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The Baan Silom is a unique boutique hotel further down Silom Rd towards the river. While it isn't walking distance to a skytrain you can walk to restaurants and shopping. The rooms are all decorated in just one color…whether it be white, red, pink, or?... The lobby also tries very hard to be hip, but maybe doesn't quite make it. The rooms were spotlessly clean and the staff were very friendly.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Unique Décor. Good Location
Downside: Unique Décor? No swimming pool.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
March 2009

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Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

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I definitely have a soft spot in my heart for this property as Callie and I lived here when I was pregnant with Couper and little Coups spent his first day out of hospital here. With that aside serviced apartments are a great way to get a lot of space without having to pay for hotel suites. For families this is a great option and is usually much better value for money. You do miss some of the charm and character of hotels, but for Centre Point, Silom you make up for it in location, service and space!

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Great location at the skytrain, overlooking the river and above a grocery store.
Downside: Since they are apartments they do lack some Thai charm.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
January 2010

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

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Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Thailand

Ever seen The King and I? Well let's just say that at this hotel, you're the king! An amazing property on the banks of the Chao Praya River, the Oriental offers shopping, entertainment, restaurants, swimming pools, and you haven't even left the hotel yet! It boasts some of the best service in Asia and it does treat guests like Royalty. Sometimes I find it slightly pandering and parts of the hotel are showing their age, but overall this hotel is an experience in itself.

Rating: Everything Off
Upside: It's the Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok. It's on many a bucket list!
Downside: No one said completing your bucket list would be cheap!
Insider Tip: Library...

Karma: Enlightened

We know that the Mandarin Oriental is renowned for its good service, but we found out that they also serve the local community and best of all, they get their team involved. Almost all the community projects that the Mandarin Oriental supported were done on a team basis – company-wide blood drive, led by the hotel manager; a community service outing where they used donations from the hotel and the hotel staff helped renovate a school building; an apprenticeship program that helps local students and involves staff trainers.

I like that the giving from the Oriental is a team affair and gets everyone involved and excited. It's good to know that their reputation for good service goes beyond their own front door!

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
2009

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Old Bangkok Inn Bangkok, Thailand

A model for how boutique hotels should be run, the old Bangkok Inn is a truly unique property offering an experience unlike any other in Bangkok. Just a kilometer from the Grand Palace, Old Bangkok Inn is located in the heart of Bangkok's old Quarter, across the street from the famous Golden Mountain. While some of the rooms are very small they have real charm, as do the staff, who make you feel like family. Just because the rooms are reminiscent of old world Bangkok doesn't mean the amenities have to be, each room has an in-room computer with broadband and a TV and DVD player.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: An amazingly personal experience in old-town Bangkok
Downside: Not near the skytrain or the river so traffic can be tricky. Some of the rooms are very small.

Karma: Enlightened

The community outreach at Old Bangkok Inn has been incorporated into their business model from the beginning. Guests are asked to donate $1 for every night they stay at the Old Bangkok Inn and they can even choose the organization that the money goes to from a list provided by the hotel. The personal nature of the Old Bangkok Inn lends itself to this guest involvement and the hotel then matches every dollar donated so they too are helping to make a difference.

Environmentally the Old Bangkok Inn has also done its part…solar powered water heaters, natural light and a focus on the three R's, Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. It isn't always easy for the smaller hotels to afford a more environmental approach or a policy of giving, but with it's strong ties to the community and heritage it's great to see that Old Bangkok Inn takes pride in being able to do both.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
2009

Peninsula Hotel Bangkok, Thailand

It's no secret I like nice hotels. At 16 my dad took me on a father/daughter trip to New York and we stayed at the Waldorf Astoria and I was hooked! Sure, I've visited more than my fair share of home-stays and ecolodges and have loved many of them, but in the end I can't help but want to get in a bed that makes you feel like you're floating; touch one button so the entire room gets dark and order room service that you know will be perfect, yet when it arrives it still exceeds your expectation. Welcome to The Peninsula! My favorite hotel in Bangkok, they manage to serve without groveling and offer an understated opulence. This hotel celebrates the finer things in life with class.

Rating: Everything Off
Upside: It's fantastic.
Downside: You won't want to leave.
Insider Tip: Even though you're across the river from Bangkok-proper, they have a frequent ferry.

Karma: Novice

I am really disappointed that this hotel isn't doing more, but they did say, “We are more and more focus on Corporate Social Responsibility and should there be any opportunity for us to get involved in, we would be appreciate to participate.” So I will be recommending some projects in Bangkok that I know could use some help and hopefully they will go from wanting to help, to actually helping!

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
October 2009

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This little hotel has so much potential and is one of our favorites but we do wish it would get a much-needed renovation. Located just off Silom Rd, Walking distance to the skytrain, Soi Convent and Lumphini Park, it is great value for money, but not somewhere to go to be pampered. I recommend Silom Serene for people who don't want to spend time in their room, but do want to be in a good location, are traveling on a budget and want to still have a swimming pool. We stayed in a suite last time we visited and that was very nice set up and is a bigger, more updated room option.

Rating: Socks On
Upside: Great location. Very cute swimming pool. Value for money.
Downside: Needs remodeling

Karma: Non-believer

While I know this hotel isn't a fancy hotel and does pride itself on being very reasonably priced I was disappointed in their efforts. They sent me a long list of what they are doing to help reduce energy, but it all centered around them saving money, not the environment. While I know they are working on being affordable I just think they haven't seen the light yet!

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
March 2009

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Siri Sathorn Bangkok, Thailand

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

Karma: Enlightened

I wasn't expecting this property to be that involved as they are more business oriented than some of the hotels, but I was pleasantly surprised by their commitment to the community. While they don't have a comprehensive plan, they have donated to organizations over the last three years and obviously have made an effort to support programs that have come to them for help. They haven't gotten guests involved or made any large donations, but a little can go a long way and the SiriSathorn is doing a lot more than many of their competitors!

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross

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Sofitel Silom Bangkok, Thailand

While I'm the first person to shy away from chain hotels I do enjoy a Sofitel every now and then. With big fluffy beds and an excellent breakfast buffet the Sofitel Silom is a great place to escape the mayhem of Bangkok's streets. While the location both good (on Silom Rd walking distance to the nightly street market) and bad (not walking distance to the skytrain) all is soon forgiven over a few glasses of wine at their V9 wine bar. I like the sophistication of the Sofitel Silom without the high price tag of other higher end hotels.

Rating: Everything Off
Upside: Being on Silom Road. Big rooms with great beds. The wine bar.
Downside: Not walking distance to they skytrain. Staff is a bit indifferent.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
October 2008

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Part of the Accor group this hotel is a unique property as it is located very close to Siam Square, but still has very reasonable prices. The rooms are modern hotel rooms, but they are spacious and quiet and do have art reflecting Thai culture. The staff are very nice and all in all this is a nice place in a good downtown location.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: I like the location just down from Siam Square and next to the sky train.
Downside: Not enough space around the pool. It could get full fast and really no good walking streets nearby.
Insider Tip: Afternoon tea is fantastic…Chocolate waterfall, enough said.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
November 2009

Anantara Resort & Spa Chiang Rai, Thailand

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

Karma: Enlightened

How can you not love a hotel dedicated to the protection and support of elephants! The Anantara Resort has put into place great policies to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and they have some innovative ideas, that if they are able to realize will get them to Nirvana soon.

My favorite program is that every room will have a seedling on the balcony at guests arrival and they are invited to take the hotel shuttle to nearby land to plant the seedling. Sure this isn't going to bring back the rainforest, but it helps to remind us that just because we're at a hotel doesn't mean we should forget about the environment. I was impressed with the policies the Resort has in place to train and support their staff and to help decrease their carbon footprint, I think the next step is seeing how well it all gets implemented.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross

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Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

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De Naga Chiang Mai, Thailand

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

Karma: Non-believer

Though they did tell me they planted a lot of flowers and trees in their garden to help with global warming, I think in today's world, this just isn't enough. I hope that this sweet hotel does decide to do a little more soon.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross

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Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

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The River House Resort & Spa Chiang Rai, Thailand

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

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Chiang Mai has some of the best boutique hotels in the region and Siri Lanna is one of my favorite. The rooms are big with all the amenities, including a huge bathtub. The staff really makes this property as they are friendly and helpful. They brought us water and snacks when we sat by the pool and offered great restaurant recommendations. This is a little gem in the heart of Chiang Mai.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Wonderful staff and great value for money.
Downside: The pool is next to the lobby and the room so I kept having to shush Callie… and from a guest perspective she didn't shush very well.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
March 2009

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Yaang Come Village Chiang Mai, Thailand

Quite simply, I love the Yaang Come Village. Every single detail of this beautiful boutique hotel was well thought out with love and care. The grounds reflect the natural beauty of the country and the staff all demonstrates why Thailand is called the land of smiles. The hotel was built around the remarkable Yaang tree located in the front yard – and makes for a great photo opportunity. The rooms are very spacious, clean and decorated impeccably with the local home and handicrafts Chiang Mai is famous for.  Located walking distance to the night market, be prepared to do some bargaining, have fun and bring some great items home with you.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: A hotel designed with heart will have a special place in your heart for a long time to come.
Downside: If I have to be picky, I would say the only downside is there is no bath tub.
Insider Tip: Don't settle for just checking out the vendors directly near the hotel at the night market. A few blocks down you will reach the Vieng Ping area (feel free to ask someone to point you there). Here you can sit down for open air dining, choose from many different international cuisines, and enjoy free music and dancing performances.

Reviewed by: April O'Connell-Cole
May 2008

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Amari Coral Beach Phuket, Thailand

This is a great family hotel located next to, but not tooo close to Patong Beach. The main pool has a paddle pool for the kids and you can get a babysitter one night so you can have dinner at their restaurant on the jetty…very romantic. While it doesn't have a great beach you can walk down to Patong or grab a tuk tuk. The staff are fantastic and it's very good value for money.

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: Beautiful restaurants and pools and a great view of Patong Bay
Downside: No real beach unless you walk to Patong, about a 5 minute walk.
Insider Tip: The couch in the deluxe rooms is great for kids, no need to pay for the extra bed.

Karma: Enlightened

The Amari Coral Beach is part of the larger Amari chain in Thailand and we were pleased to hear that they have been giving back to their communities since 1995 with their Baht for a Better Life campaign. Over the last 15 years they have collected change and donations at each of their properties and then contributed it to schools through Thailand. There are no administration costs so 100% of the donations go to the projects. Over the years they have supported various children's programs in Thailand and have built 11 new schools throughout Thailand is areas not able to pay for it themselves. Amari has then gone on to help support these schools with desks, learning materials and supplies.

Often, as you walk through a large hotel you see the collection jar with photos of kids on it. It's a great feeling to know that the money being given at the Amari properties is going to a project that is making a difference, I am sure the students at these 11 schools aren't fully aware of who has helped them, but as travelers, it's good to know that just a little change in a donation box, can make a big change in someone's life.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross

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Picturesque views of the Ao Nang Cliff provide the name sake to this lovely boutique hotel. Quaint, but sophisticated rooms and a unique outdoor bathroom encourage intimacy and romance. You have the choice to have breakfast served for you at the restaurant or on the dinette set outside your room. Each location allows you to enjoy the serenity and beauty of the hotel, pool and the incredible Krabi location. While the walk to the beach is a bit long, there are many things to do on the ten minute stroll. You can enjoy many different and delicious local restaurants, various shopping, custom tailor shops or maybe choose to get a famous 200 baht Thai massage. Don't feel like walking? A tuk-tuk to the beach will cost about 20 baht per person (but you can negotiate this with the driver).

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: The location is fun to explore and I felt at any time of day I could go out and find something fun to do. Whether it was relaxing beach time, shopping or dining out, I was never bored.
Downside: Although the outside bathroom in unique and charming, if it's raining you will need to take an umbrella with you to go to the bathroom! Also, the rooms are a bit small.
Insider Tip: A great photo opportunity awaits you. Ask one of the kind staff to take a picture of you and your group in front of the cliffs. It's so beautiful you'll think it's a postcard.

Reviewed by: April O'Connell-Cole
May 2008

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Callie ate her first sand on the beautiful beach in front of the Kata Beach Resort. This hotel is a bit big and impersonal, but it's also easy! Breakfast is buffet and there's something for everyone. The pools can get a bit crowded and noisy but they have three of them so you can just try a different one. Massages on the beach are $10 and there are jet skis to rent. This property may lack boutique appeal, but it makes up for it by offering everything else!

Rating: Socks Off
Upside: The location is great, on the beach, but walking distance to restaurants & bars.
Downside: The rooms could use a renovation.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
2008

How can I not love this hotel? I got married at the Kata Thani under a wooden palapa overlooking the beach with a sunset over the Andaman Sea behind us…It was nice. Our honeymoon suite wasn't bad either - huge Jacuzzi bathtub, wonderfully comfortable bed and another great view of the ocean. This hotel boasts at least three swimming pools, at least five restaurants and countless smiling and helpful staff. All the rooms are suites and it's a great place to get away from it all, but also have it all right at your fingertips!

Rating: Everything Off
Upside: Kata Nui Beach - away from the crowds, and stunning.
Downside: No private pool villas, which are all the rage right now.  A longer drive to get to restaurants and bars in town.
Insider Tip: There are two wings to this hotel, the Kata Thani Wing…all suites on the beach, and the Kata Bhuri Wing. This wing has more standard rooms and is across the street from the beach, but you still have access to all the pools and the price is more manageable.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
2009

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

Mom Tri's Boathouse Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

Karma: Enlightened

Boutique Resorts really have the opportunity to get involved in their community and I love to see them doing just that. As they say themselves, Mom Tri's really cared about Sustainable Tourism before it was such a hot topic. They do little things…like offer water in glass reusable water bottles instead of plastic and they offer nights at Mom Tri's as raffle prizes for fundraisers, but they also do bigger projects…organizing beach clean ups and inspiring other hotels to also help protect Phuket and the ocean. In recent years Mom Tri's has showcased many local talents through their exhibitions and showcases. “Saying all that I'm sure we can do a lot more,” said the manager from Mom Tri's. I hope they do take their commitment to the next level!

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The Old Phuket Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand

Rating: Complete Review Coming Soon

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When we took the speedboat out to PPIV from Phuket, we were with a couple on their honeymoon. As we pulled up after a 30 minute ride in front of the white sand beach with long boats anchored off  and palm trees swaying in the breeze I saw the new Mrs. get slightly misty eyed. I wasn't that surprised, the truth is, when you're dreaming of your Thailand honeymoon this is the place you're imagining. From bungalows on the beach to hill top pool villas this resort really has something for everyone. The kids loved the water slide at the pool and I loved room service next to our private pool and sunset from the deck. We saw the honeymooners as we were leaving and all I can say is I hope they're still as happy now as they were then.

Rating: Everything Off (except for your swimsuit)
Upside: Idyllic Thai Island
Downside: Once you're here you're a little stuck- boats to town are expensive and there is no road.
Insider Tip: If you get a hillside room you can call for a golf cart to come and get you or, more importantly, to take you back up again. The resort can also arrange snorkeling, kayaking and diving trips.

Reviewed by: Andrea Ross
March 2009

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The Pimalai Resort and Spa Koh Lanta, Krabi, Thailand

When you are at your desk at work day dreaming about a secluded white sand beach, lush tropical surroundings followed by a romantic candlelit dinner for two prepared by a world renowned chef and the only thing that can compare to the beauty of the person sitting across from you is the magnificent pink and purple sunset reflected on the water – well, you're daydreaming about The Pimalai. If I could use only one word to describe this property it would be “paradise.”

The property was designed to embrace the nature of the island and each room has its own special stunning view. And may I say - if ever you were to consider upgrading a hotel room, this is the place to do it. The pool villas are situated on the hills of the island surrounded by unparalleled views of the Andaman Sea. This is the type of room that you will never want to leave (perfect for a honeymoon!).  Each villa has a separate living area, a private infinity pool which appears to drop off into the sea, a poolside cabana, two spacious balconies, a bed which is romantically draped from the ceiling with muslin, a large bubble jet tub, separate shower and a spacious dressing area. This hotel is pure luxury and at no point could it disappoint you.

Rating: Everything Off
Upside: Seclusion and romance come standard at The Pimalai.
Downside: If staying in a pool villa you will need to call for a ride to get to the beach. It's complimentary, but can be a bit of a hassle.
Insider Tip: If you are looking for a truly romantic evening, reserve a private dinner for two either on the beach or on the balcony of your private villa. A unique and memorable experience. Be sure to book the day before you want the dinner.

Reviewed by: April O'Connell-Cole
May 2008

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