Last updated on January 14th, 2024 at 09:46 am
Best Hotels in Huai Khwang, Bangkok
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best 5 Star Hotel in Huai Khwang
Swissotel Bangkok Ratchada ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com
5-Star Hotel Honorable Mention
The Emerald Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com
Best 4 Star Hotel in Huai Khwang
Amaranta Hotel Bangkok ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com
Palazzo Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️½
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.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com
Best 3 Star Hotel in Huai Khwang
Hip Hotel Bangkok ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com
Ibis Styles Ratchada Hotel ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com
MeStyle Garage Hotel Bangkok ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com
Best Budget Hotels in Huai Khwang
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.
CMYK Hotel ⭐️⭐️
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.
Read reviews and find discounts on Agoda.com
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.
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