Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [175]
Citadines Soi 16 (Map; 0 2663 8777; www.citadines.com; 38 Soi 16, Th Sukhumvit; d from 1950B; Sukhumvit exit 2; Asok exit 6 & skyway; ) Not, perhaps, quite as appealing as the Citidines on Soi 23 (opposite), but still very difficult to argue with the space, service and facilities you get for these prices. Expect bright, well-equipped rooms and one-bed suites, a pool on the roof and efficient service.
On8 (Map; 0 2254 8866; www.on8bangkok.com; 162 Th Sukhumvit; d 2900-3200B; Nana exit 4; ) Literally on the doorstep of Nana Skytrain station, in the heart of the action near the corner of Soi 8, On8 is a highly designed 40-room hotel where space is at a premium. Over four floors, the three categories of room differ only in size and outlook (ie none or an opaque window, which is appropriate given what you’d be looking at). They all have big flatscreen TVs, small desks and appealing decor.
Sacha’s Hotel Uno (Map; 0 2651 2180; www.sachas.hotel-uno.com; 28/19 Soi 19, Th Sukhumvit; d from 2500B; Sukhumvit exit 3; Asok exit 1; ) These 56 rooms in adjacent buildings are pretty compact and are neither the ‘five-star’ promised in the marketing nor quite as impressive as the lobbies suggest. Still, they are very well wired for business and the ‘deluxe’ rooms in the main building, in particular, won’t disappoint at these prices.
Silq (Map; 0 2252 6800; www.silqbkk.com; 54 Soi 19, Th Sukhumvit; d from 2500B; Sukhumvit exit 3; Asok exit 1; ) Just down from Sacha’s, the eight-storey, 46-room Silq is a smoother operation with brighter rooms that feel larger than they are thanks to big windows (in most rooms). Service is friendly and the buffet and à la carte breakfast is the clincher.
S Sukhumvit Suites (Map; 0 2661 7252; www.ssukhumvitsuites.com; 403 Th Sukhumvit; d 2600-3600B; Sukhumvit exit 2; Asok exit 6 & skywalk; ) This is a classic of the genre; low-rise with 43 rooms, very near to transport (the Skytrain runs right past the 4th-floor windows; trainspotters ask for rooms 408 or 888), decor in browns and greys, faux-wood floors and desks. Wi-fi is included.
* * *
LE FENIX
Map Hotel $$
0 2305 4000; www.lefenix-sukhumvit.com; 33 Soi 11, Th Sukhumvit; r 2500B; Nana exit 3;
In recent years the big hotel companies have jumped on the ‘boutique’ bandwagon, with mixed results that sometimes feel more cash and carry than boutique. This 147-room, eight-floor place is one of Accor’s attempts. At the end of busy Soi 11, it is aimed at travellers who love the nightlife at least as much as Alicia Bridges. The smooth curves, bright colour palette and lounge-music-filled corridors create a modern feel, though the rooms are small and simple. All have two single mattresses on one base, which means you’ll want to get on with your room mate pretty well. That said, the main reason to stay here is the access to nearby clubs, in particular the open-air Nest on Le Fenix’ roof. Rooms have both wi-fi and broadband cable internet, with two hours free per day. Online rates from 2000B.
CITADINES SOI 23
Map Hotel $$
0 2204 4777; www.citadines.com; 37 Soi 23, Th Sukhumvit; d from 1900B; Sukhumvit exit 2; Asok exit 6 & skywalk;
Of the four Citadines ‘Apart-Hotels’ built by hotel megalith Ascott on this stretch of Sukhumvit, this is our pick. In both the studio (28 sq metres) and one-bedroom (45 sq metres) options the decor is bright with orange and lime flavours, and the design makes the most of the space. Expect a kitchenette you can actually cook in, a living area and bedroom (separated by a partition in the studio). Pasta in the kitchen suggests they might be expecting bachelors, but it’s families who’ll find the greatest value – where else can you get a separate room, a rooftop pool and a hip cafe-restaurant (the Minibar Royal) downstairs for 2400B?
ATLANTA
Map Hotel $
0 2252 6069, 0 2252 1650; fax 0 2656 8123; 78 Soi 2 (Soi Phasak), Th Sukhumvit; s 642-800B, d 856-1020B;