Agree ... no need for bells and whistles for me  I really recommend to book first with a free cancellation option and do a check closer to the actual date. Never harms ... 

I think it's a practical choice but without the bells and whistles. An 18-night stay in BKK can soon become pricey so at that price you have a good deal. I have been looking ahead to October and so far The Mercure is offering rooms at £80.00 a night, which is a decent price. No doubt when I do book it will have jumped considerably!!

Small update on Hopeland, Soi 8. My last stay here was about 2.5 years ago. Originally I had booked Dynasty Grande in Soi 6 for this trip (72k for 18 nights with free cancellation option), but when Hopeland reduced their rate from 68k to 32k for the same period, I made the switch. Quick and easy way to save 40k THB, just crossed my fingers I wouldn't regret it ... Upon arrival I could check in before 11.30am already and I got a room on the 4th floor. Spacious enough (same as previously), but I think nothing has changed in any room. You can call it backlog in maintenance, or just particularly poor finish. Some examples attached on the photos. Connecting floorboards? Holes in the door can be easily fixed with tape and no one seems to care about half a mirror missing  Water/coffee is provided daily. Tea unfortunately not, which is okay for me, although some of my guests would have preferred it in the morning  The bed is perfect, the shower lacks power. Too little water pressure for my liking.  A positive note: the whirlpool on the rooftop is working fine now. I have no idea about the breakfast (didn't book it, since previously it sucked)   For that money, much better options around, without time limitations. So now and then some people hanging out in the lobby, but not disturbing so far. The free coffee/cappuccino machine might be a reason that's happening  So all in all, too bad the shower is so poor, but no regrets booking here 

I use to my e-sim and local sim ( The shop at T21 help to install it )as well , but now adays roaming pack  is so cheap cannot be brother anymore  

I buy a roaming pack from my local provider in Aus. It’s not too expensive and i know i might get a better deal with a Thai eSim but I’m too lazy to figure out how it works and if I have to somehow switch between two different numbers e.g. if I get 2FA texts to my home number etc.