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THINKING AHEAD

The rates listed in this chapter are high-season rack rates; ie the highest price a hotel will generally charge for a room. However, there’s no reason you should be paying this much, especially if you know ahead of time when you’ll be in town. Booking rooms online can lead to savings of at least 20%, and often more, at many of Bangkok’s leading hotels. This can be done directly through the hotel websites or via sites such as Lonely Planet’s Hotels & Hostels (www.lonelyplanet.com), which features thorough reviews from authors and traveller feedback, and a booking facility.

It can also work to your advantage to simply call and book ahead; sometimes hotel desk staff collect commission on walk-ins and are reluctant to discount, something that can be remedied by a pre-emptive phone call and an inquiry about the lowest possible rate.

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Swiss Park Hotel (Map; 0 2254 0228; 155/23 Soi Chaiyot/11, Th Sukhumvit; r 1900-2350B, ste 3350B; Skytrain Nana; ) The rooms here are workaday and largely forgettable, but the convenient location and friendly and competent staff make this a good midrange find.

Citichic (Map; 0 2342 3888; www.citichichotel.com; 34 Soi 13, Th Sukhumvit; r 2700-3000B; Skytrain Nana; ) The name and lobby of this stylish midranger ooze self-confidence. And justifiably so; although they are a bit of a tight squeeze, the rooms here come fully equipped with flat-screen TVs and all other amenities – and all of it done with style.

Napa Place Bed & Breakfast (Map; 0 2661 5525; www.napaplace.com; 11/3 Sap 2, Soi 36, Th Sukhumvit; d 2750-4800B; Skytrain Thong Lo; ) Seemingly hidden in the confines of a typical Bangkok urban compound is what must be the city’s homiest accommodation. The 12 expansive rooms here have been decorated with dark woods from the family’s former business and light brown cloths from the hands of Thai weavers. The communal areas couldn’t be much different from the suburban living room you grew up in.

TOP END

Seven (Map; 0 2662 0951; www.sleepatseven.com; 3/15 Soi Sawasdee/31, Th Sukhumvit; r 3296-6000B; Skytrain Phrom Phong; ) This tiny hotel somehow manages to be chic and homey, stylish and comfortable, Thai and international all at the same time. Each of the six rooms is decked out in a different colour that corresponds to Thai astrology, and thoughtful amenities abound.

Davis (Map; 0 2260 8000; www.davisbangkok.net; Soi 24, Th Sukhumvit; d from 5000B; ) If it’s hard to pinpoint the design of this young-feeling hotel it’s probably because it seems to have covered all the bases with Chinese-, Japanese-, Myanmar- and Balinese-themed rooms. Domestically speaking, there are also seven Thai-style villas surrounding a pool. It’s located way out near Th Phra Ram IV, but there are túk-túks (pronounced úk dúk; motorised transport) to whisk you to the civilisation of Th Sukhumvit.

Eugenia (Map; 0 2259 9017-19; www.theeugenia.com; 267 Soi Sawasdee/31, Th Sukhumvit; r 5800-7200B; Skytrain Asoke, Metro Sukhumvit; ) Although Thailand was never anybody’s colony, there’s no doubt about the design influence of this character-laden hotel. Decked out in antique furniture and an abundance of animal skins, a stay here is like travelling to Burma c 1936. Don’t fear though; you won’t have to ask the ‘boy’ to draw you a bath – modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and free domestic and international calls are also provided (although the baths are beautiful and made of copper). Ask about the vintage-car airport transfers.

Dream Bangkok (Map; 0 2254 8500; www.dreambkk.com; 10 Soi 15, Th Sukhumvit; r from US$200; Skytrain Asoke; ) If your idea of interior design involves stuffed tigers, copious mirrors and slick leather, you’ll feel at home here. The perfect place for the travelling rock star – real or otherwise – the Dream is Bangkok’s most outlandish hotel. The standard rooms are a tight fit, but include ample and quirky amenities such as the Dream signature blue light to aid in sleeping.

Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (Map; 0 2649 8888;