| All Thailand Hotels In the Land of Smiles, you really are spoilt for choice in the lodging arena, there being such an affordable, diverse array of low to mid to top-end accommodations. In the budget category, expect to pay between $7 and $15 and receive the most basic of amenities: foam mattresses, towels (not always), basic WC facilities and occasionally hot water. When in an idyllic beachside location, this kind of set-up is perfectly acceptable to most, however, in a city - like Bangkok - it is well worth moving up to the mid-level category.
For between $25 and $50, a more-than-reasonable three to four-star hotel room can be yours. A comfortable, well-appointed guestroom with cable TV, in-room safe, desk, and clean bathroom can be expected. Take rustic Phra Nang Inn on Krabi’s delightful Ao Nang beach, both a sanctuary of relaxation and a great base from which to discover the many enticing islands of the Andaman Sea. One of the first accommodations to be built on Ao Nang before the tourism industry descended, Phra Nang Inn remains a haven away from the madding crowds - and when you come to rest within its sprawling environs - you really do feel a world apart. Complete with two swimming pools and a spa, a number of idiosyncratic food and beverage outlets serving excellent al fresco barbecued seafood dishes and an array of world cuisine, the resort still maintains its original natural, wooden, tree house-like design. And, all from $50!
Luxury comes relatively cheap in Thailand. Experience exceptional service and five-star facilities from $80 upwards. ‘Six-star’ resorts and spa retreats, however, generally conform to international price levels.
In Bangkok, the following five-star properties should be highlighted for both their uniqueness and flexibility to cater to both leisure and corporate travellers: The Peninsula Bangkok occupies a prime location on the west bank of the city’s main artery, the expansive Chao Phraya (River of Kings). Each of the hotel’s 370 rooms enjoys quality river views. The opulent Ballroom can cater to up to 400 people, and recreational facilities include two floodlit tennis courts, Thai massage and aromatherapy.
The Sukhothai, listed as Bangkok’s only ‘Hip Hotel’ is set amidst six acres of landscaped gardens and pools, and through its artistic and cultural installations, charts 750 years of Thai history. 219 guestrooms and suites are elegantly decorated with antique furnishings and artefacts, and all overlook the central garden and pool area. A variety of ballroom, meeting and dining facilities can cater comfortably for up to 30 guests.
125 years of experience has made the Oriental Hotel world famous, representing the epitome of neo-colonial style and classical Thai elegance. Situated on the banks of the Chao Phraya, the Hotel’s 393 superbly appointed rooms have either garden or river views. Ten restaurants serve a variety of splendid cuisine and the Oriental Spa, the country’s first, provides superb body treatments and massage therapies.
Formerly the Regent Hotel, The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok is centrally located, and in walking distance of several of the city’s best shopping centres. This ‘bungalow-style’ property’s 356 superbly appointed rooms are decorated with Thai silks and traditional furniture, and a variety of function rooms and conference facilities can cater to events of all shapes and sizes.
Another great Four Seasons property can be found up in Chiang Mai, Thailand’s second city in the verdant, northern hills. The Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai really is in a class of its own. Located 30 minutes drive from the airport in the verdant Mae Rim Valley; clusters of Lanna-style pavilions grace the resort, decorated with local artefacts and fabrics. Each room boasts an outdoor pavilion looking on to gardens, terraced rice paddies, or mountain ranges. The famous Spa here proves a welcome respite from a tiring sightseeing jaunt.
Down in the serene, resort town of Hua Hin, just a couple of hours drive - or an even shorter flight - from the capital, and where the Thai King now spends most of his time, the Marriott-owned Anantara Resort and Spa can be located. Spread luxuriously over 14 acres of landscaped gardens, the resort enjoys its own private beach, and the 200 rooms here have their own private terrace overlooking either the sea or lotus-covered lagoons. Extensive sports and recreation options exist here, including the dreamily indulgent, holistic Mandara Spa and two nearby championship golf courses.Text by Peter Myers, a Bangkok-based travel/lifestyle editor & writer. peter@monsoon-media.net
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