Exploring Indochina: Bangkok City Hotel (Review)

We arrived in Khao San Road around 4:30 pm. We only had US Dollars so we had to change our money to Thai Baht. This was not a problem as money changers are aplenty in KSR. No need to look for a taxi either; a handful will approach you but I don't know how you can force them to use the meter. The driver quoted us THB200 to Phetchaburi and I tried haggling it to THB100 but we settled for THB150 because he says traffic is heavy in that area (but really, when is it not traffic in Bangkok?). True enough, we have only been a couple hundred meters away and we already experienced the infamous Bangkok traffic. We arrived at the hotel by 5:30 pm.

Bangkok City Hotel signage

I showed the printed reservation and the lady told me that they actually cancelled it because I failed to inform them that we will be late. Huh? She said I indicated that we'll be arriving 9:00 am. Why the hell would I say that when I know that we'll be leaving Siem Reap at 8:00 am?! 

Anyway, except for that minor gaffe, everything went smoothly after we settled the full payment of THB3,570 (3 nights for a double room) upon check-in. By the way, they also required a THB100 deposit for the keycard.

The hotel just opened in December 2010 and it is evident that facilities are still new and in good condition. I love its minimalist and classy design for a budget hotel.

The clean and comfy bed. And oh, I loved that headboard lighting. :)

Amenities include: flat screen TV with plenty of English channels, mini bar, and safety box. Forgot your adaptor?  Don't fret. They have Japanese and US electrical outlets.

Bathroom has hair dryer, toiletries (soap, shower gel, and shampoo), plus points for the bidet! All rooms has a tub with hot and cold water. :D

As if what the room has to offer wasn't enough, we have this view to boot!

After a long day of strolling under the sun, you can take a dip in their indoor pool. And no, that's not a dead body floating hahaha 

The three bars peeking from behind the stairs are 'chairs' with massage jets. The only downside is that the water can be very cold.

***

Continental buffet breakfast is also included in the room rate. However, food was always the same but at least you have plenty of options: chicken sausage, sunny side up egg, rice, stir-fried rice noodles or spaghetti, soup, fresh salad, cereals, and bread/pastry with jam and spread. Fruit juice, milk, coffee and tea are also available.

***

WiFi is free and unlimited if you have your own device but you have to ask for the password from the reception. However, only one person per room can log-in at a time. You can also use one of several computers in the lobby for free but the password expires after 30 minutes. 

And before I forget, the primary reason I booked this hotel is because of its location. It's right in the heart of Bangkok's shopping and business district, and only about 10 minutes walk from the BTS (Ratchathewi Station), 15-20 minutes away from Airport Link (Phyathai Station), not to mention 7-Eleven and hawkers are just a stone's throw away.

If your flight is in the afternoon/evening, you can check-out and leave your things at the lobby. For an additional THB300, you can also extend your stay until 8:00 pm. Too bad I only found out about it after we checked out. -_-

Bangkok City Hotel

268 Phetchaburi Road (Between Soi 10-12)

Ratchathewi, Bangkok

Tel.: +662 215 2929

Email: bkkcityhotel@staybangkok.com

http://www.bangkokcityhotel.com

K