Bangkok Hotel Tips by Daniel_Stokes

If, like me, you don't like the grotty backpacker-ghetto atmosphere of Khao San Rd., but don't want to shell out for a staggeringly expensive, new, four-star hotel either, the Royal is a great choice.

The better rooms are lovely, you couldn't ask for a better location (Rattanakosin, walking distance from the Royal Palace), and the slightly faded glory of a declining classic hotel has a real charm all its own.

Ask for a room in the old wing, and look at several -- they're not all equal. But overall, this hotel really is a good value for the money.

Unique Qualities: The atmosphere is truly unique, and you have the dubious distinction of staying in the hotel that served as an emergency clinic for those injured in demonstrations against the last military coup in 1992.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$40-80  » Currency Converter
Phone: 66-2-2229-111
Address: 2 Rajdamnern Klang Avenue

This place can be off-putting at first impression: the front office (shared with a softdrink wholesaler) is filthy and cluttered, and the hallways are dark and kind of dismal-looking.

But the rooms are large and clean, and the location is really excellent -- just down the street from one of BKK's finest 'roti/mataba' (Thai Muslim-style pancakes, sweet or stuffed with meat, respectively), close to several artsy pubs and fancy restaurants, and just across the street from the Phra Athit riverboat pier.

Unique Qualities: Thanon Phra Athit has all the location advantages of Khao San Road, without any of its overcrowding, filth, or idiots.

It's a leafy, quiet, green street close to some really worthwhile sites (Wat Boworniwet, where Thailand's kings have served their novitiates since the nineteenth century), and home to some great bars and restaurants. Plus, local people hang out there, not just foreigners, so you won't have to struggle to remember you're in Bangkok rather than Amsterdam, Cancun, or Haifa.

But if you're craving a banana pancake, bhang lassi, or want your hair braided with all the other young tourists, you're an easy walk from Khao San, just to your south.

There are several nicer places on Phra Athit, too, but this one's usually got vacancies for walk-ins.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Hotel
Comparison: about average
Prices: US$20-40  » Currency Converter
Address: Th. Phra Athit, across the street from the Phra Athit pier
Directions: It's next door to the FAO.