bgtp

Mine was in my junk/spam folder, so don’t forget to check there if you haven’t already.

I always like to say, the ‘M’ in ‘Thailand’ stands for maintenance. So things like stains or some older caulking aren’t going to be looked after in a timely manner except in the most upscale places. One factor I consider when choosing a hotel in Thailand is how old it is. The newer the place, the more things work as they should, the towels aren’t starting to have threads coming off, etc. Sometimes, I don’t have options and have to put up with things such as stains, towels that should have been replaced already, etc. International chains can, but not always, be somewhat better wrt to maintenance. I’ve been to many hotels in Thailand with a lovely lobby only get to off the elevator in a corridor of stained carpeting.

You’re wrong about there not being a bottomless coffee cup. Breakfast Story has it. Funny you mention Buddy’s as the top of the soi I like to stay on has both a Buddy’s and a Breakfast Story, the latter being directly above the former. I’ll give Buddy’s a try for breakfast some morning on my next visit.

I like Breakfast Story when I’m in the mood for an American breakfast. I’ve only been to the Asok location since it’s right by my hotel. They have three other locations as well.

Everyone is different. Personally, I don’t like staying between Nana and Asok, more so for the sidewalk congestion and third world vibe versus the traffic congestion. I’ll go the when I’m in the mood in the evenings. Soi 2 is a good option as already mentioned. I like staying between Asok and Phrom Phong. I’m currently staying on Soi 20. One BTS stop away, things are a lot less hectic, dirty, etc. I also like the Phrom Phong massage shops a lot, so it’s a good location for that. I like to walk and I consider anything between Nana and Thonglor walkable as long as it’s not too hot.

Sorry, Syama Suite does not have parking. Bally Suite did, but it’s closed now.

I stayed in Admiral Suites for six months and loved it … but that was 20 years ago when it was new. I stayed there the next couple of trips, but like any hotel in Thailand that’s not upscale, it began to show its wear and tear after a few years. I like to say, the ‘M’ in Thailand stands for maintenance. After that, I switched to Bally Suite Sukhumvit around the corner on that little side soi that connects 20 and 22. A few years of visits in the original building and then a few in the new building before it got too run down for my tastes. The area around sois 18-24 is my favorite one to stay in. My current choice is Syama Suite Sukhumvit 20. The room is still fine, but the last time I stayed there the Wi-Fi was horrible and I used my phone as a hotspot for my tablet. I’ll be back in a couple of weeks, so I’ll see how it’s doing now. I’m currently in a hotel in Chiang Mai less than a year old. It’s great when everything works as it should, no threads coming off the towels, etc.

I liked Sazanka a lot when it was in Washington Square. My regular there would sometimes meet me after work or on her day off which was nice. Maybe I'll give Sakura a try my next trip. Btw, like your profile pic. I've listened to it on youtube, great album.

I haven’t done this route, but have done others such as Khon Karen to Nong Khai. I don’t take the train (or bus) if flights are available. Flights within the country are cheap enough for me. If you’re thinking it’ll be a pleasant alternative to flying you can try it and judge for yourself. I’ve found they’re not that pleasant, not always on-time, and get old quick. When traveling around the country, I’d sometimes take a train instead of a bus if there is one between my origin and destination and half the time I end up wishing I took the bus instead. i did see some of the express trains on this route now have newer carriages, so that improves things. If you travel on one of these, I’d be interested in knowing how it was.