As far as staying in Sukhumvit...go for it. I happen to love Sukhumvit. I moved from the Four Seasons and area...which I also love...over to Sukhumvit in 2005 and have been there ever since... in a serviced apartment building. Try a serviced apartment. Go to moveandstay.com and there's a huge list of them with photos. Pick one out and then contact the building for the price. I've never booked through moveandstay.com. I've just used their list to do research from. I've stayed in different areas of BKK as I've been going there for a decade and I have no regrets having chosen Sulkhumvit. I'm female and feel fine over there. Happy Travels!

i would suggest the Grand Mecure Park Avenue, which is in the Sukhumvit area. cost is within your price range and they will do a triple room. i have stayed there three times and its clean and the breakfast is great, also ideal for the skytrain. the area is really safe,

Thanks for all the advice!! We booked the Bossotel. We were torn between the river and Sukhumvit but after reading more posts on here, we were swayed to the river. The price was also very good for 3 people. We were able to book a delux room. thanks!!