Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [105]
Boworn BB (Map; 0 2629 1073; www.bowornbb.com; 335 Th Phra Sumen; s/d 600/700B; river ferry to Tha Phra Athit; ) Viewed from the outside, this place looks like a quaint, Banglamphu shophouse. But a peek inside reveals a huge array of mostly bland but tidy rooms. There’s an inviting rooftop garden for communal chilling.
Rikka Inn (Map; 0 2282 7511; www.rikkainn.com; 259 Th Khao San; s/d 600-950B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; ) Boasting tight but attractive rooms, a rooftop pool and a central location, the new Rikka is one of several great-value hotels changing the face of Th Khao San.
Baan Dinso (Map; 0 2622 0560; www.baandinso.com; 113 Trok Sin, Th Dinso; r 942-2000B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; ) Considering that all the bathrooms here are shared, Baan Dinso doesn’t rank high on the value scale, but this immaculately refurbished 85-year-old Thai house in a classic Bangkok neighbourhood is among the most unique accommodation experiences in town. The nine rooms are truly homey, and the shared bathrooms are absolutely spotless.
MIDRANGE
This is the fastest growing price bracket in the neighbourhood, and there are some fantastic bargains to be had if you can afford it.
Bhiman Inn (Map; 0 2282 6171; www.bhimaninn.com; 55 Th Phra Sumen; r 1000-1700B; bus 30, 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; ) With an exterior that combines elements of a modern church and a castle, and an interior that relies on copious mirrors and pop-art floor tile patterns, the design concept of this unique hotel is a bit hard to pin down. The rooms are slightly more predictable, although the cheapest are hardly larger than closets. An inviting restaurant and a pool fill out the package.
Lamphu Tree House (Map; 0 2282 0991; www.lamphutreehotel.com; 155 Wanchat Bridge, Th Prachatipatai; r 1200-1800B; klorng taxi to Tha Phah Fah; ) Despite the name this attractive midranger has its feet firmly on land, and as such represents brilliant value. Rooms are attractive and inviting, and the rooftop bar, pool, internet, restaurant and quiet location ensure that you may never feel the need to leave.
New Siam Riverside (Map; 0 2629 3535; www.newsiam.net; 21 Th Phra Athit; r incl breakfast 1390-2390B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; ) One of a couple of new places along Th Phra Athit taking advantage of the riverside setting, this hotel has comfortable rooms with tiny bathrooms. But the real value is the amenities (internet, travel agent, restaurant) and the location on one of the city’s more pleasant streets.
Hotel Dé Moc (Map; 0 2282 2831; www.hoteldemoc.com; 78 Th Prachatipatai; r incl breakfast 1500-1700B; bus 12, 56; ) The rooms at this classic hotel are large, with high ceilings and generous windows, but the furnishings could certainly use an update. Complimentary transport to Th Khao San and Wat Phra Kaew, and free bike rental are thoughtful perks.
Diamond House (Map; 0 2629 4008; www.thaidiamondhouse.com; 4 Th Samsen; r 2000-2800, ste 3600; bus 30, 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; ) Despite sharing building space with a rather brash Chinese temple, there’s no evidence of design conflict at this eccentric, funky hotel. Most rooms are loft style, with beds on raised platforms, and are outfitted with stained glass, dark, lush colours and chic furnishings. There’s a lack of windows, and some of the suites aren’t that much larger than the cheaper rooms, but a rooftop sunbathing deck and an outdoor Jacuzzi (!) make up for this.
Buddy Boutique Hotel (Map; 0 2629 4477; www.buddylodge.com; 265 Th Khao San; r 2000-2600B; bus 53, 506, river ferry Tha Phra Athit; ) This gigantic complex, which includes a pool, fitness room and, ahem, a branch of McDonald’s, is, as far as