Eastin Hotel Makkasan

The Eastin Hotel Makkasan is a modern, straightforward hotel that's geared toward families and business travelers. Decor is a bit generic, and even dated in parts, but most guests find it pleasant enough as a place to crash after days out in hot and steamy Bangkok. The lobby, with its floor-to-ceiling windows, is bright and airy, but sparsely furnished and somewhat cold. A long, black-topped front desk sits alongside off-white tile walls and floors, and orange cube armchairs form seating islands. Hallways, with their wood-paneled and mirrored walls, look dated, as does the Lobby Lounge. The attractive 10th-floor pool deck has sunbeds arranged a rectangular pool with curved edge, making it a fine spot for cooling off or sunbathing. The highlight, though, might be the hotel's skyline views, which include Bangkok's towering Baiyoke Tower II -- these are best glimpsed from the 23rd-floor Attica Sky Lounge.

The hotel’s downtown location is convenient for the shopping malls around Siam. A number are within walking distance, and others are reachable using the Airport Rail Link -- which is an eight-minute walk from the hotel, at Rathchprarop. This connects to the skytrain and metro, though it's also a 15-minute walk to the Chit Lom Skytrain station. Shopping and street food are big business in this area, and it's a 10- to 15-minute walk to the Siam area malls, including the massive CentralWorld. Those seeking bargains can try the markets, like Pratunam, which is around a 10-minute walk away as well. It will take a bit longer to access the historic sights like Wat Pho and the Grand Palace -- budget at least 30 minutes to reach them by taxi, though this depends on traffic. Same goes for reaching the buzzing Silom business and nightlife district (which is home to the notorious Patpong Night Market). Figure in at least an hour to reach the airports by car, though it can be far faster during less busy times of day. Keep in mind that Suvarnabhumi Airport can be reached by Airport Rail Link in 30 minutes.

The 278 rooms are spacious and pleasant, but generic and even a touch dated. Superior Rooms feature white walls, beds with low, dark-wood headboards, and striped orange carpeting. Smart off-white armchairs sit alongside floor-to-ceiling windows, and there’s stylish downlighting over handsome desks. Deluxe Rooms have smarter, mirror-backed accent panels, and Suites add separate living rooms with elegant cream sofas. Standard amenities include flat-screen TVs, phones, safes, well-stocked minibars, and coffee- and tea-making facilities. Unfortunately, the free Wi-Fi isn't always great in some rooms. Many rooms have good city views, but they’re more impressive on pricier higher floors. A dedicated family floor offers connecting rooms and a kids' club.Bathrooms are more reliably up-to-date than the rooms, though they can be small. They have cream-colored tile flooring and black Corian vanities with contemporary countertop sinks and gold-framed mirrors. Shower/tub combos with power showerheads come standard, as do toiletries, hairdryers, robes, and slippers. Higher-priced rooms and suites have spacious glass walk-in power showers and separate soaking tubs beside large windows.

The Eastin Hotel Makkasan packs in a number of family-friendly and business amenities. The gym has a full range of free weights and cardio and weight-lifting machines, and there’s a sauna, and sharp spa with whirlpool. The pool is a highlight, and has direct views of Baiyoke Tower II, plus sun loungers on the deck. A kids' playroom on the family floor has game consoles, and 24-hour babysitting is available. The breakfast buffet offers a nice variety and is served until late, but it isn’t always included in the rates; lunch and dinner buffets of international fare are available, too. The Attica Sky Lounge serves Middle Eastern cuisine until late, along with those excellent skyline views, and the Lobby Lounge has all-day snacks. There’s 24/7 room service, and Executive-level guests get free drinks and snacks in the lobby, plus other perks. There are eight meeting spaces, internet terminals in the lobby, and free Wi-Fi throughout, though the in-room signal can be patchy. The hotel also has free shuttle service to the skytrain station, but it runs infrequently.