I have had this blog in my head for years and it is just now, stuck on a bus from Bangkok to Cambodia, that I am putting fingers to keyboard to get the word out. Serviced apartments are fantastic. When I was pregnant with Couper I lived in Bangkok for three months and, wanting something safe for my then one-year-old (yes, my kids are only 15 months apart and yes, I am tired a lot) and myself we rented a serviced apartment. Our original apartment was a one-bedroom at Centre Point, Silom, it had views of the river and was a two minute walk to the skytrain station. Callie and I explored the city from this safe little base and it was where Couper lived for his first few days. Subsquently when I travel back with the kids we stay in various serviced apartments and they are perfect for us, allowing us living space, a kitchen to make snacks and usually two bathrooms.
Related Posts
Here are some myths about serviced apartments debunked:
Myth 1: They are only available for long stays.
Debunking: Wrong! Service apartments are often able to be booked just like hotels for as many, or as few, nights as you want.
Myth 2: Serviced apartments are more expensive than a hotel because they offer so much more.
Debunking: Wrong! That’s the beauty of them. Usually a one bedroom serviced apartment in Bangkok has a kitchen, a living room, a bedroom and a bathroom and costs less than the Sofitel, Marriott or other hotel offering similar standards.
Myth 3: You then have to clean your own room.
Debunking: Wrong, oh so wrong. Serviced is the key word here. The rooms are cleaned daily and the sheets changed every few days so you get a clean room, but it is better for the environment.
Myth 4: You don’t get the services you do at a hotel.
Debunking: Wrong again! Room service, maid service, IT service, everything the hotels have these apartments have and often the add-ons aren’t expensive. At Siri Sathorn, my new favorite apartments, wireless is free in all rooms and they will call and make appointments for you or call you a taxi if you need to get somewhere. The only service they don’t have is a tour desk, but then again, I can take care of that for you (archive.journeys-within.com)! All the apartments we use have pools as well as gyms and because they have to keep them nice for their full-time guests the gyms are often better than those at the hotels.
Myth 5: We would have to go out for breakfast and there’s no room service.
Debunking: Wrong. At Siri Sathorn and at the Centre Points breakfast is included in the cost of the rooms and is often a very good buffet. They also have room service and it is delicious, some of the best Mango Sticky Rice I have ever had was at Siri Sathorn.
Myth 6: Serviced apartments are in the business district, not near where I want to stay.
Debunking: And finally, wrong! Siri Sathorn is on Sala Daeng road, walking distance to Silom Road and the skytrain. Centre Point, Silom, is next to the ferry dock and Saphan Thaksin skytrain station. Both are walking distance to shopping, restaurants, banks and malls.
At Journeys Within we use serviced apartments for families and often older couples as they are amazingly quiet and the staff just go above and beyond for their guests. The only thing a serviced apartment lacks is that Thai feel and can lack a bit of character. I don’t think in every city they’re the right option, but in Bangkok, when there is so much going on just out the door it is nice to have a little peace and quiet and your own space inside.
You can of course book an apartment through Journeys Within Tour Company or I have listed their websites below…
Siri Sathorn Serviced Apartments http://www.sirisathorn.com
Centre Point Serviced Apartments http://www.centrepoint.com
I need a maid. Please pack one back for me.