Thursday 30 April 2009

Cool hotels 7



Room with a view

Few hotel rooms in Bangkok command such an unfolding panoramic view of Temple of the Dawn, where I woke up to the sounds of river boats every morning, and to my astonishment, my hotel neighbors had been living in the old quarter since decades ago.

With only 7 rooms to choose from, you are almost guaranteed of privacy. Checking in or out is smooth as the river breeze.

Nestled on the Ratanakosin island, Arun Residence is literally steps away from Wat Pho, which houses the world's largest reclining buddha, the Grand Palace, Museum Siam and Pakorn Flower market, one of the busiest in Asia.

If you rise early enough, you can make merit by giving morning alms to the monks who walk past the shop lots. Or if Thai delicacies are your bet, a stroll along the pavement provides you with an array of local tastes. 

The Sino-Portuguese river house faces the west side of the Chao Phraya river, so sunset is a great time to unwind and to observe Temple of the Dawn with its glittering lights.

I had a great therapeutic massage in the comfort of my room. The masseur was from the respected Wat Pho traditional medical and massage school. 

Ask the staff to arrange one for you, as the hotel is built on the land owned by Wat Pho, they have a special deal to work things out.

Temple of the Dawn, seen from my viewfinder.

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