patman

It's the Majestic Grande with new owners. They were refurbishing the hotel when I stayed there last November.   This has been my go to hotel for the last few trips. Nice hotel, good  breakfast and great location, a short walk from Nana and the soi 4 bars.

I just booked  my November trip at Landmark, I was not sure if the Majestic Grand would be fully refurbished by opening day, plus I wanted to see if the Landmark was better. 

The price sounds the same as before about $100 a night. I will definitely check it out when I am in Bangkok 

t

I think you first idea was correct, go to the downstairs taxi rank. Avoid anyone who walks up to you in the concourse and offers a taxi. The train is OK, but if you have bags it's a pain.

Done both. If you are travelling light the train is a good option. The only problem is switching trains at Siam, lots of stairs. I last took the train a few years ago. There are two, a direct train to Siam, and one that stops at every station. I heard somewhere that the direct train got cancelled so you may want to check

Forget cars an taxis, except at night. The whole area is one big traffic jam. The only good way to get around is the skytrain/met or motorcycle taxis. IMHO the only problem with Asok hotels is there is not much going on in the daytime. AT soi 4 you have a whole area with daytime bars.

I prefer to stay on soi4 for the daytime action. For nighttime if you BF at nana its a short walk, if you BF at Cowboy, the taxis are cheap. I would think if you stay in the middle, then it's a longish walk for both.

I have stayed at both.  They are both very good hotels.  The pool os better at the Dynasty, but I usually stay at the Majestic, the food is good, staff is helpful.  The biggest reason is the location, just a couple of minutes walk form Nana and the Soi 4 bars.

I arrive on 20th of May, staying at the Majestic Grand. Any chance the passage will be open by then?

I plan some time in the future to go. Couple of questions. Coming in from DFW so about I see that it's about 21 hr or so in the plane, so I will have time to sleep and research more info about Bangkok. How much money should I take with me or just pulled from bank at Bangkok? Also when I'm there exchange rate and what I should look at for? Types of scam? Cell service, currently have sprint, should I get a burner? Or wifi is great at the majority of the areas I will be in like so far I read about SOI cowboy and Nana plaza, I will probably be there for a week and I want to see everything if I can, site seeing as well. Type of hotels better in the city or near the areas I will be going to? Avg cost to stay in one as well. Also type of transportation, taxi, Uber, trian, and so on. This is my first time I will be leaving the country via plane and I always thought my first trip would be Europe or Spain (wanted to do the bull run :)) anything else I'm missing let me know I want know cover all of my bases and have a good time as well.

Money - Take a hundred dollar bills, Take about $1000 for a week, Make sure your bank knows your travel plans so you can use your ATM card.  If you feel uncomfortable carrying so much money, take $300 and use your ATM for the rest.

Scams, when you get to the airport, go to the taxi rank to get a cab. Do not go with the drivers that come up to you after you exit passport control.

Cell Service - If you use AT&T or T-Mobile in the states, make sure your phone is unlocked and get a SIM card.  You can get one at the airport or any 7-11.  I use DTAC (Happy SIM).  For Sprint SIM card will not work.

hotels - Stay on or around Soi 4 (Nana Plaza) See the Hotel section on the Board for recommendations.  Good Central location, and everything is accessible via Skytrain. 

Transportation - Forget Uber and Taxis, too much traffic. Take the Skytrain.  For sightseeing get a day pass on the river.  Take the Skytrain to Saphan Taksin station, and the booth is right after you exit.  Soi Cowboy is one stop from Nana on the Sktrain.

I think I am spoiled.  It started when I got a couple of frequent flyer upgrades to business class and got into the Airport Lounges.  It so relaxing, food always there, so you can nibble away for hours, nice comfy chars, free booze, Japanese toilets that are spotless, showers, free WiFi.  Now if I cannot get in for free, I just pay the fee. 25 Euros is not much to pay, you can easily spend close to that on a greasy burger with fries and couple of lukewarm beers.