Hotel in Bangkok - which location?
 

I will be going to Bangkok in December 2006 and using my Hilton Honors points for the hotel. Which of these two hotels would be in the best location for seeing the sights and transportation?

Conrad Bangkok
87 Wireless Road
Phatumuan, Bangkok

Millenium Hilton
123 Charoennakorn Road
Klongsan, Bangkok

Thanks everyone!

We stayed in the Conrad for 4 nights on points this past December/January. It was nice...not special, but nice. It's my understanding there that if you are not Diamond, you don't get a room upgrade, and as gold we did not receive an upgraded room. As gold, we got breakfast coupons, and the breakfast was very nice, and some fruit in the room.

The Conrad's location we found very good, but not what we were used to. In the past, we'd always stayed at the Peninsula on the river, and loved it. This time we wanted to use points like you, and so changed our location. The Conrad is near the expressway, and for our 2 trips from the airport and our 2 trips to the airport, it took under 30 minutes each time...the 4:30 am trip took just under 20 minutes. That was a plus.

For sightseeing, we used taxis, and occasionally hopped on the skytrain.

Comparing between the location of the Peninsula, which is very near the new Millenium, and the Conrad, I can easily say that I prefer the atmosphere of the river...however, how much the Peninsula factors into that is a consideration. The Conrad wasn't nearly as nice as the Peninsula, and we found ourselves wishing we had gone back there again in spite of it's high price in peak season. When talking amongst ourselves, we decided that the river was more interesting, taking the boat across to the skytrain was fun, and the river just felt more like a vacation than the city feel of the Conrad.

I have no idea how the Millenium is going to be. It isn't open yet as far as I know. But if it gets good reviews, I'd try there just for the river.

The Millenium Hilton will be the newest hotel along the river when it opens very soon. I am sure it will have a shuttle boat to the skytrain station at Taksin bridge, as well as a shuttle to River City shopping center. This Hilton is located "on the other side of the river" just as the Penninsula and Marriott Resort and Spa are located. That is not a bad thing, as long as the shuttles run on time and often (which they most certainly do).

The Conrad is located closer to the heart of Bangkok's shopping and night life. It is a little bit of a walk to a skytrain station. Taxis might be more convenient from this hotel.

As far as sights and transportation, probably the best sights will be close to the Millenium because the Grand Palace and major wats are along the river, as is the hotel.

As far as transportation, my favorite mode of getting from place to place is on foot and by skytrain. I'm in Bangkok right now, and I have to say I've done more walking this trip (my 9th) than other times, mostly because the January weather has been gorgeous!

The Millenium Hilton will be handier to the skytrain because of the shuttle boat across the river, which all of the major hotels have for their guests and visitors.

The Millenium is an older building which was started and then not completed during the "bust" of the mid to late 90's in Thailand. It was going to be a Sofitel and I was surprised when Hilton opted to buy the building and complete the project. I'm sure it will be a lovely hotel.

The Conrad is a very nice hotel also. I have a very clear view of it from my 30th floor apartment right now. I've been in the lobby of the Conrad. Very nice. The hotel is only maybe three or four years old. It is located next to All Seasons Place, a nice shopping center, but not the best shopping in Bangkok.

The best shopping in Bangkok is in the Siam area, no question. The Conrad is much much closer (maybe even within walking distance---if weather isn't too hot and sticky).

I am sure you will enjoy either hotel. I think it depends on what you want to see when you look out your window... the busy river, which is fascinating; or a big city with many many skyscrapers and exciting restaurants and shopping complexes.

Carol

The Millenium is currently scheduled to open in March. Given the amount of publicity they're giving locally for this date, it seems as if they might make it this time.

As the other poster mentioned, the river is a great place to be, and is really the handiest for access to the main sights of Bangkok. It will be a bit difficult to get in and out of by taxi, but this really just means you need to allow plenty of time to get to the airport when you leave. The rest of the time you can take a ferry or river taxt where you want to go.

I always recommend staying by the river.

The Millenium's reception area is in River City (!). It was still under construction at the beginning of December. But the set up appears to be that when you arrive, you'll be delivered to the reception area at River City and will cross the river by boat.

i prefer the river also....not so sure about that hotel...it sat in ruins for so long...i know they have spent millions finishing it but.......

it is a great location right on the river opposite river city and the sheraton and almost next to the penn...

the conrad is a fabulous hotel...very upscale in every way....great in city location and not far from anything....free shuttle bus to skytrain runs to front door of hotel often...great restaurants....great for shopping in that area...not all that far from sites, but taxi would be necessary...

you would not be unhappy with either, but the riverside would be great if you are new to bkk....its unique...

Another vote for the river although the website for the Millenium makes it sound like the kind of generic hotel that is not for me but I suspect the Conrad is also. It looks as though all rooms will have river views and that, to me, is a major plus. By December they should have worked out all the opening kinks.