Well now, it looks like I may not be staying at the New Siam II after all. A friend who is well travelled said he was staying at
Bhiman Inn and I had a look around their website. Comparing rates, although New Siam is cheaper - 790 baht per night, and Bhiman Inn 1000 baht per night, it also includes a full breakfast. Now by my calculations that works out at $7.15 for breakfast which may work out cheaper in the long run. Not being familiar with food costs in Bangkok, I'm presuming that it would cost me about the same were I to have to buy breakfast.
So now it's a case of
a) Pay 790 baht a night, no breakfast.
b) Pay 1000 baht a night breakfast included.
I somehow like the idea of breakfast included for a number of reasons. It means I can just go down for breakfast in the morning without having to having to go and check out prices either at New Siam or surrounding shops/stalls.
Anyway, I'm not sure which direction I'll go. I have plenty of time to make up my mind, but if the full breakfast includes tea and coffee, then I think it may have just won me over. I'll also check reviews and compare them.
Taxes?
I will need to find out if "net" includes tax and service charge. If it doesn't then I will most likely opt for New Siam II.
Emailed then (Bhiman Inn) and the price includes taxes etc.
Another Alternative ~ Cheaper Accommodation?
I heard from someone who stayed at
Siam Oriental Inn on Khao San Road - 190 Khao San Road, cheap rooms for 500 baht. They seemed quite happy with it, then again they are about half my age and are backpacking around over something like 18 months or so. The place is right on Khao San Road and there's a 7-11 nearby with a pharmacy across the road and the police station near by. I think it would be very noisy and not sure if it's where I really want to be, although the fact that it is half the price compared to the Inn makes it seem like a very attractive alternative.
From their website
1-2 persons
C1-C2, 500 baht, fan and air con, hot shower, free american breakfast, international tv, window, plus free tissues, soap and safety box.
There's also 2 persons deluxe for 700 baht which offers the same things. Perhaps the room is a little larger? Or doesn't face the noisy street? Somehow I don't think they will have a lift.
So, it's either 500 baht in the noisy area or 1000 baht in a nicer, quieter area. As this is the very last part of my trip, it might be nice to go for the dearer option and stay in the better location. Looking through the
photo gallery of Birhman Inn, I am drawn to staying here. $33.87 a night, making a total of #135.51 add on a few dollars for the international exchange rate etc. say $140 for four nights including breakfast it still isn't a lot of money especially when you compare that staying in a dorm hostel in Canberra is around $30 a night and you don't get breakfast included.
So yeah...I think this might be the one. I'll spend the day or so to think it over before making a final decision.
I just asked Junior (20 yo son) should I stay on the noisy street an pay $67.50 for four nights with breakfast of on the nicer, quieter street and pay $135.50 for four nights with breakfast. His ansewer? The $67.50 one. Given the fact that the cheaper one lists check-in as 4.00am..er it 'd likely be very noisy and somehow I don't think I'd
really relish the thought of drunken backpackers stumbling in at 4 in the morning. Decions, decisions, decisions. I know if I were to ask people familiar with Bangkok they would say go for the dearer option.
