Need some help choosing a hotel for 6 nights in Bangkok. It's our first time in Bangkok, and I've read tons of postings on this site and Lonely Planet, but am still unsure of where we want to be located. Would like some advise on pros/cons or riverside locations like the Marriott Resort or New Siam II, vs. hotels off of Khao San Rd., like Viengtai, Royal, or Buddy Lodge.
We want a good central location, which I realize is difficult anywhere in Bangkok, but at least we want to consider ease of transport, and minimize time in taxis. We'd like to spend around $100 USD/night, but could go up to about $150/night. Pampering is always nice, but not really necessary if the hotel is quiet, clean, and offers good service and location.
In thinking about our last trip, which was to Malaysia, it was nice to be able to come back to the hotel in the afternoon for a break from the humidity before heading out again, and I imagine that would be the case in BKK as well. We also preferred hotels where we weren't too isolated - in Penang we would've hated the location of the big resorts in the banking district, so we stayed in a lovely place in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Chinatown. In Langkawi, we stayed at a wonderful resort, but the isolated location forced us to eat at their fancy and overpriced restaurants, when we would've much preferred satays at a night market. (Then again, the private pool was lovely!) So I'm kind of torn.
Since we've never been to BKK, I'm still not entirely clear on what location is best. Seems like river transport is easiest, and I don't think we're going too many places that depend on the SkyTrain; we'll probably spend more time in the Old City. A little pampering is nice, but we don't spend much time at pools, and I don't plan on time in a spa, other than massages.
So I'm considering the Marriott Riverside Resort - read such wonderful things about it. New Siam II is near the river too, but I'm unsure of the exact location. Near Khao San Rd., I've read good postings about Viengtai, Royal Hotel, and Buddy Lodge.
So what are your thoughts re: location, based on what we like and where we'll spend much of our time?

From what you are saying, I don't think you would like Khao San Road. It is too removed from everything. If you plan on taking taxis, don't plan more than one trip a day. If you are near the sky train, you can accomplish so much more. $100-$150 a night will get you a super nice room at a nice hotel. I don't think you can spend that much at Khao San (unless you are being over charged?) I like Patumwan House for location, and its only about $35 a night. Siam Novotel would be good for your price range. Siam sky train station is the center of the city. You can go in all four directions much faster than you can go in a taxi. If you want to see the river, take a dinner cruise one night.

i agree with brad....khao san rd is mostly for back packers and is lower level type places mostly...

the river locations give a total different feel to bkk...

we always stay at the marriott at least part of our trip...it is the only major river hotel in your price range really...

it is a bit issolated, but we prefer that --- sort of an oasia in mass confusion....it is a 10-12 minute free boat ride to the skytrain stop at taskim or a taxi ride to any place you wish to go...

i can't imagine any stay in bkk today when you would not use the skytrain every day, unless you plan on taxis for every ride...it speeds things up and is comfortable...it takes you to the places that most tourists want to be quickly and cheaply....average ride 35B...daily pass for 100B...

centre point silom (or some of their other locations) is also a good choice for 6 days....it is near to the river, skytrain (next door), robinsons dept store with its grocery shop and everything else....cost under $100...loads of room...1/2 block from river...


holiday inn silom is also another choice and available on priceline for about $45..

when you refer to old city i am not sure what you mean....the old city is thornburi and there really aren't tourist hotels there, except peninsula, hilton and marriott...

hilton might be one for you to consider...just opened last fall and about $107 at last look...

as you say there is not central location....and there is no best location...

sukhumvit road also offers tons of lodging... i would consider it long before khao san rd...

you don't say when you are going, so that will impact price as well

try the site i like for hotels:

www.huahin.20m.com

If you're willing to take advice from someone who has not yet been myself,
I'll offer up that I spent tons of time researching where to stay (for my 24-year-old daughter and myself) for our first trip to Bangkok in February. Old Bangkok Inn appealed to me enormously, as did Ibrik House. I often prefer smaller places to large hotels. But after asking tons of questions here on Fodor's, reading a lot in guidebooks and on the internet, and looking at lots of pictures, I decided on Centre Point Silom. Like yourself, I'm someone who wants a convenient location. That's almost top priority for me. And I was in the same price range as you. The fact that Centre Point is an apartment held great appeal since we'll be there a total of seven nights (five at the beginning and two at the end). I thought it would be nice to come back to a place with a living room to relax in. As Bob said, it's near the river and near the Skytrain, and it has similar amenities to a regular hotel (buffet breakfast, pool, fitness center). For us, it seems perfect. Not sure when you're going, but if it's later this year, I'll be providing a full trip report when we return and will let you know if it lives up to my expectations. Good luck!
Karen

Hi there - first can I say that you are comparing chalk with cheese. I don't know anything about the Marriott except that it is on the west side of the river and it is in the over $100US price bracket.

I have stayed at New Siam I more than once - where $12 gets you a nice room with a/c and a smart (if small) bathroom with hot shower. There isn't a formal restaurant, just a cafe out front - a very sociable sort of place, and they do a great brekkie. It is in Banglamphu - generically Khao San, but actually as close to the river and the ferry stop (5-7 min walk) as it is to the bizarre but fascinating and useful world of the famous road.

New Siam II is in the same general area but I believe it is a bit more upmarket and has a pool.

I disagree that KS Rd is a long way from where you want to go. I guess from your post that when you say "old city" you mean the Royal Palace, Wat Po, etc.
In which case the New Siam II is perfectly located. There is even a bus (No 53) or take a tuk-tuk. It is also close enough to walk to the National Museum which is definitly worth a visit.

If you want to shop in the malls of Silom and Sukhumvit it is a bit of an effort to get there - but fun - just take the river bus from Pra Athit to where you connect with the sky train.

The other good thing about Banglamphu apart from its being so close to the sights of the "old city" is that the area is alive at night. You just have to walk out the door to find pavement stalls selling all sorts, and cheap and cheerful eateries.

It is the budget area of town - but I would stay there any day over a location in the high rise polluted CBD.

The Marriott though could be lovely - but it is certainly not central to anything.