Bangkok is a fantastic travel destination, but its size makes it very difficult to decide where to stay. Backpackers usually migrate towards the craziness of Khaosan Road, tourists tend to base themselves as centrally as possible (or next to the convenience of a sky train station) and consumer junkies will probably want to be in the heart of the shopping and entertainment district, Siam Square. People looking for a more authentic Bangkok experience might find basing themselves on the banks on the Riverside where the city’s historic side is still visible.

With thousands of hotels on offer, choosing one can also be tough. Bangkok hotels are a mix of traditional and ultra-modern and range from the eye-watering basic to the very elaborate. If you’re looking for places to stay in Bangkok here are 15 great hotels in some of the best locations in the city:

Tenface – best for sleek and stylish

The Pathumwan district is one of the more upscale neighborhoods in Bangkok, surrounded by trendy shops, huge department stores and plenty of excellent restaurants. The Lumpini Park and the Ploenchit BTS station are also nearby. This is where you’ll find the urban-chic styled Tenface, a hotel inspired by Tosakan – the ten-faced giant from the epic Ramakien. Ultra modern and ultra stylish this hotel is perfect for travelling hipsters. Don’t forget to make use of the in room I-pod, free daily Skytrain pass and even a freebie mobile SIM card so you can make local calls and or book a tuk-tuk.

• Prices from $57 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Tenface

MeStyle Place – best for lots of character

This funky three star hotel is located in a local, but still central part of Bangkok. It’s a little off the tourist trail but close to the very popular Chatuchak weekend market and the Thailand Cultural Center. MeStyle has an original design all of its own with interiors inspired by the love of travel. Expect to see a good use of reclaimed wood, wrought iron details and decor including old bicycles, compasses and traffic signs. A popular and reasonably priced hotel with plenty of character.

• Prices from $15 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for MeStyle Place

Baan K Serviced Residence – best for apartment style

For a quieter stay away from the crowds, consider these serviced apartments. Located in the financial district and business hub this area is accessible to all the major sites as the Lumpini underground station and the Saladaeng Skytrain are both within walking distance. Apartment style hotels offer more flexibility and usually offer good value for money – especially for longer stays or larger groups. These are particularly popular and offer a high standard of decor and an excellent range of modern faculties including Wi-Fi, Ipod dock, LCD TVs, kitchenette and even an on-site fitness area.

• Prices from $50 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Baan K Serviced Residence

Lub d Bangkok Siam Square Hostel – best for backpackers

Siam Square is a renowned hangout area in the centre of the city. The area is filled with glitzy shopping malls, bars, clubs and plenty of expresso joints. Here is where you’ll also find this newly built funky hostel. Located only a few steps away from the Siam Skytrain station (which connects you to the rest of the city) the hostel enjoys an excellent and very accessible location. With five room types on offer you can choose from finding new friends in dorms or tucking yourself away in a private room. With its on-site bar, laundry, theatre and free wifi Lub d is perfect, sociable accommodation for independent travellers. An already very popular ’boutique’ hostel which is a far cry from the dingy backpackers digs of the old days.

• Prices from $12 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Lub d Bangkok Siam Square Hostel

Seven Hotel Bangkok – best boutique hotel

With only five perfectly formed rooms to choose from, this gorgeous award winning boutique hotel is the antithesis of the typical high rise Bangkok hotel. Expect original styling, unique colourful decor and plenty of attention to detail – definitely a hotel for design lovers. The privately owned Seven can be found in a quiet cul-de-sac in central Bangkok, not far from Phrom Phong BTS skytrain station, Asok MRT underground station and some of the major city sights.

• Prices from $75 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Seven Hotel Bangkok

Bangkok Loft Inn – best for excellent value

The excellent value and very popular Bangkok Loft Inn is located in the Thonburi district. It’s in a strategic Bangkok position, only a few steps away from the Skytrain station, meaning you’ll have easy access to the rest of Bangkok. Leading shopping centres, entertainment venues and fine dining outlets are also located just around the corner. This hotel is highly praised for its exceptional service, good range of modern facilities and complimentary services (free wifi, bottled water etc.) A friendly mid-range hotel with comfortable and tastefully decorated rooms offered for a great value price.

• Prices from $25 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Bangkok Loft Inn

DS67 Suites Bangkok – best for convenient location

The Sukhumvit Road is the longest road in Bangkok but the 2km downtown stretch is the most interesting part. It’s a modern part of the city filled with shops galore and some of the best nightlife and dining in the capital. It’s also handily the location of the highly convenient BTS (Skytrain) Station which will connect you to the rest of Bangkok. Try the DS67 Suites for a mid-range design hotel which offers funky interiors and individually themed rooms. If you can, book one of the rooms on the top floor as they afford great views of the Bangkok nightlife.

• Prices from $30 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for DS67 Suites

Shanghai Mansion – best for exotic elegance

Bangkok’s China town is an energetic part of the city filled with market stalls, temples, unbelievable shopping and of course plenty of enticing restaurants. For a true taste of the orient try the Shanghai Mansion – a boutique hotel with impeccable vintage Chinese decor. Voted the best value boutique hotel in Bangkok (by the UK Times), each of the 55 guestrooms are unique but elegantly decorated. Rooms feature black lacquered four poster beds, detailed patterned wallpaper and pretty Chinese screens juxtaposed with the convenience of modern amenities. Also make sure you make use of the on-site spa, library, bar and critically acclaimed restaurant.

• Prices from $49 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Shanghai Mansion Hotel Bangkok.

The Chilli Bangkok Hotel – best for funky budget

This is small but brilliantly located Bangkok budget hotel which makes an effort to be a little bit different. Slap bang in the centre of city, this is where to stay in Bangkok for easy access to the central railway station, the Patpong Night market, the lively night life of Silom and the maze of alleyways which makes up China town. Choose from 25 rooms which are split between bunk bed rooms and private double/single rooms and expect air con, handy electronic door access and a good standard of cleanliness.

• Prices for $12 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for The Chilli Bangkok Hotel.

Hotel Ibis Bangkok Riverside – best for riverside location

This is a quieter and more traditional area of the city and the scenic riverside location makes this hotel a good option. From here it’s easy to take a canal tour or see the rest of the city by ferry or Sky train (a free shuttle boat to the BTS Skytrain station is provided by the hotel). It’s a trendier Ibis than you might be used to and the newly built Bangkok Riverside offers sleek and functional rooms decorated with wooden floors and maroon walls. Aside from the great river views, other reasons to stay are the two good sized swimming pools, great tapas restaurant and friendly customer service.

• Prices from $27 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hotel Ibis Bangkok Riverside

Rambuttri Village Inn Bangkok – best for Khaosan Road area

The backpackers hub Khaosan Road is the place that never sleeps and many young travellers make it their number one Bangkok destination. Although to ensure you get at least some sleep (and to get more value for your money) it’s probably better to base yourself just off the main thoroughfare. The Rambuttri Village Inn is a good choice as it’s located just a few minutes walk from the world famous Khao San Road as well as the city’s historic sites. The standard of accommodation is good for this area and the resort style hotel has 200 reasonably priced guest rooms on offer. You’ll also have access to a range of modern amenities including air con, internet access, in- room safes and satellite television. Outside you’ll find landscaped gardens and a decent sized swimming pool.

• Prices from $15 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for The Rambuttri Village Inn

Hip Hotel Bangkok – best for contemporary decor

Popular clubbing, shopping and entertainment mecca Ratchadaphisek Road is also only a stone’s throw from the subway and expressway. It’s in the heart of this cool district where you’ll find the Hip Hotel. Each of the 175 rooms has a funky contemporary theme in a tasteful contemporary style. You’ll also find an on-site massage and Beauty Centre, spa baths and rain showers, a colourful modern restaurant and for the exhibitionists – private karaoke rooms.

• Prices from $34 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Hip Hotel Bangkok

True Siam Hotel – best for traditional Thai style

If contemporary isn’t your thing and would rather stay in a more traditional Thai hotel then consider the locally owned True Siam Hotel. It’s located in a small and quiet road very near the Phayathai sky train station, making it a very accessible location to all the major sites. You’ll also have the prestigious Pullman Bangkok and the King Power Duty Free center on your doorstep. The three star rated True Siam Hotel promises air con, large rooms and of course a traditional Thai welcome.

• Prices from $37 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for True Siam Hotel

Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong – best for the wow factor

Rising over the city’s finest shopping and business district, is the five star rated Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong. A luxury hotel option for those wanting to impress, you’ll also have easy access to the Chitlom Skytrain station and several shopping malls, boutique stores and a wholesale market. The brand new uber-trendy hotel has a futuristic design – think sleek high tech rooms, loungers built into the swimming pool and a liberal use of glass and high quality wood. The hotel also offers a first-rate spa, an excellent fitness center and eclectic range of fine dining options.

• Prices from $94 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Renaissance Bangkok Ratchaprasong Hotel

Mystic Place Hotel in Bangkok – best for the very unusual

You’ll find this unique independent hotel in an un-touristy, local area of Bangkok – a bit further out of the city centre but near the famous (and very popular) Chatuchak Weekend Market. The Mystic Place Rooms is an eccentric hotel with very unusual, often mind-blowing styling. More of an Art project than a hotel, the family run accommodation offers 36 unique rooms individually designed by different artists. Colourful, fun and an unforgettable experience for guests, the hotel also provide a free Tuk Tuk service to the Chatuchak Weekend Market and the local sky train station. If you are planning a longer stay, make sure you ask to change rooms so you can experience more than one room type!

• Prices from $40 a night.
• To book, check prices or availability for Mystic Place Hotel Bangkok

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