We (2 of us, 55+) are going at the end of Oct and I have been on this site for days now gleaning info. Plan to stay in Bangkok for 4 days, still not decided on hotel. Will do a tour with Tours With Tong. Then to a beach paradise for the remainder of our trip. Could use some recommendations for hotels in Bangkok, by the river, close to tram, price $100 - $150. We are looking at Phuket, but on a quiet beach within walkable distance to local restaurants. or Koh Samui, or ?? Suggestions please? Thanks so much!

This might be a little over your budget but I love Millennium Hilton Bangkok. They have the loveliest beds which I'm ready to carry them home if they allow me. They have a hotel boat shuttle to the near BTS station and besides it, there's a small pasar malam (outdoor shopping area with food stalls) where the stuff there is as cheap as those in platinum mall.

Hope this helps.

For your river hotel, take a look at Chatrium Suites. It is probably in your price range.

If you plan to go to Phuket, you will be there during a low season so it will be less crowded and less expensive. The rainy season will be coming to an end, but you may encounter red flags on the beach, warning of strong currents. I like the Kata Beach area. There is plenty to do right outside the door of your hotel. Shopping, dining, nightlife... just don't plan on staying along Patong Beach and you should be fine.

I will also be in BKK in October (last two weeks). If you will be in the city during the barge processional on the 22nd, you could meet up with a group of fodorites who are going to watch it live on TV and eat and chat at a location along Sukhumvit in the city center!

several of us will be in bkk at the end of october... we will have a GTG on the 22nd if you are around..

the chatrium is the place for you... we loved it... riverfront balcony (if you ask for it), good breakfast, free boat to skytrain..

i will be at the marriott resort and spa...they currently have a pre pay rate within your price range (www.marriott.com)...

the royal orchid sheraton is ok too...

hilton is ok as well...

all of these are on the river which we highly suggest for first time visitors..

you will love tong and her group..

i have a restaurant listing for bkk if you want it, ask at [email protected]

in town hotels: marriott mayfair on a fantastic street; marriott courtyard; bangkok holiday inn (not the one on silom); and many others..

sheraton krabi is very nice as is the jw marriott at khoa lak--one hour north from phuket airport

>>>First time Thailand trip for 14 days<<<


Warm greetings and congratulations on forthcoming first visit to the Land of Smiles.

Perhaps a bit beyond your stated Bangkok hotel budget, but will still give some personal promos to some all-time cherished BKK business travel riverside hotels. To start, the Royal Orchid Sheraton (I'll always have the fondest memories of a certain lodging on Floor 25) and the Shangri-La. Re the latter, I'm partial to the Krungthep Wing.

(And, if your budget should magically balloon, I've loved each and every stay at the Peninsula and Mandarin Oriental for work and leisure. Nothing to lose by checking the various hotel's websites.)

Should you be holding numerous Starpoints, perhaps the ROS could be had for reasonable amount. (Concerning Starwood Bangkok properties, my current BKK meeting favourite is the St. Regis. She's not on the river, but I love her; great staff and rather convenient for my work. Scheduled to return within the fortnight.)

Concerning Phuket and quiet beach, can joyously vouch for the Amanpuri. That peaceful place could be a 'bit' of a budget buster for you, so will give another personal recco (from many, many years back) to the always joyous Summer Breeze property. (Pre-mrs. m era.)

Wherever you stay, savour your tender Thai times. (And, will say our sweet home of Singapore put on another fine Formula 1 race this past weekend. Time permitting, check out our joyous city-state - and an all-time cherished Asian airline.)

macintosh (robert)


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

Thanks everyone, some great info here. I have narrowed it down for the Bangkok Hotel, wither Chatrium or Marriott Spa Resort. We wont be there on the 22 though, to join in the festivities.
I think Karon Beach, Kata Beach,Pamwa Beach or in that area would be our best bet. That way we are closer to taking boat trips to islands or other sights. Had thought of Khoa Lak, but perhaps that is too far out.
AskOksena, thanks for you welcome! Checked out the Amanpuri, no wonder you recommended it!!!! I bit out of our price range, but gorgeous.
If anyone now has advice on beach hotels etc that would be awesome.
Thanks again.

you would be happy with all of the above....

i really love the marriott... agoda has a good price just now and that is how i am paying this time---its a pre-pay...

the breakfast is fantastic if you choose that option, but if not there is a nice bakery on the lower level and coffee maker in your room..

chatrium is really nice too..

>>>AskOksena, thanks for you welcome! Checked out the Amanpuri, no wonder you recommended it!!!! I bit out of our price range, but gorgeous.
If anyone now has advice on beach hotels etc that would be awesome.
Thanks again.<<<


You are most welcome, snshine; pleasure.

Not certain if the following works with your schedule, as will mention a very special Bangkok celebration we've savoured for the past several consecutive years: Loy Krathong. Should you (or others) be in Thailand the evening of Thursday, 10 November 2011, it's a memorable occasion. (And most sentimental, in our case; I've scheduled my November Bangkok business trip around the date.)

Can speak from personal experiences over the years that the Mandarin Oriental, Peninsula, Shangri-La and Royal Orchid Sheraton all put on most festive Loy Krathong evenings. Of the four, we're currently partial to the Peninsula and some fine friends who work at the property. If you time your riverside arrival right - shortly before sunset - gorgeous views of the Oriental's and Shangri-La's lights coming on. Later, fantastic fireworks, to be sure.

Whatever you end up doing that evening in the Land of Smiles, enjoy,

robert