The 802-room Shangri-La is one of Bangkok's most opulent hotels. This huge four-and-a-half-pearl property sits right on the Chao Phraya River, with great views as well as easy access to the river ferry and skytrain station connecting to the rest of the city. All rooms and suites here are elegantly furnished with contemporary Thai decor and include large bathtubs, executive-size writing desks, electronic safes, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and bedside control panels. While the standard rooms only have partial river views, the others feature sweeping Chao Phraya vistas. There are excellent facilities here ranging from two gorgeous swimming pools to the award winning CHI Spa, and fine dining options include Italian, Chinese, and Thai in some of the city's most upscale restaurants. The price tag isn't cheap, but compares favorably to neighboring five pearl properties, and the views and elegance make this one of Bangkok's best hotels to splurge on. Wi-Fi is free.
The 802-room Shangri-La is one of Bangkok's most opulent hotels. This huge four-and-a-half-pearl property sits right on the Chao Phraya River, with great views as well as easy access to the river ferry and skytrain station connecting to the rest of the city. All rooms and suites here are elegantly furnished with contemporary Thai decor and include large bathtubs, executive-size writing desks, electronic safes, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, and bedside control panels. While the standard rooms only have partial river views, the others feature sweeping Chao Phraya vistas. There are excellent facilities here ranging from two gorgeous swimming pools to the award winning CHI Spa, and fine dining options include Italian, Chinese, and Thai in some of the city's most upscale restaurants. The price tag isn't cheap, but compares favorably to neighboring five pearl properties, and the views and elegance make this one of Bangkok's best hotels to splurge on. Wi-Fi is free.
The 333-room luxury Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa is a peaceful family-friendly resort conveniently located near the gorgeous Phuket beaches. Diamond Cliff is a quiet sanctuary; its three swimming pools set it apart from other area resorts. The atmosphere is traditional Thai, simple but lush, with plenty of local character. The resort has been around for 26 years and shows some wear, but rooms are clean and lovely, with pretty Thai fabrics, gold leaf, and lots of ornate wood. Watch out for extra fees for everything from Wi-Fi to use of the tennis court.
The 333-room luxury Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa is a peaceful family-friendly resort conveniently located near the gorgeous Phuket beaches. Diamond Cliff is a quiet sanctuary; its three swimming pools set it apart from other area resorts. The atmosphere is traditional Thai, simple but lush, with plenty of local character. The resort has been around for 26 years and shows some wear, but rooms are clean and lovely, with pretty Thai fabrics, gold leaf, and lots of ornate wood. Watch out for extra fees for everything from Wi-Fi to use of the tennis court.
On a prime seaside location along a quiet stretch of Kata Noi Beach, this 479-room luxury resort looms large, with six pools, bars, and restaurants across the grounds. Spacious suites in the Thani Wing face the Andaman Sea, but other rooms in the Bhuri Wing are looking tired and need renovation. Catering to families and couples, Katathani is jam-packed with recreational activities, a beachfront spa, a fitness center, a Kids' Club, and other features. But it's somewhat isolated
from any other entertainment in the area. Those seeking a livelier atmosphere might
On a prime seaside location along a quiet stretch of Kata Noi Beach, this 479-room luxury resort looms large, with six pools, bars, and restaurants across the grounds. Spacious suites in the Thani Wing face the Andaman Sea, but other rooms in the Bhuri Wing are looking tired and need renovation. Catering to families and couples, Katathani is jam-packed with recreational activities, a beachfront spa, a fitness center, a Kids' Club, and other features. But it's somewhat isolated
from any other entertainment in the area. Those seeking a livelier atmosphere might
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is a luxury property geared towards families with kids. The highlights here are water-related: guests can borrow kayaks to explore the wide stretch of Karon Beach, or spend an entire day at the waterslides, lazy river, and enormous outdoor pool. The location isn't the most convenient, but there are several dining and bar options on-site, along with a kids' club and fitness center. Rooms and suites are on the cramped side, though they all have large, furnished balconies. Villas with private pools, Club level access, and ocean views are available for a hefty price. Couples will appreciate the adults-only pool and Cenvaree Spa, but may want to consider comparing rates at the tranquil Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa -- though it's further from the nightlife of Patong.
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is a luxury property geared towards families with kids. The highlights here are water-related: guests can borrow kayaks to explore the wide stretch of Karon Beach, or spend an entire day at the waterslides, lazy river, and enormous outdoor pool. The location isn't the most convenient, but there are several dining and bar options on-site, along with a kids' club and fitness center. Rooms and suites are on the cramped side, though they all have large, furnished balconies. Villas with private pools, Club level access, and ocean views are available for a hefty price. Couples will appreciate the adults-only pool and Cenvaree Spa, but may want to consider comparing rates at the tranquil Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa -- though it's further from the nightlife of Patong.
Located in the downtown Silom area and next to the Sathorn business district, the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is a trendy, stylish hotel that caters to both business travelers and hip tourists. Its four restaurants and bars include two of the city's hottest spots -- 25 Degrees and Scarlett Wine Bar -- while the lobby cafe and bar is a lively spot to lounge, meet friends, or get some work done. There is a roof deck infinity pool looking out on the city, and, naturally, a bar to go with it. More recently renovated rooms are in the G category, and have an all-white, New York loft-inspired aesthetic; older rooms are still lovely, but their modern Thai look feels a bit less modern in comparison. The hotel also has a number of event and meeting spaces, a fitness center, and an outpost of the renowned Anne Semonin Spa. Much of the city's hottest shopping, dining, and nightlife is within walking distance, as is the closest skytrain station, putting the entire city within easy reach.
Located in the downtown Silom area and next to the Sathorn business district, the Pullman Bangkok Hotel G is a trendy, stylish hotel that caters to both business travelers and hip tourists. Its four restaurants and bars include two of the city's hottest spots -- 25 Degrees and Scarlett Wine Bar -- while the lobby cafe and bar is a lively spot to lounge, meet friends, or get some work done. There is a roof deck infinity pool looking out on the city, and, naturally, a bar to go with it. More recently renovated rooms are in the G category, and have an all-white, New York loft-inspired aesthetic; older rooms are still lovely, but their modern Thai look feels a bit less modern in comparison. The hotel also has a number of event and meeting spaces, a fitness center, and an outpost of the renowned Anne Semonin Spa. Much of the city's hottest shopping, dining, and nightlife is within walking distance, as is the closest skytrain station, putting the entire city within easy reach.
The 77-room Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is a luxury, family-friendly property set on the northwestern coast of Phuket, about a 40-minute drive from the tourist area of Patong. Expansive grounds here encompass a long beachfront with loungers and a bar, an ocean-view infinity pool, a quieter, secluded pool by the full-service spa, a modern fitness center, and kids' club. Dining options include a well-regarded fine-dining Thai eatery, and a casual poolside restaurant. All rates include a fantastic breakfast buffet with made-to-order dishes and tons of healthy fare. Spacious rooms are villas are lovely, featuring Thai-inspired decor, swish bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, and free-to-use smartphones. Some have private pools. Note that the beach is affected by low tide, pushing the water line far from the resort. For a luxury getaway closer to main tourist hub, consider Andara Resort and Villas.
The 77-room Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is a luxury, family-friendly property set on the northwestern coast of Phuket, about a 40-minute drive from the tourist area of Patong. Expansive grounds here encompass a long beachfront with loungers and a bar, an ocean-view infinity pool, a quieter, secluded pool by the full-service spa, a modern fitness center, and kids' club. Dining options include a well-regarded fine-dining Thai eatery, and a casual poolside restaurant. All rates include a fantastic breakfast buffet with made-to-order dishes and tons of healthy fare. Spacious rooms are villas are lovely, featuring Thai-inspired decor, swish bathrooms with separate tubs and showers, and free-to-use smartphones. Some have private pools. Note that the beach is affected by low tide, pushing the water line far from the resort. For a luxury getaway closer to main tourist hub, consider Andara Resort and Villas.
The Doubletree by Hilton features rooms outfitted in golds, reds, and greens, with dark wood accents and draped curtains. Some may find the decor somewhat dated and stuffy, but the hotel has a more luxurious feel than other chain hotels, especially in the lobby, which is bedecked with chandeliers and high archways. The basement fitness center and the quiet courtyard are nice features, and the historic downtown location is a highlight, but families may want to consider the nearby Embassy Suites, which has a pool and free Wi-Fi.
The Doubletree by Hilton features rooms outfitted in golds, reds, and greens, with dark wood accents and draped curtains. Some may find the decor somewhat dated and stuffy, but the hotel has a more luxurious feel than other chain hotels, especially in the lobby, which is bedecked with chandeliers and high archways. The basement fitness center and the quiet courtyard are nice features, and the historic downtown location is a highlight, but families may want to consider the nearby Embassy Suites, which has a pool and free Wi-Fi.
In a city that's packed with stunning views, not every hotel delivers. However, the Panorama by Rhombus in Tsim Sha Tsui, cashes in on its panoramic promises. The 336 rooms here are modern enough, if a bit worn, but the true showstopper are the city views all around. Many rooms have direct views of Victoria Harbor and across to Hong Kong Island. Features aren't numerous, though there are two popular dining spots, including a ground-floor buffet and sky-high fine-dining venue. A modern fitness center is available (with some equipment in the Sky Garden and the rest in a street-level room). Meeting rooms and a business center are also available. If you'd prefer better features and lower rates, but don't mind sacrificing views, check out the Holiday Inn Golden Mile instead.
In a city that's packed with stunning views, not every hotel delivers. However, the Panorama by Rhombus in Tsim Sha Tsui, cashes in on its panoramic promises. The 336 rooms here are modern enough, if a bit worn, but the true showstopper are the city views all around. Many rooms have direct views of Victoria Harbor and across to Hong Kong Island. Features aren't numerous, though there are two popular dining spots, including a ground-floor buffet and sky-high fine-dining venue. A modern fitness center is available (with some equipment in the Sky Garden and the rest in a street-level room). Meeting rooms and a business center are also available. If you'd prefer better features and lower rates, but don't mind sacrificing views, check out the Holiday Inn Golden Mile instead.
The 117-room Patra Boutique Hotel is a mid-range property situated in the bustling Pratunam district. It's surrounded by multiple dining options and tons of shopping, while shortcuts can get you to the metro, skytrain, and airport rail link within 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Rooms are cheerful, bright, and basic, featuring air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and kettles. A breakfast buffet is served daily for a fee on the rooftop terrace. That's it for on-site meal service, but there is a convenience store selling Thai foods and souvenirs. A computer desk and simple spa area round out the features. Travelers looking for an alternative in this area could check out the quirky Buddacco, where breakfast is free.
The 117-room Patra Boutique Hotel is a mid-range property situated in the bustling Pratunam district. It's surrounded by multiple dining options and tons of shopping, while shortcuts can get you to the metro, skytrain, and airport rail link within 10 to 15 minutes on foot. Rooms are cheerful, bright, and basic, featuring air-conditioning, flat-screen TVs, mini-fridges, and kettles. A breakfast buffet is served daily for a fee on the rooftop terrace. That's it for on-site meal service, but there is a convenience store selling Thai foods and souvenirs. A computer desk and simple spa area round out the features. Travelers looking for an alternative in this area could check out the quirky Buddacco, where breakfast is free.
Devotees of the Best Western brand won’t be disappointed with this upper-middle-range outpost, which offers a fresh and airy counterpoint to the darker earth-toned properties typical of the area. The 254 rooms here are fashionably decorated and spotless, with the full lineup of amenities guests expect of the chain, including free Wi-Fi and minibars. Bathrooms are also modern with walk-in showers (in most). However, even though rooms offer balconies, they're little more than a ledge for fresh air. Features include an attractive rooftop pool and a ground-floor restaurant, but the latter can pick up some roadside traffic noise. Patong’s raging nightlife on Bangla Road is also a mere six-minute walk away, and the beach is 10 minutes away on foot. Travelers could also consider The Crib Patong, another hip hotel in the area.
Devotees of the Best Western brand won’t be disappointed with this upper-middle-range outpost, which offers a fresh and airy counterpoint to the darker earth-toned properties typical of the area. The 254 rooms here are fashionably decorated and spotless, with the full lineup of amenities guests expect of the chain, including free Wi-Fi and minibars. Bathrooms are also modern with walk-in showers (in most). However, even though rooms offer balconies, they're little more than a ledge for fresh air. Features include an attractive rooftop pool and a ground-floor restaurant, but the latter can pick up some roadside traffic noise. Patong’s raging nightlife on Bangla Road is also a mere six-minute walk away, and the beach is 10 minutes away on foot. Travelers could also consider The Crib Patong, another hip hotel in the area.