Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
fully designed. One of the rooms we checked out combined a chair upholstered with
stuffed animals and walls covered with graffiti, while another was swathed in eye-con-
torting op art. Heaps of fun and perpetually popular, so be sure to book ahead.
HOTEL
$$
Swan Hotel
( 0 2235 9271;
www.swanhotelbkk.com
;
31 Soi 36, Th Charoen Krung; r incl breakfast 1200-2000B;
; Tha Oriental)
The 1960s-era furnishings date this classic Bangkok hotel despite re-
cent renovations. But the rooms are airy and virtually spotless, and the antiquated vibe
provides the Swan, in particular its pool, with a funky, retro feel.
Bangkok Tree House
HOTEL
$$$
( 08 1453 1100;
www.bangkoktreehouse.com
; near Wat Bang Nam Pheung Nork; bungalow incl breakfast
6000-10,000B; ; Bang Na exit 2 & taxi)
The 12 multilevel bungalows here are styl-
ishly sculpted from sustainable and recycled materials, resulting in a vibe that calls to
mind a sophisticated, eco-friendly summer camp. Thoughtful amenities include en suite
computers equipped with movies, free mobile phone and bicycle use, and free ice cream.
To get to Bangkok Tree House, take the BTS to Bang Na and jump in a taxi for the
short ride to the pier at Wat Bang Nam Pheung Nork. From there, take the river-crossing
ferry (4B, from 5am to 9.30pm), and continue by motorcycle taxi (10B) or on foot (call
in advance for directions).
Mandarin Oriental
( 0 2659 9000;
www.mandarinoriental.com
; 48 Soi 40, Th Charoen Krung; r incl breakfast 15,150-30,000B, ste in-
cl breakfast 27,500-160,000B; ; Tha Oriental, or hotel shuttle boat from Tha Sathon (Central Pier))
For the true Bangkok experience, a stay at this grand old riverside hotel is a must. The
majority of rooms are in the modern and recently refurbished New Wing, but we prefer
the old-world ambience of the Garden and Authors' Wings. The hotel is also home to one
of the region's most acclaimed spas, a legendary fine dining restaurant and a cooking
school.
HOTEL
$$$
Shangri-La Hotel
( 0 2236 7777;
www.shangri-la.com
;
89 Soi 42/1 (Soi Wat Suan Phlu); r incl breakfast 7600-11,300B, ste incl
breakfast 12,800-120,000B; ; Saphan Taksin exit 1)
A recent facelift has the longstanding
Shangri-La looking better than ever. And a convenient location near the BTS, generous
HOTEL
$$$
