Baiyoke Suite Hotel

The high-rise hotel has a somewhat modern, minimalist aesthetic, particularly in the vast lobby with its sleek gray floors, white walls, and modern art. The most electric spot is up on the 43rd floor, where the Sky Lounge Restaurant & Bar offers jaw-dropping views across Bangkok; the simply named Coffee Shop down in the lobby is also a draw for its halal-certified food. The swimming pool scene here is not as happening, as the pool is not that big, and as there is no shade on the terrace, only those hell-bent on tropical tans will be found up here. For the most part, guests are drawn in by the bustling neighborhood and budget prices -- particularly families and groups seeking space. The Pratunam wholesale clothing market is just downstairs, and there is a large ethnic area packed with Indian and other subcontinent restaurants nearby. Fortunately, the lobby and hotel start from the fifth floor on up, meaning a pleasant escape from the packed market crowds and chaos below. 

The Baiyoke Suite is located in the heart of central Bangkok above the Pratunam Market. The area around the hotel is a chaotic mess, filled with narrow lanes full of shoppers; the streets can be crowded for taxis. It is a good 15- to 20-minute walk to reach the nearest Skytrain station, and get away from the gridlock. However, there are lots of restaurants in the area -- including a slew of Indian and ethnic eateries -- and some of the best shopping in town literally at guests' feet. The hotel is also just steps from more famously known Baiyoke Tower, Bangkok's highest building and also a hotel. The airport is a half-hour drive, or about 50 minutes by public transport, accessible within a five-minute walk.

All of the 255 rooms are either Executive or Superior Suites, and are some of the largest in Bangkok, making them a great value. All have dining tables, sofas, tea kettles, stocked minibars, air-conditioning, and bathrooms with shower/tub combos and hairdryers; Superior Suites have tube-style TVs, while Executive Suites have flat-screens. There is more space than anything else, leaving the rooms looking slightly forlorn; the dark wood floors, polyester bedding, and dim lights don't help brighten the mood. Flooring is fresh, however, and there is plenty of kitchen cabinet space as these were once serviced apartments. Another rather poor quirk is that the balconies do not open up -- management won't allow it, and thus the views are quite reduced, and one won't be going out for any fresh air. There is no free Wi-Fi; guests must buy a 24-hour package.

The Baiyoke Suite has a somewhat small swimming pool for the number of guests; unfortunately there's no shade, but it's great for a dip. The gym is carpeted and pretty shabby, with very few machines or equipment. The most standout feature of the hotel is its 43rd-floor Sky Lounge Restaurant & Bar, serving barbecue, seafood, and an international buffet for breakfast, lunch, and dinner; the view over Bangkok is quite staggering from tables on the deck, with the only higher vantage point being the neighboring Baiyoke Tower, Thailand's tallest building. The Coffee Shop downstairs is a fully certified halal restaurant doing Thai and international dishes -- initiated due to the hotel's large Malaysian, Indonesian, and Singaporean crowd. There is a meeting space for up to 120 people, and a small business center in the lobby with a couple of PCs and a printer.