Bangkok Hotels

[HorseTrader]

Some things may help you to adjust (acclimatize) to warmer temperatures. Before I moved here I lived in a very cold climate. It took me awhile to develop an approach that works for me. Here are a few suggestions that I've found helpful.

1) Don't keep your air-con at 18 Celsius. Find the highest temp that you are comfortable at and keep the setting there, for me it's 25-26 Celsius. If you keep your room at a very low temp the shock of humidity / heat when you leave it will be perceived as being much worse.

2) Take your time walking, no extra points given for arriving 5-10 minutes earlier. Most are here on vacation, so what's the rush? Find a pace that works for you. Thais will always find the shadiest route to their destination and there is actual science behind that strategy.

3) Stay well hydrated (sorry, beer doesn't count).

4) Light-colored and light-weight clothing can help.

Anyone else with suggestions?

Randy Murican.

Those are good suggestions. I'm originally from a northern USA climate. When my family moved to a hot, humid area they eventually gave me one additional piece of advice: You will always be a little damp from your own sweat. Don't even try to feel dry, it won't happen. Nothing physical about that suggestion, purely psychological. It helps me.

[Applesauce]

Can anybody revert if Holiday Inn express is guest friendly or do they create problems for guests?

Yes it's girl friendly. Both Holiday Inns on Suk Soi 11 and Suk Soi 22. Haven't stayed at the other Holiday Inn locations though.

[Syzygies]

Hi,

I will be inviting three girls to join me for a few hours in my hotel. Can anyone recommend from personal experience what hotels may be girl friendly of a foursome.

Considering Salil, Dream, Nana Hotel but would welcome suggestions.

Thanks.

Dream I have stayed at with girl, but don't know about 3 girls.

Nana Hotel was extremely lad back in the past. I recall a LB getting in the lift to go up accompanied by a guest many years ago. I got turned off at the time, and did not want to stay there any more.

I once took 3 girls to my room at Admiral premier with no problems.

Of course I had a shortage of towels LOL.

You might want to tip the room cleaning staff to give you double the normal towels ration. LOL.

[BionicMan]

Nice.

I am still amazed to see so many Farangs wearing boots or even running gym shoes. I wonder about sweaty smelly feet.
20 years ago I used to walk a lot more and it did seem to help keep the weight down (maybe). I recall losing significant weight on first long holiday in Thailand. Too busy to eat much perhaps.

I can agree on boots, but today's textile technology offers very breathable running shoes and outsoles give great support for long walks if you know what and how to chose. As long as you buy original brands, not the fakes, and you don't go the cheapest.

This might explain why your friend had walking issues. Often it is down to wrong shoes. And weight!

A good pace twenty minute walking on daily basis will burn some calories as long as you then don't overdo with eating: a diet is good as long as you help the body by burning some calories in a proactive way. If you just reduce the food or calories you will not achieve much as the body quickly adapts to live with less income to preserve current reserves.

[BionicMan]

Hi,

I will be inviting three girls to join me for a few hours in my hotel. Can anyone recommend from personal experience what hotels may be girl friendly of a foursome.

Considering Salil, Dream, Nana Hotel but would welcome suggestions.

Thanks.

For such a crowd Nana might, but I don't have any evidence, ask for a joiner fee. I recall having read something in the past but not 100% sure. You can ask the reception to be on safe side. Just put the question properly like "any issue if I bring a couple of girls in for a few hours. ". Be politely assertive, don't induce them to think an orgy is going to happen with noise and troubles. A 3-some is pretty usual so if they have an issue they might state the limit to how many girls, like "it's ok, but no more than 2" or they might say "no problem, just leave the ID down" which could hint there is no real limit.

Play it smart, don't parade too much, enter the lobby in a chatting way with the girls, head to the lifts, don't make too much noise to attract attention. There is a "security" in front of the lifts, but never bothers if you walk in like at home.

Keep your room key handy to show you are a guest.

You might want to check a ST hotel like an Hotel not far from soi 4.

Certainly Nana king beds can host a 4-some. And the rooms are not strictly tiny.

They have seen everything and most of staff seems to be there from day #1 if you look at them. So go imagine.

[Syzygies]

I have the impression that you're even more pick about food than women! LOL.

The place is very tiny, not that Japanese looking and I would go there only for lunch mostly due to the fact that I'm going to MP's during that time of the day. I think that for the price you pay there you can't expect too much. As for myself I'm more of a nigiri fan but I'm most definitely not a connoisseur. The maki attracted me and I wasn't disappointed.

If you're more into finer kind of dining then you might give Sushi Masato a go in the neighbourhood of Sukhumvit Soi 31. Rather hard to find as you can't tell it's a restaurant when you look at it. Was lucky that they had a spot left that night and the Omakase was excellent according to my taste. Problem is that you pay a price for it. Question is that it's worth it or not. I had quite a while ago a great salmon skin salad in Tenyuu Sushi Bar in the Emquartier shopping mall. Not sure it still exist though.

Remember that I'm giving some recommendations of Japanese food between Mermaid and Snow White only. I bet there must be other Japanese joints that are better. I'm happy to hear if that's the case.

Apologies to all that thought to read about hotels. I won't be doing it again. LOL.

No problem. I like to hear about any worthwhile Japanese restuarants, not too touristy gimmicky. I am only slightly finicky about food really. If I am going out to eat Japanese I want proper Japanese food. Same like I would not bother to go to a Thai restuarant outside Thailand if the food does not resemble the real thing. In Germany was very hard to find a Thai restaurant that was good, not impossible. I did find a very good Japanese one though (popular with Japanese). French restuarants in France were a mixed bad some very good, some extremely basic and boring. I have also experienced Italian restuarants in Italy, so I know when it's good and when rather ordinary. Not many worthwhile Italian restaurants in Thailand. I have been to a really brilliant Tapas restaurant (OS), so after that, most Tapas restaurants don't cut it.

To me it's not worth paying good money and using valuable time to eat in a restaurant if the quality is not good. I don't eat at KFC, Maccas, Pizza Hut, etc. It's a waste of time. Pizza in Thailand Thai style is very bad. Fuji restaurant is Jap food for the Thais, but is not really quality I am used to. In my home country I only ever bothered to eat out in quality Japanese or French restaurants, or top class Chinese seafood, since most other places are a waste of time. Also my regular dinner partner was a chef, who was only interested in eating high quality also.

I like to cook my own food so that I can know there is no sugar in it. Yet I do eat Thai food on the street. Can't stand a very sweet Phat Thai though.

I have a low carbs diet so that means no rice, no nigiri, not much Maki, but Sashimi yes of course, tempura limited, and no sweet terriyaki sauce. Plenty of good things remain on the Japanese menu. My GF only eats raw Salmon for Sashimi no other types, but I like Tuna, octopus, and eel as well. We would never dream of doing "Omakase" meaning leave it up to the chef what to serve us. We have our favourite things.

Finding really good Japanese for a really good price has been difficult. There used to be a good one behind the Villa Markt in Soi 33/1. A below ground one in Soi Asoke is not bad, but very large and a lot of customers and a bit pricey. A very small one near the Admiral Premier is not bad but a long time since I went there. There used to be a great amazing fun Japanese restaurant between Soi 24/1 and Soi 26. Owner was Japanese with Thai wife. Was recommended by an MP girl and we had dinner there, good food and a blast. Unfortunately that restaurant changed owners, and my next experience there was crap.

High class Japanese in Emporium but pricey. So I am looking for a new budget Japanese restaurant still with exceptional quality. Ha ha!

I fussy with girls too. I want special quality for Looks, attitude, performance, everything. Value for money if possible would also be nice. LOL harder to do.

The other day I was tempted to eat at "Tuuk lae Dee" at Foodland Soi 5, very late. Previous time may have been 20 years ago. LOL What I got was very disappointing so I won't repeat. I made mistake of ordering farang food. Yes cheap but not good.

We have to face up to many overseas type cuisine places in Bangkok not being much good., but some good ones do exist. Even my Sports Pub serves pretty good quality food.

[StarMariner]

Hi,

I will be inviting three girls to join me for a few hours in my hotel. Can anyone recommend from personal experience what hotels may be girl friendly of a foursome.

Considering Salil, Dream, Nana Hotel but would welcome suggestions.

Thanks.

[Christian G]

Hello all,

I'm coming to Bangkok on the 27th staying in the Salil hotel, anyone any views of this place, girl friendly?

Yes Salil is a nice hotel and of course it is guest friendly.

[Hiete]

Well each to their own. However let's get realistic here. Column is miles higher than both Mermaid and AP, for standard and class, also for height, and probably the price. LOL I can't say I noticed how old or modern the furniture was. It is 500 m walk from Soi Cowboy (Asoke end) although have to cross Sukhumvit at the lights or use overpass. About same distance to AP maybe very slightly more. Mermaid is 650 m away. So there is no way that Column is far.

If want to go to Snow White, it may be a little too far to walk (1.7km) from Column or AP, about the same. Mermaid is definitely a lot closer (only 1 km). I would take motorcycle from Column through back Sois since taxi would be slower than walking. Motorcycle would still take at least 10 mins I guess. Would walk if not too hot.

If you want cheaper value for money, then Mermaid is the go. If you want high class, then choose Column (at higher price), whether you need pool or breakfast or not. AP used to be great value for money but I suspect not so special any more. Does have a good refridgerator and mini kitchen though.

I have been looking for good priced quality Japanese since my old favourite closed so I will give Masu Maki a go. I hope they do not have crab / seafood stick. LOL I see on internet pics they do (but luckily on not many dishes). I want the "real" Japanese food. The artistry of the pics and "sweet" looking brown sauce splooged on the plates is a slight concern to me. Sauces should be separate (and optional). I trust it is full of Japanese customers but fun and not stodgy place? I probably have to request no sweet sauce put directly on the sushi or other dishes. Not into sweet sauces at all.

I have the impression that you're even more pick about food than women! LOL.

The place is very tiny, not that Japanese looking and I would go there only for lunch mostly due to the fact that I'm going to MP's during that time of the day. I think that for the price you pay there you can't expect too much. As for myself I'm more of a nigiri fan but I'm most definitely not a connoisseur. The maki attracted me and I wasn't disappointed.

If you're more into finer kind of dining then you might give Sushi Masato a go in the neighbourhood of Sukhumvit Soi 31. Rather hard to find as you can't tell it's a restaurant when you look at it. Was lucky that they had a spot left that night and the Omakase was excellent according to my taste. Problem is that you pay a price for it. Question is that it's worth it or not. I had quite a while ago a great salmon skin salad in Tenyuu Sushi Bar in the Emquartier shopping mall. Not sure it still exist though.

Remember that I'm giving some recommendations of Japanese food between Mermaid and Snow White only. I bet there must be other Japanese joints that are better. I'm happy to hear if that's the case.

Apologies to all that thought to read about hotels. I won't be doing it again. LOL.

[Kerrstar]

Off back to Bangkok in a couple of weeks for a visa run. I've booked into the new Hyatt Place on Suk 24. It's a bit of a way from Suk itself but I thought I'd give it a try anyway. Pricesd under 3,000 baht which is cheaper than the other Hyatts in town. Stayed at the Park Hyatt last trip, that place is really nice but pretty expensive.

[Syzygies]

Looking at Column again I have the impression that the furniture and interior is rather old fashion. This and the higher price makes me decide to choose between Admiral Premiere and Mermaid. The only downside I can find in both rooms of AP and MM is the lack of an iron which is rather odd especially when you notice that the Admiral 1 BR Suite has a washing machine. That's a plus for Park Plaza that provides the iron as a standard in their room facilities. I guess I can ask for an iron in case I need one.

The only thing important for me is a spacious room with some nice interior and a bathtub is great addition. I don't bother about a hotel's pool (Never had a glimpse at Mermaid and Park Plaza pool), or their rooftop views nor am I interested in breakfast. I also had the feeling that Column was a tiny bit too far out. I'm not a big fan of taxi's or motorbikes and don't really use the BTS that often. Thinking about it; another plus for Admiral is that it's still not that far away from Phrom Pong in case I'm interested to try out one of the MP's. There are also some good joints to eat in between Asoke and the MP's. If somebody's into Japanese you should give Masu Maki & Sushi bar a try. Cheap but oh so tasty! You can find it in Soi Sukhumvit 39. A hidden gem if you ask me. That brings me to the point that Jackson should have a sub-folder in General Reports - "Where to eat before and / or after sex with / without your bird" .

Having stayed in both Park Plaza and Mermaid I'm pretty sure that if I would pick Admiral I won't be disappointed.

Well each to their own. However let's get realistic here. Column is miles higher than both Mermaid and AP, for standard and class, also for height, and probably the price. LOL I can't say I noticed how old or modern the furniture was. It is 500 m walk from Soi Cowboy (Asoke end) although have to cross Sukhumvit at the lights or use overpass. About same distance to AP maybe very slightly more. Mermaid is 650 m away. So there is no way that Column is far.

If want to go to Snow White, it may be a little too far to walk (1.7km) from Column or AP, about the same. Mermaid is definitely a lot closer (only 1 km). I would take motorcycle from Column through back Sois since taxi would be slower than walking. Motorcycle would still take at least 10 mins I guess. Would walk if not too hot.

If you want cheaper value for money, then Mermaid is the go. If you want high class, then choose Column (at higher price), whether you need pool or breakfast or not. AP used to be great value for money but I suspect not so special any more. Does have a good refridgerator and mini kitchen though.

I have been looking for good priced quality Japanese since my old favourite closed so I will give Masu Maki a go. I hope they do not have crab / seafood stick. LOL I see on internet pics they do (but luckily on not many dishes). I want the "real" Japanese food. The artistry of the pics and "sweet" looking brown sauce splooged on the plates is a slight concern to me. Sauces should be separate (and optional). I trust it is full of Japanese customers but fun and not stodgy place? I probably have to request no sweet sauce put directly on the sushi or other dishes. Not into sweet sauces at all.

[Hiete]

All Natty's suggestions were very good you can be sure. If ever Column has a good price deal, then I would take that every time. It is a super Hotel for rooftop bar, pool, and views over Bangkok if get a moderately high floor at least. Girls really like it too. Classy. Normal prices for Column are quite high. Not absolute closest to the bars but that matters so little. Can always take a taxi or motorbike. One of my favourite regular girls really loves the column Hotel and it's rooftop bar. She likes to dress show off in sexy fashion outfits. I thought was better than being on the top of the State Tower personally.

Mermaid was one of the best value for money Hotels when I tried it (when fairly newly opened). Alas Admiral Premier became too well known. Some Japanese guys live there all the time. Often used by Chinese bus tours, causing it to be fully booked or not having the prices as good as used to be. Was best a few years ago when was little known.

Looking at Column again I have the impression that the furniture and interior is rather old fashion. This and the higher price makes me decide to choose between Admiral Premiere and Mermaid. The only downside I can find in both rooms of AP and MM is the lack of an iron which is rather odd especially when you notice that the Admiral 1 BR Suite has a washing machine. That's a plus for Park Plaza that provides the iron as a standard in their room facilities. I guess I can ask for an iron in case I need one.

The only thing important for me is a spacious room with some nice interior and a bathtub is great addition. I don't bother about a hotel's pool (Never had a glimpse at Mermaid and Park Plaza pool), or their rooftop views nor am I interested in breakfast. I also had the feeling that Column was a tiny bit too far out. I'm not a big fan of taxi's or motorbikes and don't really use the BTS that often. Thinking about it; another plus for Admiral is that it's still not that far away from Phrom Pong in case I'm interested to try out one of the MP's. There are also some good joints to eat in between Asoke and the MP's. If somebody's into Japanese you should give Masu Maki & Sushi bar a try. Cheap but oh so tasty! You can find it in Soi Sukhumvit 39. A hidden gem if you ask me. That brings me to the point that Jackson should have a sub-folder in General Reports - "Where to eat before and / or after sex with / without your bird" .

Having stayed in both Park Plaza and Mermaid I'm pretty sure that if I would pick Admiral I won't be disappointed.

[RickyM]

Hello all,

I'm coming to Bangkok on the 27th staying in the Salil hotel, anyone any views of this place, girl friendly? I see is closer to Eden and Dr BJ, is that a good or bad thing?

Thanks in advance for any replies.

[Zman429]

Hello friends,

Can anybody revert if Holiday Inn express is guest friendly or do they create problems for guests?

On Soi 11? That is way down at the end plenty of options closer, unless your going to the clubs. Not sure about guest friendly part but if one wasn't that would be it I'd ask them first.

[Mogwai]

And make sure it's a pink umbrella with floral or cartoon character motifs. 555 One has to look after the lovely white skin.

I have a Disney umbrella. It's just as lovely as my skin, LOL.