok’s many exotic temples and palaces or attending business meetings, a memorable dinner exemplifies the perfect ending. With ten distinct culinary venues, including restaurants serving Thai, International, French, Chinese or Italian cuisine, the Verandah coffee shop for breakfast and light dishes, the Riverside Terrace and the Bamboo Bar, The Oriental offers choices to suit any mood and taste.

No doubt, many would name the widely-acclaimed Normandie as their favorite restaurant. With its elegant furnishings and fine French cuisine, such a choice could never be questioned. My personal favorite, however, remains the Sala Rim Naam, a magnificent Thai pavilion of teak, marble and bronze overlooking the river, where diners feast on tasty Thai dishes while elaborately costumed members of the Fine Arts Department of Thailand perform classic Thai dances. Another favorite, the China House, features Dim Sum lunches as well as an a la carte menu in a lovingly restored private house just steps from the hotel.

As The Oriental settles gracefully into its 125th year, guests can look forward to a number of anniversary events, such as guest appearances by three Michelin-star chefs, musical concerts by international performers, individual back-of-house tours, high tea with management in the Authors’ Lounge and the launch of The Oriental, Bangkok Cookbook.

The staff, which includes many who have been with the property 25 years or longer (53 years for a guest relations consultant, 43 for the chief doorman, 34 for the chief concierge and 33 for General Manager Kurt Wachtveitl), fully intends to continue The Oriental’s tradition of unparalleled service.

And guests, whether luminaries of the arts, heads of state or tourists undistinguished by fame or titles, can be assured that in the decades to come, the warm welcome that greeted them in the past will be awaiting their return.

IF YOU GO...

Special 125th anniversary packages, featuring accommodations, one-way limousine transfer, one 90-minute spa treatment, daily American breakfast, high tea with management in the Author’s Lounge, front- and back-of-house guided tours and an anniversary gift, run $330 single, $430 double for a superior room and $390 single, $490 double for a deluxe room through September 2001 and $380 single, $480 double for a superior room and $440 single, $540 double for a deluxe room from October 1 through December 28, 2001. Prices are per night and subject to a 10% service charge and applicable government tax (currently 7%).

Room only rates run $250 to $310 single or double, while suites start at $420 for executive suites and run as high as $2,200 for the Oriental Suite which boasts two bedrooms, a sitting room, dining room and service pantry on the top floor of the River Wing.

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