Whether you are a honeymoon couple in Bangkok or especially a traveling family, Pratunam is a good area because a lot is going on around the area. It is well-developed with many restaurants and cafes. Many low to high-end shopping options as well as peculiar attractions like temples and shrines throughout.
And because it is in what’s considered a prime Bangkok neighborhood hotel room prices in Pratunam are slightly higher compared to hotel rates in the outer districts of the city like nearby Huai Khwang and Bangkok’s Chinatown.
That said, hotel rates in Pratunam are very affordable, especially for hotels in the 4 to 5 star range.
Ratchathewi BTS Station on Phaya Thai Road
If you’re traveling with family I highly recommend staying around Pratunam, This area has the most hotels with spacious rooms, big enough for 3 adults and a child. There are just so many family-friendly hotels in Pratunam. The fact is most of the hotels I reviewed below were built before 2000.
Most hotels built before that period have large rooms. While more recently built Bangkok hotels have smaller rooms. Even though most of the hotels mentioned below are older, they are updated to modern standards.
The hotels I reviewed here are located around the 1-kilometer stretch of Phetchaburi Road. Between Ratchadamri Road and Phaya Thai Road. This is one of the particular areas I recommend staying in Bangkok for your first visit to Thailand.
Choosing a hotel in Pratunam is one of the best ways to explore and experience that hectic chaotic side of Bangkok. And it is one of the super busiest areas in the city.
Thai food stall on Phetchaburi RoadSmall shopping centre on Phetchaburi RoadPhetchaburi Road Soi 17 Shopping LanePathumwananurak Park
Why Stay in Pratunam, Bangkok
Pratunam has the most affordable 4 to 5-star hotels with rooms that fit a family of four comfortably.
Many affordable Thai and international brand hotels in Pratunam.
It is located in the city center.
Lots of Western, Asian, and especially Thai food options.
If you love to shop, Pratunam won’t disappoint.
It’s sort of close to Ratchathewi BTS station.
Close to Airport Rail Link station at Phaya Thai BTS station.
You can walk to many places of interest.
Many popular Southeast Asian shrines for true believers around Pratunam.
Pratunam is one of the busiest areas in Bangkok, 7 days a week because it is one of central Bangkok’s most important commercial business hubs. A popular Thai wholesale clothing industry located within Pratunam Market attracts clothing retail shop owners from all over Thailand.
As well as foreign visitors looking to bring items to sell back to their home country. In many ways, it is the same as Sampeng Market near Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown.
Central World Shopping CenterJust a massive mega mall
5.9 kilometers to the north of Pratunam is the famous Chatuchak Weekend Market. The nearby Ratchathewi BTS Sky Train station will take you to Bangkok’s largest open-air market in 15 minutes.
To the south, on foot, you can take a leisure stroll down to Bangkok’s mega-mall Central World for shopping therapy. A large popular budget supermarket called Big C. An Apple store and other buildings filled with luxury goods like Gaysorn.
Siam Square another popular section of Bangkok full of shopping centers can be reached on foot, but will be a bit of a hike to malls like MBK Centre. But you can reach these shopping centers via Skywalk, an elevated, shaded walkway that is connected to major shopping centers.
Bangkok’s Erawan Shrine
The Erawaran Shrine is also in the vicinity and you can visit all on foot.
So your feet never touch the street pavement. You can pop in and out of a shopping center to cool down with air-con while sipping bubble tea.
Booking a hotel room in Pratunam makes it easy to explore this exciting, fast-paced center of Bangkok.
Quick Bangkok Hotels Booking Tips & Advice
Bangkok’s high season is typically from November through late April. But because there are so many hotels in Bangkok many hotels keep room rates competitive. This means that even through the high travel season you can find hotel deals and discounts from various hotels throughout Pratunam.
Thai hotel check-in times are usually 2 pm. However from my experience, if you arrive a few hours earlier, and the room type you reserved is available, they will allow early check-in for guests.
Thai hotel check-out times are noon. And of course, it never hurts to ask for a late check-out if needed.
All hotels and hostels listed provide Wi-Fi internet access at no cost.
Complimentary water, tea, and coffee with hot water kettle in rooms.
Be sure to reserve 1000THB to 2000THB on hand as most Thai hotels require security deposit during check-in.
If it is in your budget I recommend staying at a 4 to 5-star hotel around Pratunam. Because you can get a really good deal for around USD 100 per night and that’s an excellent price.
To find discounts and reviews of hotels in Thailand I recommend Agoda.com. It is a website I use to find hotel deals around Asia.
We’ll start with some of the best 4 to 5-star hotels I Pratunam below. While one of the most well-known 4-star hotels in this area is the Baiyoke Sky Hotel, billed as the tallest hotel in Thailand with 83 floors, I think there are much better alternatives.
This is the top hotel in Pratunam right on the Petchaburi Road and Ratchadamri Road intersection. The Amari is a Thai brand hotel and well-known in Southeast Asia. It’s the perfect hotel for travelers looking for high-quality rooms, guest facilities like a swimming pool and gym, and top-notch service.
This hotel was built in early 1990 which means the rooms are larger than today’s newly built hotels in Bangkok. But of course, the rooms have been updated with a modern feel and environment.
As the only true 5-star hotel in Pratunam, you think you could expect a crazy 5-star price.
When the standard 40 square meter room at Amari Bangkok will set you back around USD 130.
This Novotel is one of the newest hotel properties in Pratunam district even though it was built in 2011. And the poshness certainly shows in the price even though standard rooms are in the 20 square meter range. So out of all the Pratunam hotels on this list, because Novotel is the newest the rooms are the smallest.
Though without a doubt this hotel location is perfect for exploring the surrounding area. Such as the Platinum Malls, Pratunam Market as well as the local night market next to the Berkeley Hotel across the road.
Ratchapasong Walkway facing PratunamRatchaprasaong Walkway facing south to Chidlom Shopping DistrictRatchaprasong Skywalk Map
This hotel is connected to the Ratchaprasong Skywalk. So you can easily walk down to Central World Mall, Big C Supermarket, Chidlom shopping district, and even down to Siam Square.
Novotel Bangkok Platinum Pratunam is also one of the taller hotels so you can get an amazing view of the city. It’s got the usual facilities you’d expect at a top-notch hotel.
The standard guest rooms cost around USD 150. But it is possible to find rooms for around USD 80 if the timing is right.
I don’t know about you but I prefer large rooms with a balcony. When I first stayed at Centre Point Pratunam Hotel many years ago I liked it instantly. Back then it was also a serviced apartment so I stayed there for 6 months.
It’s tucked a short distance down Petchaburi Soi 15 so you get this little bit of an oasis feeling, while outside there’s a lot of car traffic. It gave off a cozy feeling. And I stayed on the 17th floor facing the main Petchaburi Road so I had a terrific view from the balcony.
Though today of course the hotel has gone through a renovation and updated. I think it’s an even better value today.
For around, USD 85 two guests can stay in a decent spacious 47 square meter room. There’s a nice little swimming pool and a small gym for guests to use. Young kids will certainly enjoy the playroom.
With over 750 rooms the Berkeley Hotel Pratunam is easily the largest hotel on the block. Of all the 4 to 5 star hotels in this review, this is another recommended hotel if you want to stay in a spacious room for families.
They have these 58 square meter family rooms with two large beds, separate showers, and a bathtub. For USD 170 per night for 3 adults and 1 kid occupancy. That’s a fantastic deal considering the size of the room.
Plus the great location, and the amount of food options in and outside the hotel. There is a small and sort of popular street bazaar called Palladium Night Market outside. This is a hotel you should consider staying with family.
I think this hotel has the most affordable large guest rooms in Pratunam. For around USD 160, you can stay in a 120 square meter 2 bedroom executive suite! I think most traveling families with four adults and one child will appreciate all that space.
The hotel is directly connected to a popular Thai shopping complex called the Grand Diamond Plaza. Inside you will find many Thai and Asian styles of clothing plus accessories, shoes, and nail and hair salons. Directly below there’s a Burger King and Starbucks close by.
Even though the rooms are a little dated I think it’s still clean and well maintained. Highly recommended for those traveling in groups and who want to stay inside the same room.
One of the newly renovated hotels in Pratunam, this comfortable, cool, and fashionable hotel is recommended for couples. Who is looking for clean and modern rooms that are most importantly not overpriced.
The size of standard rooms at Vela is 29 square meters. Which is fine for 2 people. And one night cost around USD 70. Usually, it costs more but if the timing is right I think it’s a really good deal!
The tiny drawback is the tiny fitness room and swimming pool.
Of all the areas I reviewed in Bangkok for hotels, Pratunam, without a doubt has the most family-friendly hotels. Large spacious rooms, playrooms for kids, and swimming pools.
And as you can see the hotel rates are not crazy high.
So if you’re traveling with a lot of people and want to stay together, consider any one of these fantastic Pratunam hotels!
The Best Boutique Hotels and Hostels in Bangkok’s Chinatown
Bangkok has one of the largest Chinatowns in the world. And if you stay there you’ll experience a vibrant neighborhood morning through night. In this post, you’re going to find the best hotels in Chinatown. From very affordable hostels to affordable classy heritage boutique hotels.
After Wat Mangkorn MRT subway station was built in Chinatown, hotels and hostels seemingly sprung up overnight. Where you can find many really good quality Thai heritage hotels for around USD 30 to USD 50 per night.
There are plenty of restaurants and hawker stands for delicious seafood, especially Thai and Chinese traditional cuisine. Many 7-Eleven convenience stores too to curb your 24-hour appetite.
Like I always say if you want to save cash on hotels in Bangkok it is better to book further away from the city center.
I didn’t always think that way. About 10 to 15 years ago I would always recommend people stay within central Bangkok. But today hotel prices in those areas went up. Not saying that Thai hotels in general are expensive when compared to Western countries or East Asian country hotels.
But will you save a lot more money? And how’s the quality of hotels in Bangkok’s Chinatown?
Chinatown map inside Wat Mangkorn MRT subway station.
Where is Bangkok’s Chinatown?
Why Stay There?
I know many travelers are looking to stay in heritage-style boutique hotels. They want to enjoy the history of a neighborhood and feel like they’ve gone back in time. Yet not so far back that there’s no air conditioning and toilets inside their room. I hear you.
Bangkok’s Chinatown is located in the older yet charming Samphanthawong District of Bangkok.
This is a foodies’ paradise. Especially at night on Yaowarat Road when the sidestreets are closed off so street food vendors can operate.
Many good quality Thai hotels with affordable prices. Thrifty backpackers can find decent accommodations there too.
Much closer to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Khao San Road, and the Chao Praya River.
It is generally less hectic and slower than the fast pace in central Bangkok.
Subway Blue Line on Wat Mangkorn MRT station.
Travel up and down or across the Chao Praya River at the nearby Ratchawongse Pier.
West of Bangkok’s Chinatown lies the Chao Praya River. Northeast about 1.5km is the Grand Palace with Wat Praew Kaow and the impressive Wat Pho with its reclining Buddha. Far to the east is the hustle and bustle of central Bangkok. You can easily travel with the Blue Subway line with a station close to the center of Chinatown.
I like to visit this area because of its slow urban pace. There are many fingers of alleyways to explore and wander around. When my feet get tired there are so many cafes to sit down and rest for a bit.
Souvenir shop on Yaowarat Road
And I know many soulful travelers want to experience old historic charms in a city. Bangkok’s Chinatown has many old temples tucked away into corners between buildings. With quaint little shops around for many generations selling food and drink to things you’ve never seen before.
It’s a Chinatown so you will find many restaurants selling Chinese dim sum, noodles, and rice dishes.
When you feel like reversing gears and checking out the shopping centers and nightlife Bangkok is famous for, just take the subway train. It’ll get you there in no time.
So if that’s your travel style and you want to save some money on hotel stays, Bangkok’s Chinatown is right for you.
Grand China Hotel Bangkok
My Top Bangkok Chinatown Hotels
To start I’d like to recommend a couple of hotels along the main vein of Bangkok’s Chinatown called Yaowarat Road. These hotels put you in the heart of everything the neighborhood has to offer, food, shopping, and proximity to the subway station and access to the riverboat pier.
All hotels listed below have free internet Wi-Fi access, daily bottled water refills, and refrigerators. Plus water kettle, tea and coffee packets. Some hotels provide bathrobes and umbrellas for guest use. And yes every room has an air conditioner. I wouldn’t recommend staying at a hotel without one.
Yaowarat Road Hotels (The Heart of Chinatown)
If you want to stay at a hotel right in the heart of Chinatown and the great food and street scene, Yaowarat Road is where you want to be. There are three hotels listed directly below for you to consider.
This is one of the most well-rounded hotels you’ll find in Chinatown because it’s one of the largest. Guests staying at Hotel Royal Bangkok have pool and fitness room access.
Rooms with no windows are cheaper here and cost around USD 60 per night. In contrast, rooms with city views cost around USD 10 to USD 15 more. Certainly one of the most modern hotels along Yaowarat Road.
If you’re traveling with a large family and prefer a larger room you’ll find it here.
A perfect hotel for foodies because around 6 pm the street vendors and restaurants start spilling out onto the streets.
This is another one of the largest and perhaps oldest hotels in Chinatown. But it has been updated of course to compete with the newer hotels nearby. That said the rooms are still a little dated. The building also has a mini-mall in the lobby and a Starbucks in front.
As an older building the rooms inside Grand China Princess are larger than average. Standard rooms are around 26 sq. meters and cost about USD 70.
The Grand China Princes has many room types though so of course the larger the room or the better view it has the price goes up a bit. For example, a room with a river view will set you back USD 100.
All guests at the Grand China Princes also have access to the swimming pool and fitness center. Though be sure to check out the rooftop bar for an amazing view of Chinatown below.
I mentioned earlier that Chinatown has many heritage-style hotels. If you want to stay at a hotel with an old-world ambiance but with contemporary facilities then I highly recommend Shanghai Mansion right on Yaowarat Road.
Now the standard rooms here average in size about 27 sq. meters, which is good. I know this sounds crazy but I like the blackout curtains as it helps with the soundproofing from the outside noise. You’ll see that the interior design of the rooms is high quality and they pay attention to detail.
This stylish boutique hotel will wow you as you enter the hotel’s lobby. I like this hotel because it’s clean, and the hotel staff are friendly and professional.
So this hotel has no swimming pool or fitness center. And the price is kind of high compared to other hotels in the area. A standard superior room at Shanghai Mansion costs around USD 80 per night.
Best Hotels “A Little” Outside Bangkok’s Chinatown
No doubt Chinatown can get quite busy and with all that busyness there’s noise. You want someplace more quiet, yet don’t mind a short walk to Chinatown. I hear you.
Here’s a small selection of Thai-Chinese-style boutique hotels for you to consider. They’ve got great reviews. And believe it or not most are priced around USD 50 for 2 guests! Though rooms will be small.
This terrific little-budget hotel gives off those days of old speakeasy vibe. Standard rooms are on the small side, about 20 sq. meters, and cost around USD 40 per night.
The beds here are quite comfortable for the price, clean room, and a clean bathroom with a modern feel. You can’t ask for more for such an affordable hotel near Bangkok’s Chinatown.
But the hotel is well managed, the rooms are clean and the hotel staff are professional and friendly. I highly recommend this little hotel and I think you guys will like it.
Here’s a cute little hostel near Bangkok’s Chinatown with an owner on the premises. I’ve been recommending this to folks traveling on a budget for a while and it never disappoints.
This charismatic property provides guests with that long ago feeling of Thai Chinese charm. There are so many details and furniture inside that’ll make you feel you’ve gone back in time.
There are a total of only 5 rooms so if you wish to stay here I highly recommend booking far in advance. The standard rooms cost about USD 40 a night. Even though there’s no swimming pool and fitness center you’ve got the ambiance.
I know many solo travelers are looking for a no-frills, yet clean and cool affordable hostel. And the location of Luk Hostel can’t be beaten. Located parallel to Yaowarat Road, tucked away in a lane filled with wholesale goods.
Luk Hostel has many types of room types. From female and male-only dormitories. To small 9 sq. meter single standard rooms. All for USD 15 a night.
Around the hostel are many places to grab traditional Thai foods like noodles and stir-fries.
Just a perfect all-around hostel to stretch out a long stay in Bangkok.
I hope you have a chance to visit Bangkok’s Chinatown even if you don’t plan to stay around there. It’s an incredible place to experience Thai Chinese culture.
Affiliate disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a hotel booking via links we may receive a small commission, at absolutely NO EXTRA cost to you. Any commission received helps keep this blog alive and our cats fed.
Recently a good friend of mine asked for hotel recommendations for his first trip to Bangkok, Thailand. He wanted a decent-quality hotel. Doesn’t want to spend a lot of money. A nice buffet breakfast included in the room rate would be nice, but not important.
I had good news and bad news for him.
The bad news is it would’ve been an easier request 15 to 20 years ago. Today Thai hotel prices in central Bangkok went up. And you have to pay extra for a buffet breakfast.
The good news is even though prices are higher, Bangkok hotel prices are still more affordable compared to Western and East Asian hotels. However, if you want decent quality Bangkok hotels without spending a lot of money, there is a way.
And the way to do that is to book hotels outside of central Bangkok.
But not so far out that you will be too far away from places that make the city so interesting and fun.
There’s this neighborhood called Huai Khwang that is by the edge of central Bangkok that I recommend. Whether this will be your first time in Bangkok or you’ve been here a few times. I think Huai Khwang is perfect mainly because it is not touristy. Hotels are more affordable and restaurants in this area are priced for locals.
Ratchadapisek Road is a major roadway connecting Central Bangkok to Huai Khwang
Where is Huai Khwang and Why Stay There?
Decent hotels from $35USD to 5 star$100USD+ price range
Huai Khwang MRT Subway Station
Great local street food and restaurants priced for locals
Close to shopping centers
Affordable traditional massage shops everywhere
Experience local life in Bangkok
Huai Khwang is a district sitting right above central Bangkok. Sandwiched between Chatuchack Weekend Market to the northwest and the central Sukhukumvit/Asoke junction directly south. It is what I refer to as a locals’ local area where the working class live, eat, and hang out with friends and family.
On the main Huai Khwang intersection there are MRT subway entry/exits where many locals use to get to and from work. And to travel to other parts of the city as well.
Huai Khwang MRT Subway Entry/Exit #1
If it is convenient for you I highly recommend traveling to central Bangkok via subway. The Huai Khwang station is the subway’s Blue Line which means you can easily travel to Terminal 21 Mall and Chatuchak Weekend Market in around 15 minutes. Both are also transit points for the Sky Train.
The area around Huai Khwang is comprised of residential apartment blocks and tall condominiums. And that means there are many restaurants and shops nearby to feed and entertain local Thais.
A brand new Chinatown is also in the area where a new generation of Chinese immigrants moved in and set up many restaurants, particularly Mala Hotpot restaurants.
There is a seedy aspect to the Huai Khwang neighborhood in the form of brothels. You wouldn’t know it is there unless you look for it. But whatever happens inside never spills outside.
Huai Khwang is indeed a family-friendly neighborhood. Though it wouldn’t hurt to keep a close eye on your husband when he says he’s going out to buy a carton of milk.
Huai Khwang is Almost Active 24 Hours at Night
One of the many things I like about this neighborhood is the amount of restaurants that open late through the night. Some Chinese restaurants are open 24 hours for hotpot and dim sum. And there’s also a cafe I like that opens 24 hours called Oasis Coffee.
My Top Huai Khwang Hotel Picks
So there are a handful of 3 star to 5 star hotels in central Huai Khwang, located along Ratchadapisek Road (Ratchada Road for short). Then you can find most 2 star to 3 star hotels on Pracharatbamphen Road and this is where you find hotels going for USD 30 per night, not including taxes and breakfast.
This road has many Chinese restaurants and 24-hour eateries
I’ll start with the two biggest popular hotels in Huai Khwang. Hotels along Ratchadapisek Road are more expensive but not overpriced in my opinion. While hotels along Pracharatbumphen Road are more on the budget level.
Okay, this is the only true 5-star hotel in Huai Khwang.
Once you walk through the front doors of Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada and enter the massive lobby you will certainly know you’re inside a classy hotel. It’s one of the oldest hotels in the area. But it has gone through several upgrades and renovations throughout the years.
Because it is an older property it also means the rooms are larger than today’s newly built hotels. Updated rooms mean flat-screen televisions and USB power ports. Most importantly a super comfortable mattress and pillows.
And since this is a Thai hotel in the 5-star category guests can enjoy working out in the massive fitness center and outdoor swimming pool. If you can book a room that fits your budget with a buffet breakfast included, I would take the offer. Because the food choices offered are worth it.
Standard rooms here cost around USD90 per night without taxes and a buffet breakfast. However, if the timing is right you can find room rates that do include breakfast.
The Emerald Hotel is also on the main road of Ratchadapisek across from Swissotel Bangkok. Just like its rival 5-star hotel, the Emerald Hotel was built around the early 1990s. This means that rooms are larger than most newer hotels built recently.
There are also swimming pools and a fitness center for hotel guests. Even a billiard room which is not often something you would find inside a Thai hotel.
One of the reasons why I’m writing about Emerald Hotel is because it’s affordable. But some would argue it’s not a true 5-star hotel. Mainly because the rooms are not modern and spiffy. And there are signs of wear and tear.
I just searched now and found a room for USD70 not including taxes and breakfast. So if you want to stay in a hotel with a large room and numerous guest amenities you might want to consider Emerald Hotel.
This is the main reason why Emerald Hotel gets an honorable mention. Just be sure to read the reviews before deciding to book.
This popular hotel in Huai Khwang is located 250 meters walk from Huai Khwang intersection and Huai Khwang MRT subway station entry/exit #1. It might be hard to find since it’s a short distance on a side street, just off Pracharatbumphen Soi 5.
When you see a 7-Eleven convenience store on the corner just make a left turn and walk about 50 meters and you will see the Amaranta Hotel on the right-hand side.
Again this hotel was built about 20 years ago. So there are larger rooms at very affordable prices. The rooms have been updated not recently, but there are tablets to control room lights.
There is a rooftop pool and bar with a good view over Huai Khwang. Plus fitness center is complete with a sauna and steam room. These are not something found in most newer hotels along central Sukhumvit unless you’re willing to pay more money. Standard rooms at Amaranta Hotel cost around USD70.
The Palazzo Hotel is another one of the larger hotels along Ratchapidsek Road. Located just right across a small street from the Emerald Hotel. A standard room costs around USD50, which is around 30 sq. meters.
This hotel does have an outdated design but I think most would agree the most important thing is cleanliness. As a larger hotel, it is well maintained. Though surprisingly there is no swimming pool or fitness center.
The only real thing going for this hotel is its location. It’s certainly worth checking out though if there are no other options in the area.
This hotel is located same street as the Palazzo Hotel and about 300 meters from the main Ratchadapisek Road. Also in the USD50 price range. Though standard rooms are slightly larger and since it is newer than Palazzo Hotel rooms are more updated.
Also, there is no swimming pool or fitness room as well. No frills but again if you want to find a clean cheapish room to stay in Huai Khwang this is a good option.
Built in 2019 the Ibis Styles Ratchada Hotel is the newest and most popular budget hotel in Huai Khwang. And it’s in a super location, about a 150-meter walk to Huai Khwang MRT subway station entry/exit #3.
The lobby is spacious and quite modern. There’s a small play area for children which is a good touch.
As a newer hotel, it means rooms are compact, about 25 sq. meters. But there are 29 and 30 sq. meter room options that don’t cost much extra. There’s no swimming pool but there is a small fitness center.
This hotel is slightly further away but not by much. It’s in the part of Huai Khwang just right where the new Chinatown begins along Pracharatbumphen Road.
MeStyle Garage Hotel is certainly unique as it has a car theme. I’ve stayed in the standard rooms before and I have to admit the room design is too much. And a bit too dark for my taste. Mind you I’ve only stayed one time. So other rooms could be brighter or less cluttered.
There is no swimming pool or fitness center. But if you love hanging outside along rooftops it’s got a nice space to chill out and relax with a beer.
Standard rooms at MeStyle Garage Hotel are around USD50 without taxes and breakfast.
This is where we get into the USD40 price range. Which means rooms are smaller. There are no swimming pools. And in certain instances further away from Huai Khwang MRT subway stations.
This is an example of a super affordable hotel just 250 meters from Huai Khwang subway station. It’s also directly opposite the 4-star Amaranta Hotel.
CMYK was recently renovated in 2023 and kept prices the same pre-renovation. Rooms are of course small, about 20 sq. meters. 30 square meter rooms cost slightly more and in my opinion if you can find one for the right price get the bigger room.
Currently one of the best budget hotels in the area.
So there you have it, a selection of recommended hotels in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district. As you can see the room rates are not overpriced. Like I always say to people planning to visit Bangkok. You don’t need to spend a lot of money on hotels to have an amazing holiday in Thailand.
Affiliate disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a hotel booking via links we may receive a small commission, at absolutely NO EXTRA cost to you. Any commission received helps keep this blog alive and our cats fed.
Google Maps is like a double-edged sword, and I am strictly speaking as a business owner who is (currently level 8) local guide. In fact, speak to any business owner with a verified address on Google Maps, and they’ll have the same sentiment. Obviously, I am also a consumer, just one of the many users of Google Maps looking for the nearest pizza restaurant with NYC style pizzas.
Or reviews of pet hotels in Bangkok. Hopefully ones that won’t mix my sweet kitties with other sweet kitties in a small room. Yes, it’s happened to me before. And you bet I left a scathing review for said pet hotel.
It helps customers find businesses nearby, around, or miles away. Letting one know what to expect before stepping inside. There are photos of the inside and outside of establishments, and you’ll definitely know if the service stinks or not. Without it, potential customers might have a hard time knowing about or even finding you.
To put is short, Google Maps is awesome… but…
Negative online reviews to any businesses can have detrimental effects. Just as easy as anyone can make reviews on Tripadvisor.com anyone with Gmail accounts can write one as well. Though there are many kind hearted local guides whom genuinely want to share that great experience they had at a business they found through google maps.
Many are not motivated to write positive reviews and it could be for many reasons, such has they forget or they don’t have the time.
However, Google local guides are more motivated to write negative reviews. Such as if poor service by rude staff or unsanitary conditions is experienced. And just simply getting ripped off and scammed are strong motivations to quickly write scathing one star reviews. And rightfully so.
Thinking it Through… Before Leaving that Review
Before I go on and explain why. Let’s go back a little bit.
If you plan on starting a business someday you might be interested in this. Because you want to do a bit of research right? Well reading reviews from Google local guides is a great way to suss out gripes people have. You can filter out the 1 star reviews and just look through complaints. This way you can find what people are complaining about. Then you can avoid certain situations that might motivate reviewers complain about.
You can filter star reviews on Google Maps
So I was going through reviews on similar businesses that I plan on starting in the near future. And although many of the low star reviews are valid.There were bad reviews I personally feel are undeserving. And here’s where you, as a local guide making reviews can hopefully understand.Because there are valid reviews, whether good or bad. And then there are unfair reviews.
You Can’t Blame Everything on a Business
So I’m going to use a restaurant as an example here. I love cooking and I love eating! As a Google local guide myself I enjoy writing reviews to promote my favorite restaurants. Millions do the same, it’s kind of fun and supporting local hard working folks with restaurant businesses is worthy in my eyes.
That said I am fully aware that there are restaurant businesses that don’t have good intentions. And do not look at customers the same way.
Let’s dissect that review. Dirty unsanitary food is absolutely a valid poor review. But was the food served by staff. Or the owner? We don’t know 100%.
Though I have been to this restaurant numerous times I can say it’s most likely served by workers. And just speaking from experience, if you have a handful of workers you are bound to end up with a couple that don’t care whether or not your business gets a valid 1 star review.
Or a dirty plate of food in this case. But is it fair to blame an establishment for workers that don’t give a damn?
It’s a tricky debate.
Above is to me a classic example of unfair 1 star reviews. Especially when food is such a subjective subject so I get it. But comparing the food at your favorite local joint, in your home country to me doesn’t make sense.
Hainan chicken rice is served all over Southeast Asia. And different countries, no matter how near, use different ingredients. Or prepare foods differently. There’s a certain bias when you have your favorite local joint at home in mind. And if it don’t taste the way it taste or better then your hometown Hainan chicken is it fair to dish out a 1 star review?
Another review I came across for a popular coffee shop I frequent received low star rating because there was a group of noisy customers. I mean come on now. There was another low star review from another Google local guide that it was too cold inside the cafe.
Speaking from personal experience, this cafe has friendly people working inside. It has a lot of space where friends can hang out and chit chat. A lot of people talking inside a confined space is going not going to guarantee peace and quiet. And truly unfair to any business that have no control over customers’ behaviours.
Google maps is great and millions of people around the world find it useful and insightful. But the local guides that write up these reviews I think really have to put in more thought as to what they write.
If you’re looking for a high-quality nail salon in Bangkok, Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon is a great choice. This salon specializes in nail extensions. And especially nail art. Matter of fact years ago I wrote a post about visiting this popular Bangkok nail salon with my friends at their old location which has since been shut.
And I reiterate. I am a man. I do not get my nails “done” or “did” or whatever. I’m terrible with grammar.
But my female Thai friends certainly enjoy their salon services so much that they always, always want to support their favorite local businesses.
Located in the heart of Bangkok, Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon is easily accessible and conveniently located near many other popular attractions. Particularly the night markets, Jodd Fair and Ratchada Train Market are one and two stops away respectively.
They have several branches but the most convenient location is in Huai Khwang district of central Bangkok. Located inside the Amaranta Hotel’s rear lobby. At the moment if you book a room at Amaranta Hotel as a guest, you’ll receive a 10% discount voucher.
It’s an easy to find location. Especially if you love traveling by MRT subway train. Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon is a mere 200 meter walk from Huai Khwang MRT station exit #1. This particular neighborhood is a mish-mash of commercial and mostly residential buildings. So if you want to see a side of Bangkok where locals eat and live you’re in the right place.
They’ve since toned down their pink themed color at their new location. And into a more austere and “minimal” look. I learned that since they’ve moved into a hotel property they had to follow some design guidelines
The technicians at Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon are highly skilled and experienced in creating beautiful and long-lasting nail extensions. They use only the highest quality products to ensure that your nails stay looking great for as long as possible.
You can choose a variety of nail extension products, including PVC, polygel, acrylic, gel extensions. Now I don’t know what all that means. But they break everything down about their nail extension services here on their website.
One of the unique features of Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon is their focus on custom nail extension shapes. As I was told many nail shops in Bangkok can not design shapes that foreigners prefer.
Particularly if you like coffin and stiletto shaped nails. Which are not the styles local Thais normally choose. However their technicians are highly skilled and able to shape your nails to your liking.
If you have a specific design or idea in mind, the technicians will work with you to create a custom look that matches your style and preferences. They can also help you choose the right color and style for your extensions, taking into account your skin tone and other factors.
In addition to nail extensions, Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon offers a range of other services, including manicures, pedicures, and eyelash extensions. They also have a selection of nail accessories like stones, charms and decals.
Overall, Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon is a great choice for anyone looking for high-quality nail extensions in Bangkok. With their experienced technicians, high-quality products, and focus on custom designs, you can be sure that you’ll leave the salon feeling beautiful and confident.
So why not book an appointment today and treat yourself to a day of pampering and relaxation at Glamour Girls Nail Art Salon?
