Please help with a picking a hotel.

I'm currently considering a Riverside view suite at Lebua, but for an extra 2000 bahts, I can opt for an ordinary room at Grand Hyatt Erawan.

Is it worth paying that extra amount for Grand Hyatt or is the Lebua Riverview the better choice?

I'm travelling alone.

My interests - taking a klong tour; a good massage; and good local restaurants nearby.

I'd be spending just a day and a half in BKK after a week's trek in Chiang Dao areas. This is my second trip to BKK - and have already done the obligatory Palace, Emerald Buddha, Chatuchak, floating market and Kwai.

It depends on what you want. I'm in BKK now and have a serviced apartment. I prefer them over hotels....more space. I've been to Labua and it wasn't for me although there are those who love the place. As for the Erawan Hyatt...a much better, central location in the heart of town and only a few stops from the river anyhow....maybe 3-4 stops when you get on the skytrain at Rajadamri Station across the street from the Four Seasons which is next to the Erawan Hyatt. And more selection in that area. I have to go. I'm out of computer time at the internet cafe. But, I stayed at the Four Seasons for years and love that part of town. Happy Travels!

The Grand Hyatt has a terrific and convenient location: In the middle of excellent shopping, and also connected dirctly to the SkyTrain. Lots of choices for eating as well -- the You & Mee restaurant on the ground floor is casual, inexpensive and excellent. The Hyatt also has a very good spa, and one of the best pools in Bangkok.

I haven't stayed at the Lebua, but I'm not thilled with its location. It's a walk to the SkyTrain, and it's not on the river.

I can't answer if it's worth it or not (that all depends on your budget), but for me the choice would be a no-brainer: the Hyatt wins on all counts.

the L is not on the river, only within view from the higher rooms...

the hyatt is well located but not anywhere near to the river....

personally i would take the hyatt

If you want to stay on the river, stay at the Shangrila or ROS. The Lebua is not on the river -- just near it. Given those two options I'd stay at the Grand Hyatt.

Thanks for your helpful responses.
Hyatt seems to be the clear choice over L.

Glorialf mentioned ROS - I got the impression that the rooms are a bit tired. I saw a ROS traveller's pic of a plastic shower curtain over a bath tub. Am I imagining it? Or is that an accurate reflection of the place?

And to all of you....a Merry Christmas (where I am, we are 3 and a half hours into Christmas).

Kathie and gpanda swear by the ROS and there was a recent post by someone who had a wonderful experience. I think, however, that they stay in the Towers wing. You might check it out or do a search on this board as it might be a good t solution.

While I expect that some of the regular rooms at the ROS are a bit tired (they have been in the process of upgrading htem), the Towers rooms are very nice. They are on the top few floors of the hotel and the amenities include breakfast, evening cocktails and canapes and free laundry.

I also don't like the location of Lebua, and none of their rooms would I consider river view. Between the Lebua and the Grand Hyatt, I'd choose teh Grand Hyatt.

You'll be more central at the Hyatt. And since you'll be alone, I recommend it for easy transportation and going out late at night and being able to get back easily. Happy TRAVELS!

Your replies have all been most helpful.

I'm pleasantly surprised that the faithful inhabitants of this forum hang around here even on Christmas Day.

I am now convinced that Grand Hyatt is the way to go. ROS Tower is out of my reach unfortunately.

I hope to meet some of you fodorites one day.

ROS is much cheaper than the hyatt....

you might also look at the majestic grande, the bangkok holiday inn on plenochit and the marriott resort and spa...

Not the Towers, Bob

Hi

I had a lovely stay at Lebua in May this year. I had a huge room, a beautiful view of the river from 50th floor etc. No matter where you stay in Bangkok you should try to stay close to a subway/skytrain to make it easy to get around

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

I think you will like the Hyatt. The location is perfect. Right outside the door is the skytrain station and shopping!

Bob mentioned the Holiday Inn Ploenchit. I've stayed there and thought it was a marvelous hotel. It is directly across the street from the Hyatt, so the same perfect location, but costs less money. Spacious rooms, plenty of light (I say that after staying at Majestic Grande in a small and dark room). I moved from MG to the HI during my trip to BKK last January.

Enjoy your trip.

Carol