Design lovers will enjoy the Hansar, a stylish hotel tucked down a street behind the St. Regis (which you will notice is not on our list—we did not really connect with the hotel’s over-the-top luxury statement, and overpriced food and drink). Another offering in the modern design category is the hip and cool Metropolitan by Como, housed in a converted YMCA. The hotel’s only downside is its location, which is not really walking distance to much, and the Sky Train stop is a bit of a hike. The same is true for the nearby Sukothai, a boutique luxury hotel with a strong Thai design influence. Sukothai boasts one of the best pools in the city, and is situated over six acres of lush acres of landscaped colonial elegance.

For an extended stay or for multiple bedroom options, go for the discrete Oriental Residences (run by the same group as the Mandarin Oriental). We like to save the best for last, and in Bangkok that is the Siam Hotel, truly one of the most epic hotels in the world. The 39-room luxury resort situated outside of the city on the banks of the Chao Prahya stakes a claim to Bangkok’s highest room rate, but we think it’s absolutely worth it for a few nights. Trust us.

Those familiar with the Bangkok hotel market might notice the exclusion of the Mandarin Oriental and Le Bua. The Mandarin is indeed the reigning Grand Dame of Asia hotels, but the styling in the rooms is a bit stuffy and old, and yet the price never goes down. We actually prefer the Peninsula just across the river from the Mandarin.

The Bangkok Peninsula is also not one of the brand’s finest reputations, but rooms here are excellent and have incredible city views. The other property we purposely left out is Le Bua State Tower. This is a hotel we’ve known since it opened in 2007. It used to offer one of the best bargains in the city—enormous and well-appointed 1 and 2BR suites at dirt cheap prices, and then there was the Skybar, which back then still had the most expensive cocktails in the city. Fast forward to today, and Le Bua seems to be no longer a good value, and the stunning rooftop is constantly thronged by crowds (most of whom are not even staying at the hotel). Drop by for a crazy-priced drink, but we’d recommend staying elsewhere.

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