The Bar/Lounge at Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

"For diners having a Western jones, there's a wood-fired Italian pizza oven and an outdoor barbecue joint on a terrace by the river (closed from May to September for the rainy season)"

"In 1887 another Dane, HN Anderson, upgraded the hotel with what is now the Authors' Wing, containing suites named after writer-guests from an unknown Joseph Conrad to Somerset Maugham, Noel Coward, Graham Greene, John le Carré and, er, Barbara Cartland"

"Thai cooking classes are offered at the Oriental Thai Cooking School and, speaking of food, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is home to 10 restaurants and bars, including acclaimed fine-dining hotspots Le Normandie and The China House as well as its signature Thai restaurant, Sala Rim Naam, which hosts nightly performances of traditional Thai dance and music"

"The oldest part of the hotel, the Garden Wing and Author's Lounge, have been beautifully preserved"

"Considered the Grande Dame of Bangkok hotels, this 393-room luxury property sits along the banks of the Chao Phraya River, with knockout views from rooms as well as the hotel's elegant bars and restaurants"

"Relax with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge or a poolside bar"

"The evocative Authors' Lounge, decorated with parasols, cushioned wicker and bowers of greenery, is a genteel retreat for tea and cocktails"

"Best-known for its historic relationships with a host of international literary giants – from Jospeh Conrad to Barbara Cartland – that have inspired an entire wing, the hotel’s recently revamped Garden Wing now competes to be the main draw"

"Meanwhile, the renowned Authors’ Lounge, a favorite gathering spot for ladies who lunch (and high tea), has been restored to its former design from the late 19th century"