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I just returned from five days in Bangkok. It was my first time and I was quite surprised at how I actually enjoyed being there because it is usually difficult for me to feel at ease in a city.
It was quite different than I expected and despite the traffic and pollution my husband and I both found that we felt more at home than we do in Bali. Probably a big part of this was because the location where we stayed was very quiet and even though close to the center of the city it actually felt peaceful.
We stayed at Phranakorn-Nornlen hotel which was great value and we loved everything about the place except that the location sometimes made it very difficult as even with a map the taxi drivers had trouble navigating.
The staff were all really friendly and helpful and they provided a few little extras like organic soap and herbal tea in the evenings. The first night we arrived there were children in the room next door that were very noisy and the staff were more than willing to move us to the only other room available, which was an upgrade, at no extra cost.
The breakfast was also very good and creative with something completely different every day. There was always fresh juice like watermelon and pineapple and some fresh tropical fruit as well a small salad and some cooked items such as soup, poached eggs or french toast. Most days I just stuck to the juice and fruit, which was enough for me because I have a small appetite in the morning, and I gave the other food to my husband, although I did try the coconut soup with Asian mushrooms which was delicious.
My favorite breakfast there included pineapple tangerine juice, canteloupe pudding which had about a tablespoon of tapioca and coconut cream, and a side of a delicious Thai salad which included pomelo, cabbage, carrot, galangal and greens with a sweet dressing. I am sure if you have a larger appetite and want to keep it all raw they would be more than happy to prepare a large fruit salad for your breakfast.
They grow all the greens for their meals on the rooftop garden with organic methods as well. Unfortunately, the kitchen was undergoing renovations so they were not preparing food for lunch and dinner during our stay but we certainly had our share of young coconuts and mango shakes.
If you are used to traveling in luxury this may not be the place for you as the accommodation is pretty basic. But for the down to earth travelers looking for a little piece of serenity in the city, you will probably love this place. I can’t wait to go back!
