Citrus Sukhumvit 13 by Compass Hospitality

From the orange and gray stripes of the building's zigzagging facade, it's clear that the Citrus Sukhumvit 13, while modern enough, won't win any contemporary design awards. Still, interiors have enough style to make this a reasonable option in a wildly popular part of Bangkok -- and the fact that the hotel manages to stay quiet in this busy neighborhood is almost a miracle. Expect to see abundant bright colors throughout the hotel's common areas, like purple shag rugs, red accents, and lots of shimmery black marble and polished chrome in the lobby. The icicle lights hanging from the lobby ceiling feel a little cheap, an effect which isn't helped by the general wear that we spotted throughout the hotel. But perks like a tranquil rooftop pool help make this a decent place to retreat from Bangkok's heat. While it's not the nicest outpost in the Citrus brand, this hotel provides a quiet place to rest, and remains a relatively well-liked choice for couples and solo travelers.

Foreigners and expats flock to the Lower Sukhumvit neighborhood for its exciting nightlife, and plenty of bars, restaurants, clubs, and shops can be found just a few minutes' walk from the hotel. It's worth noting that Sukhumvit 13 can fill with water during monsoon season, though the street stays relatively quiet. There's plenty of shopping in the area, including Terminal 21, which is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel. At night, Sukhumvit Road is lined with vendors and street food, and certain sois -- Soi Nana and Soi Cowboy, for instance -- have a distinct red-light vibe. For getting farther afield, the Nana BTS station is only a seven-minute walk from the hotel, and attractions like Chatuchak Weekend Market will take 40 minutes to reach. Additionally, the hotel offers a free tuk-tuk to closer destinations. Bangkok's traffic -- especially on Sukhumvit Road -- is heinous for most of the day, so budget at least 30 to 45 minutes to reach the historic riverside attractions by taxi, and an hour by car to either Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang Airports. 

There's nothing memorable about the rooms at this hotel, though the pleasantly modern style is typical of most mid-range hotels in Bangkok. Neutral tones reign, though splashes of color come in details like auburn bed runners, throw pillows, and gray velvet bench seating. Monochrome silk panels hang over the beds and combine with polished metal pendant lights to give everything a little shimmer, but the look is mostly plain. Blonde built-in wood-veneer furniture has clean lines, while polished dark wood floors class everything up a bit. Tea, coffee, and two free water bottles are restocked daily, and all rooms include 40-inch flat-screen TVs, minibars, safes, and beside control panels for air-conditioning and lighting. Though Wi-Fi is free, it can be spotty. Bathrooms feature contemporary fixtures and an abundance of white and cream tones. Glass-walled walk-in showers include rainfall showerheads, and some rooms have soaking tubs. There is a good amount of counter space and shelves for storage, and toiletries are provided. It's worth noting that while rooms are generally modern, we spotted a lot of wear on furniture, flooring, and fixtures in the bathrooms. Soundproofing is great here, and rooms stay thankfully quiet. 

In hot and steamy Bangkok, this hotel's rooftop pool is a major plus. It's narrow and shallow, and rings some of the roof's perimeter, and there are a few places to kick back in the sun as well. There's also a rooftop bar that serves drinks and snacks, and city views are nice, if not mind-blowing. Full meals and the breakfast buffet (which isn't free for most guests) take place at the 40-seat Citrus Cafe. It's a windowless, basement establishment, but the international and Thai dishes get solid marks from previous guests. The hotel's free one-way tuk-tuk takes guests to the Nana BTS station, the Trendy Office Building, Terminal 21, and Sukhumvit Soi 11. A free half-day tour of the city can be added to a reservation, although guests are required to pay their own admission fees. A business center and a 12-person meeting room can also be found in the basement, and free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. Unfortunately, it's not always reliable. Limited secure parking is available and airport transfers can be arranged for a fee.