The Grand Sathorn

This bland building doesn't look like much from the outside, studded with air-conditioners displayed on tiny inaccessible balconies, but inside its bright spaces are classy and comfortable. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors open into a lobby with stone tiled floors and a neatly cut hunk of marble for a reception desk. Attractive wood paneling covers one wall behind two black leather couches, and the other side of the space opens up into a atrium lounge with hardwood floors and black leather chairs washed in natural light. The hallways are equally bright, and there's a wooden staircase (or elevators) that winds up nine stories to a relaxing rooftop terrace with a pool overlooking the city. It's a less touristy urban area, filled with local flavor and small eateries with ducks roasting in their windows. Most guests are older couples who want to be slightly away from the main tourist hubs but close to excellent transportation options.

The hotel is located in close proximity to both the sky train and the river, for multiple options to visit temples and other tourist attractions. Sathorn Pier at the riverbank is less than a 10-minute walk from the hotel where guests can catch a ferry to the Grand Palace on a leisurely 20-minute ride up the river. The Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho takes about 15 minutes to reach via the ferry. The BTS sky train is particularly handy for accessing the city, and guests should take the time to figure it out, as it cuts out the heavy traffic and the not-so-safe tuk tuk rides; the Saphan Taksin and Surasak BTS Skytrain Stations are both about a seven-minute walk away. A few blocks away, Lebua at State Tower (featured prominently in "The Hangover Part II" has become a tourist attraction. The popular Sukhumvit Soi 38 night market is about a 15-minute drive away. Don Mueang International Airport is about a 25-minute drive away, or at least 90 minutes on public transportation. 

Half of the hotel's 79 air-conditioned rooms overlook the street, while the other half have better city views. All units have wood flooring with Oriental area rugs and a contemporary blend of dark-wood furnishings with copper fabrics, but pieces show slight wear. Colorful murals cover most of the wall behind the beds, and there are large mirrors on opposite walls. Standard rooms are spacious, with double or king beds and two seating areas; one with sofa beds (in the form of a cushioned bench) and coffee tables, and another with round wooden tables and chairs. There are also work desks and chairs. Standard amenities include 40-inch flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, and mini-fridges, microwaves, and electric kettles are in a separate area near the entryway. Some bathrooms have older shower/tub combos, and others have walk-in showers with separate soaking tubs (some bathrooms have been renovated throughout 2017). Some Suites add kitchenettes and there's a two-bedroom Penthouse Suite with parquet wood floors. 

The ninth floor rooftop pool and terrace is the hotel's highlight feature. There's a wooden sundeck and comfortable wicker loungers, and the relaxing garden setting offers great views of Bangkok. There's also a pool bar that serves food and drinks, with covered seating. Another perk is the small fitness center, located in a bright room with windows overlooking the pool, equipped with two modern treadmills, a cardio bike, and free weights. For dining, the full-service Rendezvous Restaurant is located on the second floor (breakfast not included), with a variety of Thai and International cuisine. There's also a 24-hour internet corner and a private meeting room that can accommodate up to 40 people. Free parking is available, but is limited to 30 spots, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.