5/3-6 Wireless Rd., Lumpini, Bangkok, Thailand | (888) 635-3814
A short
walk to the Skytrain and canal boat pier
Close to
shopping malls and embassies
Rooms come with flat-screen TVs and large work desks
Free Wi-Fi
throughout
Impressive
views from rooftop garden
Rates
include a decent breakfast
Inexpensive
in-house restaurant
Bright and
modern interior decor throughout
Some staff
speak limited English
Traffic
noise heard in some street-facing rooms
Rooms,
particularly bathrooms, are small
Can be
difficult to reach by taxi
No pool,
unlike many mid-range hotels in Bangkok
The small, mid-range Moonite offers a convenient location in downtown Bangkok that puts guests a short
walk from the elevated Skytrain and close to shopping malls and foreign
embassies. Rooms (besides suites) are relatively small -- with reports of traffic noise from those facing
the street -- and some bathrooms in particular are tiny, but the interiors are clean and modern and a rooftop garden provides respite from chaotic Bangkok.
Most neighboring hotels are more luxurious, and the Moonite will appeal to both leisure and business travelers looking for a
slice of central Bangkok without the sometimes higher price tag. Guests should note that a number of
reviews report encounters with staff who speak only limited English. If a pool is a priority, consider the nearby and often similarly priced Eastin Hotel Makkasan -- though note that it is a tad farther from the Sky Train.
Scene
Bright and modern, if lacking character
The
Moonite’s location is its biggest selling point; in an area of Bangkok
dominated by luxury hotels, it stands out for its prime position with rates a
fraction of those at nearby Swissotel Nai Lert Park, Sivatel, and
Okura Prestige. The savings naturally come at the expense of design, ambience, and features, but that’s not to say the Moonite doesn’t offer a comfortable
stay. While the exterior looks a little bland and tired, the lobby and
restaurant benefit from plenty of sunlight and a bright, modern color scheme. Common
areas, though, admittedly lack much in the way of memorable charm. The
restaurant’s outdoor deck is somewhat more whimsical, with bright blue patio seating
that does a good job of complementing the border of pretty flowers; the roof
garden, too, makes the most of impressive views.
Location
Mildly quieter setting in central Bangkok’s shopping and embassy district
At the more
residential end of downtown Wireless Road, the Moonite strikes a balance
between convenience and seclusion for those willing to venture a little farther
from the elevated Skytrain (though Phloen Chit station remains within walking
distance). The neighborhood is occupied by the American, British and other
embassies, as well as famous luxury shopping malls. The Skytrain offers easy
connections to inexpensive shopping in Pratunam (also reached by canal boat
from the pier just behind the hotel) and the subway. Suvarnabhumi airport is a
45-minute ride away. Note that the hotel can be difficult to locate by taxi; it
may be worth using the nearby British Embassy as a landmark.
Rooms
On the small side, but clean and modern
While
there’s no getting away from the fact that rooms are compact (although the Moonite Suite is quite large), they are brightly
decorated in neutral tones with touches of art. The large beds get mixed
reviews, with some guests finding the mattresses too hard. The shape and layout
of some rooms is a little unconventional, but each is equipped with the basics
including a desk, safe, and hairdryer, plus tea- and coffee-making facilities, a
somewhat sparse minibar, phone, and flat-screen TV. All rooms are
air-conditioned. Bathrooms are
particularly tiny, especially in the Mini Room, but they are clean and come
with both rainfall and regular showerheads, along with basic
toiletries. Street-facing rooms tend to get some noise from the street; it’s
worth asking for one at the back.
Features
Decent restaurant and pleasant rooftop views, though no pool
The hotel’s
ground-floor restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating, is inexpensive, but the
food gets decidedly average reviews. Breakfast, included in room rates and also
served here, is a basic selection of Thai and international dishes, and eggs
cooked to order. The cozy roof garden has views of neighboring skyscrapers and
is decked out with wicker-style tub seats, loungers, and swings. The Moonite
lacks a pool, which is somewhat unusual in this price range in Bangkok yet
understandable given its location on some of the city’s priciest real estate.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the property gets generally good reports for speed and
reliability.