Our budget-friendly hotel of choice, All Seasons Victory Monument, is now being managed by a different hotel chain. While I love that hotel (read my entry here), I was a bit wary about staying there again with the change so I decided to look for a new hotel.
I must have looked at several properties in AsiaTravel before finally deciding to check the Intercontinental Hotel Group's site. This was when I discovered that there's a new Holiday Inn Express that opened. Reviews on Trip Advisor were very favorable so I decided to give it a go.
When I arrived in Bangkok, I noticed that the hotel has a very aggressive marketing strategy. Their cheeky ads and billboards are nearly everywhere.
Their online presence, on the other hand, is not as felt yet to target those that are not yet in Bangkok. At the time that I was making my booking, you won't be able to make a reservation anywhere else but the Holiday Inn site, I'm glad to know that it's now also available through sites like Agoda and Booking.
If you're currently thinking of whether to book this hotel, let me help you decide.
1. Location - The location is very convenient. It is but a few steps away from the National Stadium BTS station and MBK. The BTS station is so near the hotel that if you need to cross the road, you would actually be using the BTS overpass. Jim Thompson House, a popular tourist destination is also but a few steps away. There is also a 7-11 nearby for your late night ice cream craving. You can also walk to Siam Paragon if you can stand the heat but otherwise it's one train station away.
2. Room - The room size is adequate, it's design modern and is very clean.
I have a gorgeous view of the stadium, nope, that's not the National Stadium, there was no activity when I took the photo but it is just beside it.
You are also provided with two pillow types, use whatever you fancy. Personally, I would have preferred the firm ones to be a little firmer.
There's also an iPod / iPhone dock which seems to be a staple nowadays.
Another nice touch is that delivery menu is provided so you are not restricted to ordering room service if you find yourself lazy and hungry.
The toilet is simple, clean and I love the design. You actually have to open the shower door and use it to close the toilet. The Shampoo / body wash comes in a dispenser so it's better if you bring your own. Other amenities like toothbrush and razor, you have to specifically ask for. Their towels are large, fluffy and smells real nice.
Some other notes on the room:
- There are plenty of universal sockets and as it is universal, there's no need to bring your adapters.
- Wardrobe is spacious and a safe is also provided.
- There are no bathrobes, there are slippers.
- Coffee making facility is available.
- A small ref is also available. You'd be glad to know there are no mini-bar beverages and snacks.
The lobby is small but serves its purpose. There are also two computers which you can use to surf or check your emails.
There's a garden right outside if you just want to stay out, sit and relax.
I was surprised but glad to see that they have a laundry area.
They also have vending machines and goodies are priced per normal.
There's no pool and I didn't check if there's a gym. I checked the hotel guide provided in the room and there's no mention of it. The good thing is you can use the stadium opposite to do a little bit of running which I did.
4. Wifi is free! Most importantly, it is very strong and stable.
5. Breakfast is served at the great room. One part is quite elegant which could pass off as a fine dining restaurant, the other part looks like your classy cafeteria which I prefer more.
There were only a few items, just enough to get you going. It's quite thoughtful that trays are provided as well. You get everything that you need at once instead of repeatedly going back to your table just because you can no longer carry that glass of juice.
If you're in a hurry, they actually have takeaway breakfast for you.
Overall, I'm impressed. Everything was well thought out and as they say, everything that you need, nothing that you don't.
Check the official site here.
