West side story

The Chao Phrya River, as it approaches Bang Rak and Taksin Bridge, has a good number of condominiums and luxury chain hotels lining its banks - among them the Mandarin Oriental, Shangri-La, Royal Orchid Sheraton and The Peninsula. While the first three occupy the east bank, opening on to Bangkok� bustling Charoen Krung Road, The Peninsula is tucked away in the old Thon Buri neighbourhood to the west.
So I� delighted to find myself on the shuttle boat crossing the �iver of Kings�from east to west, travelling from the high rises of Bangkok to barely recognisable Thon Buri. As I check into the hotel, I get a real sense of escape.
That� appropriate as I�e come to The Peninsula Bangkok for its �iver Escape�promotion. Purchase the package (Bt3,000/person/night), and you decide whether you want to upgrade to a Deluxe Suite or tuck into the set dinner for two at River Cafe and Terrace or enjoy a 60-minute massage for two people at The Peninsula Spa. Naturally enough, I don� need to think twice. The spa wins every time.
The Peninsula uses keys - not electronic keycards - for its rooms. Thatâ€� a very nice, and in todayâ€� world, an original touch, My room is 2208 â€" Grand Deluxe - on the 22nd floor. Through the inverted V-shape window, I can see the â€�ld guard of the Chao Phryaâ€�â€" the Mandarin Oriental - and watch Bangkokâ€� skyline glowing in the dark. Thereâ€� tasteful wood on the bedstead, the table and work desk, the walls are white and decorated with a fine watercolour and the bedsheets match the cream-coloured lounge chairs. The bed is comfortable. I wonâ€� wake up with backache.
A flat-screen, plasma TV might be common in hotel rooms but not in mine. At The Peninsula Bangkok, I watch the Americans battle against their old masters the English in the World Cup on the old-fashioned, small but clear LCD screen. The plasma TV has not arrived on the right bank of Chao Phrya yet â€" at least in my room.
Forget the TV. The spacious bathroom, with three separate corners for bathtub, shower and toilet, is a great place to languish. Hang �o Disturb�sign on the door knob, pour two glasses of chardonnay from the mini bar and take turns with your lover to scrub each other backs with Devi shower gel in the two-person tub. Woohoo!
The Peninsula might be a 30-minute journey by the BTS to Silom and Sukhumvit� nightlife and dining scenes but its own riverside restaurants are a mere lift-ride away. The River Bar, for example, serves cocktails and light meals by the Chao Phrya, while River Cafe and Terrace offers fusion food al fresco. Or you can take a table at Thipsala restaurant and enjoy authentic Thai food.
The Peninsula also serves fine coffee and nice bread, plus, of course, a terrific breakfast.
I leave the best for last - my 60-minute aromatic massage at The Peninsula Spa. Managed by British spa company Espa, The Peninsula Spa has its own colonial building surrounded by tropical gardens. It� equipped with a spacious reception, Tea Lounge, treatment rooms and retail area.
And the treatment is the real deal. For one hour in Spa Suite, thank to the upgrade promo, I am pampered in a private Jacuzzi, rain shower, steam room. When the therapist wakes me up, I don� want to leave.
Like its counterparts across the river, The Peninsula is recognised as world-class luxury hotel. It flagship hotel might be in Hong Kong, but what we have on the west bank of the Chao Phrya is second to none.

AT A GLANCE
High point: Luxury accommodation with a beautiful spa retreat, making it ideal for a laid-back city break.
Low point: The work desk in the room may be there just for looks as there was no power plug for my laptop computer. Wi-Fi Internet signal is weak â€" at least on the 22nd floor.
Find it: 333 Charoennakorn Road, Klongsan, Bangkok
Pay for it: The River Escape (Bt3000/night) package is good until end of this month.
Browse it: www.Peninsula.com
E-mail it: pbk@peninsula.com
Phone it: (02) 861 2888