Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [111]
To soak up the ambience of old seafaring Bangkok, stop by for a cocktail at the Bamboo Bar or toast the ‘swift river’ as Noël Coward did from the riverside terrace. For teetotallers, an afternoon brew is served in a frilly Victorian lounge filled with black-and-white photographs of Rama V. To ensure its aristocratic leanings in a less formal age, the hotel enforces a dress code (no shorts, sleeveless shirts or sandals allowed).
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Asia Hotel (Map; 0 2215 0808; www.asiahotel.co.th; 296 Th Phayathai; r from 2900B; Skytrain Ratchathewi, klorng taxi to Tha Ratchathewi; ) The epitome of an Asian midranger, this huge hotel has plain but large rooms with generous-sized bathrooms. Connoisseurs of kitsch will appreciate the dual presence of Calypso Cabaret (see the boxed text, Click here) and an Elvis show. Significant discounts available online.
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Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square (Map; 0 2255 6888; www.accorhotels-asia.com; Soi 6, Siam Sq; d from 3655B; Skytrain Siam; ) For business or leisure, Novotel Siam is conveniently located near the Skytrain and shopping. Rooms are spitting images of corporate class back home, but the deluxe ones are better suited for business purposes.
Nai Lert Park Hotel (Map; 0 2253 0123; www.swissotel.com/bangkok-nailertpark; 2 Th Withayu/Wireless Rd; d from 5300B; Skytrain Ploenchit, klorng taxi to Tha Withayu; ) This hotel has seen a few reincarnations during its 25-year history, but we like the current one; the suites follow the sleek design theme laid out in the lobby, while cheaper rooms follow a more conservative wood-heavy ‘classic’ theme. Regardless, all are huge and include balconies.
Siam@Siam (Map; 0 2217 3000; www.siamatsiam.com; 865 Th Phra Ram I; r 5700-8400B; Skytrain National Stadium; ) The lobby of this new hotel is more amusement park than accommodation, but that’s what makes it so fun. A seemingly random mishmash of colours and materials result in a style one could only describe as ‘junkyard’ – but in a good way, of course. The rooms, which continue the theme, and which are located between the 14th and 25th floors, offer terrific city views, free wi-fi and breakfast. There’s also a spa, a rooftop restaurant and a pool on the 8th floor.
Conrad Hotel Bangkok (Map; 0 2690 9999; www.conradhotels.com; 87 Th Withayu/Wireless Rd; d from 7062B; Skytrain Ploenchit; ) When built in 2003, the Conrad was one of the first hotels in Bangkok to consciously make an effort to appeal to the young and hip. It has since been surpassed in this area, but still offers attractive accommodation. The interior is decked out in Jim Thompson silks and a vaguely Asian theme. The attached Diplomat Bar is a great place to chill out with a martini and live jazz.
Grand Hyatt Erawan (Map; 0 2254 1234; www.bangkok.hyatt.com; cnr Th Ratchadamri & Th Ploenchit; d from 10,400B; Skytrain Chitlom; ) This longstanding luxury staple boasts 380 functional and handsome rooms in the virtual centre of Bangkok’s commercial zone. The rooms are seemingly designed for those who wish to work, with inviting and well-positioned desks. For those on holiday (and not constrained by budgets), six new Spa Cottages include a city-view balcony, an attached spa, and complimentary massage and spa services.
Sukhumvit
This seemingly endless urban thoroughfare is Bangkok’s unofficial International Zone and also boasts much of the city’s accommodation. There’s a bit of everything here, from the odd backpacker hostel to sex tourist hovels and five-star luxury. The former two are largely located between Sois 1 and 4, while the latter doesn’t begin to appear until you reach Soi 12 or so.
In general, because visitors with larger budgets stay