Hi, We stay at the Pen each trip - fortunately buying a package in Australia gives us an upgrade to a suite- they are fantastic - look at the Pen's website for the room layout. The ordinary rooms are far from ordinary too. The suite gives a separate lounge/dining area, smaller but still lovely bedroom, bathroom and dressing room. There are only 2 per floor - one each end of the hotel. If you go for it I think the end near the pool (and the grand palace) is the nicer. You get fantastic views because you are on the corner.

I think it really is a case of how much time you are there and how much you want to spend time in the hotel - we are usually there for a week and so really appreciate the lovely spacious room - but especially so as its the same price because of the free upgrade - depends how much more it costs you I guess.

The rooms above about floor 9 are deemed "Grand" whatever and are a little dearer than the lower rooms - same rooms its really just the view. We've been both up and down and really haven't minded which - lower down you get a better view of the activity on the river which I find fasinating.

Regardless its a great and friendly hotel - I can't recommend it highly enough. We will be back there next week -can't wait.

I agree with MaryW
" I think it really is a case of how much time you are there and how much you want to spend time in the hotel "

if your only in town for 2 days. you will most liely get a half or full day city tour... which will get you too the major sites no prob.. after that your can chill in the hotel or be a bit away from bangkoks nightlife and real shopping districts..

many who poste here about the pen are regulars too BKK and or are in town for a longer bit of time.. so it's no big deal too be in the river and have too be stuck in trafic all day..

I have nothing against any place in general.. I guess it has too do with my backgrouind in travel tourism managmet and being trained too handle what the client needs and wants..

hey BUDG.. you'll have fun where ever you stay.. so don't mind some of my negative remarks..

do the penn..you will love it...getting around is a problem most of the day and nite in cabs in the heavily travelled areas....we take the sky train near to where we want to go and then get a cab or if we have plenty of time we take the cab....you need to do a little planning before setting off and plan your stops accordingly...

PENN, PENN, PENN, PENN FOR YOU