Fodor's Travel Talk Forums - Hotels on river in Bangkok

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Hotels on river in Bangkok

Hi. My son is spending a week in Bangkok in January. We have reserved him a room in The Royal River Hotel at a good rate. Any comments on this hotel? My husband and I will be in Bangkok a week later. I would like to stay on the River; which hotels are comfortable and pleasant? Thanks

Dear Marsha: Being on the river is the best choice, as you can get to many of the sites by water taxi or the hotel's shuttle, which will save a lot of time as traffic is pretty fierce in Bangkok. The Royal River is a three star hotel. It is a bit further north than the main tourist sites and the "action" up near the Oriental/Shangri-la and Peninsula hotels. The hotel is run by what I believe is a local Thai company. There is not necessarily anything wrong with that, but it may cater a bit more to Thai tourists. This hotel does not appear to be listed in Fodors guide (see the hotel section), so may indicate that it is not a major tourist hotel for US tourists. Not necessarily a bad thing, but again the standard of services may not be what you are used to. What rate did you get for your son? What is your budget for your trip? I ask because even the major luxury hotels on the river are offering promotions as tourism is way down in Asia generally. Just yesterday someone on this page said he got a rate of $140 a night at the Peninsula, and excellent 5 star hotel further down the river. Run a search for "luxury hotels in Bangkok" on this page and it should come up, including my comments on the various river hotels. If you have Marriott or Sheraton/Starwood points, there are two hotels on the river. Please refer to the site mentioned above. Hope this is helpful.

This will be my 3rd year to return to the Royal River Hotel. I find it to be a very good place to stay. The staff is helpful and the breakfast is very good. I have found many tourist there-not a Thai hotel as far as tourist that are there. The upper rooms facing the river are the best. There is a free river shuttle from the hotel that takes guest down at specified hours and brings them back. I am looking forward to being back there in January.

Thanks Nancy and Mary Anne. My son's room cost $144 for 5 nights through PlanetHoliday so obviously very good rate. We wanted to make sure he had a base organised - whatever else he does, he will have a place to sleep! He will be in Bangkok alone - first time traveller, aged 19. He's a bit nervous, but excited ,too! (Like me!) As for our budget, we will probably have spent out in Australia where we are going for our elder son's wedding, so a moderate budget is on order. We will only be there 2 whole days (2 and 1/2 nights as we leave for Heathrow at 00.35) I would like to stay on the river as it seems a good site for us - not looking forward to all the traffic! This site is fantastic, have been looking at it for about 2 weeks now - very helpful people. Thanks, Masha

Hi Masha I think your son can do better for the price. I've just booked a stay at the Penninsula on river for $150 per night for deluxe double room. Checkout its rates on Leading Hotels website lhw.com

Thanks for the reply, Adam. My son's rate was $144 for the whole 5 days! But my husband and i are looking for something a bit more suited to our age and expectations! We will only be in Bangkok as a stopover 2 nights and would like relaxing surroundings, preferably on the river so we can get about easier - and have a bit of air! Has anyone any comments on The Montien, The Menam Riverside or Marriott Resort & Spa?

Dear Masha: I am a huge fan of the Marriott Riverside. I have stayed there many times on business and for pleasure. It has the best pool in Bangkok (in my opinion) as it has large palm trees and you can actually sit in the shade rather than the blazing sun. The service and staff are great. The Mandara Spa is terrific, you can even get a massage poolside! The location is a bit south of the action, but there is a free shuttle boat that will take you up to the subway stop, the Oriental Pier and the River City shopping complex, all places where you can shop, eat and catch water taxis for sights on the river. The hotel is a bit older than some of the more pristine Marriotts, but I think the facilities and staff more than compensate. If you can get a good deal here or use Marriott Reward points, I would do it. Try to get a junior suite as they are larger than the standard rooms and have nice bathrooms with separate shower and bath. Almost all the rooms have a river view, but do request one to make sure you get the best available. There is also a JW Marriott in Bangkok, which is more luxurious (although the rooms are smaller), but it is not on the river, and is more of a business hotel. However, if you can stay for free on points, and can't get into the Marriott Riverside, I would take that. I don't know anything about the Montien or Menam. I agree with you that $35 a night is fine for your son (and he would probably prefer it to the Marriott) but your expectations are different! If your son has not already done so, have him get the Lonely Planet guidebook (or just go to their website). He will get lots of info for activities, restaurants etc for people his age. As you know, there is lots of advice on this site for Bangkok. I have recently written a number of threads on things to see and do in Bangkok. Run a search for "Bangkok" on this page. If you can't find it, let me know, and I will try to locate them for you. Hope this is helpful.

Thanks Nancy. You're a star! Masha

Masha, the Royal River Hotel is a fine place to stay and your son got a great rate. I'm sure you and your husband would be plenty comfortable there, too. The clientele is international and while there are some very high-end properties in Bangkok, the Royal River would be on par with many Crowne Plaza-class properties, in my view. The breakfast buffet is super and the restaurant serves excellent food. With luck, you can catch one of the barbecues on the terrace; you won't be sorry! The location on the river is very nice for its view and the hotel is situated very near a bridge, for ease of access to more of the city. If there is a rap on the property, it would be that many would find the immediate neighborhood rather unappealing. Personally, I don't mind having a few Singahs with the locals, but those looking for something more upscale outside of the hotel itself with need to travel for it. Taxis are so cheap in Bangkok that it's hardly worth a second thought. (Don't take "flat-rate" deals -- go with metered taxis. You won't believe how far you can go on a couple of U.S. dollars worth of Thai baht.) Bottom line? The Royal River is an outstanding value and not necessarily just for your son. :o)

Thanks for the reassurance, Jim!

I agree with Jim. I (50ish woman travelling alone) stayed there 2 years ago and plan to stay there again this year. Room was great and so was the breakfast. Treat yourself to a riverfront room for $34 US per night. The hotel has a shuttle ferry that goes to River City. It's only down side is that it does go all that frequently and finishes about 6 pm I think. This year I'll learn to use the ferries - there is a stop close to the hotel - and use taxis more. Joan

marriott resort and spa for you..the others are so, so noone has mentioned that northwest airlines (a major us carrier) has used the royal river as its entry level (least expensive) hotel for its tours for a number of years...that alone says something to me and we used it and then moved to the marriott for additional days...

Thanks all! I booked the Marriott Riverside - it seemed to give the best of al worlds in being on the river and having spa and gardens. Thanks especially to Nancy!