I agree that crossing the river is pleasant, and being on the other side of the river affords the Pen views of the entire BKK skyline.

It is so funny to see this old thread. Little did I know that I would fall in love with Thailand and return just a month after my first visit, and subsequently so many times that I have lost count.

The Pen is basically my favorite hotel in the world, or at least the one where I feel the most at home. On the river I have stayed at the Oriental as well, but prefer the Pen. In light of recent positive reviews, I am going to try the Oriental again on my next visit, in addition to staying at the Pen as usual.

I have also stayed quite a few times at the Erawan and Four Seasons. The spa cottages at the Erawan are fantastic, and IMO nicer than FS Cabanas, although I have enjoyed staying in those as well. For regular rooms and suites, I prefer the Four Seasons, but have not stayed in the main building of the Erawan since the renovation, so cannot comment on the refurbished rooms or suites.

In general I prefer being on the river, but staying at the Erawan or Four Seasons is nice sometimes for a change, and the location is very convenient.