A friend has asked me to recommend the best overall luxury-type hotel in Bangkok for about US 100. I'm thinking somewhere around Siam Square or at least easy access to Skytrain or subway.

What hotels do you think I should consider? Places like Le Meridien or Sheraton are just out of our reach... Pool area is important, as are large rooms.

Thanks!

if pool area is important then there really are only two: the sheraton orchid which you have said is out of your reach so then i would suggest the best pool in bkk which is the marriott resort and spa...it is around $100 including tax/service and breakfast on www.huahin.20m.com.....i just paid my 2nd and final payment for one of my 6 day stays for may and the final price amounted to $85.50 per nite (total price of 20,000 B)....that is a special rate for 6 nites and pay for 5. individual nites are about $103 per nite inclusive... you can't beat it for that level of hotel and service....it is our favorite all around bkk hotel

I would second that recommendation. I haven't stayed there myself but I have seen it and the pool area is fabulous. Also it gets high marks from people who stay there and is good value. It's on the river which is fabulous. The one thing to be aware of is that it is somewhat out of the way. You will have to take a boat to get to the skytrain so you will be spending more time traveling than at some of the hotels. The boat ride is a pleasant one but between waiting for it and taking it you can add up to 30 minutes of travel everytime you leave the hotel or return.

That said -- if pool and large rooms are a priority I think your friend would be hard pressed to find better at the price.

Thank you for the recommendations! I will check those two out, as well as the website.

Which hotels non-riverside would you recommend? Skytrain access is also very important...

the landmark comes to mind on sukhumvit...asia hotel....westin on sukhumvit, using priceline at about $75+....chateau de bangkok...

Also Intercontinental. The skytrain escalator is directly in front of the hotel! Great location for shopping as well.

OK, I just reread the OP. Intercon is probably not in the price range you want.

What about Novotel Siam or maybe the Patumwan Princess?