BANGKOK
on Th Decho, off Th Silom. Breakfast is in-
cluded at both places.Sukhothai Hotel HOTEL $$$
(Map p 90 ; %0 2344 8888; http://www.sukhothai.com;
13/3 Th Sathon Tai; r 11,000-14,000B, ste 15,000-
90,000B; aiWs; MRT Lumphini) As the name
suggests, this hotel employs brick stupas,
courtyards and antique sculptures to create
a historical, temple-like atmosphere. The re-
cently remodelled superior rooms contrast
this with hi-tech TVs, phones and yes, toi-
lets. Breakfast is included.All Seasons Sathorn HOTEL $$
(Map p 90 ; %0 2343 6333; http://www.allseasons-sathorn.
com; 31 Th Sathon Tai; r incl breakfast 1800-2500B;
aiW; MRT Lumphini) The former king’s Ho-
tel has been reborn as this modern attractive
budget choice, right in the middle of the em-
bassy district. The primary colours and bold
lines of the design scheme make up for the
lack of natural light in some rooms.Malaysia Hotel BUDGET HOTEL $
(Map p 90 ; %0 2679 7127; http://www.malaysiahotelbkk.
com; 54 Soi Ngam Duphli; r incl breakfast 698-998B;
aiWs; MRT Lumphini) The Malaysia was
once Bangkok’s most famous budget lodge
and even provided shelter for Maureen and
Tony Wheeler on their maiden shoestring
trip through Southeast Asia. Our sources tell
us that the couple stay elsewhere when in
Bangkok nowadays, but the Malaysia is still
a good choice for the rest of us for its fair
prices and frozen-in-time atmosphere.
Penguin House BUDGET HOTEL $
(Map p 90 ; %0 2679 9991; http://www.penguinhouses.
com; 27/23 Soi Si Bamphen; r 800-950B; aW;
MRT Lumphini) The oddly named Penguin is
a breath of fresh air in this area of tired
old-timers. The rear rooms are quieter,
and there are a couple of interior rooms
that sleep two couples.
ETZzz Hostel BUDGET HOTEL $
(Map p 90 ; %0 2286 9424; http://www.etzhostel.com;
Soi Ngam Duphli; dm/r 200/900B; aW; MRT
Lumphini) The rooms at this brand-new
shophouse-based hostel are overpriced,
but the tidy dorm, shiny facilities and
convenient location are draws.
Ibis Sathon BUDGET HOTEL $$
(Map p 90 ; %0 2659 2888; 29/9 Soi Ngam Duphli;
r incl breakfast 1800B; aiWs; MRT Lumphini)
The business-friendly Ibis delivers com-
fort and convenience without corporate
expense-account prices.Café des Arts Guest House BUDGET HOTEL $
(Map p 90 ; %0 2679 8438; 27/39 Soi Si Bamphen;
r with fan/air-con 300/400B; a; MRT Lumphini)
Run by a French-Thai couple, there’s seem-
ingly no cafe (nor art) here, but rather a
downstairs noodle restaurant and eight
simple rooms upstairs.GREATER BANGKOK
Many of the following hotels require a little
more eff ort to reach. This also means that
they tend to be located in less hectic parts
of the city, and are perfect for those who’d
rather not stay in the thick of it.
If you need to stay near one of Bangkok’s
two airports, check the accommodation op-
tions in our boxed text, p 117.Phra-Nakorn Norn-Len BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$
(Map p 96 ; %0 2628 8188; http://www.phranakorn-norn
len.com; 46 Soi Thewet 1, Th Krung Kasem; s/d incl
breakfast from 1800/2200B; aiW; bus 32, 516,
river ferry Tha Thewet) Set in an expansive gar-
den compound decorated like the Bangkok
of yesteryear, this bright and cheery hotel is
an atmospheric if not necessarily great value
place to stay. Rooms are simply furnished,
but generously decorated with antiques and
wall paintings, and there’s wi-fi , massage
and endless opportunities for peaceful re-
laxing. Breakfast originates from the hotel’s
organic rooftop garden.Bangkok International Youth
Hostel HOSTEL $
(Map p 96 ; %0 2282 0950; 25/15 Th Phitsanulok;
dm 200B, r 600-900B; aiW; bus 32, 516, river
ferry Tha Thewet) One of the only options if
you want to stay in the quiet Dusit area,
this recently refurbished hostel has cheaper
rooms in the original building and new but
cramped rooms in a tall structure facing Th
Phitsanulok. There’s a pleasant rooftop bal-
cony and a travel library.Refill Now! HOSTEL $
(%0 2713 2044; http://www.refi llnow.co.th; 191 Soi
Pridi Bhanom Yong 42, Soi 71, Th Sukhumvit, Phra
Khanong; dm/s/d 480/928/1215B; aiWs; BTS
Phra Khanong & access by taxi) Sporting a look
that blends the Habitat catalogue and a Ku-
brick movie, this is the kind of place that
might make you think twice about sleeping
in a dorm. The spotless white private rooms
and dorms have fl irtatious pull screens
between each double-bunk; women-only
dorms are also available. There’s an achingly
hip chill-out area, and a massage centre up-
stairs. If you decide you need to leave, there’s