Serviced Apartments-BKK
Jul 17th, 2005 | 05:35 PM
#1
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Joined: Feb 2003
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Serviced Apartments-BKK
I know that several of you travel to BKK often and stay several days. I need more information on serviced apartments. We are a couple who travels to Thailand once and maybe twice a year and staying near to skytrain is important. We usually end up staying about 12-14 days total in BKK. What are the advantages and disadvantages to staying in serviced apartments. Any recommendations for apartments that you know?
Jul 17th, 2005 | 06:21 PM
#2
Joined: Aug 2004
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Advantages of service apts are larger rooms than a double hotel room, kitchenette and laundry facilities and for longer stays mostly cheaper than a hotel room (the breakeven would probably be for more than 3 nights IMO). Emporium Suites on the Emporium BTS stop is great. We have stayed there for 3 months in a 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, kitchenette, small living area unit, 3 months in a 1 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom, kitchen unit, large drawing room, 2 tvs, 4 seater dining table and 4 nights in a large 1 bedroom unit. All of them had a washer drier and LARGE bathrooms. Another good one where a friend stayed is Somerset Apts at Chitlom, very close to Chitlom BTS. Nice large 1 bedroom with small kitchenette and drawing area. Loads more cupboard space than a hotel room as well. Emporium has a great pool and gym too. Disadvantages are limited choice of meals - in Emporium this is not such a biggie as you are located almost in the mall with its dining options, elsewhere I assume it could be an issue as the service apt typically has 1 restaurant with fixed timings. May not be a spa/salon. Also, as many guests are working or long stay limited opportunity for interaction with people on holiday.
Jul 17th, 2005 | 07:08 PM
#3
Joined: Jul 2003
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I've stayed two weeks at Grand President and also two weeks at the Omni. The Grand President is probably better than the Omni, as far as being modern and well appointed. Both are nice sized apartments with one bedroom, bathroom, living area, and kitchen. Both have appliances in the kitchen so you can do some cooking. We always enjoy having breakfast in the room so we can dress at a leisurely pace.
The Grand President is on Sukhumvit soi 11 and is about a 5 minute walk down the soi to the skytrain (Nana station). Omni is on soi 4 and is a bit of a walk to Nana station. Both of these places are going to run you about $80-100 per night.
I have also stayed at a place called Patumwan House. There is no pool, and the apartments are very basic (but this place is really one of my favorites because of the friendliness of the Thai people who work there). Patumwan House costs about $25 a night. It is located on Soi Kasemsan 1, close to MBK mall and the National Sky train station. The place is always busy, not with backpackers, but with younger couples who are on a budget. Everyone is so friendly there. I love the birds (about 10 of them) in cages that sing every time you walk by. Some have also been trained to talk. One says "let me out" in English! LOL
Can you tell, I like the more laid back Thai-run places? I plan to stay at Patumwan House when I return to BKK in September for about 10-12 days.
I like being able to leave my things in my apartment if I should happen to leave for a two-night visit to Chiang Mai or Phuket or Samui. You can leave stuff in the closets and pack a very small carry on bag and not worry about leaving things behind. Apartments are serviced every day or every other day, depending on your wants.
I enjoy staying in some of the lovely hotels in BKK, but really prefer the size of an apartment. Patumwan has the most room, by the way.
Carol
The Grand President is on Sukhumvit soi 11 and is about a 5 minute walk down the soi to the skytrain (Nana station). Omni is on soi 4 and is a bit of a walk to Nana station. Both of these places are going to run you about $80-100 per night.
I have also stayed at a place called Patumwan House. There is no pool, and the apartments are very basic (but this place is really one of my favorites because of the friendliness of the Thai people who work there). Patumwan House costs about $25 a night. It is located on Soi Kasemsan 1, close to MBK mall and the National Sky train station. The place is always busy, not with backpackers, but with younger couples who are on a budget. Everyone is so friendly there. I love the birds (about 10 of them) in cages that sing every time you walk by. Some have also been trained to talk. One says "let me out" in English! LOL
Can you tell, I like the more laid back Thai-run places? I plan to stay at Patumwan House when I return to BKK in September for about 10-12 days.
I like being able to leave my things in my apartment if I should happen to leave for a two-night visit to Chiang Mai or Phuket or Samui. You can leave stuff in the closets and pack a very small carry on bag and not worry about leaving things behind. Apartments are serviced every day or every other day, depending on your wants.
I enjoy staying in some of the lovely hotels in BKK, but really prefer the size of an apartment. Patumwan has the most room, by the way.
Carol
Jul 18th, 2005 | 12:20 AM
#4
Joined: Aug 2003
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Hi there. We spent 6 nights in Somerset Suwan Park View apartments in January this year. Highly recommended. I'm going to copy my previous post about it.
We stayed at the Somerset Suwan Park in January this year. I booked on their website.....all online and with a very reasonable cancellation policy. I have copied my previous post below so you can see the details. As for the size of the 1 bedroomed apartment we stayed in, I really cant help....my husband will tell you I'm useless in space estimates. All I can say is that the bedroom was big enough for a very large bed ( queen or possibly king) and the upside was that the bed was very comfortable. There was lots of cupboard space and a dressing table. En suite bathroom was well equipped...shower over the bath.The living area had a 4 seater table couple of comfy chairs and couches, large TV and DVD player. We just loved this place. It was spotless, comfortable and,as you know, so convenient. and the staff were charming....nothing too much trouble.Swimming pool and small gym too. Anyway, here is a copy of my previous post.
"We stayed in a sister property to Omni called Somerset Suwan Park View. Also apartments and they seemed fairly new.Facilities etc.are very similar to those at Omni and we were very happy with the accommodation and the amenities. Price wise, I think a bit more than Omni .Round THB 3200 including breakfast which was large and excellent.
The area is great if you want to be near skytrain and shops.Apartments are situated in Soi Tonson,which is between Langsuan and Wireless Roads (parallel to them). An easy stroll to the Chitlom skytrain station( no more than 5 minutes, if that) and to the very large supermarket at Central Dept Store,but situated in a quiet area. Lumphini Park is also close by.I can highly recommend both the accommodation and area. We travelled on the skytrain all the time. Of course, many journeys down to the river and Sukhimvit Road area was only a station or two away.
I booked directly with Somerset via their website.A 5 minute operation, instant availability check,and no deposit, just credit card details. They were also super efficient when we had to modify our booking due to the Tsunami.
Website is
http://www.the-ascott.com/OurResi/Re...merset&r=2
Good luck and best wishes.
Linda
We stayed at the Somerset Suwan Park in January this year. I booked on their website.....all online and with a very reasonable cancellation policy. I have copied my previous post below so you can see the details. As for the size of the 1 bedroomed apartment we stayed in, I really cant help....my husband will tell you I'm useless in space estimates. All I can say is that the bedroom was big enough for a very large bed ( queen or possibly king) and the upside was that the bed was very comfortable. There was lots of cupboard space and a dressing table. En suite bathroom was well equipped...shower over the bath.The living area had a 4 seater table couple of comfy chairs and couches, large TV and DVD player. We just loved this place. It was spotless, comfortable and,as you know, so convenient. and the staff were charming....nothing too much trouble.Swimming pool and small gym too. Anyway, here is a copy of my previous post.
"We stayed in a sister property to Omni called Somerset Suwan Park View. Also apartments and they seemed fairly new.Facilities etc.are very similar to those at Omni and we were very happy with the accommodation and the amenities. Price wise, I think a bit more than Omni .Round THB 3200 including breakfast which was large and excellent.
The area is great if you want to be near skytrain and shops.Apartments are situated in Soi Tonson,which is between Langsuan and Wireless Roads (parallel to them). An easy stroll to the Chitlom skytrain station( no more than 5 minutes, if that) and to the very large supermarket at Central Dept Store,but situated in a quiet area. Lumphini Park is also close by.I can highly recommend both the accommodation and area. We travelled on the skytrain all the time. Of course, many journeys down to the river and Sukhimvit Road area was only a station or two away.
I booked directly with Somerset via their website.A 5 minute operation, instant availability check,and no deposit, just credit card details. They were also super efficient when we had to modify our booking due to the Tsunami.
Website is
http://www.the-ascott.com/OurResi/Re...merset&r=2
Good luck and best wishes.
Linda
Jul 18th, 2005 | 07:04 AM
#5
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 13,860
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I plan to get a serviced apartment on the Dec/Jan trip to Bangkok. On next month's trip, I'll check out some places. In the past, I've always stayed in hotels. I did my serviced apartment research, last year, and made my preference list, by looking at the serviced apartments on moveandstay.com...where they have photos and prices and nice descriptions. One of the ones at the top of my list was also the one that Hobbes mentions above called the Somerset Suwan Park View. It's near the Chitlom skytrain station which is my favorite area and also close to the Four Seasons where I usually stay...then I can go there for breakfast and other meals if I want to. I'm also interested in the Emporium, but the prices are high. Another fabulous place is the Ascott Sathorn...go on the-ascott.com I think the website is. Happy Travels!
Jul 19th, 2005 | 11:02 AM
#6
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 426
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Hi Carol:
Re: Patumwan House
How did you book the Patumwam House?
I e-mailed them 2 days ago for the rates in Dec but no reply as yet. I don't have the exact dates of our trip but may be planning to spend a month in Bangkok. I can call them after I get the exact dates of our trip after we book airline reservations.
This is the only thing I could find on the Patumwan House:
Patumwan House, Soi Kasemsan 1 (the high-rise to your left as you reach the bend in the road), t: (662) 612-3580-99, f: (662) 216-0180, [email protected]. This is mainly a residential apartment building with some studios or one-bedrooms for rent. There is a security card entry and elevator. Definitely not a backpacker place. 1000-1200 Baht for a studio with air-con, TV, and full-size fridge. (300 Baht weekly discount and larger rooms/suites available).
Thank you!
Re: Patumwan House
How did you book the Patumwam House?
I e-mailed them 2 days ago for the rates in Dec but no reply as yet. I don't have the exact dates of our trip but may be planning to spend a month in Bangkok. I can call them after I get the exact dates of our trip after we book airline reservations.
This is the only thing I could find on the Patumwan House:
Patumwan House, Soi Kasemsan 1 (the high-rise to your left as you reach the bend in the road), t: (662) 612-3580-99, f: (662) 216-0180, [email protected]. This is mainly a residential apartment building with some studios or one-bedrooms for rent. There is a security card entry and elevator. Definitely not a backpacker place. 1000-1200 Baht for a studio with air-con, TV, and full-size fridge. (300 Baht weekly discount and larger rooms/suites available).
Thank you!
Jul 19th, 2005 | 02:56 PM
#7
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
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IsisMnroe
My son has always booked Patumwan House for us when we have stayed there. He says they are a bit slow to respond to him, as well.
You will want a copy of their business card and map, because taxis have a hard time finding the place. Taxis really don't know where it is!! It's out of the way, but within walking distance to MBK and and Siam and the new Paragon that will open soon.
Either my son or I probably have a business card that we can scan for you so you and attach it to an email, so you will have the exact location. It is at the end of a very interesting soi (alley) that has street vendors selling food and such.
Son is suggesting that you stay in a place that the taxis know (i.e. one of the name hotels) the first night or two, and then make your move to Patumwan House in the daytime. Please let me know how I can help you. We really enjoy Patumwan House (even tho they don't have a pool) and have had a number of friends stay there who also like it. It's sooooo peaceful!!!
Carol
My son has always booked Patumwan House for us when we have stayed there. He says they are a bit slow to respond to him, as well.
You will want a copy of their business card and map, because taxis have a hard time finding the place. Taxis really don't know where it is!! It's out of the way, but within walking distance to MBK and and Siam and the new Paragon that will open soon.
Either my son or I probably have a business card that we can scan for you so you and attach it to an email, so you will have the exact location. It is at the end of a very interesting soi (alley) that has street vendors selling food and such.
Son is suggesting that you stay in a place that the taxis know (i.e. one of the name hotels) the first night or two, and then make your move to Patumwan House in the daytime. Please let me know how I can help you. We really enjoy Patumwan House (even tho they don't have a pool) and have had a number of friends stay there who also like it. It's sooooo peaceful!!!
Carol
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Jul 19th, 2005 | 03:11 PM
#8
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 426
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Thank you, Carol
Here is my e-mail address:
[email protected]
If you can find the business card for the Patumwan House, please e-mail.
But if you cannot locate it, that's okay too.
Thank you again!
Here is my e-mail address:
[email protected]
If you can find the business card for the Patumwan House, please e-mail.
But if you cannot locate it, that's okay too.
Thank you again!
Jul 19th, 2005 | 05:24 PM
#11
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
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Isis
Sorry for the delay in responding. I am now home at my own PC. I am going to try to scan the business card I have for Patumwan House and email it to you. I hope I am successful. If not, I will use the scanner at work tomorrow. I FOR SURE know how to use it! I don't use my home scanner except on very rare occasions.
Carol
To answer your questions, a 2-bedroom at Patumway, with 2 bathrooms and sm kitchen with full sized fridge runs about 28000 baht for a month. The daily price is 2000 baht per day for that size. You can rent this type for less money if the second bedroom door is locked and you cannot use it. You would only use the "master bedroom". That reduces your nightly price to about 1500 baht.
Son seems to think that the 1-bedrooms are all studio, with the bed in the same large room with the kitchen.
Sorry for the delay in responding. I am now home at my own PC. I am going to try to scan the business card I have for Patumwan House and email it to you. I hope I am successful. If not, I will use the scanner at work tomorrow. I FOR SURE know how to use it! I don't use my home scanner except on very rare occasions.
Carol
To answer your questions, a 2-bedroom at Patumway, with 2 bathrooms and sm kitchen with full sized fridge runs about 28000 baht for a month. The daily price is 2000 baht per day for that size. You can rent this type for less money if the second bedroom door is locked and you cannot use it. You would only use the "master bedroom". That reduces your nightly price to about 1500 baht.
Son seems to think that the 1-bedrooms are all studio, with the bed in the same large room with the kitchen.
Jul 19th, 2005 | 05:59 PM
#14
Joined: Jul 2003
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OK, it's 9 pm and I admit defeat in trying to use my home scanner to send you the business card. I shall take the things to our store tomorrow and use the machine I know how to use, with confidence! I shall also send you a couple of photos of a 2-bedroom suite at Patumwan House. Mind you, the two bedroom ones are harder to reserve than the 1-bed studio suites. I have stayed in studio suites and have been very comfortable there also, but I'm not sure if I have photos.
Carol
Carol
Jul 19th, 2005 | 06:13 PM
#16
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
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Patumwan House does have tv's with CNN, Star movies and Star sports and maybe MTV.
Also forgot to tell you that there is a small (but good) restaurant in the lobby there. They have your choice of a Thai breakfast or American breakfast for 90 baht! I like the chicken/rice soup and a cup of coffee. It sticks to the ribs. Also sandwiches and Thai items for lunch. Room service isn't 24 hours. Maybe 7am to 8pm (that's a guess).
You can also get laundry done there, but you might want to ask them to give you quick service, as I think I waited a couple of days to get my clothes.
Another suggestion, go to MBK (mall) and buy a cheap hot pot ($8) so you can heat soups and rice and noodle cups, etc, in your room. As I recall, there was no hot pot in the room. I also bought instant Nescafe instant coffee. It's nice to have these items in the room. Hotels and more expensive apartment rentals already have these items. Patumwan House is really pretty "basic" but we really LOVE the place! You can buy the soups and stuff at MBK too, in Tokyu store, 4th floor, or at the 7-11 Mini-Mart type places (which are close by).
Carol
Also forgot to tell you that there is a small (but good) restaurant in the lobby there. They have your choice of a Thai breakfast or American breakfast for 90 baht! I like the chicken/rice soup and a cup of coffee. It sticks to the ribs. Also sandwiches and Thai items for lunch. Room service isn't 24 hours. Maybe 7am to 8pm (that's a guess).
You can also get laundry done there, but you might want to ask them to give you quick service, as I think I waited a couple of days to get my clothes.
Another suggestion, go to MBK (mall) and buy a cheap hot pot ($8) so you can heat soups and rice and noodle cups, etc, in your room. As I recall, there was no hot pot in the room. I also bought instant Nescafe instant coffee. It's nice to have these items in the room. Hotels and more expensive apartment rentals already have these items. Patumwan House is really pretty "basic" but we really LOVE the place! You can buy the soups and stuff at MBK too, in Tokyu store, 4th floor, or at the 7-11 Mini-Mart type places (which are close by).
Carol
Jul 19th, 2005 | 06:19 PM
#17
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,120
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isis; maybe sometime in the future you might be able to use the sling box.
carol: my cousin stays in bangkok for about 28 weeks a year, and usually stays at the grand president, however, i know he wants to move. the pratunam house might be an alternative. is it possible for you to email the same info and photos? my email address is [email protected]. thanks. btw, is the ph close to ratchada?
carol: my cousin stays in bangkok for about 28 weeks a year, and usually stays at the grand president, however, i know he wants to move. the pratunam house might be an alternative. is it possible for you to email the same info and photos? my email address is [email protected]. thanks. btw, is the ph close to ratchada?
Jul 19th, 2005 | 06:23 PM
#18
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 29,053
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we have not stayed at a serviced apartment as of yet but we have visited a couple in bkk...
last year we visited two centre point properties: silom and luang suan....they have perhaps 10 groups around bangkok....both were very nice and the LS one was the nicer...the silom one is next door to the shangri-la hotel and the skytrain at taskim....it has river views on one side...
the rooms were large in both...they had comfortable beds at least to the touch...the furnishings were very nice and in good condition...many, but not all had washer/dryers....all had dishwashers...
there are one, two, and 3 bedrrom units...breakfast in their dining room was included in the fee...the longer you stay the cheaper it is...
we also visited the marriott mayfair SA on luang suan...it is exceptionally nice...their pool was the best and located on the roof with a sweeping view of bkk...it was also the most expensive....they give F/F points...
oakwood has been suggested to us as another possibility, but we have not visited there....
last year we visited two centre point properties: silom and luang suan....they have perhaps 10 groups around bangkok....both were very nice and the LS one was the nicer...the silom one is next door to the shangri-la hotel and the skytrain at taskim....it has river views on one side...
the rooms were large in both...they had comfortable beds at least to the touch...the furnishings were very nice and in good condition...many, but not all had washer/dryers....all had dishwashers...
there are one, two, and 3 bedrrom units...breakfast in their dining room was included in the fee...the longer you stay the cheaper it is...
we also visited the marriott mayfair SA on luang suan...it is exceptionally nice...their pool was the best and located on the roof with a sweeping view of bkk...it was also the most expensive....they give F/F points...
oakwood has been suggested to us as another possibility, but we have not visited there....
Jul 19th, 2005 | 06:42 PM
#19
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 11,334
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Kuranosuke
I certainly can email you the same information. I'll be happy to. Keep in mind that Patumwan House is BASIC, but very clean and the people there are very friendly and all Thai. No, it is not near Ratchada. It is a stones throw from Jim Thompson house and MBK and Siam.
Carol
I certainly can email you the same information. I'll be happy to. Keep in mind that Patumwan House is BASIC, but very clean and the people there are very friendly and all Thai. No, it is not near Ratchada. It is a stones throw from Jim Thompson house and MBK and Siam.
Carol
