Bangkok Food Trail

It's rated a four-star hotel, but that was probably a long, long time ago. As we walked into the lobby, we could already smell the mustiness all around. Nonetheless, the service is of an acceptable standard and the room had basic amenities. The hotel is still using keys rather than keycards. And the key holders are REALLY HUGE and HEAVY so there's no way you'll lose them. There's no in-room safe but the hotel offer safe deposit boxes at the concierge.

It’s really a value-for-money hotel, and I guess its strongest point must be its direct connection to the Ratchathewee SKYTRAIN Station. All hotel guests are entitled to a discounted 1-day BTS pass, which gives you unlimited SKYTRAIN rides for 1 day. That comes in REALLY handy, especially since the Ratchathewee SKYTRAIN station is along the Sukhumvit Skytrain line, which gives you direct access to the major shopping centres and restaurants in Bangkok. We made full use of the day pass!

Our package included daily Breakfast buffet, which turned out to be rather limited. Certainly needs a lot of improvement.

Being on a high floor and in the open air, the restaurant afforded us a clear view of the city and the Chao Phraya River. The food and service were excellent. If you're ordering a full-course meal, try not to eat too much from the bread basket. The first time we were there, we couldn't resist it and ate so much, we couldn't finish the rest of the meal. There's a dessert display in the middle of the restaurant. Try the chocolate crème brulee for dessert.

The night bazaar is a lot smaller than the Chatuchak Weekend Market, but it's a better choice for those who don't like the heat and stuffiness of the weekend market. Some of the stalls also operate at the weekend market. We were told that the best days to go are Fridays because that's when new stock arrives in preparation for the weekend for those stall owners who also sell there.

We enjoyed shopping there because there was a lot more on offer than in the sterile shopping malls.

It can be reached by the MRT (underground train). Get out at Lumphini Station. There are signs to the market once you are past the gates in the station.

For the trip from the hotel to the airport, we decided to take a metered taxi. The taxi was rather old and not as comfortable, but the fare came up to only THB140! There wasn’t even a surcharge.