Shangri-La
The Shangri-La is set in tropical gardens on the banks of the river, close to the business district, and has an enviable reputation. The rooms are decorated in relaxing colours and all have a big executive desk, voice-mail and modem point and broadband Internet connection. There are 26 function rooms, all equipped with the most advanced conference equipment, while the Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 1,000 seated guests. Additional facilities include a shopping arcade, two pools, spa, fully equipped gym, tennis and squash courts, sauna and Jacuzzi. There is a good choice of restaurants, including the Next2 terrace for evening barbecues and Sunday brunch.

90 Soi Wat Suan Plu, New Road
Tel: (02) 236 7777.
Website: www.shangri-la.com
Price: $$$$

The Oriental
One of the most famous hotels in the world, The Oriental is located by the Chao Phraya River and is the hotel of choice for royalty and celebrities past and present, such as Somerset Maugham, the Prince of Wales and Elizabeth Taylor. Although the original Author's Wing was built in 1887 and is very much colonial in style, two more modern wings tend to dominate the appearance of the hotel. However, the 393 rooms (including 35 suites) are all sumptuously decorated and have satellite TV, CD player, fridge, mini-bar and telephone lines with Internet access, while some have a split-level layout. The business centre has four meeting rooms and two boardrooms capable of holding up to 14 people and eight other function rooms catering for up to 1,000 guests. In addition, there are several exquisite restaurants, including Le Normandie (see Restaurants), various bars, two swimming pools, a spa, Thai cooking school, fitness centre and shopping arcade.

48 Oriental Avenue
Tel: (02) 659 9000.
Website: www.mandarinoriental.com/bangkok
Price: $$$$

Bel Aire Princess
This friendly first class hotel is conveniently located off the Sukhumvit Road, close to Nana Skytrain station and the expressway for the airport. It is decked out with a stylish minimalism. The 160 comfortable rooms are all good-sized with private bathrooms, satellite TV, mini-bar and tea and coffee making facilities. There is one restaurant serving Thai, Continental and Indian food, a bar plus an outdoor swimming pool and well-equipped fitness centre. In addition there is a business centre plus a meeting room which can hold up to 100 people.

16 Sukhumvit Soi 5
Tel: (02) 253 4300.
Website: www.bel-aireprincess.com

Price: $$

Dream Hotel
This trendy boutique hotel, where the style is a fusion of East meets West, is now well-established on the Bangkok scene. The 200 rooms have plasma TVs, ipods, Wi-Fi and under-bed lighting. There are even pet-friendly rooms. There is one restaurant, Flava, and a cocktail lounge, spa, health club, swimming pool and business centre.

10 Sukhumvit Soi 15
Tel: (02) 254 8500.
Website: www.dreambkk.com
Price: $$

The Eugenia
A fine boutique hotel, with just 12 suites, in an elegant colonial house. The suites all have antique furniture, part of a collection belonging to the owner. There is a lounge bar and a restaurant, the D B Bradley, which serves a fusion of east and west. Facilities include an open-air swimming pool and high-speed Internet access. Airport transfers can be arranged in one of their fleet of vintage cars.

267 Soi Sukhumvit 31, North Klongtan, Wattana
Tel: (02) 259 9017.
Website: www.theeugenia.com
Price: $$$