A complete guide to choosing hotels in Thailand
Imagine a place where peace and tranquillity meet the buzz of modernity. Skyscrapers are standing beside Buddhist temples, traditional markets frequented by people from all over the world, and colorful cuisine beckoning to your taste buds from every corner. This country is Thailand! A land where you can experience things you have only seen in movies.
In this beautiful country, you will find exquisite beaches surrounded by crystal clear water, mountains that rise above the clouds to give spectacular views, and lush jungles filled with a wide variety of plant and animal life. As a traveler, it is easy for you to lose yourself in these places without having to worry about how much money you have spent or what sights you have yet to see – but even though it sounds like a dream come true, it is not quite as simple as that.
Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations globally and, as such, has a massive selection of hotels to choose from. The country has more than 3,000 hotels and resorts within its borders, which come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you're looking for cheap accommodation or luxury accommodations, Thailand can cater to all your needs. However, no matter what sort of hotel you decide on, there are certain things that you should keep in mind when making this critical decision:
• How much money do I want to spend?
• What type of room do I want? - single bed or double; shared bath or private; air-conditioning/heating; fan/no fan etc.?
• Is there anything else special that I want? - pool/s, view, etc.?
Choosing a hotel
Narrowing down your options of hotels in Thailand, it is advisable to have a list of criteria that will help you decide which one suits you the best. The most important thing to consider when choosing a place to stay is how much money you are willing to spend. Remember when making this decision that you can mix and match when it comes to price ranges. For example, if you're on a low budget but would like luxury accommodations, make sure they are in or near the town center where things are cheaper. If you plan to spend more than two weeks in Thailand, then try staying at places with no service charge (I personally never pay service charges anywhere). Also, try to avoid hotels in seedy areas where you are not allowed out after dark or are in danger of being robbed.
To enjoy your Thai travels to the fullest, you need to familiarize yourself with its culture and what it takes to survive in Thailand. You can't just show up at any hotel expecting good service – because if you do, then many unpleasant things could happen, such as being overcharged or even yelled at by staff. So how do you ensure that your stay goes smoothly and peacefully? What should you look for in a hotel, and what will make your experience all the more memorable?
Hotels in Thailand
Asia's vibrant and cultural heritage has left an indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Thailand. The country is home to majestic palaces that display their regal wealth, impressive temples and shrines that hold thousand-year-old traditions, and pristine beaches where visitors can either relax or let loose. Here we list down the best hotels and resorts in Thailand:
Anantara Phuket Villas (Phuket)
Anantara Phuket Villas provides the perfect mix of the fabled coastal serenity of Phuket with a touch of luxury. Situated within three acres along Kamala Beach, Thai architecture blends seamlessly into its surroundings thanks to natural materials such as stone and indigenous plants. Its impressive list of features includes two swimming pools, a spa facility that presents traditional Thai massage, a fitness center, and 30 guestrooms that come with views of the Andaman Sea or tropical mountains.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/
Maenam Resort (Surat Thani)
Situated on the island of Koh Samui, Maenam Resort is surrounded by stretches of lush jungle and white sand beaches. This all-villa retreat takes its guests to Thailand's laidback lifestyle through its barefoot luxury concept, where nature comes into play at every turn. It also highlights personalized services such as complimentary bicycles for leisurely excursions around the resort, beach activities such as snorkeling and sunbathing, and private butler service for more luxurious needs.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok (Bangkok)
The hotel's lavish Grand Ballroom is big enough for 1,000 people and features plush teddy-bear carpeting, marble bathrooms, and a sweeping staircase that leads up to the stage. The Japanese restaurant Mizumi serves sushi in front of its guests at one restaurant's end. The other end has glass doors opening onto a bridge over a koi pond. La Cigale French Brasserie and Bar offers classic French fare and has wrought-iron chairs and marble floors. It also offers live music on weekends. The Banyan Tree Spa provides traditional Thai massage and specialized services, such as the Ubtan Facial, which includes a scrub made from the root of a local plant.
The hotel's meeting rooms can accommodate as many as 1,000 people in a theatre-style format and offers a range of audio-visual equipment and other conveniences, including Wi-Fi.
JW Marriott Hotel Bangkok offers 22 different venues for conferences, from its ballroom to smaller meeting rooms. The ballroom can be divided into separate sections or used in whole or the latest technology, from video conferencing to high-speed Internet access. The hotel also has a dedicated team to assist in planning every event detail.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/
Lebua at State Tower (Bangkok)
Overlooking the Chao Phraya River, this upscale, high-rise hotel is 1 km from the Saphan Taksin Skytrain station, and 6 km from the landmark Grand Palace. Lebua At State Tower emulates Thailand's rich culture through its design, evokes Manipur royal umbrellas, Japanese paper lanterns, and Lanna textiles. It is situated within the Silom business district on the 42nd floor of State Tower and offers 360-degree views of Bangkok's skyline. In addition, Lebua at State Tower features three restaurants headed by Michelin Star chefs, one of which is called Sky Bar, where guests can enjoy cocktails while viewing the nightly light show on the Chao Phraya River.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/
Mandarin Oriental (Bangkok)
Overlooking the Chao Phraya river, this renowned luxury hotel is a 3-minute walk from the nearest ferry stop. Mandarin Oriental is located in the Siam Square area on Rama 1 Road, where it faces the lush greenery of Chulalongkorn University. This boutique hotel provides luxurious living through its 565 rooms divided between Deluxe, Club Room, and Presidential suites, all with magnificent Lumpini Park or Chao Phraya River views. It features multiple dining options, but its valid claim to fame is the traditional Thai massage at Mandarin Spa.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/
Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (Bangkok)
A minute's walk from a metro station, this polished, glass-fronted hotel is a 5-minute covered walk from the terminals and 35 km from downtown Bangkok Novotel Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport lies 18 kilometers away from the airport and 19 kilometers from the city center. This all-suite hotel provides guests with an excellent place for relaxation since it has two swimming pools, one indoor heated pool, and a spa facility that offers traditional Thai massage. It also highlights an outdoor tennis court, fitness center, plentiful dining outlets, and state-of-the-art meeting rooms accommodating up to 2,000 guests, making it perfect for business travelers.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/
Okura Prestige Hotel (Cha-Am)
A minute’s walk from Phloen Chit Skytrain station, this plush hotel in a contemporary high-rise is 2 km from both Pratunam Market and MBK Center shopping mall. Okura Prestige Hotel provides a great location within Hua Hin's city center's heart. It features rooms with views overlooking either Cha-am Bay or Hin Lek Fai, in addition to its list of amenities such as state art fitness center, two outdoor swimming pools, and more than eight dining options. Its spa facility presents traditional Thai massage, while its high tea service is hard to beat, especially when enjoyed on the beachfront pavilion.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/
The Oriental Residence (Bangkok)
Oriental Residence Bangkok - SHA Certified is a 5-minute walk from Lumpini Park, Ploenchit BTS Station, and Chidlom BTS Station. Major malls like Siam Paragon and MBK are a 10-minute BTS Skytrain ride away. Bangkok's leading hospitals close to the property include Bumrungrad Hospital, 2 km away, and BNH Hospital, just under 5 km away. The Oriental Residence is a 5-star serviced residence that provides luxury living within its 24-hour staffed apartments with full kitchens, cooking utensils, and separate dining areas. It has multiple swimming pools that are great places to relax before heading out for shopping at nearby malls, including Central World, or dining at any one of over 25 restaurants located within walking distance. And if none of these other amenities suits you, perhaps the hotel's location near BTS and MRT stations might please you.
The Oriental Residence is situated within an exclusive area in central Bangkok. The residence has 97 studio apartments for 1-2 adults and three family rooms available daily or monthly rental. All units are air-conditioned and come with fully equipped kitchens, living area, separate dining area, writing desk, 10M Internet connection (wireless), LCD TV with satellite channels, DVD player, and CD player.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/
Soneva Kiri
This sophisticated resort is a minute's walk from the Gulf of Thailand and 11 km from Laem Sok Pier. The rustic-chic 1- to 6-bedroom villas come with infinity pools, furnished decks, and terraces, plus electric buggies, outdoor bathrooms, living rooms, and beds with mosquito netting. Soneva Kiri is a place that instantly stimulates the senses – the sweep of its silk-soft beaches, plumes of warm tropical breezes scented with frangipani and ginger, the rush of jungle waterfalls – all seem far removed from anywhere else on earth. But, in truth, a beautiful little piece of heaven is on Koh Kood in Thailand's Gulf between Hua Hin and Trat. It has been created by eco architects Boon + Architects as their vision of personalized perfection for holidays spent in total luxury with family or friends.
The resort comprises over 30 unique villas scattered along the eastern periphery of the island. Just one is enough for a couple or small group to enjoy complete seclusion, with an extravagant degree of intimacy between rooms through shared poolside areas. In addition, six have private pools, and all are equally well equipped for entertainment or relaxation.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/
Aloft (Bangkok)
Aloft Bangkok managed by Marriott International is a distinctive select, modern, fresh & fun, offering a new twist in travel for travelers craving a unique experience. Aloft Bangkok Sukhumvit features 165 stylish guestrooms, including 16 suites decorated in warm tones and plush furnishings, providing all the essential amenities required for a comfortable stay. Beds ensure you catch up on sleep in utmost comfort while bright lighting creates an encouraging atmosphere.
The rooms are chic and modern, with a comfortable bed, blackout curtains, and a compact bathroom equipped with a rain shower. To ensure guests' utmost comfort, the air conditioning unit features an individual control panel where you can adjust settings to your preference. Charge any electronic device from flat-screen TV USB ports or power outlets fitted conveniently next to the bedside lamps. The hotel is centrally located within walking distance of shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Book now - https://www.booking.com/