THE CAPELLA Bangkok, Thailand【4K Tour & Review】AWARD WINNING 5-Star Hotel

[@tanzil88]

Came here after they announced this hotel as "the best in the world".

[@tfft]

The fact that this came as #1 makes me not even feel the urge to google which list this is...

[@tanzil88]

@sonnysantino7849 yes pls. Maybe a re-visit? Maybe they do change?

[@blake22222blake]

On a channel binge right now - can't think of another with this much detail, honesty, or high-quality footage. Will probably be halfway through by the end of the week. Keep it up!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much! Really appreciate the comments. It’s very difficult to break through on KZbin these days but I think by this point we’ve found our niche and we’re sticking to it. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@blake22222blake]

@@tfft Absolutely! I'll especially note the architectural comments, cultural backstory, and history of the brand in this video stood out. Beyond just "explaining what's on the screen". Great work.

[@tfft]

Yeah- some properties just deserve a bit more insight (and some just don’t haha…). Happy watching!

[@grammarpolice9458]

The report/score card you present at the beginning of every video is EXCELLENT. Gives you a taste of what's to come and best of all - perspective with the pricing in mind. Secondly, there are lots of "luxury hotel channels" out there with zero character, no voice-over and a generally sterile and unappealing feel to 'em. Your channel is my fav. hands down. Surprised to see you at 3K subscribers and not 3M! You've got my subscribe for sure!

[@tfft]

Slow and steady :) it hasn’t even been a year since our first video. We’d rather grow naturally with consistent content instead of shock value click bait thumbnails like many other channels. And thank you for the feedback about the price of the hotels included- this is one of the most important things to us as it’s the only way for the viewer to understand how a tiny bungalow in the mountains can get the same score as a ‘6-star’ luxury resort. Thanks very much for watching and subscribing 🙏🏻

[@grammarpolice9458]

@@tfft Your videos succesfully whisk us away from everyday life and allow the viewers to feel as if we are truly physically there vacationing. Coupled with the thorough information and your backstory of the booking process, etc. it feels as though I've done the booking myself! I suggest all you other viewers to throw it up on the big screen - gotta give the camerawork the respect and appreciation it deserves!

[@terminatorfluffywooo]

Kevin - I will say the service at the hotel has gotten significantly better and the staffing issues have been resolved. We stayed at the property last week and the service was nothing short of spectacular. It really felt like they had a staff to guest ratio of 3:1. I’m guessing it was COVID related in the past. Thanks for your review!

[@tfft]

Great to know! Thanks for watching 🩴

[@nunoalmeidacosta2417]

I love your honesty! That’s why you will become the best hotel reviewer in the world!!!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much for the kind words ☺️

[@kernthorpe864]

Recently discovered your channel and my wife + I spent a week binge watching your vids to catch up. While the FS clearly has a vastly better outdoor area we both thought the decor inside the Capella was massively superior, but hey it's great to be able to armchair QB this stuff from 9000 miles away! Keep up the good work.

[@tfft]

Welcome to the channel 😊. Regarding the decor at the Capella, I think i was thrown off by how different it is from its other newer properties. I’d never been to but knew well the Capellas in Hanoi and Ubud, both designed by Bill Bensley (someone who has designed many hotels in SE Asia and known for his slightly over the top story driven designs). Compared to those, the Bangkok interiors just fell flat to me. They’re beautiful but could have been in any luxury hotel anywhere. But, it’s clearly working for them so I suppose I’m not one to judge 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@Fiat-kl6lt]

Beautiful video..❤

[@d16y8]

I’ve have watched review on FS Bangkok last week. And today a video on Capella right next to FS. It’s very good for us to have our own comparisons through your great video as usual. Thank you very much ❤️👍

[@tfft]

Always good to have options ☺️ Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@sonnydickson6651]

Which one did you end up liking more?

[@dendrial]

What an excellent Video! And what an excellent channel! Ive stumbled over your vid while doing research for our Bang Kok trip. All videos give a great overall impression of the hotels! They are not to long or to short and have the perfect amount of in depth information without any unnecessary drawn out blabber! Plus i love the occasional humor which is right down my alley! After watching them i feel like i can make a much better founded decision on which hotel to choose (will probably be the FS! With an afternoon tea at Cappela) As someone said below i have no idea why you did not show up in my recommendations as most of my youtube activity is watching hotel / travel vlogs and flight reviews (flying business with Austrian to New York too soon. Not to chuffed about, but as i live in Vienna its the only direct connection for me. Flew them 4 years ago already , and it wasnt great, but it seems it only went downhill from there!). Just happy i stumbled over your channel now! Keep it up! Love your work and i feel you should have (and deserve) much more subscribers (everyone who is interested in stuff like this!)

[@tfft]

I tend to get much more "recommendation" viewing on trip report videos- my theory is that, hotel review channels/videos (I mean, reviews that are as in depth as any given flight trip report would be) are so rare on youtube, relatively speaking, that it may not on it's own have enough data for KZbin to recommend effectively. Either way though, enjoy your trip!

[@AlvinMususi]

I just discovered your channel and you've made a new subscriber. I live in Bangkok and had a staycation at the Capella Valentine's weekend February 2022. It's unfortunate there appears to have been a missed opportunity for Capella during your stay because my experience with the staff was top notch. When I arrived there were three staff members already waiting for me at the drop-off, they knew and addressed me by name (I'd given my estimated arrival time during my booking) and was quickly whisked away to the living room for check-in. The general manager, John Blanco, was at hand to introduce himself and left a personal hand-written note in the room. There was also a decent spread at the Phra Nakhon for breakfast on top of the menu options and the F&B manager walked around ensuring the guests were all happy and catered to. Did you check out the Stella bar during your stay? The stuffed white peacock at the center of the space under an enormous chandelier is something. My next stay is definitely the Four Seasons now that I've seen your review. Thank you for a brilliant job on these videos and sharing your experiences with us.

[@tfft]

Agree, it was an unfortunate experience during my stay- especially considering all of the hype about the hotel leading up to my stay 😂 Oh well, things happen. Hope you enjoy the FS as much as I did. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@garrygalvez9339]

Goes to show the service is inconsistent for all guests. If the intent of the hotel is just create another caste to drool over, then there are other luxury hotel brand experience that can be had for the same money.

[@lisabouchard584]

I did love that view of the riverfront from the room!! Spectacular!!! Oh and the afternoon tea 🫖!! 😘👏

[@tfft]

Yes those were certainly the highlights for me as well! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@GlennTedja]

Oh my… I just discovered this channel and am soooo impressed. These are fantastic videos! Thanks for the hard work!!

[@tfft]

Thank you very much for the kind words and for watching 🙏🏻

[@reinazumi986]

I love your honest review, which is necessary for future traveller. Thank you for that

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@travelwithraisa3271]

I found my desire hotel for booking for my upcoming vacation.thank u so much

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@obayedh]

That's the most decorated Christmas tree I have ever seen hands down! ;)

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@darkinsanity666]

KZbin algorithm led me to this channel and thank god for that! Keep it up👍

[@tfft]

Google has a habit of leading us to what we need ☺️ Thanks very much for watching 🙏🏻

[@gilbydog7350]

Great review, such an understated hotel. I actually liked the balcony, giving you quite a bit of outdoor space. I have enjoyed my balconies at the Peninsula and MO in Bangkok overlooking the river. All rooms having a river view is definitely a plus. The Thai afternoon tea looked interesting, and your dinner room service looked really good. I feel the same about the pool area, which I have enjoyed at other hotels on my trips to Bangkok. Perhaps if you had a Riverfront Villa the compact pool area would be less of an issue. Hotel looked really clean though, and in good condition. Keep up the great work !

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@shirleymayatan]

I too just found your channel. Love your sarcasm and humour. I believe the small “weaved” ball on the bed is supposed to be a scented ball. I have seen these “wooden” or “weaved” balls being placed in many Japanese hotels/Ryokans. I am a HUGE fan of Eggs Benedict. So, I totally feel your “disillusionment” with their breakfast and chefs. And that Christmas tree - I have no words :( Thanks for giving us a straight, no nonsense review.

[@tfft]

Ah, thank you for that! The ball was… I guess you could say scented, but it wasn’t a particularly nice scent so I assumed that wasn’t the intent- but makes sense ☺️ I’ll be in Bangkok in November so I’m hoping to pop in and see how depressing this year’s Xmas tree looks 😂 Thanks very much for your kind words and welcome to the channel 🙏🏻

[@shirleymayatan]

@@tfft I just watched your Four Seasons BKK review. Your review has helped me decide on my next BKK hotel 😄

[@tfft]

You’re gonna love it!

[@zhangshinyi]

LOL that christmas tree is something

[@tfft]

Certainly is 😅

[@obisan4793]

OMG that Christmas tree lol... really appreciate your videos, especially now I'm planning our Bangkok trip. Eagerly waiting to get your opinion on Standard v. Sindhorn Kempinski as those are my top choices!

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@HOBBYTONY600]

The first Capella Hotel was the Breidenbacher Hof in Düsseldorf. Opened in 2008 as a Capella and left the group last year.

[@tfft]

Very interesting. This seems to be an arm of the ‘family tree’ they’ve buried quite well as I never came across it during my research. Thanks for pointing it out- interesting to know the original connection (via Horst Schulze) to Ritz Carlton. Considering his mission in opening the Breidenbacher Hof though and it’s incredible level of service- seems they may have fallen quite far from that original mission in Bangkok. I’ll take this one as a lesson in always digging a bit deeper than you’d think! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@tfft]

Trends and markets change and at the end of the day, what worked 10 years ago may not be viable anymore. Just a (large) business transaction for most involved.

[@tfft]

I should also mention, brands evolve as well- some don’t maintain standards across the board or change their niche and no longer bring to the table what they once did.

[@huyhuyable]

Can’t wait till you back in Vietnam for more reviews . In personal the design of Capella BKK give me a Very cozy feeling , and the great river view doesn’t make me feel that i’m in the middle of a chaos city

[@tfft]

Yes it gives me a cozy feeling too… in the sense that it is boring and makes me want to take a nap 😅 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@huyhuyable]

@@tfft hope you’ll soon be back in Vietnam . Check out The Regent in Phu Quoc island . Had a great 5 nights stayed there the last October

[@patsim1615]

I thought I have walk into a condo lobby. At least this hotel view so much better than 4 Seasons

[@tfft]

If my condo lobby looked like this, I don’t think I’d need to go on vacation 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@adammforrester-smith2518]

Just found your channel really enjoy it, in your option four seasons is better than Capella ? With what I saw I think the same going to have a couple of nights their in December or January. 👍

[@tfft]

By a long shot, yes. The Capella I think is fantastic if you’re looking to splash out on one of the riverfront villas, in which case it does really provide a unique experience. Otherwise though, yes I’d always choose the Four Seasons (even though the views at Capella may be a bit better since they’re all truly riverfront vs some partial river views at the FS). Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@edward88881]

When I first saw the hotel facade I was surprised at how stark and unwelcoming it seemed - not a hint of character that would set the building apart. The interior didn't improve much on that first impression. I love that hotels in Asia have a dedicated pastry chef and team who take pride in showing their art. In the US it seems pastry products are brought in from large corporate bakeries.

[@tfft]

Yes I agree about the facade, and nothing to inject more personally inside. Surprises me so much because some of their other hotels are borderline over-the-top in interior design. Their properties in Hanoi and Ubud you’d swear were a totally different hotel brand. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@melltell]

This hotel looks like a the other new. Hotels in bangkok and it’s extremely overpriced

[@Loupadron2010]

This is a pretty little city hotel young and with a burst of energy that young tourist from the US and Europe will just rave about it because it is a big treat for them and they are not yet seasoned travellers and fine dining connoisseurs. The room was very cluttered even though the mirrors and the colors and fixtures tried to hide the fact that it is very small with a huge terrace window and terrace. The chefs need to rethink about their menus and presentation of a typical breakfast item. Perhaps because they were understaffed dude to the pandemic it was like having growing pains. The gardens, courtyard also very small and with a cluttered feeling. The Four Seasons wins. I do not know who is paying top dollars to make sure that Conde Nast raves about Capella Hotel as the second coming of Christ. Thank you kindly.

[@tfft]

Thanks for sharing ✈️

[@adityagupta5601]

Hi , what resort is this at 0:17 ?

[@tfft]

My guess is the Hyatt Regency Samui.

[@lw94566]

Interesting video. I like how you compared Four Seasons and Capella. That breakfast was sad!

[@tfft]

Yes it was very sad in deed. Hard to imagine it came from a hotel with a Michelin starred restaurant. But, at least we have the Four Seasons ☺️ Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@tanletran7270]

The Peninsula across the river may be old & dated but the rooms have better view of the river & Bangkok skyline . The Service at the Peninsula is second to none . As a first timer we even got an invitation to a welcome cocktail hosted by the GM & the management team

[@garrygalvez9339]

We love The Peninsula BKK

[@marquis51]

Thanks I was really expecting this review for the comparison with FS. Clearly I'd spend hard earned cash at the FS! Also the comment on the Christmas tree made my day haha

[@tfft]

I’m glad the spray painted dead palm fronds made your day 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@georgecosta7209]

Interesting property. Not the Four Seasons. The spaces seemed cold? I actually expected Jared Leto to pop out - shades of BladeRunner 2049? And those stark walls and green roofs of the villas reminded me of mausoleums? Just odd. The room and its views was amazing. Cheers!

[@tfft]

Agree on just about every point. If all of the rooms at the FS had balconies, there would literally be no purpose for this Capella besides the riverfront villas. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@vjayleo2142]

I'm surprised, that the Capella did not score very high. I thought it would be at the same level as Four Seasons. Never mind. Still a great hotel in Bangkok, but very expensive

[@tfft]

The same level or perhaps even higher! I suppose this is one of the downsides of building so much anticipation and winning so many awards ☺️ Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@estellegregory2522]

I've never watched a video that makes me so glad NOT to chose a particular hotel (and now, of course, the prices are much higher). I think our tastes are similar and your excellent photography gives us the choice to agree or not with your view. I'm very glad I happened upon this channel (strangely from a reply on reddit, not suggsted by youtube - which I think it should have been given my viewing patterns). Thank you for the honest assessments. BTW I can't believe they had no one to greet you even during covid - I'm sure they have cctv so someone should/could have been alerted as your taxi arrived!

[@tfft]

Thanks very much… now I am very curious which Reddit thread you found me in tho lol.

[@estellegregory2522]

@The Flip Flop Traveller do you want me to try to find the exact one? It was asking about high end hotels in Bangkok and someone suggested your blog

[@tfft]

Ah ok, nah it’s alright I was just curious about the context since Reddit is how should I say… a world I’ve yet to explore 😂

[@estellegregory2522]

@@tfft and one you really don't need to! I only do it when I'm super bored while doing something else at the same time - but every once in a while I pick up a gem - like your channel 😀

[@brilliantbutblue]

Last things first, you cannot "run out of hollandaise" Chefs make it daily and it's as simple as 3 ingredients, also you can fix split hollandaise easy enough so there is absolutely no excuse for what you had been served. I actually liked the Hotel, personally l prefer a smaller bathroom and bigger living space/balcony so that wouldn't bother me, however the concept of calling before your arrival annoys the heck out of me, it's unnecessary and the check in minimalist approach is a joke, the first person you see on arrival sets the mood for your stay. That Christmas tree surely that was a joke? It looked like a pile of branches fell of the trees and they stacked them up ready for bonfire night🤣. I loved the crockery in the rooms, tasteful and class. I see your points and they are valid would l stay there? Probably 👍

[@tfft]

Do what my family is doing later this year- staying next door at the Four Seasons and then coming here for a bit of tea :)

[@magnumss]

17:57 .... It would be nice to actually see this balcony thats "too big" ... All we get to see is the window looking in from that balcony

[@tfft]

The size of the balcony is very clear in the video from different angles at different points.

[@kevboynet]

The ball on the bed was spawned by the Christmas tree, obvs. As for the score, with current rates being upwards of US$1000/night, let's do a little algebra. $458/81 points = $1000/x points. Solve for x.

[@andrewwalker1134]

Whenever I stay at international hotels, I always get the Hotel Limousine to pick me up at the Airport and take me to the Hotel. The chauffeur always rings ahead and notifies when I will be arriving and I am always met by senior staff and whisked away to my room. I think that Capella would have treated you more efficiently, if you had arrived that way.

[@tfft]

Sorry but no, if I’m paying $500/night I shouldn’t have to spend more just to get a greeting at the door. Plus their transfers were 3800฿ (for a van…) at that time which is absurd at more than 10x a normal Grab/Taxi rate. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@tfft]

Says the guy that always comments that spending more than $50-$100 on a hotel is a waste of money…? Lol ok 😂

[@louiscy]

Could you hear when someone from the next floor pees? LOL

[@tfft]

Thankfully, no. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@waimingericleung4524]

Oh😮

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@waimingericleung4524]

Won’t consider to visit after watched your honestly comments.

[@Drod8899]

The thumbs up is for you and your narration and filming, thumbs down for this over priced hotel, 4 Seasons it is, aloha from A Royal Caribbean cruise

[@tfft]

Thanks very much 🙏🏻

[@melltell]

This hotel looks like the other new hotels in Bangkok. The don’t have soul an I think it’s extremely overpriced. I prefer the Oriental mandarin or the Sullothay,

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@CAARaeed]

This place seems a little overrated, TBH. I am not seeing anything about it that merits so many awards, especially with how empty and unattended it feels.

[@tfft]

Agreed. Thanks for watching 🩴

[@rajadnan]

I mean how is this the No.1 hotel in the world ? 😢

[@tfft]

So says one publication lol

[@القادماجملباذنالله-ت2ع]

Kempinski Hotel Bangkok Siam is more beautiful than this hotel... I hope you will make a video about Kempinski Hotel soon

[@tfft]

I will be visiting the Sindhorn Kempinski soon! Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@ugurciftci4823]

Breakfast about disappointing

[@tfft]

Thanks for watching 🩴

[@obayedh]

Wondering, how on earth this hotel got all the top awards!? Perhaps, they are giving away free stays to all the so called "reviewers:!??

[@tfft]

That’s easy: their riverfront villas dominate every article every written about them. Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@glenora1974]

"The worlds most depressing designer christmas tree." Good thing you told us what that thing was supposed to be... I don't think I would have guessed "Yeah - that's a christmas tree, totally..." Yikes, just... yikes... 😧😧😧

[@tfft]

Before they spray painted the palms brown (“gold”), they perhaps could have considered that dead palms are the same color 😂 Thanks for watching 🙏🏻

[@qicui9461]

This Capella‘s interior design is bad actually 爱and not comparable with Rosewood Bangkok

[@happysensyhappysensy670]

as always your comments sucks bloody greatly but your filming makes it watchable

[@tfft]

Awww, aren’t you just a breath of fresh air on a cloudy day. You must be a delight at social gatherings. 🤭 If anyone is forcing you to listen to my narration against your will, please contact the authorities immediately!

[@banjemine4150]

Where is that damn LoL emoji when one needs it?!