The Royal River Hotel

We were booked here as participants in an international event at Thammasat University, Bangkok, Thailand, and the three of us had a very pleasant stay. The place felt high-end, with a view of the King River. The interior and accommodation were well maintained, and the staff were friendly with exceptional hospitality. I’d choose it again if I got another chance to visit Bangkok. Wi-Fi is expected everywhere for people who want to stay connected, so I don’t think it needs mentioning.

The location worked especially well for us. It’s a bit away from the city bustle, which gave us room to breathe, and the hotel’s tuk-tuk can take you to the nearest MRT station. There’s also a taxi option at the hotel. We paid a fair amount for good value, and I’d definitely recommend it. The staff were friendly, room service was good, and checkout was easy with no waiting, just return the card. Check-in was quick, though the 3pm time felt a little late and could perhaps move to 2pm or 1pm. Our room had a good bed, nice bathroom, and plenty of space for two. Breakfast was good, with lots of choices that changed each day over our five-day stay.

It wasn’t right in the middle of Bangkok, and there was one other big drawback: if you want an early night, don’t count on it. A live band played at the bar until 12am. To be fair, they were great, and the lead guitarist had a lovely voice.

The internet was the worst I’ve had in a hotel. It dropped every five minutes, and even when it connected, it was the slowest I’ve experienced since 2015. This isn’t a suitable place if you’re coming for work or plan to get anything done online. The location isn’t great either, with nothing within walking distance to see. The infrastructure also seems old and hasn’t been renovated in decades.