Grande Centre Point Hotel Ratchadamri

The lobby is classical and elegant in design, and has a long dramatic walkway that leads guests from the front door to the front desk via a tasteful red carpet. High ceilings are supported by gold, flashy pillars. The space is huge, and has a sweeping staircase up to the next floor, which is open-plan and looks out onto the entranceway below. Polished floors are gleaming and sofas --outfitted in red and cream -- are arranged in neat groups. Potted plants dot the entire space, bringing the place to life, and artwork consists of traditional Thai paintings. The hotel is mostly popular with shopaholic couples who want to be near shopping malls as Pratunam and Siam, but business travelers and families also filter through.

Located in the heart of Bangkok, this family-friendly hotel is within walking distance of Police General Hospital, Amarin Plaza, and Erawan Mall. Also nearby are Siam Ocean World and Gaysorn Plaza. The hotel is well-positioned for shopping, as it's just minutes away from Central World, Platinum Mall, Pratunam, Siam Centre, and Siam Paragon. Around the corner is the Erawan shrine, and the Grand Palace is about a 30-minute bus ride away. If guests wander to the end of Soi Mahatlek Luang 1, there's the equivalent of a door to another world behind the dangling tree vines; plunge in and discover two cafes, street food vendors, and a couple of restaurants that are packed with locals. The Grand Palace -- one of the must-see sights of this city -- is half an hour away by bus, and -- as a cluster of temples covered in golden mosaics that shine magically in the sea -- is an aesthetic delight. Khao San Road is a backpacker's haven, and is worth checking out for souvenir bargains. It is also a 30-minute bus ride from the hotel.

If you're looking for space, you'll find it here. Rooms are so big that some of them feel more like having your own flat. Polished wood floors shine and beds are crowned by traditional Thai hangings woven in gold and black. The kitchens come fully-equipped with microwaves, washers/dryers, and full-size refrigerators. All rooms are air-conditioned and have expected amenities such as flat-screen TVs, safes, ample closet space, and plush king beds. Some rooms have views of the Four Seasons Hotel, the Bangkok Sports Club, and a golf course. Travelers won't find a bucket and hose in the bathrooms here, as all toilets are modern and flush -- some even have electronic toilet seats with seat heating, self-cleaning, and air-dry functions. All bathrooms are huge and spotlessly clean, with white tiles and fittings.

There's plenty of on-site amenities to keep guests entertained at the Grand Centre Point Hotel. Local and international dishes are served up in the mesAmis restaurant. The library has plenty of English language books and magazines, including copies of the National Geographic. The fitness center is huge and well-equipped with quality cardiovascular machines; it even has its own mirrored dance studio.  Other amenities include a children's club and free Wi-Fi. There's a large entertainment room with comfy settees and a massive flat-screen TV for watching the many DVDS on offer. A soft padded room is provided for young children, where there's no chance of any head bumps or accidents. It's a bright space that has a good selection of toys and even a play slide -- a blessing for weary parents. The large outdoor pool is a chic space, surrounded by sun loungers and a wooden deck. Mature trees and shrubbery disguise the view of the other buildings, while simultaneously providing shade from the blistering Thai sunshine. Housed in a chic, contemporary room, the spa and sauna are super relaxing and have views onto a greenhouse that has an array of different plants. It closes relatively early, however. The hotel offers a free daily shuttle bus to Asiatique -- which is home to the largest Night Market in Bangkok, situated by the riverside, as well as shops and restaurants -- but rides must be booked in advance.