Bangkok developed around the Chao Phraya River, and it continues to be the long, flowing core of the city. Many of the city's luxury hotels sit along the river, offering their guests, whether families, couples, or business travelers, tranquil river views.
The city is quite spread out but well connected by Metro and its BTS elevated Skytrain system. The areas of Siam and Ratchaprasong are the core of tourist Bangkok, home to the palaces, temples, and museums. Sukhumvit Road is one of Bangkok's main arteries and also home to mall after mall filled with every kind of shop, from discount to luxury.
The area on and around Khao San Road has long been the core of the city's backpacker scene, with a large inventory of hostels and budget accommodations. The Bang Rak and Sathorn districts are mainly filled with corporate skyscrapers, but their non-tourist location means there are good hotel values to be found.
Visitors to Bangkok should keep in mind that costs are quite low in Thailand, and that applies to accommodation. At the top end of the scale, five-star hotels can be secured for under $200 per night, and budget rooms can be found for under $20.
Where to Stay in Bangkok for Luxury
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| Wat Arun |
Most of the city's luxury hotels are located along the Chao Phraya River, with its beautiful views and ever-changing parade of humanity and watercraft.
The Shangri-La Bangkok is also on the river and offers the brand's famous Asian style, luxury, and service. There's a riverside pool and a luxurious spa. The hotel has direct access to Saphan Taksin BTS Skytrain, allowing you to easily access the rest of the city.
The Athenee Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel Bangkok is located in Sukhumvit on the site of what was once Kandhavas Palace. The fashionable hotel features 374 rooms and suites that are done up in Thai-colonial style and have a historic elegant-meets-modern ambience throughout.
There are eight restaurants on-site. Don't skip the rooftop lagoon-style swimming pool with mesmerizing city skyline views. The spa here focuses on treatments curated based on blood type among other experiences.
If you are traveling with children, kids stay free, and babysitting can be arranged. Other family-friendly perks include a swimming pool for little ones and special amenities for kids.
The Siam Kempinski Hotel Bangkok is also close to the river and right next to the upscale Siam Paragon mall. The Kempinski's seriously amazing tropical pool complex is one of the best in the city. The 397 rooms and suites are decked out with traditional Thai-meets-modern decor. Most rooms have balconies. Other amenities include three restaurants including the Michelin one-star-rated Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin.
The Bangkok Marriott Hotel Sukhumvit is a good luxury option on Sukhumvit Road. The resort hotel has a range of five-star amenities and a beautiful rooftop infinity pool, and it puts you close to the area's legendary shopping malls.
Where to Stay in Bangkok: Mid-Range
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| Contemporary architecture in Bangkok |
For the best value, hotels in the Bang Rak and Sathorn Districts are great options since the area is more popular for corporate buildings than tourists. The Sathorn Vista, Bangkok - Marriott Executive Apartments is a perfect example. This new property has a large, long-term clientele but it also caters to short-term tourists. There are several restaurants, a full gym, and a beautiful pool and outdoor deck area. While it is usually quite well priced, it is also a 5-star property.
The Eastin Grand Hotel Sathorn also has a resort-like pool deck with an infinity pool, and it's adjacent to the Skytrain station.
Just off Sukhumvit Road in Lumphini, the Hotel Muse Bangkok Langsuan, MGallery Collection is highly rated, extremely stylish, hugely popular, and surprisingly inexpensive. This boutique property also boasts a happening rooftop restaurant.
Where to Stay in Bangkok on a Budget
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| Long tail boat on the Chao Phraya River |
Traditionally, the Khao San Road area has been the epicenter of Bangkok budget lodging and this is still true today. The Dang Derm Hotel on Khao San Road has clean, spacious rooms and a really nice rooftop pool and spa.
If you're on a budget but want to stay riverside, try the ibis Bangkok Riverside. An Accor hotel chain, Ibis properties are always clean and well-managed. The riverside location is close to the ferry and BTS station, and its location a bit south of the main tourist area gets you very low prices.
A short stroll away from the bustle of Khao San Road, the Diamond House still puts you within walking distance of the palace, temples, and other must-see sightseeing. The hotel is also known for serving great food at its restaurant.
For a good option in the Sathorn area, the ibis Bangkok Sathorn offers clean, compact rooms and free Wi-Fi.
Where to Stay in Bangkok for Romance
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| Floating Market |
The W Bangkok in Silom is a great option for romantic getaways. It's right on North Sathorn Road, and the rooms and suites have an uber-stylish design. There's a cool rooftop pool scene and several on-site dining options. The hotel's Whatever/Whenever concierge service can craft the perfect romantic getaway.
The St. Regis Bangkok has the brand's legendary service and luxury but at a great price point. The rooms and suites all come with St. Regis Butler Service, the highlight of which has to be the unpacking/packing of your luggage by your own butler. For convenience, it's right next to the BTS Skytrain.
For an old-school vibe in a property filled with antiques, try The Siam. The luxury hotel is set on three lush acres, right on the Chao Phraya river. A romantic, private dinner cruise on a restored rice barge is just one of the specially curated activities the hotel offers to their guests.
The Peninsula Bangkok has a fleet of four luxurious ferry boats available on demand, and its riverside location makes it popular for couples. With its very low prices, those with a romantic agenda can upgrade to one of the hotel's Grand Deluxe Suites with great views of the river and the city skyline. The Peninsula Spa offers a couples massage package, and those seeking wellness can join the Peninsula's sunrise yoga class, held next to the flowing river.
Where to Stay in Bangkok for Families
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| The Marble Temple in Bangkok |
Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok is a great family hotel and one of Bangkok's most classy landmark hotels. The hotel, which occupies buildings on both sides of the Chao Phraya river, has been providing luxury accommodation to travelers since 1876.
Rooms and suites here feature elegant decor and Thai design elements, and some are even split level - book the Garden Wing rooms for this. For families there are a number of connecting room options, and the hotel is also amenable to bringing in extra beds for children.
There is a kids' club on-site, and parents can even sign older kids up for cooking or Muay Thai classes. Babysitting can also be arranged.
Another good option for families is Ariyasomvilla. This downtown Bangkok small hotel also offers an oasis in the city. It is set inside a beautiful garden compound that dates back to the 1940s and is a lovely change from the chaos of the city.
The rooms are all individual in decor but feature antiques; teak furnishings; and, in most cases, balconies. For families, extra beds can be brought in to accommodate kids, and some of the rooms here are connecting. Babysitting can also be arranged. On-site amenities include a mostly vegetarian restaurant, a decent sized swimming pool, and a hot tub.
The Okura Prestige Bangkok is also a wonderful family hotel in a great location right by the Sukhumvit Road area and next to a sky train station. If offers kids' menus at its restaurants, extra beds provided in the rooms, and even a special amenity for children upon check in. Families with older children can book connecting rooms here.
The hotel features Japanese styling throughout and grand decor in the spacious rooms. On-site amenities include a fabulous saltwater infinity swimming pool with panoramic city views, a spa with a sauna, and a gym with stretching classes.
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