@sultanbinaber:

Nice write-up of each property. Wife and I are vacationing in Bangkok over New Years (Dec 27 - Jan 1) and really torn between HIE and HI Siam. It doesn't take much in hotel to impress us, which is why we are considering the HIE. Like the free breakfast and internet, as well as close distance to subway (5 minute walk). With the HI Siam, am I little worried that we may not get upgraded since we are staying over New Years and maybe rooms will be sold out by then. No breakfast and no internet, as well as subway is a little farther walk.

When you say you don't like Crowne Plaza location, is that because it's too close to the bars and nightlife?

Also for the HI Siam, does lounge include internet access? Maybe we could get lounge 1 or 2 days there. We want to be close to subway and HI Siam is about 10 minute walk from there I hear...