Need help on Hotels in Thailand
 

We are going to Thailand on February 16,2009. We plan to visit Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Anghor Wat, Puhket, and Krab areas. This will be our first visit and we will be there for 6 weeks. We have read articles from Fordor and have questions about hotels. Some of the ones we have researched are Bangkok (Centre Point Silom, Adelphi suites, Park Plaza Sukhmit, Asia Hotel). Chiang Mai (Chiang Mai plaza, River view Lodge, Holiday Inn). Chiang Rai (Rimkok resort). Phuket, Krab,and Siem Reap areas we have none picked. We would appreciate your advice on these hotels and any other hotels in these areas that you would suggest. Our budget is $85.00 and under. Thank you.

You don't say how many there are of you. If you are a family with children it will make a difference than if you are two people.

In Bangkok, my current favorite place to stay is the Adelphi Suites. I'm on my way there for several weeks, Dec/Jan time frame. DH and I will have an apartment. If there are just two of you, I think you would be fine for a few days in a studio. The price should be about $85, maybe less, including breakfast.

I've not stayed at Centre Point, but I know that those who have, thought it was a good value. Its location near the river is good if you are doing tourist things. I'm in BKK for shopping and visiting friends, so the soi 8 Sukhumvit location of Adelphi is perfect for me. Maybe not so great if you are wanting to visit tourist areas along the river.

Enjoy your trip.

Carol

of the places you list for bkk, i think centre point silom is the best and adelphi right after it...asia hotel is old but right on the skytrain as is CP..

HI in CM is ok..

Agree the Asia is a bit old and tired, although it is a good location. The Park Plaza is quite new and getting good reviews, but it is a bit of a hike from the nearest Skytrain or subway station, and it is on a very busy street.

In Chiang Mai, I'm not a fan of the Holiday Inn, which is a bit far away from everything for me. The Plaza is ok, but big and probably a bit run down as well. On that budget, I would be tempted to get the most deluxe room available at the Suriwong or Pornping. Or, I'd look at the Ridges Amora, De Naga or Manathai Village.

I might also check how long you're staying in Chiang Rai and what you're expecting, since you're also in Chiang Mai. The place you've selected is in the city of Chiang Rai, about an hour drive away from the golden triangle area, which is what most people go to Chiang Rai to see.

When I was in BKK for my short holiday I stayed in The Park Plaza. It is quite new and getting good reviews, but the service is simple and very slow.

kapstreak,
sorry to correct you, but its Krabi and Siem Reap is in Cambodia, not in Thailand.
Just 3 weeks ago I stayed in Siem Reap at Queen Villa Hotel. Actually its not a hotel, but a 1st class guesthouse. Big Khmer villa with just 8 nice big rooms. Price per night just 25 resp. 35 USD. small breakfast incl.

DH and I stayed at the Center POint Silom in June and loved it. The location was great, the staff incredibly helpful, the room was huge and comfortable and the breakfast was wonderful. I highly recommend it.

As for Chiang Mai - we loved the River View Lodge. It was off the beaten path but within walking distance of quite a few restaurants (try the Riverside and the Antique House - both shown on Nancy Chandler map) and the night market. The rooms were very comfortable and the view of the pool and the river was wonderful.

In Chiang Rai we stayed at the Wiang Inn as part of a private tour we had booked through Asia Tours. It was fine as hotels go - very comfortable and a great breakfast buffet. The location was great - right on the main drag and near the night market. I would recommend it.

In Phuket we splurged (we were off season so it was less of a splurge than it would be for you) and stayed at the Kata Beach Resort. It was amazing. The cheapest room still had a teeny view of the ocean. The pools were wonderful and the staff was so helpful. I would definitely stay there again.

As for Siem Reap, we loved the Bopha Angkor. The price was great and the hotel was very nice. The pool was great for cooling off after a morning's sightseeing and it was within walking distance of the old market and lots of restaurants. Plus its restaurant was very good. You can't go wrong there. The only downside was that they use very low wattage bulbs to save on energy and so the rooms are a bit dark for reading. But quite romantic!

With the exception of the Kata Beach Resort I think most of these should be in your budget. The Center Point might be a bit over, although I think we paid about $85 through sawadee.com. The Wiang Inn was part of a package so I don't know what we paid for it, but the package was very reasonable so I think it would be in the same range.

Enjoy your trip to Thailand and Cambodia! We were only there for 3 weeks but packed a lot in. You should be able to relax a bit more.