Having planned and booked a very detailed tour of Vietnam, I was well aware of my body's reaction to being subjected to more than sixteen hours of continuous travel from my home in England to South East Asia. To step off an aircraft and begin such a tour there and then, would certainly not be conducive to experiencing what I hoped was to be an exciting and fulfilling tour.

So...I decided to put Vietnam in a sandwich sort of speak...put those fourteen days between short stays in Bangkok... the most popular (and rewarding) gateway to that part of the world.

That city's tourist numbers have 'mushroomed' in recent years along with a dizzying number of hotels of all star ratings. That doesn't mean, however, that just picking one 'out of the ether' will prove to satisfy your tastes, meaning at least a modicum of research is necessary to ensure your choice is the right one.

Bangkok's hotels are, as in every other city in the world, star rated, but that does not mean that the higher the stars, the higher the price. Fabulous hotels in prime locations and with four and five star accreditation, can be booked for very reasonable prices indeed.

Because I wished to see more of Bangkok's smaller and more remote klongs (canals), hotels sited near the majestic Chao Praya River, would be ideal. During my trawl of the Internet, up popped a real find...the Chatrium Riverside Hotel. A little more 'digging' and I found that despite its fabulous location, its nightly prices (with breakfast) were certainly surprisingly affordable...so I booked.

The hotel advertises itself as 'A Remarkable Experience' a description well worthy of what it gives in return for the price asked. Its General Manager, Adrian Brown, is a very 'down to earth' guy who'll squat next to your poolside lounger and chat, a nice touch! Sommai Yocapajorn (PR Manager) will, without hesitation, organise whatever takes your fancy to maximize your experience.

I could not find fault with any facet of the hotel's operation. Rooms were large and well equipped with luxuries, restaurants served-up dishes from gourmet to snacks, public areas were welcoming, staff kind of 'flitted' in the background, yet were aware of guests needs. The very large swimming pool certainly attracted clientele, all of which were catered for in a leisurely fashion coupled with speedy professionalism...and its view of the river was unsurpassed.

The hotel even has its own beautifully crafted wooden boat moored alongside, which, without charge, will ferry clients to and from the nearby MRT overhead railway, which connects to many parts of the metropolis.

I suppose the question is will I book this hotel when again in Bangkok?

My answer is a definitive YES!