BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?

Subject: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: GUEST,Sibelius
Date: 11 Jul 06 - 06:12 PM

Don't want a backpackers place or the height of luxury. Something interesting, comfortable but not too large or corporate, neither luxurious nor seedy, reasonably central/accessible. Jan/Feb 07. Suggestions?

Subject: RE: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: Les from Hull
Date: 11 Jul 06 - 06:26 PM

In between the backpackers' places and the height of luxury there's a hell of a lot of choice. There are plenty of medium sized hotels with air-conditioning. I strongly advise the purchase of a 'Rough Guide'.

My one recommendation for accessible is to make sure you're near a Sky Train stop. That's good for getting about and covers some of the city, but meter taxis are cheap (and tuk-tuks cheaper if you feel adventurous). Buses and water travel are also good.

Subject: RE: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: GUEST,Sibelius
Date: 11 Jul 06 - 06:43 PM

Thanks Les, that sounds like good advice. Not tried Rough Guide but the selection in Lonely Planet seemed a bit limited.

Subject: RE: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: Peace
Date: 12 Jul 06 - 12:24 AM

http://www.bangkok.com/hotels/index.html

Subject: RE: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: Mr Red
Date: 12 Jul 06 - 08:09 AM

If you have never been I would recommend buying airport pick-up in advance. I paid about £30 for an air-conditioned cab (3 passengers 4 seats) and you might think they would be cheaper but when you get off a long flight in a strange city and all the touts have just the cab for you it is not that pleasant an experience. All I had to say was NO!

In Surat Thani the train station is a long way out and there I gave-in and accepted a 50 Bhat ride. The tout who actually spoke english was long gone, the "Ute" was an experience but they went straight past my Hotel (not that I knew at the time) and tried to wangle a boat journey for the other passengers which I was not sure would be sailing at that time but we will never know. I guessed it would be too late & they would have to find a hotel which was "run by a friend". Worst of all when I got to my hotel they demanded 100 Bhat - about £1.50 and of course I didn't have the change so I had to give them 100. If they had dropped me off an hour ealier I would have given them 200. But it was an experience.

April is HOT - I believe it is more wet at this time. December is a good time to be there I am told.

In Bangkok the street traders seem to be everywhere (near the Indra Regent I was at) into the night. Quite often you can haggle down to half the almost price - it depends on how much you want it - or they think you want it.

Subject: RE: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: Peter T.
Date: 12 Jul 06 - 08:13 AM

Be sure and take a boat tour! One of the few ways of getting a feel for the old Bangkok, now gone with the wind.

yours,

Peter T.

Subject: RE: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: nutty
Date: 12 Jul 06 - 02:36 PM

Learn Thai numbers and a few phrases (eg TOW LIE - how much) before you go on holiday, then you will be able to haggle much more impressively.

They will appreciate the fact that you have bothered to learn some of their language and may not rip you off for quite as much as if you just speak English to them.

Subject: RE: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: number 6
Date: 12 Jul 06 - 04:47 PM

One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster
The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free
You'll find a god in every golden cloister
A little flesh, a little history
I can feel an angel sliding up to me

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
Not much between despair and ecstasy
One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble
Can't be too careful with your company

... excerpt "one night in Bangkok" by Murray Head

sIx

Subject: RE: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: Fibula Mattock
Date: 13 Jul 06 - 07:15 AM

I was there in April and stayed at the Silom City Inn, 72 Soi Prachurn (Silmo 22), Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 (check it out on expedia or tripadvisor.com). It was 21 quid per night and really good (largest bed I've ever seen) - cheap by UK standards, mid-level by Thai standards. Handy to the water buses, Silom metro, and to Patpong night market...!

Subject: RE: BS: Where would you stay in Bangkok?
From: bbc
Date: 13 Jul 06 - 09:39 AM

You might be interested to see the pictures & descriptions my (ex) husband made from our trip to Thailand on the way home from a tour in South Korea:

My visit to Thailand in 1978

I found Thailand to be a very interesting country, but I climbed up one of the stupas & almost didn't have the courage to come back down--steep, narrow steps & like climbing on glossy china! Watch that, ok?

best,

Barbara