Yes, unfortunately I have stayed at Banyan BK, and no, you cannot even think of comparing it with The Pen. Banyan Tree took over the management from Westin, so it still looks like a Westin. It bears no resemblance to a Banyan Tree Resort. Views are of office blocks. Pollution is bad.

If you want to stay in this area (which is very difficult to access thanks to the terrible traffic), then you would be much better staying at the Sukhothai or The Metropolitan, which are both a short walk away.

The Pen in on the Chao Phrya River, so the feeling is quite different - open, airy, less polluted, more to see, more to do, less traffic etc etc. Stabdards of service here are in a different league, with superb food and service and great river views from every room and suite. No contest.