Bangkok Hotels & Accommodations

Sleeping

From humble backstreet digs through to opulent extravagance, Bangkok has an incredibly diverse range of hotels, guest- houses and serviced apartments. The best- value bargains are often to be had in the luxury sector; you’ll find some of the best hotels in the world here, many of which offer rooms at knock-down prices. The boutique boom has also seen an explosion of stylish independent guesthouses which often offer exceptional style and comfort at reasonable prices. The guesthouses of Khaosan are cheapish but often more expensive than what you’ll find in other parts of the country. Possibly the biggest bargains to be had are with long-stay options or serviced apartments. These are lavish flats, most of which come with all the amenities (pool, gym, maid and room service) you’d expect from a 4- or 5- star hotel, but at half the price. Terms of leasing are generally weekly or monthly and a deposit of 1-3 months is usually required. Officially, apartments are required to demand a minimum stay of a week; however, telephone negotiation of these terms is not uncommon and many allow nightly stays.

Many of the more expensive places to stay are on the Chao Phraya River. As well as river transport, the Skytrain provides excellent transport from this part of town. Running eastwards from the river are Silom and Surawong roads, in the heart of Bangkok’s business district and with Skytrain and Metro connections. The bars of Patpong link the 2 roads. Not far to the north of Silom and Surawong roads, close to Hualamphong (the central railway station and Metro stop), is Chinatown. There are a handful of hotels and guesthouses here – but it remains very much an alternative location. A well-established accommodation centre is along Sukhumvit Rd. The Skytrain runs along Sukhumvit’s length and it is intersected by the Metro at Soi Asoke. The bulk of the accommodation here is in the $$ range and the sois are filled with shops, bars and restaurants of every description. Note, that the profusion of go-go bars in Soi Nana (Sois 3 and 4) and Soi Cowboy (off Soi 23) can be off-putting. In the vicinity of Siam Sq are a handful of de luxe hotels and several ‘budget’ establishments (especially along Rama 1 Soi Kasemsan Nung). Siam Sq is central, has a good shopping area and excellent Skytrain connections, easy bus and taxi access to Silom and Sukhumvit roads and the Old City. The main concentration of guest- houses is along and around Khaosan Rd (an area known as Banglamphu). There is a second, smaller and quieter cluster of guesthouses just north of Khaosan Rd, at the northwest end of Sri Ayutthaya Rd. A third concentration of budget accom- modation is on Soi Ngam Duphli, off Rama IV Rd.

Advertisements in the Bangkok Post, The Nation and hotels’ own websites may provide some heavily discounted rates in some more upmarket hotels. Also see http://www.sabaai.com and http://www.bangkok-apartment.com to view and book serviced apartments online.

Airport

Those needing to stay near the new airport can book in at $$$ Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel (Moo 1 Nongprue Bang Phli, Samutprakarn, 10540 Bangkok, T02-131 1111, http://www.novotel.com), which has 600-plus rooms, 2 bars, 4 restaurants, a pool, fitness centre and spa....read more