“Best Hotel in Bangkok”
First, the Hotel was great. Very helpful and easy going. The breakfast was great, not special but serves it purpose. The pool had a great view. The AC broke down once on our last night, but they sent someone to fix it and it was fixed in 10 minutes. The people at the hotel were very helpful and they didn't try to nickle and dime me for everything. I been to other hotels and they try to add fees, percentages, and other services but here I didn't pay anything extra. I think the bottle waters in the refrigerator are free, but please ask, we only used one bottle of water.
Second. the area around the hotel is okay to good. I didn't feel danger or didn't see alot of criminal activity. I felt safe to walk around, but its very dark so please use caution at night. The side walks are horrible in Bangkok, so be aware that walking is difficult but try to avoid taxis, they will try to nickle and dime you. Use the front desk to get a taxi or use there tuk-tuk service. Tip the driver.
Third, "extra over night guests", I'm talking to the single men. The hotel will not bother you with this and will not charge extra, but remember the hotel has families there too and please be discrete and keep your voices down walking through the hallways.
The hotel has a problem with "extra" towels. I showered like 3 times a day because of the heat. So I just go up to the 9th floor and grab several towels from the pool area. (The hotel wants you to reuse the same towels throughout the day.)
Area recommendations
Forth, take a ride to Pattaya Beach. Its like an hour drive. Through the tuk-tuk driver, he got us a taxi for 3,000 baht (currency) from 10am to 1am. The taxi driver stayed with us. He brought a friend, but he was trying to get free drinks. If you can handle yourself you don't need the friend, if you are alone then bring the taxi driver's friend. Pattaya beach is a good area with a great nightlife. The beach is alittle dirty but you can parachute sale for 1,000 baht. Remember always negotiate and never go for the first price you here.
Fifth, if you want silk, right in front of the hotel is the best silk store, go in and get the best Thai silk for cheap. They can even make you a Thai silk suit for $150 (US currency).
Try to use the Subways and Skytrain. Everything is in English subtitles. Plus there are people that can help you. In Thailand almost everyone is very friendly. Bangkok is very modern and the embrace US ideas.
Sixth, break you 1,000 Baht bills to 100 Baht bills. Alot of stores have problems breaking big bills. Kinda like the US, like carrying $20 instead of $100 bill.
Bring a "Camel" pack or backpack to carry your water. Not sure if its okay to drink while walking the streets. Brink plastic zip lock bags to shield you camera and electronics from the rain. It will rain!
For the guys, type "Soi Cowboy" into google and see video of what is like 3 blocks away from the hotel. There is no ping pong show, that's farther away, but its great to grab a beer.
When to go
Anytime, just avoid the raining season, but even the start of the rainy season is good. The prices are low and the heat is not too bad. It will rain but like an hour of rain then its okay.
Getting there
When you get to the airport, everyone is going to offer their taxi, you can get it to 500 - 700 Baht, some taxis wanted 1,500 Baht (Don't pay that price, keep looking, unless you don't care).
Getting around
Walking works best, the sidewalks sucks but manageable. Avoid the taxis or negotiate with them. Try to use the subways and skytrain. Its real cheap.
What to pack
Shorts and shirts. Pants are okay but its humid. Everyone there dresses up, but its hard too wear nice clothes when its that hot and humid. Bring a towel with you, sweating its your biggest problem. I wore cut off sleeve shirts, which was funny when I walked into a really nice bank.
Must see
The Grand/Great Palace. The Elephant show, the crocodile show, the tigers, and Thai kick boxing.
Dining
Try the Victoria restaurant in front of Soi Cowboy. Great English restaurant with huge serving of food. Expensive for Thailand, but travelers, not to bad of a price.
Nightlife
Two words, Soi Cowboy. Google it. Patpong is where you can see the Ping Pong show. Pattyat Beach had a great night life. The clubs are great too. We went to the "Shocker", nice club. Most places play hip-hop most of the time.
Other
Grab yourself an international cell phone with SIM chips. Having a local number is good. I felt safer having the cell phone. Program the hotel number into the cell phone, so if you get lost you can always call the hotel and they can help you. Also a "spam" email address. This way you can give that email address instead of your real email. Giving your real email is like showing them how to link up to your facebook page and other social networking sites.
