New Siam Riverside Guest House

While Bangkok has plenty of budget-friendly options -- indeed, this hotel's Banglamphu/Khao San Road neighborhood is packed with value lodgings -- staying on the Chao Phraya riverfront generally isn't cheap. The mid-range New Siam Riverside Guest House isn't the most trendy, modern, or chic riverfront spot, but for the location, you'll be hard-pressed to find better rates. The hotel sports a rather unusual welcome, as the lobby and reception areas are completely separate. The hotel decided to move the reception desk to an air-conditioned area by the restaurant, while the lobby remains fan cooled and somewhat neglected -- it's a pity as the lobby is spacious and filled with fine thick teak wood chairs and carved benches. There's also a large aquarium, and plenty of places to relax along with a row of computers that guests can use. The hotel is a step up from the guest houses in the area, although it has a very laid-back vibe with its swimming pool and terrace restaurant being the focal points of the hotel. Of course, the river views are the star here, and though the look is dated, plenty of vacationing travelers of all stripes pass through the hotel.

The New Siam Riverside Guest House is located right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. This gorgeous setting looks out at traditional river life -- there's a constant stream of boats zipping through the area -- and the relaxing sunset views offer a very different vibe from normally chaotic and traffic-filled Bangkok. The hotel's immediate Phra Athit Road area is home to a lot of bohemian bars and small eateries that are popular with the local university crowd. Pleasant Phra Sumen Fort is just up the street, which is a laid back green space and also the start of the promenade down the river to the Pin Klao bridge. Khao San Road is a 10-minute walk from the hotel and is Bangkok's main backpacker hub. It's filled with all manner of cheap venues and has a young vibe along with plenty of Western trappings.

Rooms at the New Siam Riverside Guest House are generally broken into two categories: those with river views, and those without. Rooms are certainly nicer than at sister property New Siam II across the street, but don't expect the swank interiors that come with many of the high-end riverfront properties in this city. Pleasant decor includes either laminated or real wood floors and sharp wood accents like the decorative headboards that stand above beds. The look is a bit dated, though, particularly the heavy drapes and worn light wood veneer furniture. All rooms come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, mini-fridges, safes, and electric kettles for making free tea. Most rooms are unadorned and have white walls, though a few walls are hung with carved wooden pieces that give the spaces a little life.

The big draw at this hotel is the outstanding river views, which are available from many rooms -- even some of the hotel's most basic Standard Rooms. Deluxe Rooms have large furnished balconies and -- you guessed it -- offer great river views as well. Expect to pay a good bit more for rooms with river views. There are also a couple of large Suites for guests looking to splurge. Bathrooms are clean and bright, but compact, with walk-in showers and limited counter space in most rooms. 

The New Siam Riverside Guest House doesn't have an abundance of extra facilities, but the ones they do offer are appealing enough. The hotel has a swimming pool that sits right next to the Chao Phraya River. It's a great spot, although in high season with a full house, the space and number of sun loungers around the pool is fairly limited. The hotel also has a large restaurant, which has both a spacious air-conditioned indoor dining area as well as a scenic outdoor terrace with a small upstairs balcony space. The views of the river from here are wonderful, and with the green chairs matching all the surrounding foliage, it is a very lush and relaxing spot. A free breakfast buffet is available with hot and cold options including meats and fresh fruit. The hotel has a large travel agency in the lobby which can arrange tours and transport, and there is also an area with computers and printers for guests to use, although they are not free and run on timed coin deposits. Wi-Fi throughout the hotel is free.