we are going to koh phi phi for 5 nights 1st week of December 2005. we are looking for: beach front; clean; hot water showers; a/c. any recommendations on good (but not upscale) places? in Bangkok we'll stay at Asis hotel: any reservations?

I presume you meant Asia hotel in BKK. I have not stayed there but did go to the Calypso Carbaret which is held in the Asia Hotel- fab show you show see it! I would say by the looks of the lobby and the area that it is located I would give it 3 stars. On the plus side it is connected to the sky train!

the only thing i would say about asia hotel is that it is a big older hotel and not particularily well placed...it is right at the skytrain stop however...

i just spent 2 nites at the asia hotel...the lobby is much nicer than the rooms. adequate but nothing special and i doubt if i will stay there again...only plus...at a bts stop

i would not arrive at asia hotel or any hotel without a reservation...divediva reported on another thread that they were sold out during part of her stay...

I thought the lobby was a bit shabby- so the rooms must be even worse- skip this hotel!