Staying in the Siam area gives you the convenience to have access to both the Silom and Sukhumvit Skytrain (BTS) lines (there's an interchange at Siam station), from where exploring large parts of the city is easy as cake. The Sukhumvit line also meets up with the underground (MRT) at three stations (Silom, Sukhumvit and Chatuchak Park). Whether you choose to stay in the heart of Siam surrounded by Bangkok's best-of-the-best malls, or a little bit away from the buzz, we have a hotel perfectly suited to your needs and budget. The two stations closest to the centre of Siam are National Stadium (the start of the Sukhumvit line), and Siam. A little further away are Ratchathewi and Phya Thai stations. Thinking of staying in Siam? Let's have a look at hotels in this area...
National Stadium BTS
National Stadium is the start of the Sukhumvit line, and directly connected to all-time favourite mall MBK and Siam Discovery with an elevated skywalk. Nearby attractions are the famous Jim Thompson's House, a Tesco Lotus supermarket, and the Klong Saeng Saep canal with a boat stop. The intersection at MBK is possibly one of the busiest in Bangkok, and it's only possible to cross to the other side using either the elevated skywalk to Siam Discovery, or a sky bridge from MBK (on the Phya Thai Road side).
Pathumwan Princess Bangkok 4-star | Business, Families and Leisure | Affordable | City Views | Spa | Connected to MBK | Olympic Club | Internet in rooms One of the most affordable four-star hotels in Bangkok (462 rooms on 29 floors), it is particularly popular with corporate travellers and shoppers, thanks to its outstanding business facilities (The Club Lounge), and the fact that it is directly connected to MBK. It is modern and elegantly decorated, and comes with all the hi-tech trimmings you expect from a world-class hotel (even intelligent lighting). A big highlight is the Olympic Club, 9,000 square metres of leisure and fitness facilities - the biggest in Thailand, and complete with an Olympic-sized saltwater pool. There are five restaurants and bars, venues that are also popular with locals. The interior throughout is chic and elegant, and the best views are offered on rooms from the 20th floor upwards.
The Twin Towers 3-star | Affordable | Internet in rooms | Spa | Business, Families and Leisure About 15 minutes on foot from National Stadium BTS station (5 minutes by taxi), this comfortable and tasteful 660-room hotel is also in close proximity (but not walking distance) to the main railway station (Hualamphong), Chinatown and the Bobae Market (wholesale fashion). It offers a host of first-class facilities and services: a Business Centre, four restaurants, a bar, fitness centre, spa, barber and beauty salon, two outdoor pools and a Jacuzzi (between the two towers), as well as a tuk-tuk shuttle service. Guestrooms are spacious, modern, attractively decorated and well-equipped. (The Twin Towers Hotel has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 1,500 THB)
Siam BTS
Undoubtedly the busiest skytrain station in Bangkok. It's the meeting point of the two BTS lines, and directly linked to the glitzy five-star Siam Paragon shopping mall, 'The Pride of Bangkok'. Lined up right next to Siam Paragon are Siam Center and Siam Discovery, and on the other side is Siam Square, with lots of little shops and stalls selling clothing and fashion items. To reach MBK on the other side of this bustling intersection is best from the elevated skywalk from the second level of Siam Discovery, or the sky bridge in Phya Thai Road. If you don't like crowds, this station is best avoided during rush hours, when it becomes a throbbing mass of shoppers and commuters. Bangkok doesn't have on official CBD core, but this area has traditionally served that purpose, and open spaces between the malls are used for outdoor events like exhibitions, product launches, promotions and other happenings.
Novotel Bangkok on Siam Square 4-star | Entertainment Complex | Business, Families and Leisure | Affordable | Internet in rooms | City Views | Spa A long-time favourite for close to two decades now, this very comfortable hotel has kept abreast of times. It is literally minutes away from the Siam BTS station (on foot), yet quietly tucked away in a 'soi' (lane) just off the busy main road. All of its 429 rooms have recently been renovated (2006), and offer signature comforts and conveniences that come with the Novotel name. Other features include a spa, a nice outdoor pool area, business facilities, a wonderful bakery, three well-known restaurants, a lobby bar and lounge, as well as some shops. Worth mentioning is the Concept CM2 Entertainment Complex on the basement level with a popular nightclub and karaoke bar. (Novotel Siam Square has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 3,702 THB)(Read our review)
4-star | Luxury Boutique Hotel | Business, Families and Leisure | Affordable | Internet in rooms | City Views | Spa
One of the finest examples of contemporary Thai design, this ‘design hotel’ has had everyone talking since it opened in December 2006. Its striking, dramatic interior design reflects an artistic creativity that brings a new dimension to stylish city living. Rooms are called ‘chambers’ (there are 203), have high ceilings, and are designed to ‘stimulate the senses’. With its truly refreshing approach to hospitality, Siam@Siam also features a spa, an all-day-and-night restaurant, a cigar bar, a snack bar and lounge, two sparkling pools (one for big people and one for little people), gym, Business Centre and lots of impressive hi-tech features. Under ten minutes on foot to National Stadium BTS station.
One stop away from Siam BTS station (on the Sukhumvit line), the immediate vicinity of Ratchathewi doesn't offer much in terms of famous sights or attractions. Except perhaps the Calypso Ladyboy Cabaret at the Asia Hotel directly across the road. There are lots of shops and eating experiences to explore though, and just around the corner in Phetburi Road (a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride) is Panthip Plaza, the gigantic IT mall, and fashion wholesale mecca, Pratunam. Further along, at the Ratchaprasong intersection, is the newly revamped CentralWorld, officially the biggest mall in Southeast Asia, and other well-known malls scattered around. The Klong Saeng Saep canal with a boat stop is also close by.
Asia Hotel Bangkok 3-star | Business, Families and Leisure | Good Value | City Views | Spa | Direct BTS access | Internet in rooms With its direct access to Ratchathewi BTS station, Bangkok is easy to explore from this well-known and very popular hotel. Its 650 guestrooms are well-equipped, comfortable and tastefully decorated to international standards. There are three restaurants, a lobby bar, spa, business centre, gymnasium, two pools, and of course, two performances nightly of the famous Calypso Ladyboy Cabaret. Considering its direct BTS access, combined with the quality of facilities and services, it offers very good value for money. (Asia Hotel Bangkok has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 2,119 THB)
Phya Thai BTS
Another stop on the Sukhumvit BTS line takes you to Phya Thai station, even closer to the famous Pratunam fashion wholesale area (not quite walking distance though). A big highlight is the nearby Suan Pakkad Palace, a collection of beautifully-restored Thai houses that is home to a rare collection of antiques, set in a lush, peaceful garden. The area provides the perfect opportunity to sample local experiences, with lots of eateries and little shops scattered about. At Suwannahong is also a venue to enjoy traditional Thai dancing (ask the locals how to find it).
Siam City Hotel 4-star | Supreme Luxury | Business and Leisure Travellers | Spa | Internet in Rooms Consisting of two towers, Siam Tower (279 rooms on 23 floors) and the Ayutthaya Wing (158 rooms on ten floors), this superior and elegant hotel is well located minutes away from the BTS station, and just two blocks from Siam Square. Its interior is plush and sumptuous, with exquisite antiques and artwork featured throughout. Rooms and suites are equally elegant with high quality finishes and technological advancements. It has a Health Club, a spa, sophisticated business facilities, an art gallery, five restaurants, a caf--style bakery, a lobby bar and lounge, as well as an outdoor pool with a pool bar. Nearby is a small park ideal for a jog or stroll. (Siam City Hotel has rooms available at special price on Latestays, starting at 3,300 THB)(Read our review here)
