First Trip to Thailand: Questions about hotels in Bangkok
May 17th, 2011, 07:21 AM
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First Trip to Thailand: Questions about hotels in Bangkok
We are in the very beginning stages of planning our first trip to Thailand.
(well, second for my husband-as he was there in the 60's with the Air Force)
We are a retired couple in our early 60's-experienced travelers, very young at heart and adventurous. But not into much nightlife--sadly those days are in the past!
We plan to explore Thailand for 3-4 weeks, but for now I will just start with questions about hotels in Bangkok for 7-8 days. We are thinking that a hotel near the Sky-Train would be most convenient. We do not need a luxury hotel; just a decent, clean and safe hotel in a good location. We like to explore the area around our accommodations in the evening, hoping to find interesting dining choices. Is a budget of $60-$100 a night realistic for travel in February? We don't need a pool, fitness facility, etc. Just a nice room with a small fridge and coffee/tea making facilities. We are open to a studio apartment, also. Wi-Fi is a must for us.
Any ideas? I have looked at several, but many are showing no availability in February. Surely they are not booked up already?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
(well, second for my husband-as he was there in the 60's with the Air Force)
We are a retired couple in our early 60's-experienced travelers, very young at heart and adventurous. But not into much nightlife--sadly those days are in the past!
We plan to explore Thailand for 3-4 weeks, but for now I will just start with questions about hotels in Bangkok for 7-8 days. We are thinking that a hotel near the Sky-Train would be most convenient. We do not need a luxury hotel; just a decent, clean and safe hotel in a good location. We like to explore the area around our accommodations in the evening, hoping to find interesting dining choices. Is a budget of $60-$100 a night realistic for travel in February? We don't need a pool, fitness facility, etc. Just a nice room with a small fridge and coffee/tea making facilities. We are open to a studio apartment, also. Wi-Fi is a must for us.
Any ideas? I have looked at several, but many are showing no availability in February. Surely they are not booked up already?
Thanks in advance for any advice!
May 17th, 2011, 08:03 AM
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For $60- $100 you should get a nice hotel with a pool. For $100 you should be able to get 4 star. Bangkok is very hot - you may find you'll appreciate the pool!
I don't know where you are checking for availability, but I'm guessing you are seeing no availablity because rooms have not been released, not because they are booked.
Hotels in Thailand have tax and service charges which add up to 17.7%. If you book directly with the hotel, you need to take that into consideration. If you use one of the booking sites, they often include that (and breakfast) in their rates - read all the fine print to make sure.
Many of us like to stay on the river - the river traffic is endlessly fascinating. You might look at the Chatrium, as they've had good rates lately. They have a shuttle boat that will take you to teh shytrain. Or look at a serviced apartment like Centerpoint Silom, and ask for a river view room. It is very close to the skytrain. If you want to be in the midst of teh shopping area, ther are plenty of hotels and serviced apartments available there as well.
look at www.sawasdee.com and www.agoda.com and www.asiarooms.com
I don't know where you are checking for availability, but I'm guessing you are seeing no availablity because rooms have not been released, not because they are booked.
Hotels in Thailand have tax and service charges which add up to 17.7%. If you book directly with the hotel, you need to take that into consideration. If you use one of the booking sites, they often include that (and breakfast) in their rates - read all the fine print to make sure.
Many of us like to stay on the river - the river traffic is endlessly fascinating. You might look at the Chatrium, as they've had good rates lately. They have a shuttle boat that will take you to teh shytrain. Or look at a serviced apartment like Centerpoint Silom, and ask for a river view room. It is very close to the skytrain. If you want to be in the midst of teh shopping area, ther are plenty of hotels and serviced apartments available there as well.
look at www.sawasdee.com and www.agoda.com and www.asiarooms.com
May 17th, 2011, 08:13 AM
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You could get a studio at Adelphi Suites for about $75-80 per night. The location is in the Sukhumvit area, and the sky train is just 2 minutes away (and that puts you at the base of the escalator .... which you will learn to appreciate!!!). Walking around the area in the evening is very interesting. Lots of street vendors, outdoor eating places, etc. People watching is fabulous along Sukhumvit soi 8. There are other apartment options available at Adelphi, plus other apartment buildings on Sukhumvit 8 and 11 and 13 and 15 and 16....... too many to name.
Carol
February weather is typically nice for dining outdoors in the evening.
Carol
February weather is typically nice for dining outdoors in the evening.
May 17th, 2011, 03:13 PM
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I don't use the dryer, personally. I hang my things around the apartment! The drying is NOT like dryers here in the USA. It can take HOURS for a single load... (ugh)... so it really dries faster if I just hang it.
Anyway, the studios do not have the washer. The executive and the deluxe apartments have the washer in the kitchen. I always get an executive. I like the rooms that end with the number -01. They are slightly larger than any of the other apartments.
I've been staying at Adelphi for over two years now, and I am in Bangkok 3-4 times per year. The staff at Adelphi are like family. Very helpful. They always remember me and welcome me back.
Anyway, the studios do not have the washer. The executive and the deluxe apartments have the washer in the kitchen. I always get an executive. I like the rooms that end with the number -01. They are slightly larger than any of the other apartments.
I've been staying at Adelphi for over two years now, and I am in Bangkok 3-4 times per year. The staff at Adelphi are like family. Very helpful. They always remember me and welcome me back.
May 17th, 2011, 08:01 PM
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take a look at the following:
majestic grande soi 2, sukhumvit
chatrium suites riverside---very nice, often includes a great breakfast
ibis on the river
centre point, there are many but the silom one is right next to the skytrain....
courtyard by marriott is well located.
marriott mayfair is a favorite of mine....
marriott sukhumvit park is very nice and only 2 years old
bossotel is near skytrain
several of the serviced apartments above provide excellent accomodations and more room than just an hotel room...some include an excellent breakfast...
as kathie has suggested, all of those sites are very helpful
your husband will see mega changes in the years, but you will love the place... he may even run into an old girlfriend or two
majestic grande soi 2, sukhumvit
chatrium suites riverside---very nice, often includes a great breakfast
ibis on the river
centre point, there are many but the silom one is right next to the skytrain....
courtyard by marriott is well located.
marriott mayfair is a favorite of mine....
marriott sukhumvit park is very nice and only 2 years old
bossotel is near skytrain
several of the serviced apartments above provide excellent accomodations and more room than just an hotel room...some include an excellent breakfast...
as kathie has suggested, all of those sites are very helpful
your husband will see mega changes in the years, but you will love the place... he may even run into an old girlfriend or two
)
May 19th, 2011, 07:05 AM
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I envy you your upcoming visit to BKK. DH and I have made 8 visits Jan and Feb over the last 12 years. I always book my hotel or apartment as soon as I set up my air travel. If you can get a good deal now, I'd take it - I do so love being on the river though and will have to find a new abode for future trips now that our beloved Marriott Hotel and Spa Riverside is changing to a Anantara.
You'll have a wonderful time. Be sure to tell us all about your trip when you return.
Sue
You'll have a wonderful time. Be sure to tell us all about your trip when you return.
Sue
May 20th, 2011, 02:56 AM
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Betterbidding.com
Always get best deals bidding Priceline.com there
Amari Watergate last for me $50 was great
Otel.com lots of cash back currently 10% DC through Facebook
best if you do not want to bid.
asiarooms.com agoda.com good deals somteimes.
Happy Hunting,
Always get best deals bidding Priceline.com there
Amari Watergate last for me $50 was great
Otel.com lots of cash back currently 10% DC through Facebook
best if you do not want to bid.
asiarooms.com agoda.com good deals somteimes.
Happy Hunting,
May 20th, 2011, 09:19 AM
#15
simpson, u r exactly right -- I checked a couple hotels thru their websites and the ones given in this post and the hotels had better rates once u added all the taxes. Centre Pointe does not have 2012 rates available yet.
I'd rather not do bidding since we r booking so early and want the flexibility to cancel should the need arise.
I'd rather not do bidding since we r booking so early and want the flexibility to cancel should the need arise.
