Centre Point Sukhumvit 10

The lobby at the Centre Point Sukhumvit 10 is cool and calm, its earth-toned and creamy marble decor exuding a classical feel. There's a handful of boldly colored high-back chairs paired with slick teak furnishings, but the old-fashioned ceiling fans instantly age the place. A Nescafe machine is on hand for free coffee pick-me-ups and a wall-mounted flat-screen TV broadcasts Thai soap operas on a loop. The hallways are majestic, encircling a central courtyard in a vertiginous manner, a particularly exhilarating look from the higher floors. Just off the lobby is the kids' club, a colorful playroom with bright floor tiles in primary colors and a good selection of toys, including a push-car and a plastic playhouse. The rooftop pool deck is expansive, with a wooden deck and elephant-shaped fountains. The hotel is popular with couples and families, who appreciate having their own kitchens and washing machines, and want to be away from the noise of the main drag.

The quiet location of this hotel is thanks to its being a block off the busy main road, but some guests feel that the walk to the lobby door can feel deserted late at night. There's plenty of nightlife and restaurants in the surrounding area; the adjacent street Soi 8 had some particularly good local eateries. South of the hotel, about a five-minute walk from the lobby door, is Benjakiti Park, home to a foliage-flanked lake where you can go for a cruise on a pedal-powered swan boat, or just enjoy the photogenic reflections of surrounding skyscrapers. It's also a haven for cyclists, and bicycles can be rented in the southeast corner of the park. The hotel is also close to Terminal 21 Shopping Mall, Siam Ocean World, and Emporium Shopping Complex. The closest skytrain stations -- Nana & Asoke -- are about a 15-minute walk each, but the hotel provides a free tuk-tuk shuttle to both.

Rooms at the Centre Point Sukhumvit 10 range in size and rates, from standard Deluxe Rooms to penthouse suites, and most are decorated with classical, upscale chain hotel decor in cool creams and light beige tones that can seem bland to some. Other rooms have more traditional Thai touches and deeper colors, like reddish browns and tans, alongside darker woods. All rooms have fully stocked kitchenettes with microwaves, as well as washing machines and dryers with free detergent. Other perks include bottled mineral water (replenished daily), flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, coffee kettles, and, in many, balconies that have either city, lake, or courtyard views. All bathrooms are modern, with marble tile-work, and some even have two showers; higher-tier rooms have spa-style tubs big enough for two. All toilets are western style. As the hotel is 20 years old, some of the furniture could do with replacing, as it feels worn around the edges, and a bit tired and traditional.

The bright and airy restaurant, Rim Suan, is popular with guests for its excellent cuisine, but with the renowned Sukhumvit Soi 38 night market just 20 minutes away on the sky train, you're not likely going to want to eat in the hotel. The outdoor rooftop pool is large, with a shallow end for younger children, and plenty of loungers on the deck. There's a library just off the lobby with a good selection of travel books. There's also a kids' playroom off the lobby. The fitness center has modern machines, but looks a bit worn around the edges. There are separate saunas for men and women, and there's an adjoining locker room. The hotel also has a business center, meeting rooms, and free Wi-Fi. Hair salon services can be arranged.