Villa Phra Sumen Bangkok

The Villa Phra Sumen is a two-building boutique resort set on the Khlong Rop Khrung canal with a lot to like. The hotel feels like a blend of bohemian and urban-chic spaces with just a dash of vintage sensibilities thrown in for good measure. Guests check in at the open-air lobby with striped bean bag-style chairs and sofas. Pots of flowers line one wall and there's also a long table with books and a tourist map on one wall. High-quality wood and glazed concrete prevail throughout the property. Numerous rooms at the hotel overlook the canal, as does a veranda with hammocks and canvas deck chairs. In addition to the canal-side building, another building overlooks a grassy courtyard with trees and shrubs, and an open-air thatched-roof cottage where Thai massages are given. While some traffic noise can permeate the grounds, overall the atmosphere is a peaceful haven from the surrounding urban noise of Bangkok. The Villa attracts a mix of couples and families for its intimate and relaxed vibe and location near -- but not surrounded by -- Khaosan Road's hustle and bustle.

Villa Phra Sumen is on Phra Sumen Road, which once ran along the ancient city's walls and is within walking distance of some popular sights. The area has a few restaurants, music clubs, shops, and convenience stores. However, it's not one of Bangkok's main tourist streets, so taxi drivers sometimes have difficulty finding the hotel. 

As for sights, both the Democracy Monument and Bawon Niwet Wihan Temple are within a five-minute walk. The heart of bustling Khaosan Road is 10 minutes away on foot and offers shopping, food stalls, bars and clubs, and buses to destinations in Thailand. Wat Saket (Temple of the Golden Mount) is a 13-minute walk from the hotel, as are the gold-and-green Wat Suthat temple and The Giant Swing. It's 10 to 15 minutes on foot to reach the area with Phra Sumen fort, the Chao Phraya River, and Phra Athit Pier with the Chao Phraya Express boat. Just west of the fort is laid-back Phra Athit Road, with its cafes, bars, and live music. 

A bus stop is a short walk away from the hotel, and Bangkok Railway Station is a 12-minute drive or 25-minute bus ride awayl. The hotel is about 30 minutes' drive (or up to an hour depending on traffic) from both Don Mueang International Airport and Suvarnabhumi Airport. 

The rooms, family rooms, and suites at Villa Phra Sumen have a contemporary urban-chic Thai look that follows nicely from the hotel's common areas. Neutral stone floors and unadorned beige walls give rooms a slightly stark feel, along with all-white bedding and simple rattan rugs. But the generous use of wood (including desks and armchairs in some rooms), and colorful Thai-style throw pillows are nice accents. Some rooms also sport chandeliers, antique-style furniture, and hardwood floors. Rooms range from 248 to 678 square feet (23 to 63 square meters) in size, so all have a decent amount of space for central Bangkok. Some also have balconies overlooking the canal or street. The top-tier Phra Sumen Suites have sofas and balconies with outdoor jetted tubs and stylish rattan day beds. 

Rooms are efficiently designed, each with a painted cabinet or curtained-off shelving unit that holds electric kettles and a minibar. Guests note the scent of lemongrass wafting through the air, and two free daily bottles of water are offered every day. All rooms are air-conditioned and have electronic keys and safes. Flat-screen TVs have English and satellite channels. Wi-Fi is free of charge, but can occasionally be slow or have an erratic signal. 

Bathrooms have stylish wash basins with polished chrome or antique-style fittings, though some have limited space around the sinks. Many have walk-in showers with multicolored floor tiles, while others have separate standalone tubs and showers. Toiletries and hairdryers are provided. Rooms are all non-smoking, even on the balconies.

This compact hotel has a nice array of features, especially so given its value-hotel status. Villa Phra Sumen has a cafe that serves an a la carte breakfast (for a fee) with items like coffee, tea, eggs, bacon, ham, pancakes, toast, fruit, and Thai items like curries and fried rice. The cafe serves Thai snacks and tea throughout the day. The hotel has no restaurant for lunch and dinner, but there many within a short walk or taxi ride. The Villa offers Thai massages (for a fee) in an open-air, thatched-roof cottage. Thai handicrafts, clothing, fabrics, souvenirs, and home decorative objects are available for sale in a corner in the lobby and in a dedicated shop. The hotel offers a free tuk-tuk service to nearby tourist sights, and conducts free walking tours of nearby temples. There's also a business center and 24-hour front desk with tour assistance. Nearby parking is available for a fee.