Asia - Hotels in BKK and using asiatravel.com

I'm looking for a cheap hotel (i.e. less than about 35US, inclusive of taxes) for a 10 night stay in BKK from December 31 to January 10.

I have a reservation at the Ramada Tawana (www.marriott.com/bkkhw) for about 47US/night, but am looking for something cheaper. Ideally, I'd like a decent hotel that's relatively close (or has inexpensive transportation) to Wat Pho, but I also want to be in an area where there is nightlife (prefer to be near nightlife than to be near wat pho)

I found this site - Asia Travel (http://www.asiatravel.com/thailand.html) but I don't know if it's legit or not. It seems that most hotels in the BKK area don't have their own websites and are all booked through huge booking engines.

Also, does anyone have any input on Asia Hotel Bangkok (http://www.asiahotel.co.th/bangkok.htm) ? They've got a relatively cheap rate for my dates.

Thanks!

[This message has been edited by bhatnasx (edited 10-29-2003).]

That site was recommended to me by Flyertalkers.

Try a google search for 'discount Asia hotels' for additional links.

It's been reported that you can stay for $15-$20 (US$) at 2 and 3* type properties.

Tuk tuks and taxis are dirt cheap in Thailand; so no matter where you stay, you can afford the transportation cost.

I'd also go back on this forum, and through the archives for lots of practical advice.

Dan

asiatravel is absolutely legit. It is, I believe, a Singapore company. I've used them in the past for hotels in SIN and KUL with no problems.

When in BKK, I usually stay in a big-chain hotel but a month back, I decided to stray a little because of security concerns (there was heightened security at the Conrad and the JW Marriott because of supposed terroris threats).

I stayed at a charming boutique hotel called Silk Suite Hotel in Silom - around the corner from the Shangri-La(www.silksuitehotel). Really amazing decor decked with lots of color and Thai Silk. I really really liked the interior design. Duvet, curtains, sofa, everything was done in Thai Silk. I paid 2500B for a suite but I also saw the regular rooms and they were just as nice. I believe you can get it for US$40 if you stay 10 nights. Only minus is the bathtub is somewhat narrow so if you're a big guy you won't like it.

Silom/Bangrak is close to Patpong for nightlife and close to the water taxi pier at the Saphan Taksin for Wat Pho (short taxi ride - no more than 35B-or 5 minute walk)

www.asiatravel.com (http://www.asiatravel.com) is definitely legitimate and a good resource. I've used them many times, mostly for pre-pay, which has the greatest discounts.

For Thailand, however, another good resource is www.siam.net, (http://www.siam.net,) which sometimes has cheaper prices and a better is selection.
Rich

http://www.asia-hotels.com and http://www.planetholiday.com are also legit. I've used both of them...

I have used many sites. Asia travel, circleofasia, siam-travel, etc.

Pick a hotel and do a search by name on Google or Yahoo. You will find many booking companies by doing this. Compare prices at the various sites for your specific hotel.

Prices vary by up to 20% among these discounters.

Generally if they accept MC or Visa they can be considered legit. If they were not the CC company would stop honoring the charges. Just make sure you have a secure connection when booking as some of the sites do not use encryption.

I have used both Asia travel and planetholiday without problems.

Also:
http://www.asiarooms.com
I, however, personally recommend booking directly w/ one of the hotels in the Amari Hotel chain because 10 nights is considered long stay so you can negotiate a good rate.
Amari Atrium is a really great hotel (4*) for their rates (upper $40s lower $50s).


[This message has been edited by dragonmp11a10 (edited 11-02-2003).]

The Bel Aire Princess, soi 5 Sukhumvit Road is perhaps more in line with your budget, though you might be better stretching it a bit to a deluxe room. http://www.bel-aireprincess.com/