Bangkok is a big and bustling city. Its most popular tourist attractions are spread across many areas and getting to them can indeed take more time than at first realised.
Taxis (fully metered) are plentiful and not costly but, they have to take their place – and compete against – the EIGHT MILLION registered cars which clog many of the major routes at most times of the day (and night!). No wonder the overhead MRT Sky Train is becoming the favourite means of traversing the city.
Choosing a hotel as a base from which to visit some of Bangkok’s stunning locations, is a task well worth researching. One at easy reach of a Sky Train station, does therefore make sense, saving lots of time and many Bahts.
As a regular visitor to Bangkok and other regions of Thailand, I have had my ups and downs as far as hotels are concerned. Don’t get me wrong, the worldwide star system is pretty accurate when rating this city’s hotels, so the standard can be relied upon.
Thereafter it becomes a matter of choice and I found a cracker, the Rembrandt, located on Soi 18 off the famous Sukhumvit Road.
What’s so special about that road one might ask? Firstly, the Sky Train runs it’s length – that’s a great bonus. Secondly, Sukhumvit boasts fantastic shopping variations from high rise malls such as Terminal 21 to hundreds of pavement vendors offering just about everything. And thirdly (but not last) the train zips along to places like the new Sea Life Ocean World and onwards to the famous Chao Praya River.
I found the Rembrandt Hotel differs from others of its class in a number of ways. The choice of ‘Country Themed’ restaurants is most unusual and convenient, its rooms are spacious, up to date and beautifully appointed. Add to that an outside swimming pool with comfortable loungers, a fully equipped gym, live music every night and courteous and smiling staff…hmm…good stuff.
What was surprising, was, that for a small extra room charge on top of the already reasonable nightly cost, one could use the facilities of the Executive Lounge on the 24th floor. Computer stations, fabulous views over the city, specially cooked breakfasts to personal taste, meet and talk with fellow guests each evening whilst nibbling on creative canapés, premium wines, spirits and beers – all with the compliments of the house!
I don’t usually ‘wax lyrical’ about hotels but feel the need to share my experience with others on this occasion.
