the shangri-la bangkok was the nicest hotel we stayed at on our 2-week honeymoon in thailand. it was undoubtedly 5-star. such a great value.
pros:
1) free stuff! you must stay in the krungthep wing- it's a bit older and detached, but it is extremely nice and closer to the skytrain and river taxi. and they have so many free things, it's unbelievable. free amazing breakfast, free high tea and snacks, free soft drinks and juice and cookies in the room, free drinks and canapes in the evening. i mean, really, we didn't have to pay for food or drinks the whole time we were here. it was so nice sitting out by the pool, overlooking the river in the evening and drinking free drinks and eating free canapes. sounds like a small thing, but it was huge.
2) friendly, attentive staff. 5-star.
3) clean, elegant, luxurious, nice music playing, i mean this place absolutely felt like luxury.
4) value- you couldn't get this kind of service and value in the states for this price. unbelieveable value.
5) great workout facilities and pool.
6) absolute best location in bangkok. steps away from the river taxi and sky train, and being on the river is so nice in the evening.
cons:
none. i could go on and on about this hotel, it was truly wonderful.