Originally Posted by
bescobar
How cheap do you want to go? In BKK there are accommodations to fit every budget. How down market do you want to go? Back-backer guest house with fan and shared bathroom? Do you want to stay near the airport? I'd not suggest that option. Do you want to be in town? Near the river? Near the Hilton? If you want cheap, grab an airport taxi and ask the driver for a cheap hotel.
I suggest you contact the Hilton and let them know you'll arrive after 1 or 2 AM. Try and negotiate a rate for an early arrival or checkin. It is hot as heck in BKK now. Unless you speak Thai you will have a language barrier to overcome. You'll arrive fatigued, add the heat and the excitement of an Asian city and you might be on sensory over load. You will appreciate the calm oasis of the Hilton.
It would be comforting to grab a taxi to the Hilton and arrive to the friendly welcome of a English speaking staff, cordial staff, a nicely appointed air conditioned room. Sleep late or go out and see what is buzzing in Bangkok at night. Sleep in, have the breakfast buffet, enjoy life. My own view would be to avoid the hassle of moving from one hotel to another to try and save a bit.
First of all, many thai's speak english and only the 600 baht a night rooms on Suk speak little english, and generally only the night personel in those types of rooms speak little english. Do not worry about English or language.
Secondly, NEVER tell a taxi driver to take you to a cheap hotel they will take you to a dive where they get a commission. Or the most expensive hotel around (probably the Davis... how about 10,000 to 25,000 baht a night)
Thirdly, you have tons of options for hotels in BKK but if you're staying at the Hilton... I agree with everyone else STAY there that night, don't get a seperate room. There is nothing (yet) near the airport worth talking about. Some firms are building but nothing near it. By the time you find a place you could have been at the Hilton.
Fourth, at that hour customs is a breeze as I do that many times and it will take you almost no time to get through and get out. Go up to the first floor now (they move the metered taxi stand between all the floors) and pay your 50 baht to get a metered tax, you can pick toll road or express way, and get into town in a quick hurry as it won't be bad at that hour, and you'll be at your hotel.