Book Hotels in Bangkok

You sit, silent. Alone with your breath and racing thoughts, you inch closer toward inner peace with each calming inhale and mind-cleansing exhale. Images arise. You breathe them away as your lungs rise and fall. You are one with your entire being in this moment, this tranquil, precious moment. The sweet, musky smell of incense tickles your nose, reminding you of your physical connection to the earth and cosmos. The sensation of unwanted, negative energies leaving your body is followed by a rush of positive, affirming vibrations filling the void and making you whole. With each deep breath in, serenity blossoms; your lips curl after each breath out resulting in a gentle smile. A faint bell chimes, bringing your focus back to the present. As you slowly open your eyes, your awareness informs you that you are not on a cushion on your bedroom floor having concluded your daily ritual of morning meditation. Instead, your gaze is fixed upon the small jadeite figure perched on the pyramid-like alter outside your hotel in Bangkok. Understanding that the search for enlightenment begins from within, your quest has taken you to Wat PhraKaew—the Temple of the Emerald Buddha—in Bangkok. Feeling in accord with the universe, you reverently leave the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand and head back to your Bangkok hotel with a renewed sense of self. Tomorrow, you will take another step in enlightenment’s direction.

Best Places to Stay in Bangkok

Downtown Bangkok is where you will find not only the Temple of the Emerald Buddha on your quest for clarity, but many other Thai treasures as well: the ornately designed Grand Palace where generations of Thai royalty have resided, SanamLuang Park’s oasis of green, and Khao San Road where backpackers and locals enjoy each other’s company at neighborhood bars. Every road seemingly leads downtown and there are so many attractions throughout the nation’s capital. So, when you are deciding where to stay in Bangkok, try an outlying district. Travelocity can help you find great Bangkok hotel prices on rooms all across town. Here are some of our favorite neighborhoods and a hotel option or two for each.

Bang Rak

Some of the most expensive real estate in all of Thailand is found in this district just south of downtown. Interspersed between upscale hotel and high-rise commerce skyscrapers are clothing stores, jewelry shops, and art galleries. These popular Bang Rak hotels are well worth considering:

• Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok: As you enter the property from the neighborhood, the contemporary hotel mirrors the surrounding skyline. However, pass through the lobby and exit to the riverfront plaza and you will see a tranquil garden of palms that aptly signifies the hotel’s name. Guestrooms are elegantly decorated in silks and teak and every one offers a sweeping view of the city or river. And, with nine in-house eateries, there is sure to be a dish for every desire.
• lebua at State Tower: From fine dining restaurants on street-level to rooftop bars with breathtaking views, the lebua is a modern monolith of impeccable refinement. Every room is a spacious suite with a private balcony, free Wi-Fi, walk-in shower, and even washer and dryer. Hotel services include an on-call doctor, limousine transportation, and in-suite dining from restaurants at The Dome at lebua.

ThungMahaMek

Situated next to Bag Rak, ThungMahaMek is equally distinguished and lavish. A walk around the district will take you past several Buddhist and Hindu temples, the famous Robot Building, and the Vatican Embassy. Also close to the neighborhood are Lumphini Park and the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. Here is our favorite hotel in ThungMahaMek:

• The Sukhothai Bangkok: When royalty and celebrities visit the city, they gravitate toward the Sukhothai. Indulge in luxury with teak-floor bathrooms, a special pillow menu, and a courtyard garden that includes several lotus ponds. Unwind with a dip in the outdoor swimming pool, blow off some steam in the fitness room, or have your tensions soothed away with a treatment at Spa Botanica. When hunger strikes, choose from three fine-dining restaurants or succumb to the urge of Salon’s chocolate buffet.

Airport Area

Even though Bangkok has enough attractions to fill an entire vacation, you might be spending time in other areas throughout Thailand and Southeast Asia. If that is your plan, a hotel near the Bangkok airport is in order. You won’t find a better hotel near Suvarnabhumi Airport than this one:

• Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport: Not only is this 4-star hotel on the same parcel of property as the airport, there are no set check-in or checkout times in case your flight brings you into town at an odd hour. The modern guestrooms offer a marble bath, large work area, and free Wi-Fi. In addition to the options contained within the airport, Novotel guests can dine at Kinsen for upscale Japanese fare, or enjoy a cocktail and a light snack at the Atrium Terrace.

When you use Travelocity to book your stay in Thailand’s capital. You’ll find a great selection of cheap hotels near Bangkok, luxurious spas and resorts downtown, and amazing accommodations throughout the city. You’ll save a lot of money, too. Maybe not enough to buy a massive jade Buddha, but enough to continue your quest for tranquility and inner peace on the massage table at a relaxing spa. Just breathe and leave the rest to us.