I-Residence Hotel Silom

A geometric design of glass and metal gives the I-Residence Hotel Silom a modern and interesting look that flows through the interior. The lobby replicates the white metal design; cushy black and white chairs providing seating. Silver pillows and white floors adorn the area, and red lighting above the front desk adds color to the white scheme. There's a utilitarian-looking cafe -- with white metal-base tables, vending machines, and menus posted to the wall -- on the lobby floor that draws a large local crowd for lunch. 

The I-Residence Hotel Silom is across the street from the Chong Nonsi BTS Skytrain station in Bangkok’s central business district. The mix of residential and office buildings makes the area extremely traffic-clogged, but there are food carts, a 7-Eleven, and a McDonald’s surrounding the hotel. Thaniya Plaza, the Silom Complex Shopping Mall, and Lumpini Park are less than a 15-minute walk from the hotel, and the MBK Center, Siam Square, and Pratunam Market are within a 15-minute drive.

While the hotel's common areas stick with basic white, rooms have pops of color and style. Mid-tone hardwood floors or gray carpet run through most of the rooms, accented by lipstick-red chairs and lampshades. Artwork hangs as headboards in some of the rooms, and the built-in furniture maximizes the space. Flat-screen TVs fit within wall units, and desks fit right into the space below. Coffeemakers and minibars also slide into the wall unit. All rooms are air-conditioned, and upgraded rooms include pantries with electric hot plates, microwaves, and city views from balconies. Bright-green tiles give bathrooms some color, while others are stark white from ceiling to floor. Modern bowl or square sinks sit on countertops, and there is shelving under the mirrors. Upgraded rooms have separate tubs and glassed-in showers. All bathrooms contain the hotel's brand toiletries and hairdryers.

The beautiful rooftop pool is what sets this hotel apart from the competition. A glass fence allows guests to take in the city views even while swimming. There's a poolside bar and restaurant, and brown wicker furniture or green lounge chairs provide seating. The free breakfast is served --  a take-out breakfast box is also available -- on the rooftop. The lobby-floor cafe bustles with local residents at lunch. A business center has updated computers, although the fitness center is tiny with just a handful of equipment and free weights in an almost windowless room. In-room Wi-Fi is free, but it comes with a fee in the common areas. The hotel also operates an area shuttle for a fee.