Chao Phraya River
The
Chao Phraya River is the lifeblood of Bangkok. It is a huge brown river
and winds its way among all the temples and buildings - canals run into
this main river. Sometimes the Chao Phraya provides at least a breeze to
help break up the sometimes heavy humidity. Longtail boats and river
taxis ferry passengers up and down and across this river. Major temples
are located near its banks including Wat Arun, Wat Po and the Grand
Palace.
| Aurum, The River Place is located within
minutes walking of Wat Po and the Grand Palace on a small Soi right
next to the Chao Phraya River. It is located in the original heart
of Bangkok's commercial and cultural district. You can't beat this
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| location! This is an upper scale
hotel that is located on a very quiet street. A small cafe nearby
overlooks the river. This luxurious European styled boutique hotel
only has 12 rooms. All are tastefully decorated and elegant. No
Skytrain or Metro services this area and a taxi is the best way to
reach the hotel. Visit:
www.aurum-bangkok.com Phone: 02622 2248 |
The Oriental Hotel What can be said about The Oriental Hotel
other than it is among an elite class of hotels in the world and is
certainly considered one of the top hotels in Bangkok. Old World
elegance is a phrase that easily describes this hotel. Be sure you are
dressed appropriately before you enter this hotel - nice attire - shoes
and long pants are a must - otherwise you will be turned back by the
doormen in the front. This exquisite historical hotel just celebrated
their 130th year anniversary in 2006 and is located right next the
French Embassy and also the Chao Phraya River (in fact they have their
own pier on the river appropriately named, The Oriental Pier).
For a hotel of this caliber the room prices are quite reasonable.
Transplant this hotel to another city such as New York, Los Angeles,
Hong Kong or any of a number of other wealthy cities in the world and
the prices per night would be absolutely exorbitant. Here, rooms start
at about $300 per night US $ although during the 'off season' prices may
dip to around $250/night for the deluxe rooms. The service is absolutely
impeccable - the employees are friendly extremely attentive, and they
anticipate your needs quite well.
The rooms are awesome not only in design, layout, and features, but also
with great views of the river and the surrounding areas. Each section of
the floor has a butler available on your call. An incredible surround
sound Bose driven speaker system is available and controls are next to
both sides of the bed, in the bathroom, and next to the toilet. Fresh OJ
and a morning paper are delivered every day. A small pullout "office" is
available with a high speed Internet connection, phone and fax machine.
Marble is used liberally especially in the bathrooms - nice
bathtubs, and precision temperature controlled showers are
available.
Bath salts and other fancy bathroom amenities are provided for your
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Be sure to try out their famous Health Club and Sports Centre - located
across the river (free shuttle boat service is provided by one of the
Orientals Shuttle boats). Where else in Thailand or abroad can one lay
down immersed in Papaya fruit and other oils? Also try out some of their
many restaurants on site. Le Normandie is Bangkok's best French
Restaurant - suit and tie required for men in the evenings. If you have
no interest in seeing Bangkok there is really no reason to ever leave
the Oriental. The Author's lounge is awesome and is named after several
prominent authors who stayed and wrote at the Oriental Hotel, James
Michener included.
Sometimes reduced Internet rates are available for their rooms. For more
information including rates and photographs visit their web site:
www.mandarin-oriental.com/bangkok
or Phone: (02)
659 9000 or email:
orbkk-reservations@mohg.com
The
Peninsula Hotel was recently voted the top hotel in the World by a
large survey conducted by readers of
Travel & Leisure. Modern elegance is a phrase that can best describe
this hotel. During extremely rare times (such as threat scares, ie SARS)
I've seen prices per night starting at $150. For the top hotel in the
world. Wow. However, don't expect the price to be anywhere near $140 a
night during normal times - depending on the season rooms typically will
start at $250 to $300/night. For more information please visit their
website at:
http://bangkok.peninsula.com or Phone: (02) 861 2888
or
pbk@peninsula.com
Woodlands Inn is a budget hotel - visit:
www.woodlandsinn.org It is a little dingy and they did not accept credit
cards (even though their website indicates they do - (2008) so bring
cash. This hotel recently underwent an upgrade so hopefully the quality
of rooms have improved since we stayed here. It is overall clean and
provides a safe nights sleep. Located about 500 meters from the Chao Praya River and approximately 2 kilometers from the nearest Metro stop
Hualumphong. Phone: (02) 235 6640 or email:
manager@woodlandsinn.org
Khao San Road/Banglampou is the heart of Bangkok
for International backpackers. There are many small rather inexpensive
guest houses or hotels on Khao San Road or nearby this road. We have
seen several in the 100 to 200 baht per night range - room with bathroom
and fan (no AC). The advantages or disadvantages of staying on Khao San
Road is that you are close to many Internet cafes, massage parlors,
backpackers, and restaurants that cater to tourists. Also consider
staying at nearby Rambutri Road area - mere minutes walking from Khao
San Road. Rambutri provides all the same services as you will find on or
near Khao San but its more quiet and relaxed. Rambutri is located just
west of the end of Khao San Road towards the Chao Phraya River.
Say NO to guesthouses
that do NOT serve Thai people.
Some guesthouses in and around Khao San Road, including the Rambutri
district either advertise blatantly that they do not service Thai people
or if you are with a Thai person they will refuse that person entry to
their guesthouse. Always ask your guesthouse if they service Thai
people. Two guesthouses to stay away from are Bella Bella and the Sawasdee Inn - both located on Rambutri Road.
| Baan Chantra is located at 120/1 Samsen
Road about a 10 minute walk from Khao San Road. This is a privately
owned upscale small guesthouse located in a newly renovated
historical home. Excellent furnishings and decorations grace the
rooms. Prices start around $55 US dollars per room per night. Quiet
rooms - breakfast included, Internet and a nice common
reading/relaxing room. |
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For more information visit:
www.baanchantra.com or Phone:
(02)
628-6988-9 or email:
sales@baanchantra.com
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D&D Inn,
is one of the nicer hotels located smack in the middle of Khao San Road
- rates are very reasonable for the type of lodging you receive. |
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Rates
run from like 400 to 750 baht per night depending of course on
Single or Double room or AC or fan room only. A very nice hotel -
they have a pool and sun bathing deck located on top, nice interior
and courtyard - some rooms are a bit noisy so ask for their quiet
ones. There is a full service spa and salon (Hello Spa) on the 7th
floor. Their motto is "quality on a budget"! Look for discount
coupons to this spa/salon located on the first floor. This is a good
value and if you don't mind staying in the middle of crowded Khao
San road, and is one of the better values on Khao San Road. The
hotel itself is actually situated back from the main road - you walk
through a series of various small shops to get to the reception. For
more information visit:
www.khaosanby.com
or Phone: (02) 62905268 or
ddinn@khaosanby.com
Happy
Guesthouse is located on Soi Chana Songkram a small street off
the main Rambutri Street. Quiet clean rooms.
www.happyhouseguesthouse.com Phone: (02)
280 3301 or email:
booking@happyhouseguesthouse.com
Mom's Guest House is a very affordable cheap
backpacker style guesthouse, located at 98 Khao San Road. It is very
clean. Prices start at only 250 baht per night. For more information
visit here:
www.travelfish.org/accommodation_profile/thailand/bangkok...
Phone:
(02) 282 7191
Phranakorn Nornlen - is located
about 1 kilometer from the
Chao Phraya river and about the same
distance from Khao San Road - rooms run from about 1500 baht per
night. You can walk to either the river or Khao San area but expect
at least a 20-30 min walk to either place. This is a unique one of a
kind boutique hotel run by a famous Thai actress who is in her early
30's. She is often at this hotel during the evenings. One of the
friendliest staff you will find. Rooms are all different in their
own way. Their peaceful courtyard truly provides a serene escape
from the hustle and bustle of most of Bangkok. Breakfast included
with each stay - Thai or American food. Wireless Internet is
available for use with hotel stay - and several computers are
available. Nice paintings and other artwork decorate this hotel.
Some new rooms opened mid 2007. Located on small very quiet street -
mere minutes walking distance to the larger streets, shops, and
food.
Check their website for
the most current prices. Visit:
www.phranakorn-nornlen.com
Phone: (02) 628 8188-90 or email:
rooms@phranakorn-nornlen.com
If you stay at Phranakorn Nornlen, consider using Trufflers
"true flavour for travelers" run by Donald Woo Ming Lung - ask at
the front desk. This is the only boutique travel host to specialize
in 'non touristy' & 'off the beaten path' journey's in Thailand -
they work with guests of the Phranakorn Nornlen hotel to offer these
one of a kind trips and tours. More info is available here:
www.trufflers.com
Rabuttri
Village Inn is located on Chakkra Phong Rd, one street from Khaosan
Rd in the Banglampu district. Cheap and quiet guesthouse. Phone: (02)
282-9162, (66) 02-282-9163
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Suksawad
Hotel. This hotel is about 1/2 kilometer from
Khao San Road. It is located at 8/3 Samsen Road and is also accessible
during the day from Soi 6. At night access is off of the main Samsen
road as the entrance on the small Soi (Street) 6 closes. |
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(Samsen Road
runs right by Khao San Road).
This is a cheap, clean,
safe and generally nice safe place to stay. Note some of the rooms are
very well endowed with mirrors. There are also several other nice
guesthouses on this street (Soi 6).
Website:
www.geocities.com/suksawasdi_hotel Phone (02) 2817622,
suksawad_hotel@hotmail.com
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The Thai Cozy House is another great deal. Located only a few minutes
from Bangkok's famed Khao San Road, prices for a single room (including
breakfast) start at 550 baht/night. Rooms are small, clean, comfortable
and if you choose a room with AC, it generally works quite well.
Breakfast is included
- but their included breakfast is quite small. |
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On the menu they list
"breakfast sets" usually just museli with mixed fruit or some other
cereal. Vegetarian dishes abound. A cooking school also offered. For
more information please visit their website at:
www.thaicozyhouse.com
or
www.khaosanroad.com/thaicozyhouse
You can also email Kathy at:
kathy@thaicozyhouse.com
or PHONE (02) 629-5870-4 They are located at: 111/1-3 Tanee Road, Taladyod,
Pranakorn.
The Viengtai
Hotel located at 42 Tanee Road, Banglampu in Bangkok is well worth
the price. It is one of a number of hotels located within the old city
of Bangkok. They have a 24-hour restaurant, comfortable rooms and a
large swimming pool. The buffet all you can eat breakfast is included
with the cost. This breakfast is actually very good as they have a very
large selection of entries, fruit, salads and drinks. This hotel draws
an eclectic mix of upscale back packers as well as families and typical
tourists. There is plenty of restaurants nearby.
Silom
Silom is the heart
of the financial district in Bangkok - and as a result see's less
backpackers, is generally cleaner and quieter than some areas of
Bangkok. The Skytrain serves much of this area.
Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza is centrally located at 981 Silom Road.
This is in a nice clean section of town. Visit their website:
www.bangkok-silom.holiday-inn.com or Phone: (02) 2384300 or email:
reservations@holidayinnsilom.com
Sofitel Silom is
located in the midst of Bangkok's financial district. Nice rooms, a
swimming pool, a spa, and 4 excellent restaurants make this an oasis of
a hotel. Great with business travelers too. 454 rooms. For more
information please visit their website:
www.sofitel.com/sofitel/fichehotel/gb/sof/3616/fiche_hotel.shtml or
Phone: Phone: (02) 2381991
or email: H3616@accor.com
Take a Nap Hotel has recently come to our attention and has been
recommended by a fellow traveler. We will stay here during our next time
in town. Each room has a different theme - the rooms are affordably
priced and this hotel is located minutes walking from the metro or
Skytrain. In the mean time visit:
www.takeanaphotel.com
Trinity Silom Hotel is part of the Trinity Group and is located
at 150 Soi Silom 5. This is a modern hotel catering to business
travelers. It is located in the midst of Bangkok's commercial district
near major banks, embassies and large shopping areas. For more
information visit their website:
www.trinitycorp.com/html/trinity_silom_hotel.html or Phone:
(02) 231-5333 or email:
hotel@trinitycorp.com
The Unico Grande Tower Inn is located at 533 Silom Road. This is
an approximately 18 story hotel. They have a nice rooftop swimming pool
complete with a Poolside Bar. In addition, they have a fitness center, a
beer garden, and a 24 hour restaurant. The beer garden is worth visiting
- its on the roof top and is a great place to enjoy a Bangkok sunset!
196 rooms and service apartments for longer stays are available. A
single room costs about $70 US and does not include breakfast. A
business center in the facility offers Internet and Fax service. For
more information visit their website:
www.towerinnbangkok.com or Phone: (02)
237-8300-4 or email:
towerinn@anet.net.th
Sukhumvit
is the heart of the hotel district in Bangkok. Many travelers
stay here - many cheap and more luxurious hotels are merely walking
distance from one of the Sukhumvit Skytrain stops. Lots of nightlife,
massage parlors, restaurants, and street food.
Bangkok Boutique Hotel
is located at 241 Sukhumvit Road Soi 21. This is a wonderful well decorated
small hotel with a lobby that looks almost like an art gallery! We have
plans to stay at this hotel soon and will provide photos and a
description. In the meantime visit:
www.bangkokboutiquehotel.com
The Buri Bed & Breakfast is a nice well-cared for very small Thai
decorated guesthouse run by several ladies - located above a market and
flower shop on a small soi (street) just off of the main Sukhumvit road.
The rooms are not much larger than the actual size of the bed - be sure
to test the AC out - sometimes it takes a while to actually cool down
the room, as they do not always work immediately. The bathrooms and
showers are separate from all the rooms. These are quite user friendly -
as toilet paper is provided, shampoo and shower gel is also available
from permanent wall dispensers. Purified water - both hot and cold is
available from plastic water containers found within the main bathroom
area. The price ranges from 350 to 600 baht per room depending on season
and whether they have any promotions. A small breakfast is included. A
net cafe is also on location. Note, that the walls tend to be quite thin
and as a result even small noises can be heard out in the hallway or in
other rooms (however, no peepholes found in the walls). This hotel is
located at 58/14-15 Sukhumvit 55, Sukhumvit Road, North Klongtun. PHONE:
(02) 7141508 or for more information please visit their website at:
www.buribandb.in.th
Chateau De Bangkok is located at 29 Soi Ruamrudee 1, Ploenchit
Rd., Lumpini, Patumwan and is managed by Sofitel. The building is built
someone in the shape of a cruise ship. This is a very very nice hotel
with a friendly staff, tastefully decorated spacious rooms, and a
wonderful gym, rooftop pool and Jacuzzi - with great awesome views of
Bangkok. The rates were in the high $30's US dollars/night when the
author stayed there which was an incredible deal. Normal room prices
start and are closer to $65/night. This hotel is about a 5-8 minute walk
to the nearest Skytrain stop which is Ploen Chit. You can also rent a
tuk-tuk, motorbike or taxi from the hotel as they are easy to find in
this area and or the reception will call one for you. The guard salutes
you whenever you walk in or out of the hotel. Note the nice waterfall in
the front of the hotel - having this flowing water here, keeps things a
little cooler. There are nice shops, albeit a bit pricey across the
street in the Hotel Conrad complex. For more information please visit:
www.accorhotels.com/accorhotels/fichehotel/gb/sof/1774/fiche_hotel.shtml
or phone: (02) 6514400, email:
chateau1@loxinfo.co.th
| City Lodge
is run by Amari Hotels and is located 2 minutes walking distance
from the Asoke Skytrain/Metro stop at Soi 19, Sukhumvit. Note
they also have a second City Lodge down Sukhumvit at Soi 9,
Sukhumvit but our description here focuses on the Soi 19
location. This is a higher end hotel, definitely priced more
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the nearby budget accommodations you can find on this small
street. The rooms are good sized and high speed Internet is
available on site. There is also an Italian restaurant here
called La Gritta. The Robinson department store is just
down the street for any department store cravings you may have!
For more information visit:
www.amari.com/citylodge |
The First House Hotel (NOT
to be confused with another
hotel located just down the street called The First House) is
conveniently located about 1/4 mile from the closest Sky Station stop
which is the Station on the Sukhumvit Line. (14/20-29
Petchburi 19 Road, Soi Juldis, Phyathai District, Rajthevee).
This hotel as sentimental value for Dave as it was
where he stayed during his first trip to Bangkok in 96'.
Walking from the Chitlom Station, also on the Sukhumvit Line - is a much
longer walk then from the Ratchathewi Station. A landmark I use to find
the general location of the First House Hotel is the Baiyoke II
building, the tallest building in Bangkok. This area of Bangkok
really feels like Thailand - contrasted with other parts of Bangkok -
there are many vendors selling food and other goods on the sidewalks -
and its always busy in this part of town.
This hotel is 10 stories tall with two elevators marked "A" and "B."
Each elevator has a colorful poster on each of its three walls
advertising something about Bangkok or Thailand in general. In addition
there are typed signs that say "Please do not bring Durian upstairs".
For those of you who don't know, the fruit Durian is smelly and can be
repulsive to the untrained nose. The air-conditioning systems in each
room work very well.
Breakfast is included with a stay here. The Saranyuth Coffee Shop,
located on the ground floor, serves meals that are quite tasty.
Breakfast is included with each nights stay. Expect a buffet style
breakfast with Thai food including some rice and vegetables, eggs,
sausages (more like small hot dogs) and fresh fruit when in season (I've
had delicious fresh watermelon, pineapple and guava at this restaurant).
Be sure to take one of their "Town Guide" cards before you leave the
hotel and put it in your pocket or wallet. These are small business
sized cards that have the words "PLEASE TAKE ME TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS"
and a map prominently displayed on the front of the card. These are very
helpful if you are not good with directions, especially in a foreign
city! These cards also have a small map and contact information for The
First House Hotel.
Newspapers in various languages are available in the lobby each morning.
I have left my bags in their storage room for up to a day but never
longer. If you need to leave some luggage in their storage room and you
are leaving Bangkok for several days you will have to inquire about
feasibility of this and whether or not they offer or charge for this
service.
As an ongoing special when you reserve rooms at his hotel, they will
offer you discounts on Tailoring and a free 1/2 days tour of the
Vimanmek Palace and a Gems Factory. I have done this - its probably
easier to see the Vimanmek Palace on your own and skip the Gem Factory -
but its entirely personal preference. Prices start at about $40 US per night. For more information and to make
reservations online visit their website at:
www.firsthousebkk.com or Phone: (02)
254-030
or email:
booking@firsthousebkk.com
Ratchathewi
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Honey Hotel is located at 31 Soi Sukhumvit 19. Their motto is "a
place small enough to call home". This is a very well
established affordable hotel located within several minutes
walking of the Asoke Skytrain stop. The Asoke Skytrain stop also
connects to the Metro. This part of Sukhumvit has many hotels,
most that you find online start around 1500 baht - this one
starts around 700 baht. It is a multi-storied hotel with a
swimming pool and restaurant next door. They have a limited
number of under the building parking spots with the most
affordable rooms on the first floor right next to the parking
area. No Internet on site, but nearby cafes are available. The
Robinson Department store is just down the street on your way to
the Asoke Skytrain stop. The rooms are clean and comfortable
with good air conditioning. The staff is friendly and helpful
and there is always
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someone at the desk who speaks a bit of English. They also have
a nice small pool between the actual hotel and the small road. A
24 hour coffee shop is located across the parking lot from the
separate building where the reception is located. The Robinson
department store is just down the street for any department
store cravings you may have. For more information call: (662)
2530646-9 email:
honeyhtl_company@yahoo.co.th or visit:
www.honeyhouse.co.th |
La Residence Hotel
is located in the business section of Bangkok - within walking
distance to the Pat Pong night markets & risqué entertainment, Jim
Thompson's House, and several shopping malls (173/8-9 Suriwongse Road
-corner of Soi Anumanrajdhon 1). The hotel is located off of a busy
street on a corner but the rooms are quite quiet. The cost for a double
room as of March 2002 runs about $32 US - this does include breakfast.
Some rooms do not include breakfast. Be sure to review the enticing
photos of their hotel and rooms on their website.
| Maxim's Hotel is located at the end of
the small Soi 7/1 off of Sukhumvit Road. This road is full of bars
and massage parlors and at night becomes quite alive with Farang and
scantily clad skinny Thai women. This hotel is probably the best
deal on this small street. Several of the other hotels on this
street only
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have 1 bed per room (no doubles -
you can guess what clientele they serve!), but Maxim's
has a number of double bed rooms. Despite having a 24/7 bar outside
of their entrance and the proximity of all the other bars, their
rooms are very quiet. The rooms are simple and clean. Breakfast is
included and several Internet stations are located in the lobby (1
baht/minute). You can leave your bags behind the counter if you are
going to be traveling. For more information email:
maximinn@loxinfo.co.th
Phone: 02 2529911
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Na Na Chart Sukhumvit
is a very new hostel located
at 189/5 Soi Predee Panomyong 9
Prakanong. It is located about 10 minutes from Siam Square and just a
few minutes walking from both the Skytrain and Metro. They have private
accommodations and also dorm rooms. This hostel has been recommended to
us - but we have not yet stayed here. We will do so later in 2007 during
our time in Bangkok. Phone: (02) 59-6908-9
Email:
bkkcentre25@thailandhostel.com
Queen Lotus Guest House is located at: 392/44-46 Sukhumvit Soi 20/1,
Sukhumvit Rd. |
(Review coming soon) Visit:
www.queenlotusguesthouse.com
Royal Asia Lodge is conveniently located at
91 Sukhumvit Road,
off of
Soi 8
which is very close to the Nana Sky Train stop.
Rooms with a King Size bed are available for about $20 a night. For
hotels in this price range the Royal Asia Lodge is hard to beat and this
is a Dave's recommendation. It is a family owned and operated hotel on
Soi 8 situated about 300 meters off of the ever busy Sukhumvit road. Its
location is on a street that sees very little traffic - its in an
upscale area. As you enter this street (Soi 8)
from Sukhumvit Road, a small red button is available on the right hand
side of the street - located on the back side of the first building (the
side of the building that is parallel to the main Sukhumvit Road.
Pressing this will bring free of charge, a Royal Asia Lodge Tuk-tuk
driver who will drive you to the entrance to the hotel. You don't really
want to walk this street to Royal Asia as its a considerable walk - the
Tuk Tuk ride will only take a few minutes. You do not have to tip the
driver for the ride unless you want to.
| Click on the thumbnails:
the "red button" described in the above paragraph as well as the
rooftop Jacuzzi. A nice, albeit small, pool is available on the
rooftop (9 stories up) - you can swim, relax and watch the fish
swimming in the |
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long fish tank situated directly above
the pool. There is also a nice Jacuzzi right next to the pool on the
roof. Great views of the city are seen from up there. Poolside service
with the touch of a button is available for drinks or snacks.
Single rooms are small, clean and comfortable. Refrigerators, TV's and
controls for lighting and AC are found in each room. Piped classical
music is played in the elevator - and the elevator controls on each
floor (outside the elevator) show you exactly what floor the elevator is
on at any given moment. Like other hotels, a sign indicating "no durian
in the rooms" is taped to the wall on the first floor.
| Click on the thumbnails
to see the rooftop pool and restaurant which is located on the 9th
floor. High speed internet access is located downstairs - its a bit
pricey at 50baht per every 15 minutes. A tailor downstairs offers
reduced rates on clothing for patrons of the Royal Asia Lodge. |
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A very clean nice looking
restaurant is located on the top floor just below the rooftop. The
prices are a bit high, but the food is decent. For more information
please call: (02) 251-5514 or visit their informative website NUMBER 1
at:
www.royalasialodge.com or visit website NUMBER 2 at:
www.royalasiaparadise.com or email Chareon directly at:
chareon@ksc15.th.com Rare to see two totally
different websites for the same hotel!
| Sacha's Hotel UNO is a chic upscale
boutique hotel located off of Sukhumvit Soi 19 - mere minutes
from the Asoke Skytrain stop. This is a good choice for Business
travelers. Large beds, tastefully decorated rooms, wireless
Internet in all of the rooms. Also of note is the very nice cafe
downstairs. The salads are
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excellent. For more information
visit:
www.hotel-uno.com Phone: 02 651 2180
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Sam's Lodge is located on
Sukhumvit Soi 19 about a 2 minute walk in from the main Sukhumvit Street
and the Asoke Skytrain stop. The main entrance is on a small side street
off of Soi 19 and the reception is located on the 2nd floor. If you are
tall and elect to walk up the stairs be sure to duck your head due to
the very low stairway ceiling. The rooms are clean and comfortable. Note
there is a rooftop lounging area. For more information please visit:
www.samslodge.com
Phone: 02 253 6069
 Suk11
Suk11 is a very affordable safe clean guesthouse -
providing basic accommodation. This guesthouse is a real winner and is
highly recommended. A real spiritual feel to this place - very
interesting decor which is often an International hangout due to the
many people from around the world who stay here. Its an awesome place to
discuss travel & meet people to hook up with for traveling. The double
bed rooms are comfortable, good sized, and clean. Some have absolutely
huge beds! All ages tend to stay here although the younger set
dominates. Individuals who love to travel who have small children tend
to stay here as well.
A healthy breakfast is included free from 7am to 10am and
includes lots of good fruit and small bagels and other bread items!
Check out time is 11pm. Several Internet stations are available on the
2nd floor (10 baht coins only accepted - 1 baht per minute). This is an
excellent place to meet fellow backpackers. It can be intimidating when
you first walk in and you see all these backpackers sitting around the
table at the main entrance all deep in discussion, and they all stop
talking at once and then look up at you as the "new guy."
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Be sure to write something of your
choice on any one of the walls that already have notes from fellow
travelers. Hundreds of travelers have left their comments on these
walls.
Suk11 is located on Soi 11 off of Sukhumvit Road near the Nana
Skytrain stop. Its somewhat hard to find if you don't know what you
are looking for and the vendors on the sidewalks located nearby are
pretty much useless for providing directions.
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Its near a 7-11 - about 75-100 meters in
on the small Soi 11 (street) from the main Sukhumvit road. You walk down
a small alley next to a restaurant and more of the hotel - this area is
surrounded by plants and you will soon come to the entrance. Note: this
place fills up very quickly and is immensely popular especially during
the high season of December through February. If you know the dates you
will be in Bangkok, its best to reserve at least a minimum of 14-21 days
ahead of time using their reservation form on their website (ignore the
3 days advance booking note on their website -that is too short of a
lead time. Due to their popularity from word of mouth, excellent
write-ups, and online websites such as this one the lead time for making
reservations has gone up significantly. This is a small hotel and there
are only so many rooms. We think they should open another similar hotel
along Sukhumvit to accommodate all the demand.
The reception area is very small and during breakfast. Washing machines
are located at the end of floor 3 - a drying room with a fan is located
next to the washing machines. Suk11 has 4 floors (the 4th floor is very
small) and there are steps that lead up to the roof for views over
nearby Bangkok.
For more details & directions visit:
www.suk11.com
or Phone: (02)
253-5927 or email:
Thailand Hostel has several locations throughout Thailand with
their Bangkok location at 25 Sukhumvit Road in the midst of a business
district. Visit:
www.thailandhostel.com/detail.php?pk=4
The Watergate
Amari Hotel & Spa
is considered a luxury hotel and is located at 847 Petchburi Road near
the First House Hotel (mentioned above) and is just down the street from
The First House. Their is also an Amari Hotel located near the Bangkok
Airport. Amari also runs the City Lodge, as listed under our description
under the Sukhumvit section. Phone (02) 653 9000 or email:
watergate@amari.com
More information can be found on their website listed below:
www.amari.com/watergate
Unico Leela Hotel
is located at 74 Sukhumvit Soi 3 Road and is a 9-story full service
hotel with 95 rooms. Their check in counter and coffee shop are open
24/7. Room prices start at about $30 US per night. For more information
visit their website:
www.unicoleelahotel.com or Phone: (02)
655-2790-6 or email:
leelahotel@yahoo.com
World Inn Bangkok located at
131/5-7 Sukhumvit Soi 9 (Ruenchit), affords comfortable average lodging.
Dave has stayed here. Air conditioning is available in the rooms - it is
a 4 story hotel. There is a restaurant across from the lobby that serves
breakfast, lunch & dinner. Breakfast is not included with a nights
lodging. The food is quite good and believe it or not, is among only a
handful of Thai restaurants within this small section of Bangkok.
| This hotel is a step
below The First House Hotel listed above and just slightly lower in
price. Click on the thumbnail to see the inside of the Restaurant
located down stairs at The World Inn. Phone. (02) 2557274-5 |
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National Stadium
There
are prime shopping areas near the National Stadium and Siam Skytrain
stops. Shopping includes the upscale Siam Paragon (finished in 2006) and
the huge MBK Mall. This is a crowded area of town to stay in.
Baiyoke Tower II is the tallest building (hotel) in the Kingdom of
Thailand and certainly in Bangkok. It is clearly identified by its
circular shape and the large Blue DTAC sign on one side. Sometimes
organizations will hang their sign from the side of this building - I've
seen a sign for the Thailand Film Association before. It takes three
different elevators to reach the top of this building. If you reach the
78th floor and you eat at the International Buffet restaurant you will
find place mats that provide you with statistics such as: the pilings
under the building run into the ground to the height of 22 stories,
there are 1,740 windows in the building, it is 309 meters tall, there
are 2,60 steps from the bottom to the top, which will take most people
over an hour to climb, and the observation deck rotates a full 360
degrees.
The International Buffet located on the 76th and 78th floors is worth
the price for the surrounding experience & atmosphere of being in
the highest restaurant and tallest building in all of Thailand. These
floors are literally surrounded by glass windows so you have excellent
views of Bangkok from high above. The buffets are all you can eat Sushi,
German, & Thai food and sometimes other cuisines. A variety of salads,
meats, deserts and fruits are also available. Note that this food is not
excellent but average. You are paying more for the views and atmosphere
and experience of eating at the top of Thailand's tallest building. As
of 2007 the price is 800 baht per person. However, also note that during
holiday season - especially in December this price may double (unless
you are Thai - then the price remains lower) The food is located in the
center of the floor and is 3/4 of the way around the floor!
The 84th floor is the Sky Walk Revolving Roof Deck. If you stand in
one place and wait about 15 minutes you will have revolved 360
degrees. This is an awesome spot at night to watch the lights of
Bangkok. It is also very impressive to stand at the base of this
building and look straight up. For
more information about this tall hotel visit:
www.baiyokehotel.com/index.php?site=baiyokesky
Phone: (02) 2656-3000
Email:
baiyokesky@baiyoke.co.th |
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The Bed & Breakfast hotel is located on Soi Kasemson 1
Rama Road (same as the Reno Hotel - see below). This 3-story
hotel provides basic affordable accommodation. The rooms are
very tiny with small adjoining bathrooms. Hot and cold water and
air conditioning provided. The breakfast is very light,
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typically
a piece or two of fruit and toast. The attraction with this
hotel beside the reasonable pricing is its location. The street
is very tiny but is minutes walking from the main shopping areas
of MBK, the new cultural arts center (under construction early
2008), Siam Paragon Shopping and the Siam Discovery Center,
among others. The Skytrain is also minutes away by walking. The
street is quite small and secluded for the area and as a result
is sort of an oasis in the middle of this concrete jungle.
Massage services, and street food are all located nearby. No net
access on site but nearby hotels provide both wired and wireless
access. Within the Bed & Breakfast hotel you have wireless
access from a nearby hotel - but you need to pay for access
ahead of time at the nearby hotel.
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Muangphol Mansion is located
opposite National Stadium on the same street that the Reno Hotel is
located on (see below). This is a budget multi-story hotel which
contains 80 rooms. If you are sensitive to smell, they seem to have a
problem with their water system - as some of the rooms smell quite
musty, especially the bathrooms as the smell seems to originate from the
water pipes. Email:
info@kritthaimansion.com
If you are not sensitive to smell
you may not notice this. Internet stations available in main lobby
for a bit high price. Food also served but not real tasty. For more
info visit their website at:
www.kritthaimansion.com/muangphol or phone: (02) 219-4445
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The Reno
Hotel is located not far from MBK shopping center at No 40 Soi
Kasemson 1 Rama Road. This hotel is opposite National Stadium. This is
the nicest hotel on this small street. This upscale budget hotel is
located near the Skytrain and major shopping centers. Nice clean rooms
and friendly staff. Restaurant is located adjacent to the hotel and
breakfast is included with each stay. They also have a nice swimming
pool! Despite being located minutes from major shopping centers their
location is somewhat isolated and you don't have the feeling of being
surrounded by the "urban jungle". It is also fairly quiet at night.
| For more
information call (02) 215-0026-7, email
renohotel@bblife.com
or visit
www.renohotel.co.th. There are several other guesthouses on this small street, but The
Reno Hotel is the nicest one of them. |
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Other
These are hotels that do not fall in any of
the above Bangkok district categories.
A-One Bangkok Hotel is located not far from the old Don Muang
International Airport. This is a modern hotel with spacious rooms
catering to business travelers. They are located at 9 Soonwijai 4, New
Petchburi Road. Phone: (02) 718-1030-44
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Cozy Bangkok Place is located in a very small area of what feels
like "old Bangkok" - it is in a residential area with few shops.
The address is: 41/146-148 Soi. Sunthonpimol, Rama 4 Rd.,
Rongmuang, Prathumwan. It is surrounded by tall buildings and
large raised roads including the huge Rama IV, but for some
reason this tiny area has escaped being totally developed.
Because of its location surrounded by small streets it can be
somewhat confusing for taxi drivers to find. They do have a map
on their website that you can print out and take with you. It is
about a 5 minute walk to the closest bus station and a 10-12
minute walk to the Hua Lamphong Metro stop (which is the last
stop at this end of the Metro. The hotel is also located within
about the same distance walking of the big train station and
Chinatown. This is 3-story hotel that opened in mid 2007. It is
a very clean hotel - you must put your shoes in wooden lockers
and put on one of their provided sandals before you walk
upstairs. Prices start at about 800 which is a little high based
on the fact that the bathrooms and showers are shared. Internet
access is downstairs (2 consoles available) and are coin
operated with 10 baht coins only. As of press time the price was
a reasonable 20 baht per hour. The water is low flow and all
spigots will fluctuate in pressure |
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every 10-15 seconds (part of the water saving). There is also a
small kitchen downstairs. The staff is friendly and very helpful
and can have a taxi waiting for you, even in the wee hours of
the night or morning. For more information email
cozybangkok@hotmail.com, call: (662) 6119178 or visit:
www.cozybangkok.com
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