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Aurum The River Place Boutique Hotel

By  Staff Writer
6 Apr 2010
It seems that many visitors to Bangkok really enjoy the opportunity to take a sentimental journey back in time.

At one time, Tha Tien, located on Rattanakosin Island on the eastern bank of the Chao Phraya River, was one of the busiest parts of Bangkok. It is an extremely interesting area filled with sights, smells and sounds to remind visitors of the “old world” charms of the city.

Rooms with a view
Aurum, The River Place, a four-storey boutique hotel, is located in Tha Tien and offers rooms with superb views of the river and Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn), which is located on the opposite side of the river.

The hotel, which opened last year, provides guests with a pleasant mix of the historical in terms of its location, with the kind of “new world” luxury expected by many international travelers.

Tha Tien gained its fame as a trading hub for agricultural output and other goods from the provinces. At one time, it was also the only port in the city to serve ocean liners. It is currently probably best known for its pier, from where tourists are shuttled across the river to Wat Arun.

A sense of harmony
Since Aurum is just a short walk away from a number of important cultural attractions, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), and some fine examples of European architecture from the early Bangkok era, the hotel’s operators took a sensitive approach to the building’s design.

“The building was designed to compliment existing buildings in the area,” said Jintana Unyanuparb, a managing executive from Aurum.

Painted in off-white shades and featuring foliage patterns on its balconies, the hotel’s exterior could be described as “modern, classic” in style.

Jintana’s sister, Wilaiporn, who is also a managing executive of Aurum, said the hotel had been developed on land passed on to them by their father. A building on the land had previously been used as a residence and office for a wholesale business, but had long been abandoned due to changing business trends.

Recently, the Unyanuparb family decided to demolish the building and erect a small hotel. They hope to contribute towards resurrecting the community and bringing in local and foreign visitors to experience its unique charms.

Small is beautiful
With only 12 rooms, Aurum’s management can ensure visitors enjoy warm Thai hospitality, as well as easy access to the historic delights of Rattanakosin Island.

“I think guests’ expectations can easily be attained in terms of providing them with a comfortable stay close to the city’s historic areas. We are located in ‘another world’ when you compare our location with the larger hotels,” Wilaiporn said.

If you’re a fan of great coffee and want to enjoy “a cup or two with a view”, head next door to The Aurum, where you’ll find Vivi, The Coffee Place.

The indoor area, which offers great views, is popular during the daytime, while the outdoor area comes alive during the evening when you can often enjoy a refreshing, cool breeze off the Chao Phraya. Word has spread around town about Vivi, and the place can get pretty busy, attracting locals and tourists alike. Quality coffee, fresh fruit juices and light and tasty snacks from the bakery are all available between 10 am and 10 pm. - Translated into English and republished with the kind permission of Manager magazine.
Resource
TAN NETWORK