As a budget traveler, especially when I’m traveling alone, my requirement is usually fairly simple – affordable, or rather – cheap. Cheap is the more appropriate word, given the fact that I might sometimes trade convenience and comfort for a lower rates. I need only a clean bed, and an attached bath room would be an icing on the cake, nothing more. But if I’m traveling with friends or family, when splurging a little bit won’t make me feel particularly guilty, I would say I need a pool.

I went to Bangkok last month and stayed in Anantara Bangkok Sathorn, a modern hotel located at Bangkok’s business district. The hotel offers what you would expect from a typical 5-star hotel – nice furniture, modern interior, artistic wall paintings, but lack of distinctive charm & character. Yet, I enjoy so much staying here, partly because of the 32 metre long pool I guess. I hit the pool every morning after I woke up. It was such a good way to kick-start a beautiful day. And yes, there’s also a gym with complete equipments for those who want to shed some extra pounds after the gluttonous affair in Bangkok. There’s only one thing that might deter some travelers from staying here – the fact that it’s not very close to the nearest BTS or MRT stations.  To me, it’s not so much an issue.

Hotel link: http://bangkok-sathorn.anantara.com/

Room type: Skyline Two Bedroom Suites

(32 metre long pool)

(spacious living dining area)

(guest bedroom)

(master bedroom)

(city view from balcony)