Bangkok: Riverside Hotel Recommendations

The Royal Orchid Sheraton fits most of your requirements. It has two pools, one of which is a usual rectangular 25 meters. Many restaurants are close and good massages upstairs at the Gallery Cafe. there's a boat every 1/2 hour down to the skytrain. I'm not sure of the current rate, but if you have Starwood points, you can stay for free.

Degas
I'll be in BKK in August as well!! Maybe we could meet up for a cold beer at Meang's! I have basically 12 nights in the city. I'll be at Adelphi, soi 8.

I have stayed at the Pen and Oriental along the river. It was a number of years ago, as I've moved to Suk area instead. I'm sure you will get good advice from panda and others here, who always stay along the river.

Carol

I'm also a fan of the Royal Orchid. I've stayed there for over 20 years.

As Gpanda notes, there is a lap pool, but also a pool located in a garden that is lovely with shadey areas and a swim-up bar.

You might consider staying in the Towers, which offers breakfast and evening canapes and cocktails in the Club Lounge (with a fabulous view of the river from the 26th floor). If you have Starwood points, ask about the SPG50 rate, which gives you 50% off the rack rate by redeeming 1000 points. Sometimes, though they have special rates that will beat the SPG50 rate, so I always ask.

Sorry, I don't know of a pool table in the area.

can he get ROS for 4000 B? i don't think so...but i will look out of curiosity...

i'm sorry, ROS is showing right now for 3400 B for mid august on the www.spg.com site....so that means the discounters might be less....

asia rooms is $101 including taxes and breakfast for a river view room...

i can't believe you will take this leap...go to the river and you will never return to suk...

Degas,
Have a look at the Centrepoint Silom. It has a very functional gym and will be well within your price range. Many of the rooms have been recently refurbished and you may appreciate the extra space in the rooms as they are serviced apartments.

The big plus to me over other mid priced accomodation near the river is the close proximity to the skytrain. You dont need to rely on any other form of transport or multiple connections. Much more convienient IMHO.

I have stayed on the river in the past but just came back from my first stay in the Sukhumvit area and we enjoyed it immemsely. It will be a few trips before we return to the river.

but centre point is not on the river!!

You are right Bob, but it is so close that you still get an excellent river view from many of their rooms. The ShangriLa is immediately behind it which is right on the river.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm looking forward to the location switch.

Carol - what are your Aug dates in BKK?

Degas
I'm arriving very late on the 7th and head back home the 19th. I'm sure I'll be heading to the Pickled Liver upon arrival the 7th (early 8th), probably getting there around 12:30am.

I agree with Shane. It will be a long time before I return to the river!! I much prefer Sukhumvit.

Carol

I like the Centrepoint a lot, and meets all the other criteria, but not sure I'd call the river view comparable to the riverside hotels. I had a just a slice of a view from the balcony even though it was facing the river directly.

Aside from the firm favourites (Oriental and Peninsula) Shangri La has some great rates as does the Millenium (near to the Pen) I think we will try the Shangri La next time we are in BKK. Riverside is the best location (IMHO)

Have stayed a couple of times at the Marriott. Their gardens are great. Loved the fact that it was away from everything. Their private ferry makes it convenient to get to the other ferries and trams. And while we don't tend to stay riverside anymore, I don't think the view from a distance can match the one up close.

anyone tried the Chatrium? on the river, just south (?) of hotel pier. I toured it last year and liked it,esp. the balconies with full river views. Good prices on Expedia...