Quote: The Bel Aire Princess is described as a "boutique" hotel. Now, I don't really understand what "boutique hotel" means, but my idea of a boutique is a rather self-important, consciously elite place staffed by unfeasibly trendy and finicky people who wouldn't allow the likes of me through the door. Happily, the Bel Aire is none of those things.

It is a comfortable, welcoming hotel in a great location. We arrived on an early flight and our room wasn't ready, but the desk clerk was more than happy to take our bags and offer us complimentary coffee while we checked in. Indeed, all the staff members were extremely charming and helpful. The public areas are elegantly but understatedly decorated. There is a small bar (open until midnight) and a restaurant/breakfast room. We didn’t eat there, but it looked very pleasant.

The rooms are large, with very comfortable beds and extremely effective air-conditioning! They are perhaps a little sparsely decorated--a few more pictures on the walls may have added a bit more character. The bathroom was small but clean with a bath and shower. There is a minibar and tea- and coffee-making facilities--great for my morning cuppa!

The swimming pool is quite small--and very cold!--but a nice place to sit and relax.

The Soi (Sukumvit Soi 5), upon which the hotel is situated, is very quiet and has the advantage of being near a number of bars, restaurants (Sukhumvit is a great place for nightlife), a Foodland Supermarket (with its fantastic food bar), and the Nana Skytrain (a 5-minute walk).

We enjoyed our stay immensely, and if you are looking for a reasonably priced hotel, I would certainly recommend it.

Prices for a room range between $85 to $90 and 48 to 53 pounds sterling per room per night.
From journals Bangkok - Flying Angels, Fallen Angels