Millennium Hilton Bangkok (-or- Shanri-La)

Sorry typo, I meant to say Shangri-La

Being on the 'wrong' side of the river means you'll need to take a boat or a long taxi ride to get to the 'right' side of the river, where most of the sights and shopping is. However, most of the major sights are along the river, so getting to them by boat is the best option anyway, no matter which side of the river you're on. If you're getting a really good deal on the Millennium, then I wouldn't hesitate to stay there.

personally i prefer the "wrong" side of the river and often stay on that side..

i have eaten at the hilton and have toured the rooms...

the location is good, the rooms are a bit odd in shape but offer quality lodging....the hotel is only a few years old...the swimming pool is very unique....the bar on the top is fabulous with sweeping views...

they have a boat to the skytrain station frequently and also across the river to river city shopping center...

the sh-la is more upscale and much larger...in fact it is huge...but it is directly next to the skytrain which can be a help...

you would be happy with either hotel...

does you company have a good rate at conrads, as the bkk one is fantastic, but not on the river...?? its a hilton product..

for a first time visitor most of us suggest river hotels...

Thanks for the info rhkkmk, very helpful. Our company has discounted rates at the following hotels:

Metropolitan Bangkok
Millennium Hilton
Grand Hyatt Erawan

Hmm...The Hyatt would put you right in the middle of everything, but the Hilton is still probably the best location for your first time.

Michael -- That's what I've been hearing! Why is it advisable to stay near the river when it's your first time, out of curiosity? Is the Hyatt in a bad area of town?

The location of the Millenium Hilton blows.. you'll surely get sick of commuting back and forth if you're in Bangkok for an appreciable amount of time.

Mango -- Is it really that bad? We will be in Bangkok for 3 days... if it's that bad I'll switch hotels. Let me know!

Personaly i think being by the river is magical in bangkok. As for the commute, its hardly hours and anyway your on holiday not competing in a race. First time i went to bangkok i stayed in town, came away with a luke warm feeling about Bangkok, 2nd time stayed on the rive WOW much better. The river life is a BIG part of Bangkok, sitting outside having breakfast along side it is a great way to start the day AND you are nearer the water taxis which take you to MANY of the major tourist sites.

mango is contrary and a pain in situations like this!!

the air is cleaner i feel along the river....watching the river traffic is very nice....access to the skytrain is easy and fun on the hotel free boats...

all of the hotels you have listed are very very nice....you would be happy in any of them...

hyatt is well located in the middle of town...
met. is very nice, smaller hotel but sort of out of the way

BKK123: You'll only be there for three days so its not a terribly big deal where you stay. Ask yourself- do you want to be in a hotel with a fairly good view (millennium) or do you want to be somewhere in close proximity to the good stuff?(not hookers, Bob)

Depends what you call the good stuff, I like the express boats that take you to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, Klong tours ALL along the river and MUST see's (IMHO) for new tourists to BKK. Am sure Mango they would be able to get the skytrain to your favourite eatery MBK.

Smeag- The good stuff imo are the shopping centers and food areas. We usually eat and shop until we're completely pooped.

Btw, the MBK eatery is Ok, but not really my favorite. Its definitely good for 1-2 visits per Thai trip. We are going to eat at a greater variety of restaurants/stalls this time. We overdid the same ones last visit and hit burnout believe it or not!

If it were me, I would stay on the river my first time to Bangkok. I've now been 18 times, so I no longer stay on the river. I stay in the heart of things, because it is closer to my friends and my shopping markets. I would get tired of lugging my bags of goodies onto the skytrain to the river, and then have to lug them onto one of the shuttle boats. I stay in the heart of the city, only about 2 stops from shopping markets, by skytrain, and my apartment/hotel is only 2 minutes walk from the skytrain.

But first-timers really should stay on the river!!

Carol

It's hard to believe anyone would fly halfway around the world to go to a shopping center that might not be that different than what they have back home. Yes, the shopping is 'good' in Bangkok, but that's hardly where your focus is going to be for your first visit.

Must agree Michael....shopping is the last thing I want to do when travelling. Though clearly, it's an important thing for many who post here. But then again, shopping for me at any time, is a chore to be completed as quickly as possible. An activity that provides zero pleasure!
bkk123, I think a river location is essential, especially for your first visit. Haven't stayed at millennium, but believe it's pretty much opposite the ROS, so can't see that it's a bad location, apart from being 'wrong side', which needn't be such a big deal being as you are right on the river.

Now i love a good shop, but TOTALLY agree with Michael, why would you travel ALL that way and your first visit to a new city/country is the malls!! base yourself on the river and you can see some fabulous sites all within easy reach.

Well you guys clearly don't know my wife- shopping is number one with eating number two and sight seeing is low on her list- it just goes to show you the world is made up of many different people with varied interests. Now myself I like to sight see, shop and eat so we try to reach a compromise.

I'm a shop-a-holic... (not REALLY) I go to the markets and buy handmade goods. That, and visiting my wonderful friends in Bangkok, is why I stay in the heart of things in the city.

I still say, first-timers, stay on the river!

Carol

I agree with Carol - first timers - stay on the river and by the way there is no wrong side- my wife enjoys and looks forward to the boat rides from the hotels to the skytrain- its releaxing and hey after all you are on vacation - what is the hurry?

Michael- Everybody's different- Where did you miss this in your life education? Your post makes you look simple.

By the way, when you've seen enough tourist fodder you move on to different things. Shopping and eating are only two of the many things we do, but its a solid staple for any trip to Bkk.

Yes but for the OP its their first trip.....I have been to BK several times and yes have moved on to other stuff.

Mango -Why do you have to be so argumentative and insulting to people? I know you like to think of your self as windswept and interesting but your constant baiting and insulting of people on this forum makes you look like a loser.......when you play nice you give "some" good advice as you have clearly a good knowledge of Bangkok.

Your perception deceives you, Smeag.

LOL

I had a drink at the Millennium Hotel bar one night and it seemed like quite a far drive to the main attractions. Sure the river is pretty and you're right that its probably good for first timers.

Btw, windswept- yes, but interesting? Hardly!

I hate it when people make nice. It reminds me of what a jerk I really am.

Its only temporary, G, lol.

Who said anything about making nice, i wasn't laughing with him......

Thank you. I'd hate to think I was the only one that can maintain jerk status. It should be noted that Bob has a special category to which depths I shall never sink.

Do pandas eat mangos?

Mango Sorbet is our favorite. Howvere, in the above debate, I will retain that which is precious to me.