chitowntraveler

For those that have been, do you suggest on the river or by the tram? I have been told to stay at the Pennisula/Mandarin Oriental by some but then Sofitel by others by the park.

Any suggestions? We have never been and want to have a great experience with a great hotel. Thanks.

Smeagol

I think first time visitors to Bangkok are wise to stay by the river, as it really is a quintessential Bangkok experience. Now as to staying at the Pen or the MO ( IMHO the 2 best hotels by the river) its really about what type of hotels you like.
The MO is very typically Thai and a gorgeous hotel and i think you will find more locals there. the Pen is fabulous with great service ( I stayed there just recently) but is more " corporate. Take a look at both websites and see which ones suit you. I love both of them.

simpsonc510

I agree. Stay along the river for your first trip there. The Oriental or Peninsula are excellent, but there are other options as well. The Anantara (was a Marriott) is also a favorite. Royal Orchid Sheraton is also riverside. If you would like the spaciousness of a serviced apartment, then look at the Chatrium riverside. So many choices! The river hotels have shuttle boats that transport you to and from the Saphan Taksin skytrain station where you would catch the skytrain to shopping and other parts of the city, and also to a night bazaar called Asiatique, which is right along the river, fairly close to Chatrium.

Have a nice time!

chitowntraveler

Thanks! Anatara looks nice for some of the other areas of Thailand so a good one to add to the list. We have a Pen here and it is lovely but not sure if corporate is what we are going for (but they do have a 2 night, 3 free deal).

Suggestions for Chang Mai while at it? I have been told 137 Pillars? What else? And where do I do the elephants. Panatara right?

Kathie

I agree, stay by the river. Oriental, Pen or the Anatara are all fine. A shuttle boat will take you to the pier below the skytrain.

For elephants, do NOT go to Panatara. Opt for the Thai Elephant Conservation Center near Lampang or the Elephant Nature Park. The Panatara is a commercial operation that does not treat its elephants well.

In CM, the 137 Pillars House is very nice.

Smeagol

When i say corporate don't take it in a bad way it is a beautiful hotel and I LOVE staying there. It is just a bit more business like looking than the MO. personally if a 3 for 2 is on offer I would take it!!!
I would still plump for the Pen or MO as I think the locations of both are excellent and are far superior hotels. breakfast and afternoon tea at the Pen are wonderful and I love to have a drink in the BA,boo bar at the MO.
Good luck with your choice

Smeagol

That should say BAMBOO bar at the MO!

rhkkmk

I am a regular at the anantara and just love it, but I also love the peninsula and I don't find it "corporate" at all. let me put it this way: I find the oriental "old world lux" and the Penn "new world lux"... both represent the best in bkk hotels.

given the political situations in bkk currently, I strongly suggest an hotel on the river.

AskOksena

Warm morning greetings chitown traveler and congrats on forthcoming journey to beloved Bangkok; you are in for a memorable time.

Concerning riverside hotels, can't help you with the Anantara (but she sounds lovely). Have stayed at the Mandarin Oriental and the Peninsula for work and brief holidays/celebrations over the years and can assure you, both are just wondrous. Budget permitting, will suggest looking into the MO's "State Room" offerings (and perhaps, above) and the Peninsula's Grand Deluxe Suite availabilities (and perhaps, above). Relatively recent stays at both properties and fine as ever. Some cherished friends and staff at those places.

Another riverside option is The Siam. Had the privilege of staying with her during her "soft opening" period (with half-off tariff, thank you very much); quite the refined retreat. I (we) still return every chance for evening dining at her Chon Thai. As of my most recent BKK business trip a few weeks back, The Siam was still operating her private shuttle boat service. Special friends, staff, property, indeed.

Savour your planning, chitown; very happy for you. Should you ever desire lodging - and even airline - suggestions for our fine home of Singapore, honoured to assist. Warm Saturday morning (Seoul time) wishes to you and all,

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

kuranosuke

the bamboo bar at the mo was one of my favorites, until my last visit a couple of years ago. its next to the cigar smoking room, and the offensive odor seeps into the bar. never been back since. the staff was not happy about it either.

be cool, all you cigar smokers.