THanks for all the great advice! As it sounds, I will skip the full moon party for New Year's! So now my ? is, any hotel recommendations in Bangkok and in Ko Phi Phi? I will be booking that ASAP. Thanks in advance!

What's your budget and what kind of hotels do you like? Big/small/trendy etc.

i always suggest the marriott resort and spa in bkk....one of the cheapest, but nice, riverside hotels...

but talk to us about your budget and what interests you

My budget for the hotel in Bangkok would be about $100 or less per night. I would like to stay at a nice hotel, trendy is cool too, I guess I mean, not a budget hotel. If I'm way off on my budget, just let me know what pricing to expect....Also, if you know of any places on Ko Phi Phi to suggest?

P.S. Thank rhkkmk, I will check out the Marriot online!

take a looks at centre point silom....also majestic grande hotel....rembrandt hotel...holiday inn silom...bossotel....

The Bangkok Holiday Inn at Ploenchit is also a good suggestion. It is, however, slightly more than $100. But prices during peak season are often higher. I paid $115 plus tax during the month of February of this year. Breakfast is not included. The best part about this HI is that it is located right next to the Chitlom skytrain station.

I paid about $103 ++ at a nice serviced apartment building very close to the Holiday Inn. The name is Somerset Suwan Park View. A lovely breakfast is included in the price.

I know you don't really want budget, but Patumwan House is very clean, in a good location by MBK msll, has a very friendly staff (but no pool) and will cost about $35 to $40 a night. It is basic, but very acceptable.

Carol

For Bangkok a couple of years ago, I bid $70 on Priceline and got the Holiday Inn Silom. Paid another $25 to upgrade (as suggested on this forum) to the club level - well worth it. I did this in October for a stay from Dec 26 to Jan 1. Arrived the night after the tsunami. Very nice room for $95 and the food in the club lounge was good. The lounge was a nice place to hang out for a bit. The rest of the hotel was unremarkable.

I would try Siam at Siam Design, Majestic Grande, Davis, and Old Bangkok Inn

My advice for Phi Phi is well known here, so I won't repeat it. But loads of info, pics and recomendations on our site at

www.leightravelclub.com

Feel free to e'mail if you want any specific info, particularly re PhiPhi.

Thank you! This is very helpful! Especially Leigh Travel Club, the videos on your site are great! I'm getting sssooooo excited and I still have 2 1/2 mos. to wait!

check out the building rooms at PP Casita. You can google for pictures.

Thank you smartcookie! Have you stayed there? Is it pretty close to the beaches, etc? It looks like a beautiful place and good prices!

I have my bungalow booked there based on many many reviews and people I have talked to about it. I was deciding between several places, and the locals there advised this place based on location and reputation.

You might like this place in Bangkok. It's a bit off the beaten path, but still in a cool neighborhood. You will not be able to walk to skytrain....you'll need a taxi or tuk tuk, but that's no problem. http://www.phranakorn-nornlen.com/index.html

Smartcookie, I booked PP Casita for Dec. 25-29, will you be there then?

nice I'm actually going Nov 19-22. Too bad! Have fun though.