Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [104]
Wild Orchid Villa (Map; 0 2629 0046; www.wild-orchidvilla.com; 8 Soi Chana Songkhram; r 280-950B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; ) The cheapies here are some of the tiniest we’ve seen anywhere, but all rooms are clean and neat, and come in a bright, friendly package. This place is exceedingly popular, so it’s best to book ahead.
Rambuttri Village Inn (Map; 0 2282 9162; www.khaosan-hotels.com; 95 Soi Rambutri; r 290-950B; bus 30, 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit) If you’re willing to subject yourself to the relentless gauntlet of tailors (‘Excuse me, suit?’), this newish hotel has an abundance of good-value rooms. A ground-floor courtyard with restaurants and shops makes this a convenient place to stay.
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WHAT TO EXPECT IN BANGKOK
Hotel rooms are generally more expensive in Bangkok than elsewhere in Thailand, but don’t fret as there’s a huge variety and discounts can be had, making accommodation generally good value overall. We have divided rooms into the following three categories:
Budget under 1000B
Midrange 1000B to 3000B
Top End over 3000B
The prices listed are high-season rack rates, but it’s worth noting that significant discounts can be found by booking online. See the boxed text on Click here for recommended sites.
So what do you get for your money? At the budget end, the days of 50B beds in Banglamphu are over, but those counting every baht can still get a fan-cooled dorm bed (or a closet-like room) for between 150B and 200B with a shared bathroom. The more you’re willing to pay, the more likely you are to get a towel, hot water and air-con. If you require privacy and your own bathroom, paying in the realm of 700B or so can get you a capable, although generally characterless, room.
The biggest mixed bag of all, the midrange level starts out with the high-quality guesthouses, then moves into a grey area of mediocrity. Above 1000B, the hotels have all the appearance of a hotel back home – a bellboy, uniformed desk clerks and a well-polished lobby – but without the predictability. If you’re on a lower midrange budget, and aren’t so keen on aesthetics, some very acceptable rooms can be had for between around 1500B and 2000B. If your budget is near the higher end of the scale, it really pays to book ahead, as online discounts here can be substantial.
Bangkok’s growing array of top-end hotels typically include amenities such as pool, spa, fitness and business centres and overpriced internet connections. The famous brands generally provide more space, while ‘boutique’ hotels emphasise ambience. In the top tier rooms start at more than 10,000B, but in most of the luxurious design and boutique hotels, and the vast majority of the international brands, you’re looking at about 6000B to 9000B, before hefty online discounting. Keep in mind that the hotels in this category will generally add a 10% service charge plus 7% tax to hotel bills.
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Bella Bella Riverview (Map; 0 2628 8077; 6 Soi 3, Th Samsen; r 300-570B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; ) Wind your way through an atmospheric Bangkok neighbourhood to this gangly guesthouse. River views are slim, and the rooms are bare and largely devoid of amenities, but it’s a good choice for those who want to stay near Th Khao San, but not too close.
Villa Guest House (Map; 0 2281 7009; 230 Soi 1, Th Samsen; s/d 300/600B; bus 30, 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit) A quiet older couple have opened their 100-year-old teak house to foreign guests. The 10 fan rooms (all with shared bathrooms) are outfitted with antique furniture, including canopy beds. By the time this book is published a few additional rooms should also be finished.
Penpark Place (Map; 0 2281 4733;