scot56

I'm not really sure whether it's worth me making a recommendation for this place here due it not being in Lower Sukhumvit so it'll be inconvenient for people staying in the mongering epicentre. However, it's just a short walk from Saphan Thaksin BTS and would be very convenient if people are heading towards the riverfront and major tourist attractions in that part of town. It's also worth the short trip on the train if you wanted to eat something outstanding at low prices before exploring somewhere different.
My real reason for recommending this place is that I'm getting very close to my next trip to Bangkok and both my Mrs and myself are craving a meal here. I think she might even be looking forward to it more than done of the excellent food her mother cooks so it's highly recommended by us both.
Anyway, Amin Biryani is quite a famous place in it's own way. It was open for decades in a different location but has now relocated since COVID caused it to close. 
The food is Southern Thai Muslim food with amazing biryanis and curries. The food is unusually spiced for a lot of Thai food but avoids being extremely hot from chillies so would be accessible to most farang, especially those who like good Indian food as there are some similarities while remaining noticeably Thai.
Another reason for me recommending this place now is that the (often irritating but still very popular) youtuber Mark Wiens has recently done a video here. That can be good and bad in my opinion. I like to see them get exposure from a very successful media source but hopefully it doesn't result in it becoming too popular causing it to raise prices, lower standards or both.
 
If you fancy trying out one of my favourite street food places anywhere in Thailand (while it's still cheap and has excellent standards) I can't recommend this place highly enough. Easily in my top 10 cheap eats in Bangkok.
Amin Biryani is located here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RD1VKwxLDL3ZsGx26
 
Apologies for posting one of his videos but it gives a good overview of the food if you skip through his gurning at the camera.
 
 

This story is the perfect segue into a story I have from the mid 90s, which also features professional-level hustling and even St. Andrews!
I was on a project with a vendor to a Scottish bank that was notorious for being meanies with expenses. Their sign off process was so slow, that it didnt get finalised until the week before we were supposed to be up there onsite. The only problem was this clashed with the Open that was being played at St. Andrews that year.
We had to scramble to get a hotel and ended up in the Caledonian, which is a 5-star charging big event pricing and so was bound to cause shrieks and squeals when the expenses invoice finally landed at the bank.
So we all flew up there, checked-in on a Sunday night and it was packed to the rafters. Golf fans from all over the world were staying there. 
What I didn't realise was that golf events, which attract a well-heeled set of followers, also attract 5-star escorts. 
We all unpack, hit a curry house and then go back to the hotel bar for drinks. We finally get a table to sit at and I was then treated to a lesson in multi-tasking. There were quite a few ladies of questionabe repute in the bar, but there was one stunner, who worked it so well she had me entranced. At all times she had 3 drinks in 3 locations on the go and just circulated from one old bloke to another, laughing and talking in multiple languages. 
Every so often I would see her leave with a septugenarian and then come back about 30 minutes later and just carry on where she left off.
This girl was mesmerising to watch, as she was such a pro, I don't think a lot of people twigged what she was doing.
I watched her intently for the three nights we were staying there and she was impressive beyond belief. She must have also been staying there, as she changed outfits a few times each night.
It was the most interesting and memorable trip I ever took to Scotland, and I will never forget the sheer professionalism of this hot escort, whom I later found out from one of the staff, was from Brazil. To watch her work a room with such ease and experience, was truly a treat. 
This was also great experience for what was to come later in my life - LB lounge bars. Bai Pai is very good at working a room with 2-3 different drinks on the go at all times, but she is still minor league compared to the Brazilian.
I never found out how much she charged for 30 minutes, but based on her activities over those three nights, she must've made GBP 1,000s.
As for the bank, the expected shrieks of agony occurred when the T&E invoice was presented and thereafter they only ever served us a single egg sandwich and tap water each for lunch, as if to try and exact revenge, for their own mistakes.
St. Andrews - Sukhumvit - same-same but different.
SAG

I must've eaten here 50+ times and so was surprised that it didn't have a review thread.
I'm Aroi is an open fronted restaurant sitting in the grounds of The Ambassador Hotel, and is located where the old Au Bon Pain Coffee Shop used ot be pre-Covid.
It is easy to find from the street, as it is across the hotel entrance lane from the Wine Connection. The signage is poor and for years I referred to the place as 'Always Arroi', but I double-checked the name for this report.
The place is open 24 hours a day and serves mainly Thai food, all of which is cooked to order and I would put it on the same level as The Swan on Soi 4, which is another restaurant I frequent.
The food is very good value, considering the prime location on soi 11 and service is always fast.
Most of my visits have been after 02.00 with LBs and they always give the food a solid thumbs up, so they must be doing something right.
The waiting on staff have always been efficient and pleasant and seating ranges from large couch-style set-ups at the back, to the usual tables for 2,4,6 and also counter seating all around the periphery of the restaurant. The latter seating is great for watching the zoo that Soi 11 can turn into after hours.
i have never been there during the day time and it may get quite warm there, as they only have ceiling fans. At night, this is not a problem.
There must be 100+ items on the extensive menu ranging from curries to the usual Thai dishes, seafood and some farang food.
I certainly recommend this place, especially if you have a take-out and want to eat before going back to the hotel.
There is usually a few LBs in there, either FLs or with punters.
Enjoy
SAG

I have stayed at both hotels. Park Royal once last year (and many stays when it was Phachara).  I have only stayed at Citrus one time, which was earlier this year. I have also stayed at Adelphi many times. 
If your top priority is simply the room itself, Park Royal wins. The executive suites are a bit larger, and the kitchenettes are better equipped with clothes washers. Citrus does not have washers. The bathrooms at PR are much larger than either Citrus or Adelphi. I don't know about anyone else, but I am not of fan of tiny bathrooms with no countertop space and small showers that are found in too many Bangkok hotels. You don't have that problem at Park Royal (pic below is from Trip Advisor). I think all of the executive suites have balconies, but the ones on the upper floors are quite large 15 sq. yds/meters or so. You could look down into Nana Plaza from them before NEP installed their roof a few years ago. The balconies are a winner. 

Citrus has better hotel amenities like restaurant and pool. PR's restaurant isn't even worth setting foot in, but the Citrus restaurant is a perfectly good place to eat breakfast or lunch in. PR has a large pool, but that gets cancelled out by the roof over it that blocks out most of the sun and renders the water colder than the Arctic Ocean. Citrus' pool gets a lot of sun and the water won't freeze your ass off, which it makes it much better in my book. 
Like Nick Bullseye says, Citrus and Adelphi do not take LB IDs, but Park Royal does. 
There's really not that much difference among these 3 hotels. I would still take Adelphi over Park Royal or Citrus Suites due to its location, but the other places have their own strong points. 
 

Some like Dynasty Grande it is over 20 years of age but most is over 21. Sensible either way as you don’t want to be caught with a minor. Taking ID’s at reception seems a sensible precaution. Not only because for some LB’s it’s impossible to tell their age, but the phone call from reception to your room in the morning asking is everything OK before they hand back the ID is an added security.
Funny, I’ve stayed recently for three weeks at both the Landmark and the Mercure on Soi 11 and never once was my companion for the night asked to show her ID. You would think for that standard of hotel it would be compulsory. Maybe they don’t want the girls around the reception at check out time. They want the guests business, but turn a blind eye to their activities.

Just walk in the doors up front and take a left by the concierge desk and take a right and head that way for a little bit and there will be an elevator to your right. I took Kate from CIB this way to my room.  Completely bypassed the reception desk.

I was an idiot just posting the reply just now. I should have gone to the Booking.com website and read the replies the Aira hotel gives to questions they receive. They clearly state that guests are welcome to the room but must leave ID with reception. The girl turned away may have been trying to sneak in without ID. 

Do not worry. I was in Landmark now from October 11 till 16, 2023. I was not bothered by any noise. The work is done in what was the restaurant downstairs and Huntsman Pub in the basement.

You mentioned the Solitaire. They have excellent beds for 3-somes. Below is Hannah, who is one fun ladyboy. She stands about 5"10. The last pic is Joy from CIB, another fun ladyboy who is around 5'8". I photographed them from the side of the bed. It gives you an indication of how large their beds are. They're the same length as king size, but their width is larger than king size. I had had a couple of 3-somes in these beds, and they can easily sleep 4 people. The Solitaire isn't bad at all, with the only real negative their shitty restaurant, but that doesn't matter because Soi 11 has many good eateries right around the corner. Good luck. 

If you are looking for a hotel with decent size rooms, good beds, service and bathrooms that are cleaned and towels changed every day in a central location then Dynasty Grande on Soi 6 fits the bill. No breakfast available and the pool is a little shaded. But plenty  alternatives around for food.  Currently at 2:5 Baht a night

Rooms are 19 sq meters  That's called a cage.

In my limited experience, one issue with the modest hotels in BKK is the lack or inconsistent housekeeping. Now, I am a big boy and can clean after myself. But I always run short with clean towels. I need to have three clean towels per day. One for me. One for my date. A third one if I get frisky and decide to have a three way or go out later to get another date. If I don’t have three towels, then my plans get disrupted ( I know, it is silly but I have OCD). Sure, I can always call the hotel manager and ask for towels. But I don’t want to have this discussion every day. Same with picking trash  
On the other hand, the brand hotels have a consistent housekeeping schedule every day  The fancy ones even  come twice and set up your room for sleeping early evening  
 

I think Kingdomguy, it reflects my normal holiday activities or my chosen lifestyle that unfortunately I did not mention Landmarks gym nor could say anything about it!
 

I think Kingdomguy, it reflects my normal holiday activities or my chosen lifestyle that unfortunately I did not mention Landmarks gym nor could say anything about it!
 

Some like Dynasty Grande it is over 20 years of age but most is over 21. Sensible either way as you don’t want to be caught with a minor. Taking ID’s at reception seems a sensible precaution. Not only because for some LB’s it’s impossible to tell their age, but the phone call from reception to your room in the morning asking is everything OK before they hand back the ID is an added security.
Funny, I’ve stayed recently for three weeks at both the Landmark and the Mercure on Soi 11 and never once was my companion for the night asked to show her ID. You would think for that standard of hotel it would be compulsory. Maybe they don’t want the girls around the reception at check out time. They want the guests business, but turn a blind eye to their activities.

Arriving in bkk for the month of July. I usually take a hotel that is close to most of my nightly activities and near the skytrain. Dynasty Grande, Landmark, Dream etc. I am looking at Soi 11. Hotel 11 or the Mercure. Anyone have experience and information of these hotels?
I have seen the hotel Legacy Suites Soi  29, on Booking.com with great rates and the facilities looks very good. Does anyone have experience of this hotel? Would it become a bit of a drag returning there early in the morning?

I will also be in BKK in July and staying again on soi 11. Mercure I have heard mostly good things about. I like soi 11 because it keeps me within a short train ride to Why nots and a short walk to Check in Bar. Now that Cindy's is on a small soi off of soi 11 I'm even more excited to stay on soi 11. @katana57 videos on soi's should help you make your final decision if you haven't already. 

Soi 11 is a great location to stay.Right between Soi 7 and Soi 4,and near to the BTS station.
Also, if you want a shortcut to Soi 13 you just go through the carpark at the Ambassador Hotel and it takes you to Soi 13.
(Some excellent Indian Restaurants on Soi13,and cheap laundry services!)

I stayed at the Grand Business Inn. Booked a large suite. Was very good. Did not have chandeliers you could swing off, but impressed the girl.

I have stayed at Mercure great hotel good facilities good pool area and gym no hassle bringing guests in at any time i would definitely stay there again and probably more so with Cindys now being close by.

I have stayed at Legacy Suites before. It's about a 5 minute walk from Asoke station and they are LB friendly.  Rooms at the hotel are similar to what you find at Adelphi suites or Pharchara.  Soi 29 is very quiet with little traffic. The downside of staying on this Soi is the limited number of restaurants in the area. The hotel restaurant is pretty much pub food. There is a traditional Japanese place next door, but it really caters to Japanese only.  It's a 5 or 8 minute  walk to Terminal 21, which will give you some more dining options. There is a fun sports bar at the corner of Suk & Soi 29 that has cover bands and a party vibe. I took a couple of CIB LBs there before heading to the hotel and they both loved it. 
Next door to Legacy is the Mermaid Hotel. I have also stayed there. It's very similar to Legacy, the rooms are all suites. They have a great pool that gets plenty of sun, it's better than Legacy's pool. The restaurant at Mermaid is very limited, even the breakfast offerings are lame. Their rates usually run cheaper than Legacy and I think they offer more bang for the buck than Legacy. You might want to give them a look also. 

Fair question,and gets asked a lot.
How far will I have to walk back at the end of the night?
I always recommend to watch this Youtuber's vids. on the Sukhumvit sois . You can see the real distance you'll have to walk from Sukhumvit to your hotel in real life.
Soi 29 on this vid:
Soi 11:
 

I saw this today concerning Covid testing at Vienna's airport for arriving passengers. It will cost 190 Euros (US $200 or so), results will be available in 3 hours and if you test negative you can avoid a 14 day quarantine in Austria. You can also present a cert from your prior point of departure if it's no older than 4 days. I am guessing something like this will be the standard for immigration at BKK and other airports around the world. I hope so, because I know nobody wants to do a 14 day quarantine on arrival. Sounds great, too bad it will cost $$$. The Wuhan virus is a gift that keeps on taking, taking, taking. 
https://www.viennaairport.com/pcrtest

I stayed there in November last year great hotel big rooms and beds, good walk in showers, pool area and gym are also good would definitely use again.

Last time I stayed there was February 2018. There are 2 towers on that property. One is the Radisson Hotel, the other is In Residence. They share the same facilities and are obviously attached at the hip, but I don't know what the exact relationship is. The only problem I ever had there occurred during a previous stay when  a balky key card sometimes didn't function. Needless to say, it was not much fun going down to reception at 4:00 AM while stumbling drunk and having them send up a maintenance guy. I didn't have any problems at all during my most recent stay. Whether the rooms need "renovation" is a personal judgement. The furniture in my rooms was in fine condition, the carpet was not worn, it was well maintained and I have never noticed broken chairs at the pool. 
I always take customer reviews of hotels with a big grain of salt when it comes to critiquing decor. Everybody has their own tastes and I don't care if somebody else hates art deco style furniture or whatever and thinks the hotel needs to get rid of it for the sake of renovation. I take them more seriously when reviews focus on service, property maintenance and cleanliness because to me that's where the rubber really meets the road in assessing hotels. 
You can go to Trip Advisor or other review sites and look up hotels such as the Peninsula in Chicago, the Tokyo Park Hyatt or the Four Seasons in New York -hotels among the finest on the planet - and always come across prissy jackwits stating that the properties "need updating". It proves that some people are so hard to satisfy they will be complaining about the bright lights and noise when they are planted six feet under. The hotel business is a tough racket, for sure.