Picture Praya PalazzoLet's warn you first: This palace in italian style with Chinese elements is only accessible by boat from Chao Phraya River. And it has been a neglected building for many years. But then came Wichai Pitakvorrarat, assistant professor at Rangsit University's architecture faculty and principal of Process Architect and Planner Co, and his wife Preeyadhorn, owner and executive director of the company. They fell in love with the more than eighty years old mansion on the Thonburi side of Chao Phraya, searched the owners, convinced them, leased the palace, started the restauration of the old lady to its former glory in april 2008 and turned it into a luxury hotel with 14 rooms: Praya Palazzo has been born. And Nina Suebsukcharoen told this story in details in the Bangkok Post. Originally this house with the name Ban Bangyeekhan was built in 1923. Later it served as a school.
The Praya Palazzo hotel (757/1 Somdej Phra Pinklao Soi 2) is accessible by its private boat, which departs from Wat Rajathiwas pier every 30 minutes and service Phra Arthit pier on request. The room rates start from 10000 Bath. Read the excellent review by Bangkok Post. jakoboertle has a pretty photogallery, and Chakchai's site has another gallery. See also the video of the transformation of the old palace on youtube and follow an interview with Vichai Pitakvorarat on youtube. Praya Palazzo is also on Facebook.
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