Okay, so I wanted to save a bit of cash and opted for a short stay at a budget hotel. The Plaza Hotel Bangkok, a basic 2-star property, is actually well-situated in the business district of Silom, about a 7-minute walk to the Chong Nonsi BTS station and a short 5-minute walk to the busy Pathpong shopping/nightclub area sandwiched between Surawong and Silom Roads.
From the outside, the building is quite unattractive, though the entranceway is well-kept and the small lobby, though dimly lit, is reasonably welcoming. The English-speaking check-in staff was very helpful in trying to accommodate my request for a top floor room with king-size bed. However, it would have been nice if they had mentioned how hot the hallways on the top floor get during midday. Also, the elevators were very annoying as only one of the two made it all the way to the 9th floor – the other went only to the 8th floor, yet the call button at the lobby operated both elevators.
The room was pretty spacious, but very basically furnished – small desk, a seating area and a closet with no drawers. There was a small kitchenette with sink, though neither flatware nor plates were provided. The small refrigerator was stocked with usual overpriced minibar items, though two FREE bottles of water were provided daily. There was no in-room internet service, but the computer room in the lobby had reasonably priced internet access of 65 Baht per half-hour. However, a short walk to Pathpong would bring you to internet cafés with 1 Baht per minute rates.
A daily breakfast buffet, included in this rate, was served from 6 to 10am in a small lobby restaurant. However, after testing it for a day, I decided it wasn’t worth waking up for. A medium-sized lap pool is on the 3rd floor, but there are no gym facilities.
At just 1,050 Baht (about $27) per night, double occupancy, this is certainly a decent place to crash and save some money. However, I found this rate in one of the many small travel agencies along Surawong Road – earlier that day, I walked into the hotel and was quoted 2,100 Baht per night.