BANGKOK
Upper Sukhumvit
Middle Sukhumvit, Soi 19 in particular, is
home to a handful of inexpensive yet at-
tractive midrangers, including the surpris-
ingly sophisticated Sacha’s Hotel Uno
(Map p 92 ; %0 2651 2180; http://www.sachas.hotel-uno.
com; 28/19 Soi 19, Th Sukhumvit; r incl breakfast
1800-2500B; aiW; BTS Asok, MRT Sukhumvit)
and Silq (Map p 92 ; %0 2252 6800; http://www.silqbkk.
com; 54 Soi 19, Th Sukhumvit; r incl breakfast 2654-
3560B; aiW; BTS Asok, MRT Sukhumvit), and
the funky Fusion Suites (Map p 92 ; %0 2665
2644; http://www.fusionbangkok.com; 143/61-62 Soi 21/
Asoke, Th Sukhumvit; r incl breakfast 2100-2400B,
ste incl breakfast 3200B; aiW; BTS Asok, MRT
Sukhumvit).72 Ekamai BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$
(Map p 92 ; %02 714 7327; http://www.72ekamai.com;
72 Soi 63/Ekamai, Th Sukhumvit; r 2100B, ste
2500-2850B; aiWs; BTS Ekkamai) This
fun, young-feeling, design-conscious hotel
is a great choice. Reds, black and pop art
prints defi ne the look here, and perhaps we
were mistaken, but on our visit, we swear
the place smelled like candy. The junior
suites are huge, and like all rooms, are well
equipped and conveniently located. Break-
fast is included.Eugenia BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
(Map p 92 ; %0 2259 9017-19; http://www.theeugenia.com;
267 Soi 31/Sawatdi, Th Sukhumvit; ste incl break-
fast 8107-9911B; aiWs; BTS Phrom Phong &
access by taxi) Although Thailand was never
anybody’s colony, there’s no doubt about
the design infl uence of this character-laden
hotel. Decked out in antique furniture and
an abundance of animal skins, a stay here
is like travelling to Burma circa 1936. Don’t
fear though; you won’t have to ask the ‘boy’
to draw you a bath – modern amenities
such as fl at-screen TVs and free domestic
and international calls are also provided
(the baths are beautiful and are made of
copper). Ask about the vintage-car airport
transfers.Napa Place BED & BREAKFAST $$
(Map p 92 ; %0 2661 5525; http://www.napaplace.com;
11/3 Yaek 2, Soi 36, Th Sukhumvit; r 2200-2400B,
ste 3400B; aiW; BTS Thong Lo) Seemingly
hidden in the confi nes of a typical Bangkok
urban compound is what must be the city’s
homiest accommodation. The 12 expansive
rooms here have been decorated with dark
woods from the family’s former business
and light brown cloths from the hands of
Thai weavers. The communal areas couldn’t
be much diff erent from the suburban living
room you grew up in..S31 HOTEL $$$
(Map p 92 ; %0 2260 1111; http://www.s31hotel.com; 545
Soi 31, Th Sukhumvit; r 6000B, ste 7000-9000B;
aWs; BTS Phrom Phong) The bold patterns
and graphics of its interior and exterior
make the S31 a fun, young-feeling choice.
Thoughtful touches such as kitchenettes
with large fridge, superhuge beds and free
courses (cooking, Thai boxing and yoga)
prove that the style also has substance. Pric-
es include breakfast. Branches can also be
found on Soi 15 and Soi 33.Ma Du Zi BOUTIQUE HOTEL $$$
(Map p 92 ; %0 2615 6400; http://www.maduzihotel.com;
cnr Th Ratchadapisek & Soi 16, Th Sukhumvit; r
5000-12,000B, ste 12,000B; aiW; BTS Asok,
MRT Sukhumvit) The name is Thai for ‘come
take a look,’ somewhat of a misnomer for
this reservations-only, no walk-ins hotel. If
you’ve gained access, behind the gate you’ll
fi nd an attractive midsized hotel steeped in
dark, chic tones and designs. We fancied the
immense bathrooms, with a walk-in tub and
minimalist shower.THINKING AHEADThe rates listed in this chapter are
high-season rack rates; ie the highest
price a hotel will generally charge for a
room. However, there’s no reason you
should be paying this much, especially
if you know ahead of time when you’ll
be in town. Booking rooms online can
lead to savings of at least 20%, and
often more, at many of Bangkok’s lead-
ing hotels. This can be done directly
through the hotel websites or by sites
such as Lonely Planet’s Hotels &
Hostels (hotels.lonelyplanet.com), which
features thorough reviews from authors
and traveller feedback, and a booking
facility.
It can also work to your advantage to
simply call the hotel and book ahead;
sometimes desk staff collect a com-
mission on walk-ins and are reluctant
to discount, something that can be
remedied by a pre-emptive phone call
and an inquiry about the lowest pos-
sible rate.