ahorvath

Planning a trip in November 2008. What are the best river hotels in the city? better to stay in Thonburi or BKK?

lcuy

Best??? I've stayed at the Oriental, the Peninsula and Center Pointe Silom. My favorite is the Peninsula.

Others on the river are the Shangri-la, the Royal Orchid Sheraton, the Marriott, and all have their fans here too.

I don't think anyone has loved the new Hilton yet, but I may be mistaken.

MichaelBKK

First, Thonburi is part of Bangkok, despite what some snobs might say. I think you meant to as which side of the river?

This topic is one that can cause a few arguments.

Gpanda

If price is no consideration, either the Peninsula or the Oriental is the "best" river hotel. Do a search on this forum, there are many posts on the difference between the two. The Marriott and Royal Orchid Sheraton are the least expensive. Both are very good. The Shangri-la costs a little more and has gotten some good reviews.

All the hotels have a ferry to the skytrain (except the S-la, which is next to it) so the BKK/Thonburi decision is not that inpmortant. For walking, the ROS, O and S-la are better than the other two.

Guenmai

BEST....That's going to really start up an argument. There's no BEST. It's all matter of opinion. There are a lot of Pen fans here although I'm not one. I prefer the Oriental over the Pen as far as the river 5-star hotels go. I've also stayed at the Royal Orchid Sheraton. It all depends on what you want. If you want Old World/traditional then it's the Oriental. If you want more high tech/contemporary...room gadgets etc...then it's the Pen. Then there are also the Shangrila...right next to the Saphan Taksin skytrain station if you want super transportation convenience and there's a new Hilton, I think it is, up river. And the Marriott Resort is down river from Saphan Taksin. Happy Travels!

DonTopaz

I agree completely with Guenmai!!!

I disagree completely with Guenmai!!!

(She's right: there is no 'best' hotel, and you won't make a mistake staying at any of those mentioned frequently here.)

(She's wrong: I like the Pen more than the big O.)

heymo

We liked the Centre Point Silom. Granted, it in no way compares to the fancier hotels like the Peninsula or the Oriental, but it all depends on what you're looking for.

BillT

The Penn is mightier than the O

glorialf

It really depends on what you are looking for in a hotel. They are all very good. My overwhelming preference is the Oriental because of its history and staff and because it feels the least like a commercial hotels. Others prefer the Penninsula. Those two are the "top" hotels but they are radically different. Which one you would prefer is something no one can tell you. Do a search here and you'll read lots of different opinions.

After those two there is the Shangrila which is very well located and many people like. It's way too commercial in feel for me. The ROS has its fans and is also in an excellent location. Cheapest is the marriott but it is way out of the center of things and is not in the 5 star category-- more a resort feel.

Guenmai

BillT- When did you stay at the Oriental? I thought you hadn't stayed there? Happy Travels!

glorialf

Guen-- glad you said it because one of my pet peeves is when people make statements but don't reveal that it isn't based on actually stayhing in the hotel or eating in the restaurant of visiting a sight.

In the discussion of Penn vs Oriental I actually think there are only a handful of people who have stayed at both. But there are LOTS of people who have strong opinions in spite of only staying at one.

rhkkmk

THEY ARE ALL WRONG....the best all around hotel is the marriott resort and spa...

the second best is the penn, hands down...

at the bottom, imo is the sheraton...

there is also the new hilton and the shangri-la both of which are decent....

the oriental, imo, is over priced...

BillT

Guen - when you have been to the best (i.e. the Penn) everything else is secondary!). Wife does not cotton to Old... errrr I mean Historic!

BradinBangkok

I like the Pen the best.

simpsonc510

I'm another one who has stayed at both the Pen and the Oriental. I like the Pen the best.

glorialf

Carol-- I know you have stayed at both which is why I think your opinion matters (as does mine and guen and several others).

rhkkmk

but what about the brown water at the O???

mom, i had to say it...

glorialf

Have stayed there 150-180 days and have never seen it so can't say.

Kathie

If you have a hotel on the river that you always stay in - it's the best. The staff get to know you and it becomes your home away from home.

Guenmai

And the battle goes on! Happy Travels!