Hiptique Sukhumvit 13

I have stayed at this hotel a few times now as I travel to Bangkok regularly and know the area well. In terms of location it’s pretty good as it’s close to the bars, restaurants and cafes that cater well to tourists and the expat community. Its near soi 11 that is very vibrant at night and just a moment’s walk away. It’s a little bit of a walk to the nearest sky train but like many soi’s there are the motorbike taxis that will rapidly take you to Sukhumvit Rd. where you are then a short walk to the sky train. The rooms I have stayed in have a modern feel but certainly could do with some attention. This hotel is not brand new and so although it’s comfortable and will meet your basic needs, it’s certainly not a luxury stay. But I feel the price indicates that you are not to expect such luxury and so I feel it has the right balance of comfort for price. Strangely the rooms I have booked do not have windows that you can look out of. They were frosted if I recall and so do not expect city skyline views. I would suggest that once inside you almost feel that you are in a ships cabin or even aboard a space ship (similar to all the space ships I’ve ever flown in). There is a light feel to the rooms and more than enough room to feel you can spread out. There is good interior lighting that can be subdued. On one trip I had issues with the shower water not being consistently hot. The hotel did attend to the issue but it continued to be problematic. So good that the staff were on the case but I fear the plumbing itself could do with some attention. The water temperature never got quite to how I would have liked it. The service was mixed over the different trips. One staff member would offer the wonderful Thai smile and happy service that one would expect in Thailand and then the next member would be somewhat sullen and not so positive. I would go as far at the say that this needs improvement to really offer guests a better experience. The hotel pool on the rooftop is small and there is little room to sit and enjoy the sun. If I remember there is room for just 4 loungers. The outside restaurant on the rooftop has not been in service for some time and its been left to the elements and so is a real mess. On the web site the nighttime image of that cool hip, cosy lit restaurant just does not exist. Bad advertising if you book hoping to chill and watch the sunset in that bar. I feel if they can’t make it work financially then they should clean up that roof top area and at least make it smart as this is seen by guests. Currently its a building site and that’s sad and actually dangerous. The pool is great for a dip after busy day sightseeing but it’s far from a luxury escape. No doubt having a pool is awesome in a Bangkok hotel even if it’s not the best. Overall I feel that this hotel is just coasting along. It’s become lazy and complacent. They are not bothered to clean up the roof top, the staff appear a little nonchalant and its sad as a little effort and an injection of pride, better service and excitement could really turn it around. It lacks any fun welcoming atmosphere. It needs a massive injection of love and attention. But if you want a no thrills place to stay, that’s central and affordable then this is fine. Bangkok has so many hotels to choose from and although I was ‘sort of’ content to stay here, its missing key elements that would make me look forward to a fourth stay. So essentially it could do a lot better.

DO NOT BE FOOLED BY THE PICTURES! This hotel is disgusting in reality, full of dust and doesn't look like it's been properly cleaned or maintained in ages, the room is tiny, the toilet seat is worn, dirty & yellow, there is a cupboard that opens to the plumbing pipes beside the bed which is filthy inside, the blinds are broken, the pool is tiny, murky & full of bugs and the sky lounge is a disgusting dumping ground. They offered to upgrade our room but it wasn't much better and just as dirty, we immediately checked out within the hour. Avoid this place at all costs, there are much better hotels at a similar price.

I arrived late last night and checked in easily. The room is spacious and sheets clean. No bugs or insects which is always a bonus. Shower works well and there is soap/shower gel. The carpet needs to be renewed but apart from that I have no complaints.