Defiantly antiquated and equal parts frumpy and grumpy, this crumbling gem has changed very little since its 1952 construction. The opulent lobby – with anti-sex-tourist warnings that are frantic in tone – stands in stark contrast to the simple rooms, but the inviting pool (allegedly the country’s first hotel pool) and delightful restaurant (for guests only) are enough incentive to get past this.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. 100 Tonson Gallery

0.49 MILES

Housed in a spacious residential villa, and generally regarded as one of the city’s top commercial galleries, 100 Tonson hosts a variety of contemporary…

2. Siam Society & Kamthieng House

0.64 MILES

Kamthieng House transports visitors to a northern Thai village complete with informative displays on daily rituals, folk beliefs and everyday household…

3. Lumphini Park

0.78 MILES

Named after the Buddha’s birthplace in Nepal (Lumbini), Lumphini Park is central Bangkok’s largest and most popular park. Its 58 hectares are home to an…

4. Benjakiti Park

0.78 MILES

This 130-rai (20.8-hectare) park is built on what was once a part of the Tobacco Monopoly, a vast, crown-owned expanse of low-rise factories and…

5. Tang Contemporary Art

0.83 MILES

Bangkok’s primary venue for modern artists from China has edged its way to become one of the city’s top contemporary galleries. Check the website to see…

6. Chinese Style Clock Tower

0.83 MILES

This Chinese-style clock tower located in the southeastern corner of Lumphini doubles as an interesting photographic subject amidst the park's greenery.

7. Erawan Shrine

0.9 MILES

Erawan Shrine was originally built in 1956 as something of a last-ditch effort to end a string of misfortunes that occurred during the construction of a…

8. Bangkok CityCity Gallery

1.05 MILES

This small, modern-feeling art space, which opened in 2015, hosts changing exhibitions featuring the work of domestic, often pop-inspired artists, as well…