Gloria-ignore Don, he's merely an instigator. He's read your numerous posts on the Oriental and no doubt decided that he would needle you through "poetry". When you meet him at the GTG, you'll find that he's mostly harmless. (Don, I am specifically not interjecting a cheap comment at your expense. I'm sure you can guess.)

Just stayed at the Arun Residence. On the river across from Wat Arun. Next to the water bus stop. Fabulous private deck for watching the world sail by.

No question that the pool at the Pen is larger. Forgot to mention that. I keep forgetting about pools because I never go near them (allergic to the chemicals) so they are irrelevant in my decision making.

One other note -- the Oriental has many many restaurants of different types and all very good to outstanding. I found the meals at the Pen to be fair and a bit depressing as the restaurants were virtually empty -- same with the bar. Not that may appeal to some but I like some "life" in a hotel -- especially when the life is a mix of locals and independent travelers rather than tour groups or conventioneers. The Oriental is 98% independent travelers and there is always a large number of locals in the hotel or in the restaurants celebrating special occassions or just enjoying themselves.

How did I not know that a thread asking about river hotels in Bangkok would lead to THIS... lol

Here's my own simple reply:

The Pen is exceptional for sure,
The Oriental's reputation secure.
Either one is just fine...
In its own type of design...
It's just that, one's older, one's newer.



My vote goes to the Pen (and I've stayed at both) but, gosh Don, I wouldn't go so far as to say that one stinks...

Now let this debate continue... (as I know it will)

Carol

I can't rhyme superbly
Thus I used hyperbole.
The big O's ok,
You'll do well either way;
'Stinks' was a wind-up,
So just make your mind up.

Hi

You should not feel that it is a must to stay by the river. You can also stay e.g. on Sukhumwit road. Most likely you will not spend that much time at the hotel as there is a lot to see and do in Bangkok :d I stayed at Lebua the last time I went to Bangkok. I had a great view of the river from my large room on the 55th floor.

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

Gard is absolutely right that you do not have to stay on the river. The Sukhumvit area offers countless numbers of hotels, serviced apartments, etc. and are conveniently located to shopping and dining venues.

However, if it is your first trip to Bangkok, then you will want to be able to watch the river traffic and enjoy eating breakfast at a table by the river. It's such a great way to wake up in the morning!

any comments on the Centre Point Silom, apartment suites on the river?

There are several people on this forum who have stayed there. I haven't, but had a walk-through of the place last summer. They were renovating. Those who've actually stayed there have given it quite good reviews on this forum. Happy Travels!

We have stayed at Centre Point Silom before - the rooms are very spacious. A one bed room has a full kitchen with washing machine etc. We had a river view room, and were very happy with it - but do note these are "perfect" river views - its not like from a hotel on the river, you are a little way back. However, we were there the year before last at Loy Krathong and could easily see krathongs bobbing along the river and the crowds alongside. These rooms are very good, a good price and we were very pleased with our stay there.

For somewhere a little less expensive, check out New Road Guest House where we are staying at the moment for 800 bht p/n (i.e. about the same as breakfast at the Penn!
http://www.jysk-rejsebureau.dk/trave...t/nrgh_eur.php

For a really cheap deal they even have free hammocks on the roof!!
(I kid you not!)

It is just behing the Oriental.

We had two apts at Centre Pointe last May, during their renovation. Very nice furnishings and common areas, huge bathroom, dressing room, kitchen, dining area and living room. Washer/dryer, and all kitchen stuff, plus CD and DVD palayers and TVs in both LR and BD. Nice pool, not huge, but big enough to do laps, and good restaurant.

Very convenient to the ferries and Skytrain, and you have Robinsons Dept store, plus grocery, food stalls and shopping all downstairs.

can't beat CP silom for the price...under $100