I'm considering the following hotels for a 4 night stay in BKK. Any opinions?<BR>Hotel Siam Intercontinental<BR>Menam Riverside<BR>Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza<BR>Montien Surawong<BR><BR>From there we'll go to Chiang Mai. Any opinions on the Empress Hotel there?<BR><BR>Then, either Phuket or Krabi for a week. I'd appreciate any input on this because I can't decide. Here's what we want:<BR>* We want to get to our hotel the same day we leave CM. For that reason, I've ruled out Phi Phi as we'd have to spend a night in Phuket on each end of the trip.<BR>* a small hotel or bungalow on or very near the beach<BR>* a beautiful beach with clear water, good for swimming, snorkeling and walking<BR>* we can spend up to $200 a night but would really prefer to spend $100 or less<BR>* shops and restaurants nearby, especially if there's only one or no restaurants at the hotel<BR>* cool day trips, like snorkeling, canoeing, hiking, etc.<BR>Any ideas? Any hotel recommendations? Thanks!<BR><BR> <BR>

Paige:<BR><BR>Have not been to any of the places mentioned , but have just returned from a 26 day visit to Bangkok/Phuket/PhiPhi.<BR><BR>A lot of the decision making of where to stay depends on WHEN you are going. If, for instance, you are planning on going over the Christmas season booking rooms at inexpensive rates are difficult to do. If costs are a big concern, I suggest "latestays.com". This lists the best Phuket locations that are willing to cut their rates for the next 14 days. I HIGHLY suggest checking into it if you are traveling there anytime other than the Christmas holiday. we stayed at the Phuket Arcadia for B2300 per night.<BR><BR><BR>Feel free to respond to me with any other questions.

Make that B3200/night at the Arcadia.

Hi Paige<BR><BR>we stay in Bkk either in the <BR>- Narai Hotel (Silom Road) which has a good standard for a very good price (around 40 US) or better place is<BR>- Royal Orchid Sheraton Hotel (on the Chao Phra River beside the ORIENTAL)<BR><BR>I would decide for Krabi (there is at least a direct flight from Bkk every day) - at Ao Nang beach there are actually so many hotels (from 20 US up to 200 - best is Dusit Rayavadee on Railey beach) If you can afford it it is perfect there.<BR>have a nice holiday<BR>Bruno

Only Menam hotel is on the river bank, however, it is quite far from city centre, for the hotels in the city, I would rule out Inn Crowne Plaza, and leve just 2 choices Siam Intercon and Montein. Both are famous for the locals, Siam Intercon is right in the heart of shopping and entertainment, hub of transportation, While Montien is also very nice and not so far from business area.<BR>Welcome to the Kingdom.

Paige -<BR><BR>I'd go with Montien or Siam between those choices.<BR><BR>We've stayed at Montien twice and it was fine. Never stayed at Siam but the location is pretty good.<BR><BR>The thing we liked most about Montien was that all the taxi drivers knew the name. Or if they didn't, we could just say "Patpong" and get dropped off across the street.<BR><BR>Have fun!<BR><BR>Lynn<BR><BR

The Siam Intercontinental is sold out. Does anyone know anything about the Novotel Siam Square?

I forgot to mention, we'll be going for 2 weeks around the 1st of Feb. Any idea if that's high season in Phuket? latestays.com is great! Has anyone stayed at the Central Karon Village?

Paige,<BR><BR>I'd thoroughly recommend the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza. Unable to comment on the others but I thoroughly enjoyed my 4 nights stay. Very high standards, and the best Tandoori restaurant in town !!<BR><BR>Didn't go to Chiang Mai, opted for Chiang Rai instead. <BR><BR>But if I had a choice between Krabi or Phuket I'd go to Krabi everytime!! It is a stunning location. Phuket offers high quality hotels, and decent beaches, but for me Krabi had a secret ingredient that made the place special.<BR><BR>I know you've read my journal and know how I feel about day trippers to Phi Phi, so don't do it!! But to go to the South of Thailand and not see either Krabi or Phi Phi would be a sin !<BR><BR> <BR>

For Lynn:<BR><BR>Suggest that when staying in BBK that you carry a book of matches from your hotel. If you get into any trouble at all from taxi drivers, show them the match-cover.<BR><BR>Worked for me.

Greg -<BR><BR>Thanks. After our first trip we learned to ask for a card at every hotel we stayed at.<BR><BR>Didn't have much problem but last year while staying at the Regent, many taxi drivers did not know it. We used our little card many times!<BR><BR>Paige -<BR><BR>You might also try the Pathumwan Princess. The location is great. It's very centrally located and connected to MBK. Through MBK you can access the Skytrain. Very useful.<BR><BR>Lynn<BR><BR

What is MBK?

MBK is one of our favorite places to shop in Bangkok. It's about 6-7 floors of stuff and it's indoors but the feeling is more of a flea market. It's not a high-end place at all. You can find some really great knock-off watches and purses there.<BR><BR>Lynn<BR><BR