Bangkok Hotel Tips by SWFC_Fan

I stayed at Shanghai Inn for 6 nights during a visit to Bangkok in September 2007.

I booked this hotel via lastminute.com and paid just 22 GBP per night for a single room with en-suite facilities and breakfast included.

The hotel is 4* and belongs to the "Special Hotels of the World" group: (http://www.ghotw.com/shotw/thehotels.aspx)

Location

Shanghai Inn is located on Yaowarat Road, right in the heart of bustling Chinatown. Hua Lamphong railway station and the adjacent MRTA (subway) station are a 15 minute walk away, while in the other direction the Ratchawong ferry pier (where you can catch the Chao Phraya Express Boat along the river) is a similar distance away.

There are countless food stalls right outside the hotel, as well as a handful of Chinese restaurants. However, no bars are allowed in Chinatown (although restaurants do serve alcohol). There is a bakery, a small supermarket and an ATM on the ground floor of the hotel, and a 7-11 store just a few doors down.

Bedroom

My bright, spotlessly clean room contained a large four poster bed, satellite TV (19 channels including CNN, ESPN Sports, Star Sports), a large double wardrobe, a small fridge, a kettle (with complimentary Chinese tea), Chinese lantern light shades, a telephone, a safe deposit box, a dressing table with a large mirror, a washbasin, a colourful stained glass window, artwork on the walls and, most importantly of all, a good air conditioning system.

The floor was bare stone, with just a Chinese rug besides the bed.

The en-suite shower and toilet room was fairly spacious and included the novelty of a bird cage with two fake birds in it, hanging by the shower. Hot and cold water is available 24 hours a day. The standing area of the shower consists of mock wooden boards, which can be quite uncomfortable to stand on in bare feet.

Fresh towels were provided daily and full maid service was also carried out each day.

Unique Qualities: .

Breakfast

The reviews that I had read prior to my stay weren't very flattering towards the breakfast, but I thought it was pretty good.

You can choose from cereals, toast and marmalade, fried eggs, omelettes, bacon, sausages, yoghurt, croissants, fresh fruit, coffee, tea, orange and pineapple juices. You can eat as much as you like, and the food trays are refilled often enough to keep the food fresh.

General

A board outside the hotel lists the names of each new guest on the day that they arrive. I've never seen that anywhere else before.

Some of the staff were a bit too persistent in their desire to be helpful. The porter who carried my bag to my room upon arrival insisted on giving me his telephone number to call him if I wanted to book any excursions, or buy a suit, or anything else that I might need. After a long flight I just wanted to sleep, the last thing I needed was an over-eager porter trying to sell me a new jacket and trousers!

Internet access is available in the hotel for a small charge, and free wi-fi access is available in all rooms.

A massage service is provided by the hotel.

I was able to store my luggage, free of charge, after checking out of my room on my final day before going to the airport later in the evening.

All in all, this is an excellent value for money hotel. The rooms are bright, colourful, clean and well furnished and, with a good breakfast included, are a bargain at 22 GBP per night.

However, if I ever return to Bangkok, it is unlikely that I would stay in Chinatown. I'd probably base myself somewhere with better transport links and a greater selection of restaurants, such as Sukhumvit.

An excellent hotel, right in the heart of Chinatown. If you want to stay in Chinatown, then this hotel is a fantastic option!

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Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: (66 2) 221 2121
Address: 479-481 Yaowaraj Rd, Samphanthawong, BANGKOK, 1010
Directions: Yaowarat Road, right in the heart of Chinatown.
Website: www.shanghai-inn.com/
Other Contact: Fax: (66 2) 221 2124