Bangkok (Lonely Planet) - Andrew Burke [176]
The oldest hotel in the Th Sukhumvit area (and proud of it), the Atlanta enjoys cultlike status with return budget travellers who shun the Banglamphu ‘tourist’ scene. And rightly so. The hotel was started as the Atlanta Club in 1952 by Dr Max Henn, a former secretary to the Maharajah of Bikaner and owner of Bangkok’s first international pharmacy. And while it looks thoroughly grim from outside, the perfectly preserved mid-century lobby, complete with old-fashioned writing desks and a grand-entrance staircase sweeping up five floors (there’s no lift), makes you want to hang around waiting for Bogart to slip in. The rooms are spacious but more functional than Hollywood; those on the top floor aren’t good at all. But the just-kempt jungle-landscaped pool is very welcome in this price bracket. Note: ‘The Atlanta does not welcome sex tourists and does not try to be polite about it.’
SUK 11
Map Guesthouse $
0 2253 5927-28; www.suk11.com; sub-soi off Soi 11, Th Sukhumvit; s 500-650B, d 700-900B; Nana exit 3;
Stepping between the potted plants and into the wooden-fronted oasis of Suk 11, hidden down a small sub-soi off busy Soi 11, is to step into Sukhumvit’s primary outpost of backpacker culture, and a definite atmosphere of post-beach chill. Expect a lobby crowded with travellers sitting around, drinking and swapping tales. Upstairs the 80 (yes, 80!) rooms stretch almost the length of the soi, with plank walkways and terracotta accents embellishing otherwise plain rooms with and without bathrooms. Outside is a spa, restaurant and Cheap Charlie’s for the cheapest beers outside 7-Eleven. Wi-fi costs 40B an hour.
NA NA CHART SUKHUMVIT 25
Map Hostel $$
0 2259 4900; www.thailandhostel.com; Soi 25, Th Sukhumvit; dm/s/d 390/1200/1500B; Asok exit 6 & skywalk;
This HI-affiliated place looks a bit institutional and some staff act like wardens, but it’s very convenient to transport and (with membership) good value in this part of town. The large, clean rooms come with cable TV, fridge and air-con – though the dorms need three occupants before the air-con is turned on. Membership costs 200B per person and is granted on the spot, saving 100/300/500B on the dorm/single/double prices quoted above; breakfast is included.
HI SUKHUMVIT
Map Hostel $
0 2391 9338; www.hisukhumvit.com; 23 Soi 38, Th Sukhumvit; dm 330B, s 600B, d 900-1150B; Thong Lo exit 4;
Seemingly lost in a galaxy where budget lodgings usually fear to go, the clean, simple dorms and rooms and welcoming family owners make this budget place a real find. The breezy rooftop is a good place to chill out, wash clothes and watch another Bangkok condo emerge from the ground, and the nearby night market is a great place to eat.
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GREATER BANGKOK
If you’re staying outside central Bangkok, choose a place near the Skytrain for zippy commutes.
MYSTIC PLACE
Map Hotel $$
0 2270 3344; www.mysticplacebkk.com; 224/2-18 Th Pradipat btwn Sois 18 & 20; r 2250-3250B; Saphan Kwai exit 1;
At Mystic Place, nee Reflections Rooms, your room could be decked out entirely in black-and-white spiral psychedelia, sport portraits of playful puffed-up ladies or be decorated completely in recycled goods. The 36 rooms are each styled by a different artist, designer or celebrity and make Mystic Place the most arty, trippy, kitschy and totally cool hotel in Thailand. A 10-minute walk from Saphan Kwai Skytrain in a refreshingly Thai neighbourhood, rooms are Starbucks-sized: small is really big and large is mega. Each is fitted with a DVD player and free wi-fi. Check out the rooms online to book the one you want; streetside rooms are noisy. In breaking news, the Reflections people have opened a second, slightly cheaper arty hotel called Baan Waree (Map; 0 2272 6300; baanwaree.com; 24 Soi 8 (Soi Sailom 1), Th Paholyothin, Samsennai; d 1290-1490B; Ari exit 4; ) with another 27 individually designed rooms and a restaurant.
THAI HOUSE
Map Guesthouse $$
0 2903 9611; www.thaihouse.co.th; 32/4 Mu 8, Tambon Bang Meuang, Bang Yai, Nonthaburi; s/d 1500B/1700B