Budget
Star Inn Hotel
A "short-time" or "long time" hotel with a friendly staff. Rooms are simple, but equipped with a DVD player, A/C, double to king-size bed and mini-fridge. There is a well-equipped bar in the lobby and the restaurant offers barbecue dinners every night with good chefs. Lots of drunk foreigners get dragged in and out by their Thai "dates" here all-day. The bar next door has live music until about 04:00, which can make sleeping a challenge.
Som's Guesthouse
This is a basic guest house with nine rooms that have cable TV, fridge and hot shower. Six of them have A/C, while the other three only have a fan. Furniture looks shabby and old, but it suffices if you're on a budget.
Atlanta Hotel
A dream from 1930s Los Angeles that appeared in Bangkok in the 1950s, The Atlanta never quite loses the quality of a mirage, but the beds are solid enough. The rooms aren't in great condition, it's a long walk up to the third and fourth floors, and the cleaning staff have sticky fingers. But every time you walk into the grand lobby or take a dip in the overgrown jungle pool out back that's open 24 hours, you'll be glad you're there. And if you've spent any time on Sukhumvit, you'll appreciate the "no sex tourists" sign out front. Rooms come with A/C. Other amenities include two computers with Internet and free Wi-Fi if you've got your own, a helpful travel desk, a decent restaurant and plenty of room for left-luggage.
Soi 1 Guesthouse
This is actually one of the best backpacker hostels of the Sukhumvit area, if not the whole of Bangkok. There are 4-bed and 8-bed mixed and female-only dorm rooms, as well as 3- or 4-bed private rooms with shared bathrooms. All rooms have A/C. The dorms have a very social atmosphere, so this is not just a place to sleep, but to actively meet and hang out with other travellers and the owner, an American called David who has lived in Bangkok for 15 years. Don't expect to actually catch some sleep here, people will turn on the light and ask you to come along with them to party. If that's not for you, then it's a good idea to take another hotel. There is a 24-hour reception, common room, bar with food served, pool table, internet 1 baht/min. The Wi-Fi, lockers and long term storage are free of charge. The owner arranges, on request, pub crawls and enjoys taking a group of guys out to Soi Cowboy. His advice is sage and always remember to read his 4-page treatise on how to spot a ladyboy, which is pinned in the bar toilet. The only thing which seems to spoil this hostel is that the owner seems to believe he is a bar and charges 'prices cheaper than any bar' for his beer, though they are triple what you would pay from the 7-11 10m away. Naturally, bringing outside drinks in is forbidden.
Suk 11 Hostel
This is one of the most unique backpacker guest houses in Bangkok. Entering it is like entering another world; the interior looks like a village of traditional wooden houses full of ornaments and secret passageways. For the money, you get a clean and comfortable room. Of course they are somewhat small, but it's on budget, right? Beside the private rooms, in high season you can also stay in a five-bed dorm room. All the rooms have A/C and you can choose whether you want a shared or public bathroom. One rather important nitpick is the staff â they are absolutely crazy when it comes to enforcing policy, which is a big downer in an otherwise unique experience.
HI-Sukhumvit
A clean hostel with a nice chill-out area and a friendly staff. You can choose to sleep in a dorm or in a private room. All rooms have A/C, and breakfast is included in the price.
Star Light Hotel
This is an old, no-frills Thai-Chinese hotel near Washington Square. As is usual, there are "short time" and overnight options. Rooms for both these types have A/C. Don't expect anything more than just a cheap room.
Midrange
The Davis
Run by massage parlour magnate-cum-politician Chuwit Kamolsivit, this is one of the best deals in Bangkok; a new fully equipped luxury boutique hotel at lower splurge prices as low as 1,400 baht/night for a month's stay. Each room is furnished differently yet tastefully. The primary negative is the location very deep down Soi 24, quite a hike 15-20 min from Sukhumvit itself.
Royal Ivory
This hotel is mid-way along Soi 4, but still a ten to fifteen-minute walk from the main road. If you're too lazy to walk, there is the free shuttle service. The rooms are surprisingly spacious and quiet, which given its location is a plus, but they look a little run down. Amenities include air-conditioning and cable TV with satellite TV channels. The pool is small, but fine for a quick dip. The restaurant has a large TV screen, a pool table and serves good local food. Obviously it's near the sleazy Nana Entertainment Plaza, so there are lots of middle-aged Western men with bar girls around.
Legacy Express
This luxury hotel has 63 big rooms with jazzy colours, an LCD TV and a bathroom. There is a 7-11 on the ground floor as well as a small restaurant. "Short stay" also available.
Swiss Park Hotel
This is a well-managed hotel with clean and comfortable rooms. Rooms numbered up to 6 on each floor are more desirable as they have a view, while the others look out onto a building site that seems to have ground to a halt. Free WiFi in the lobby.
Ever Rich Inn
A nice, small, quiet and clean hotel only metres from the Nana BTS station escalator. The best and largest rooms are at either end of the building either facing Sukhumvit or facing north as these have windows. Rooms without a window are 200 baht cheaper.
On8 Sukhumvit
A chic hotel in a convenient location near Nana station. Rooms are stylish, modern and clean, though are a bit small. The staff is really friendly, almost like a small family. The On8 Café serves a decent breakfast and the menu though small is varied. Plenty to keep you busy around the hotel with a night market, spas, local restaurants and pubs. Free internet is included in the price.
FuramaXclusive Sukhumvit
This is a luxury boutique-style hotel close to both Ploenchit Road and Nana. It's amazing how much luxury you get for the mid-range price tag. The rooms are very clean, as are the bathrooms. There are some nice amenities, including a fridge, air-conditioning and even an umbrella in the room. Breakfast is good. The staff is always happy to help. There is no pool, but there are two Jacuzzis. One of the best hotels in the Nana area, and often used by foreigners who need to rest after having visited Bumrungrad Hospital.
Ambassador Hotel
The hotel is very big with 750 rooms. Rooms in the tower wing 2,400 baht has a better view, but the rooms in the main wing are cheaper 1,600 baht. Rooms look a bit worn, but it seems renovation is in progress. The pool on the roof is especially nice. 399 baht a day for in-room Internet connectivity is definitely off-putting.
Woraburi Sukhumvit
This is a decent and clean lower-end hotel with a swimming pool. It is at the end of the soi, but that's actually a good thing as it's quieter than other hotels in the area. The longer you stay, the better the discount. Also, if you book from booking.com, you can save 200 baht per night compared to booking from the hotel's own website.
Salil Hotel Sukhumvit Soi 8
This is a small and stylish boutique hotel in the Nana area of Sukhumvit. It has all the modern room facilities you'd expect, including TV, air-conditioning and a kettle for noodles or tea. There's no lift, so good luck carrying your luggage upstairs. Breakfast is included.
Majestic Suites
This hotel is directly around the corner from Nana Entertainment Plaza and close to the BTS station. The rooms are modern and well-maintained, but some people may find the "single studio" rooms for 1350 baht small. There is ample space for 100 baht more in the "single superior" rooms. Free Internet. Not to be confused with the newer, larger and pricier Majestic Grande nearby on Soi 2, although they share ownership and guests at the Suites can get a pass to use the pool and health club at the Grande.
Kingston Suites
Classic looking rooms and very spacious with all the conveniences expected. As it is off the main road, it makes for a quiet stay. There's limited choice at breakfast, but the buffet breakfast is still fine. Try a martini while there, a hotel specialty.
Sawasdee Sukhumvit Inn
Sawasdee has many different discount offers that are tough to figure out. It is a basic no-frills hotel on the lower end of the mid-range price category. It has 44 decent rooms with air-conditioning, a large bed and windows. They offer good service and the atmosphere overall is relaxed. The coin-operated Internet terminals in the lobby cost 10 baht for 15 minutes.
Royal Asia Lodge
This is quite a simple hotel that just gets the job done for a lower mid-range price. Furniture looks old, the faucets need to be fixed and the swimming pool is small. As it is about 800 m from the main road it is quieter and cheaper than other hotels. To make up for the distance, there is a complimentary tuk-tuk service that runs to Sukhumvit Rd 24/7.
Villa Be your Guest
Because it has only three rooms, the staff in this boutique hotel really gets along on a personal level with their customers. It is in a serene environment close to the busy Thong Lo neighborhood.
Salil Hotel Thonglor Soi 1
This boutique hotel in the Thong Lo area has 40 luxurious rooms. Amenities include air-conditioning, a fridge, free WiFi, LCD TV, DVD player, hairdryer, mini bar and safe. It is close to Thong Lo's BTS station and the party areas of Soi 55 and 63. Price includes breakfast.
Top end
Amari Boulevard
A distinctively triangle-shaped and conveniently located four-star hotel with two wings, the Krung Thep wing being newer, better and pricier than the older musty Siam wing. Service is not great and every time you exit the hotel you are assaulted by taxi cab drivers and prostitutes. There may be better choices on Sukhumvit Road, but assuming that you've not come to this part of Bangkok for a quiet 'get away from it all' break, the location is great. It is right in the thick of the action, with many of Sukhumvit's attractions a short stroll away.
Citrus 22 Sukhumvit
Great modern looking rooms with a very cosy feel. The media connection hub with its free Wi-Fi and usb ports are a great addition. Great little lounge for people watching too. Sukhumvit Soi 22 is a very busy street with no shortage of restaurants, pubs, bars, and massage shops.
S15 Sukhumvit Hotel
This boutique hotel is right in the middle of Sukhumvit. It's not particularly big, but looks very good. It has a professional atmosphere in an informal way, friendly and relaxing. The restaurant is good too, though choice is a little limited. No pool, but offers a compact gym with steam and sauna.
Park Plaza Sukhumvit
Opened in 2008, this one has everything you would expect at a solid four-star business hotel. The rooms are nice, clean and spacious. There's a swimming pool at the top of the hotel, from which you have stunning views of Bangkok. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and an extensive breakfast is included in the price.
JW Marriott Hotel
Marriott's flagship in Bangkok, a very short block from Nana Plaza which explains the colourful clientele. Opened in 1997 and decorated in Thai style, complete with bellboys wearing pith helmets and funny pants.
President Palace Hotel
A new modern hotel on the trendy Sukhumvit Soi 11, close to all the action, shopping and nightlife. Spacious, comfy and clean rooms, generally with a good view. There's an excellent poolside area with plenty of deck chairs for lounging, although the sun is blocked by a large building most of the day. The Splash Bar by the pool serves nice drinks, and breakfasts are varied. If you're a football fan, there is a Manchester United Restaurant and Bar at the hotel, but if not, plenty of restaurants and bars are within walking distance.
President Solitaire Hotel & Spa
A splendidly quiet and luxury retreat. It has spacious rooms with extremely comfy beds along with large 42" TVs and a kitchenette. You can treat yourself to a massage at the Ananda Spa. Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel. There's also a free tuk-tuk shuttle service to Nana and Asok BTS stations. A downer if that it's often not possible to book just one night must be two or more.
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
High rise five-star hotel ideally located right by Asok BTS station; in fact a walkway connects the station directly to the hotel. Expect all the usual five-star facilities, including some superb restaurants such as the renowned Italian restaurant Rossini's.
Westin Grande Sukhumvit
Like the Sheraton, the Westin is part of the prestigious Starwood group of hotels. Probably not quite as opulent as the Sheraton, but also noted for some fine dining at the excellent Japanese restaurant, Kisso.
This guide uses the following price ranges for a standard double room: | |
Budget | Under 1,000 baht |
Mid-range | 1,000 baht to 2,500 baht |
Splurge | Over 2,500 baht |
Property values in Sukhumvit are among the highest in Bangkok, and accommodation is priced to match. There are plenty of four and five-star hotels that cater to those with a lot of money including business travellers. Guest houses à la Khao San Road are hard to find, and will set you back at least twice as much.
Another market is the sex industry. Some hotels nearby Nana Entertainment Plaza and Soi Cowboy offer "short time" stays. This short term option is cheaper, but can only be used for a couple of hours. It is meant for sex tourists and locals who want to spend a couple of hours with their "date". These hotels generally are quite cheap, but they can feel seedy and are not recommended for overnight stays.
Many other hotels explicitly hang up signs banning sex tourists; many of these don't allow you to bring in any Thai lady which can lead to an awkward situation if you just want to bring a friend or your Thai girlfriend, while others will allow them only if they are present with an ID card at the time of initial registration.