Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [108]
P&R Residence (Map; 0 2639 6091-93; pandrresidence@gmail.com; 34 Soi 30, Th Charoen Krung; r 1000-1200B; river ferry Tha Si Phraya; ) Located on a quiet street near the old Portuguese embassy, there’s nothing fancy about the P&R, but its rooms are comfortable and clean and it’s very fairly priced for this relatively atmospheric corner of town. Breakfast is 80B extra, and payments are by cash only.
Bangkok Christian Guest House (Map; 0 2233 2206; www.bcgh.org; 123 Soi Sala Daeng 2, Th Convent; s/d 1100/1540B; Skytrain Sala Daeng, Metro Silom; ) This austere guesthouse dates back to 1926, but today resembles any other modern building in Bangkok. Great for families, as some rooms have five beds, and there’s a 2nd-floor children’s play area and lots of tourist information.
La Résidence Hotel (Map; 0 2233 3301, www.laresidencebangkok.com; 173/8-9 Th Surawong; s/d 1200-2000B, ste 2700B; Skytrain Chong Nonsi; ) La Résidence is a boutique inn with playfully and individually decorated rooms. A standard room is very small and fittingly decorated like a child’s bedroom. The next size up is more mature and voluptuous with blood-red walls and modern Thai motifs.
Swan Hotel (Map; 0 2235 9271; www.swanhotelbkk.com; 31 Soi 36, Th Charoen Krung; s/d 1200-1500B; river ferry Tha Oriental; ) Despite its relatively large size, this classic Bangkok hotel is able to maintain a homey feel. A recent facelift has it looking better than ever, although the room furnishings are still stuck in the 1970s. The inviting pool area is a bit more timeless, and the entire place is virtually spotless. An excellent midrange choice.
Inn Saladaeng (Map; 0 2637 5522; www.theinnsaladaeng.com; 5/12 Soi Sala Daeng; d 1400-1800B; Skytrain Sala Daeng, Metro Silom; ) One of several boutique hotels in the area, the Inn is the newest and most conveniently located. The lobby’s bright floral theme carries on into the 38 tight but well-equipped rooms, making up for the lack of windows. Free wi-fi and self-serve breakfast are other perks.
Rose Hotel (Map; 0 2266 8268-72; www.rosehotelbkk.com; 118 Th Surawong; r from 1800B; Skytrain Sala Daeng, Metro Silom; ) Don’t let the unremarkable exterior fool you; a recent renovation has the lobby and rooms of this Vietnam War vet looking quite modern. With a gym, sauna and breakfasts included, it’s one of the best deals in town.
Heritage Baan Silom (Map; 0 2236 8388; www.theheritagehotels.com; Baan Silom Shopping Centre, 669 Soi 19, Th Silom; r 2750-3250B; Skytrain Surasak; ) Tucked behind a ‘lifestyle arcade’ (ie shopping centre), this wannabe top-ender is a modern interpretation of an English colonial-era mansion. Carefully designed with attractive wood and wicker furnishings, the rooms here are bright and airy, each featuring a different colour theme and custom wall prints.
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LATE-NIGHT TOUCHDOWN
A lot of nail-biting anxiety is expended on international flights arriving in Bangkok around midnight. Will there be taxis into town, will there be available rooms, will my family ever hear from me again? Soothe those nagging voices with the knowledge that most international flights arrive late and that Bangkok is an accommodating place. Yes, there are taxis and even an airport bus service (Click here).
If you haven’t already made hotel reservations, a good area to look for a bed is lower Sukhumvit; it’s right off the airport expressway and hotels around Soi Nana such as the Swiss Park (Click here) and the Federal (Click here) are used to lots of late-night traffic, and won’t break the bank. Alternatively, you could always go to Th Khao San, which stays up late, is full of hotels and guesthouses, and sees a near-continuous supply of ‘fresh-off-the-birds’ just like you.
If, for some reason, you can’t stray too far from the airport, these places provide a more than adequate roof.
SUVARNABHUMI INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Refill Now! The nearest good budget option (Click here).