It nestles in soi 5 (a side street) in one of the important districts of Bangkok, Thanon (road) Sukhumvit, where some of the best shopping is located and above which, runs the air-conditioned Skytrain, the fastest and easiest way to many of the important areas of the city.

With the abundance of hotels in and around Sukhumvit, making a good choice without guidance can be like strolling along the Essex shoreline looking down at the masses of oyster shells, washed up on the tide and guessing which if any - contains a pearl.

I did my homework, made a reservation and after a 40 minute taxi ride from the sparkling new airport (costing a mere 8), I alighted, watched as my luggage was swept through the hotel 's all-glass frontage to be greeted with smiles and efficiency. Having sipped a 'welcome drink ' and chatted with the new manager, Giljsbert Roodenburg (call me Bert, he invited) I was escorted to my room.

That was my first surprise. Space, space and more space. Very, very different to the many 4 star hotel rooms I’ve stayed in around the world. Expertly designed, beautifully decorated and not lacking a single modern facility.

Although the hotel boasts 160 rooms, that fact never once became apparent. Staff addressed me by name, I felt 'at home ‘. The constant impression given was that I (and everyone else) were 'honoured guests ‘. How refreshing.

Naturally, the hotel has all the features expected (and some not). The third floor outdoor swimming pool lures, especially after a day of sightseeing, the aptly named 'Liquid Lounge ‘ perfectly sited in the marble-clad foyer, is rarely without a customer. For those who lust after a strenuous workout (not me I might add) a well-equipped gym caters.

Breakfast buffets (Oriental, full English or Continental) were included in my reservation and could not be faulted. Lunch and dinner offered enough tasty choices to suit any palate.

Room service, laundry and housekeeping could not be faulted; all were accompanied with beaming smiles.

When the time came to check-out, it was with mixed feelings. Enjoyment, comfort and satisfaction, were only part of those. The lasting impression is far more subjective that likened to saying 'goodbye ' to a dear friend.

When I visit Bangkok again, will I stay at the Bel-Aire Princess you bet I will!

On a final (and more mercenary note) I am still smiling over the fact that the final cost of my stay was less than I would have paid at a 2 star and well-worn UK city establishment.

Lovely hotel in a brilliant position for the sky train etc.

Didnt eat in the hotel so cant comment on that but it looked fine.

Rooms nice and bright and very clean. Would recommend this hotel and would stay there again.

Bel-Aire Princess - Bangkok

After reading mixed reviews about this hotel I can only go on my personal recommendations - and this hotel was excellent. The rooms were deluxe rooms and were huge, the position was just off the Sukhumvit road and therefore right on the skytrain line. There were hundreds of restaurants here of all mixed prices - the only thing I can say is try not to eat at any eatery that is connected to a hotel as you will automaticaly have 10% service charge plus 7% tax on top of the bill. Look where the locals are eating and do not be put off, We did not have a bad meal throughout our stay in Thailand. The hotel is being upgraded but was spotless when we arrived. The restaurant is a little more expensive than eating outside but that is the case all over the world - England too. The pool was quiet and clean and the gym was adequate. Considering this was supposed to be a 3* hotel and low budget, we are already booking it for next year we were that impressed.

Lovely friendly hotel in an excellent location, close to skytrain, bars and supermarkets.

Friendly staff.

Large rooms, very clean.

We stayed at the Bel-Aire Princess as a overnight stopover on the way to Oz. We were given a free upgrade and the rooms were fantastic! The bed must have been 7ft wide!

The view of the city from the full length glass windows was awesome.

The hotel was clean and smart and the staff incredibly polite and helpful.

Had a 3 night stay at this hotel, arrived late at night and was upgraded to a suite. It was huge! Very clean, staff could not do enough for you.

We had breakfast during our stay and it was delicious, lots of choice. We ate at the hotel one night a little pricey by local standards but the food was excellent.

I can highly recommend the Thai Set meal.

We stayed at this hotel for only 1 night as we have been to Bangkok several times before and just needed a 1 night stopover.

I have previously stayed at 'higher end' hotels in Bangkok but I have to say as a 3 star the Bel Ir Princess is excellent and I would definately stay there again.

The room was of a very high standard and the bed extremely comfortable, we had all the usual room facilities, hairdryer, safe, mini bar etc.

The location on soi 5 is excellent as you are only 5 mins away from the Nana skytrain station and there are several restaurants and shops in the immediate vicinity.

We had pre booked breakfast and it was excellent - american buffet style, as good as the Dusit Thani which is 5 star.
We thoroughly enjoyed our (brief) stay and hope to return again.