Ashley Hotel BKK (SHA)

The free shuttle to the BTS was a real plus, and the location and service were good. I stayed about a week and changed rooms several times. The washer and dryer came in handy, while bathroom water pressure was only so-so, which wasn't a big issue. I had to be careful about the hotel's strict deposit and room-condition rules, so I documented things. The bedding had blood stains, and there were scratches on furniture throughout the room. Those marks didn't bother me personally, but the rules and earlier reviews made me concerned they might charge for them. A few days in, the AC stopped working, so I moved rooms. That bathroom had a problem too, and I was eventually put in an upgraded suite. I'd somewhat recommend the hotel, but read the fine print and check everything carefully.

The room itself was a pleasant surprise: clean, modern, comfortable bedding, good soundproofing, and quiet air conditioning. The bathroom was modern and spotless, with good hot water pressure. The TV was a decent size, if not especially large. There were four shower towels and two pool towels, plus a kettle, two very small cups, and two bottles of good brand water. Wi-Fi stayed stable and was fast enough for work or streaming. The little pool was nice, though small. Getting around was convenient once out the door, since the hotel is central in Bangkok, although the nearest metro station is a 15-20 minute walk. Inside, it felt quiet, and the pool area had a romantic look, but the atmosphere overall was cold and impersonal. For the price, the lack of personal attention and warmth was disappointing. The arrival was the worst part. The messages before I arrived included an attempt to manipulate me, and they flatly refused free cancellation, which had never happened to me before. At the entrance there are stairs, but no one helped with the suitcases. The welcome was frosty, without even a smile. They also asked me to sign a document saying the hotel took no responsibility if anything was stolen. Rooms weren't handed over until 4 p.m., well after standard check-in time. So there's real comfort and potential here, but the staff's rigid, cold approach left a bad impression. If you only care about a comfortable room and don't need a warm interaction, it could work. At this price, though, there are better and more flexible options in Bangkok.

The photos and positive reviews had me excited for this stay, but the room wasn't as clean as I'd hoped. It was an average experience at best.

The shower was a highlight, with strong pressure and temperature that adjusted properly. It was mounted really high up on the ceiling. The rooms were clean too, and the front desk team were terrific, friendly and helpful at any hour. We also loved the free shuttle to thong lor BTS. The Indian uncle driving it was such a pleasant man and drove carefully and smoothly, with no sudden acceleration or braking. Definitely our favorite hotel in BKK so far in the mid-range price bracket, and the best one we've stayed at there.