BANGKOK
BANGKOKSLEEPINGBANGKOKSLEEPINGRooms are simple but clean, with the chea-
pies cooled by fan and sharing bathrooms.
Viengtai Hotel HOTEL $$
(Map p 60 ; % 0 2280 5434; http://www.viengtai.co.th; 42
Th Rambuttri; r 2200-4000B, ste 5200B; aiWs;
bus 53, 516, ferry Tha Phra Athit) Long before Th
Khao San was ‘discovered’, this was an or-
dinary Chinese-style hotel in a quiet neigh-
bourhood. It now sits comfortably in the
midrange with reliable but unstylish rooms.
Prices include breakfast.
Outside the Th Khao San Area
oLamphu Tree House BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$
(Map p 60 ; %0 2282 0991; http://www.lamphutree
hotel.com; 155 Wanchat Bridge, Th Prachatipatai; r
incl breakfast 1500-2100B; aiWs; bus 56, 58,
516, klorng taxi Tha Phah Fah, river ferry Tha Phra
Athit) Despite the name, this attractive mid-
ranger has its feet fi rmly on land and as
such, represents brilliant value. Rooms are
attractive and inviting, and the rooftop bar,
pool, internet, restaurant and quiet canal-
side location ensure that you may never feel
the need to leave. A new annexe a couple of
blocks away increases your odds of snagging
an elusive reservation.
Arun Residence BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
(Map p 60 ; %0 2221 9158; http://www.arunresidence.
com; 36-38 Soi Pratu Nok Yung, Th Maha Rat; r
3500-3800B, ste 5500B; aiW; bus 123, 508,
river ferry Tha Tien) Although strategically lo-
cated across from Wat Arun, this multilevel
wooden house on the river boasts much
more than just brilliant views. The six rooms
here manage to feel both homey and stylish,
some being tall and loftlike, while others
cojoin two rooms (the best is the top-fl oor
suite with its own balcony). There are invit-
ing communal areas, including a library, a
rooftop bar and a restaurant. Breakfast is
included.
Praya Palazzo BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
(Map p 60 ; %0 2883 2998; http://www.prayapalazzo.com;
757/1 Somdej Prapinklao Soi 2, Thonburi; r 6000-
11,900B, ste 16,500-26,500B; aWs; hotel shuttle
from Tha Phra Athit) After lying dormant for
nearly 30 years, this elegant 19th-century
mansion has been reborn as an attrac-
tive riverside boutique hotel. The 17 rooms
can feel rather tight, and river views can
be elusive, but the meticulous renovation,
handsome antique furnishings and bucolic
atmosphere convene in a hotel with genuine
old-word charm. Prices include breakfast.
Chakrabongse Villas BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
(Map p 60 ; %0 2622 3356; http://www.thaivillas.com;
396/1 Th Maha Rat; r 5000B, ste 10,000-40,00B;
ais; river ferry Tha Tien) The occasionally
inhabited compound of Thai royalty dating
back to 1908, this unique hotel incorporates
three sumptuous but cramped rooms and
six larger suites and villas. There’s a pool,
jungle-like gardens and an elevated deck
for romantic riverside dining. Breakfast is
included.Fortville Guesthouse BUDGET HOTEL $
(Map p 60 ; %0 2282 3932; http://www.fortvilleguesthouse.
com; 9 Th Phra Sumen; r 650-970B; bus 32, 33, 64,
82; aiW, river ferry Tha Phra Athit) With an ex-
terior that combines elements of a modern
church and/or castle, and an interior that
relies on mirrors and industrial elements,
the design concept of this unique new hotel
is a bit hard to pin down. Rooms are styl-
ishly minimal, and the more expensive ones
include perks such as fridge, balcony and
free wi-fi.Navalai River Resort HOTEL $$$
(Map p 60 ; %0 2280 9955; http://www.navalai.com; 45/1
Th Phra Athit; r incl breakfast 2900-4800B; bus
32, 33, 64, 82; aiWs, river ferry Tha Phra Athit)
The latest thing to go up on breezy Th Phra
Athit, this chic hotel has 74 modern rooms,
many looking out over the Chao Phraya Riv-
er. There are attractive Thai design touches
throughout, but you might end up spending
much of your time checking out the views
from the rooftop pool.Old Bangkok Inn BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
(Map p 60 ; %0 2629 1787; http://www.oldbangkokinn.
com; 609 Th Phra Sumen; r incl breakfast 3190-
6590B; klorng taxi to Tha Phan Fah; aiW) The
10 rooms in this refurbished antique shop-
house are decadent and sumptuous, com-
bining rich colours and heavy wood furnish-
ings. All have computers for personal use,
and some have semi-outdoor bathrooms.
The perfect honeymoon hotel.Baan Sabai BUDGET HOTEL $
(Map p 60 ; %0 2629 1599; baansabai@hotmail.
com; 12 Soi Rongmai; s 190, r 270-600B; ai; bus
53, 516, river ferry Tha Phra Athit) Truly living up
to its name (Comfortable House), this ram-
bling old building holds dozens of plain but
comfy rooms, at a variety of prices. There’s
a palpable old-school atmosphere, particu-
larly at the inviting open-air restaurant-bar
area downstairs.