I did a quick search on www.asiarooms.com and it looks like you can get the Marriott (Bob and other's favorite) for around $90 and the Royal Orchid Sheraton of about $110.

I prefer the river because you can sit outside and see the romance of Bangkok. Watching the river is magical. There are others who like to stay in the middle of the city near a modern shopping center but since you are not shoppers that seems unnecessary. Also traveling on the river is fabulous.

Check out some of the other discount asia hotel websites. I think the extra money for one of the above hotels would be well worth it.

You can certainly use traveler checks -- they will change them at hotels and banks. However, it will be a lot easier to use an atm machine and the exchange rate might also be better. Just practice using it at home before you use it in thailand.

Traveler's checks are NOT a hassle. That's what I use along with cash. I have NEVER used an ATM card overseas. I have used Traveler's checks/cash for over 30 years and have no problem with them. Happy Travels!

i used to use trav cks in bkk but no longer do....there are many places that cash them fee free....hotels will of course but give you an inferior rate of exchange....the bank in the marriott parking lot has both an atm and will cash your checks at a good rate fee free....i figured that on $300 in checks cashed i saved about $25-30 on the exchange rate at the bank over the hotel only 1000 feet away...

there are many holes in the wall around bkk where you can cash checks...its just one more thing to remember...atms are everywhere however...make sure you have more than one atm card however and also check what you bank might charge for an overseas transaction...it might not be worth it...