Mariya Boutique Residence at Suvarnabhumi Airport

The Mariya Boutique Hotel is an attractive and modern option that's close to the airport and convenient for those in transit. It's not the most boutique of boutique hotels that we've seen, but there's plenty of Thai character throughout the hotel, a design motif that begins as soon as one walks in the front door, where a large standing golden Buddha statue greets guests. The lobby is bright and cheery, with a white tiled floor and comfy white couches plus orange cushioned seats spaced throughout. There are ornate gold-leaf pillars in several corners and traditional folkloric scenes emblazoned in gold on the walls. Several more Thai art pieces and Buddha figurines complete the look, and with the free cookies and coffee or juices that are always available, there are always people hanging around in the lobby, giving this simple hotel a lively atmosphere. This property is mainly a draw for travelers who need to be near the airport, and are looking for a little bit of comfort and style. 

For travelers arriving late or departing early at Suvarnabhumi Airport, it's hard to pick a more convenient location. The drive from the hotel to the terminals take about 10 minutes. Lat Krabang Road, the road directly outside of the hotel, is wide, heavily trafficked, and none too pretty, but it is a very real Bangkokian experience, and you won't see many other tourists around here. There is a decidedly local flavor to the immediate neighborhood, and there are a good deal of cheap and tasty Thai restaurants and food vendors nearby, plus a 7-11 for any other needs. Otherwise, don't expect much in the way of sights and entertainment. Central Bangkok takes 25 to 50 minutes to reach by car or taxi depending on traffic. The best way to travel into the city from here is to take a taxi to the Airport Rail Link station at Lat Krabang, for a cheap and air-conditioned 30-minute train ride into the city.

The Mariya Boutique Residence is a small hotel with just 38 rooms decked out in Northern Thai Lanna style. There are only Superior and Deluxe categories to choose from here, and both have colorful Thai decor, with plush elephants on the beds greeting visitors in every room. There are handsome design elements, like paneled accent walls with recessed decorative art above the beds, and furniture is mostly modern and mid-tone wood veneer (though some rooms have older wicker-paneled pieces). As many airline trainees use this hotel as a base for a few weeks, rooms include some nice amenities for longer stays. Every room has a small wet bar, with a sink, electric kettle for tea and coffee, and a microwave. Rooms also feature flat-screen TVs (29-inch for the Superior Rooms and 32-inch for the Deluxe Rooms), DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. None of the rooms have safes, though Deluxe Rooms throw in a foot massage roller. All rooms also have a small enclosed patio, which has an ashtray for smokers, a window looking out to Lat Krabang Road, and can be used as a laundry drying area. Bathrooms in all rooms are fairly basic, with white tile floors and walls, walk-in showers with mosaic accents, decent counter space, long mirrors. They aren't the freshest bathrooms we've seen, and some of the grout could use a refresh.

Mariya Boutique Residence at Suvarnabhumi Airport is mainly used as a transit hotel or for those needing to be close to the airport, so there aren't many facilities on-site. The hotel does have a small breakfast area serving a buffet that includes Thai and Western dishes, though it isn't included with all room rates. The restaurant does not serve lunch or dinner, but there is a coffee machine, along with free tea, juice, and cookies available throughout the day and evening. In the lobby there is also a small internet corner, with a printer and several public computers for guests to use. Other than this, the only other feature is free airport pickup and drop off service, with a minivan heading in and out as needed. Wi-Fi is free throughout the property.