crellston

Anyone stayed here? Looks like a good location and very good rates for a riverside hotel. Also, it is a while since I have been in Bangkok, does the BTS now extend to that side of the river?

Hanuman

I haven't stay there but it's right next to my condo. The BTS does extend to that side of the river but the station is quite far away. I'm not sure if they, the hotel, have a shuttle boat that take you to Taksin station or not but that will be the nearest to the Ibis.

LancasterLad

I haven't stayed there, but looking at reviews, it seems v.popular.

My reservation though is that it's an Ibis and probably a bit institutionalised, and has got about 270 rooms. If it attracts a lot of families, then the public areas like the pool might be a bit too boisterous [for me].

My favourite mid-range hotel riverside, which has a lot less rooms, but is attractively priced, has a pool, and an excellent buffet breakfast on the riverside terrace, is the New Siam Riverside.

It's only 100 yards from Pier 13 for the public ferry, which gets you to the BTS at Saphon Taksin in 15 minutes or so. Also right on Pier 13 is the Navalai River Resort, which I've also stayed at and enjoyed.

Both those hotels are ideal for watching the action on the Chao Phraya, are close to lots of restaurants, bars, and some of the major sights.

rhkkmk

I pass by the ibis on the anantara boat frequently... it seems well maintained and the pool area never seems that crowded.

for sure it is a budget option.

they do have a shuttle boat to taksin pier..

I think I would prefer the chatrium riverside on the other side of the river however. I have stayed there and it is very nice. also a shuttle boat.

crellston

Thanks for the responses.

Hanuman, as it is right next to your condo I have no need to ask if is a nice area! But are there many places to eat in the vicinity?

Bob, I had forgotten about the Chatrium. Haven't stayed there but did pop in for a look once. Seemed like a nice place. May be a bit above our budget for this trip but who knows, there may be some deals around.

Prachuap

IBIS rooms are always a bit smallish but neat and tidy.

IBIS Siam very handy for skytrain.

Hanuman

crells, There's a new mini-mall on the opposite side of the road of the Ibis by the 3 way junction and that should have a lot of restaurants. Apart from that catch a ferry to Asiatique, a night outdoor mall with lots of option.

thursdaysd

http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...-riverside.cfm

crellston

Thanks Thursdaysd, should have used the search box

I guess I am looking for two places. From thirsdaysd's photos it looks very much like every ibis I have ever stayed in i.e. Uninspiring but great value and location

I am looking for two places to top and tail my in laws visit when they join us in Thailand to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary. Ibis may well meet with their approval for a few days on arrival but I would like somewhere a little nicer for their actual anniversary at the end of their trip. The Chatrium look like a contender as do Arun Residence and Aurum. Any thoughts on those or any others?

thursdaysd

No problem, crellston, I just didn't feel like typing it again. As you say, no charm, but fine for what it is.

If you're looking to go a bit upmarket, I also liked the second hotel in that set of pix (19 to 34) but it is pricier - http://ramadaplazamenamriverside.com/

The third was more a B&B than a hotel, perhaps not what you're looking for and not riverside.

rhkkmk

chatrium has the advantage of being tall and having lovely balconies..

rhkkmk

I just read that someone got ibis on priceline for $27... saw it on biddingfortravel.com

crellston

Wow! That is a bargain. Never used Priceline.

Have decided to present my research to the in laws and let them decide. Personally, I am leaning towards your suggestion of The Chatrium, Bob. Maybe stay there a few days on arrival and at Aloft on Suk Soi 11 for a night or two before they head back home.

rhkkmk

renaissance, plenochit has some very good rates C.