I suggest two hotels. The Anatara on the river- has the best pool in BKK. Then consider the Westin S

Hi, We have just obtained tickets to Bangkok on 28/10/2012, whilst we previously visited Thailand inexpensive london hotel room some15 yrs ago we went straight to Pattaya and have never actually been to Bangkok! Our Flights: Br Air Club, and we have about 16 nights, our thoughts are 5 nights in Bangkok, 6 or 7 in Hua Hin, and 4/5 in Bangkok.
We need some advice on hotels in Bangkok and Hua Hin, I have mobility issues so getting around easily is important and not too much walking to stations etc, or would river location inexpensive london hotel room be better? Good first class hotels preferred 4 or 5*. Open to perhaps serviced apartments if locations would be best.
I have emailed rhkk for restaurant advice but any information would be appreciated, we are interested in visiting Temples, Palace, Food! markets, shopping, did I mention shopping? Food! Crafts and Culture. Time in Hua Hin is really just relaxing time so suitable hotel info welcome. Asara Villa, Anantara, Hilton or Centara or Hyatt?,
Using crutches at present and walking is difficult! Happy to take taxis, stairs - no no, can probably manage water taxis I think. We chose Hua Hin, simply because of time and ease of access. Could you recommend river hotel, we did think that perhaps trying two different areas would be a good idea, city and river. Thanks, Pauline.
I should add that we usually prepare for a lot longer and research as much as we can but this trip just sort of happened. I have one guide book that I am reading and I am reading as many posts here as I can, as quickly as I can, but because of the time or rather lack of time any help would be much appreciated, must see sights, must visit restaurants, etc.
Emporium Suites might be nice for your 'city' serviced apartment. It is attached to the Emporium mall. Also, the Centara Grande is attached to the Central World mall (Centara is a hotel, not serviced apt). You did mention shopping and that's inexpensive london hotel room my forte! I stay at Adelphi Suites. It is close to the BTS (skytrain) station, but you would have difficulty getting around. Adelphi is not 5*, and is showing some wear so probably inexpensive london hotel room not a true 4* either... but I can't find a better location for me, personally. Close to friends. Close to BTS. Good restaurants right on that same soi.
Sightseeing: It's nice to do your sightseeing when you are staying on the river, as you can take the water taxis to the Grand Palace/Emerald Buddha, Wat Po, Wat Arun. You will also want to visit the Jim Thompson House while you are in Bangkok.
Re: water taxis... I'd be a bit concerned getting into and out of them with crutches. They tend to be unstable and wobbly....?? Taxis might be your best option. They are cheap, plentiful, and air conditioned. You'll just spend more time sitting in traffic.
I suggest two hotels. The Anatara on the river- has the best pool in BKK. Then consider the Westin Sukhumvit ( we are staying there in early November.) The skytrain is right in front of the hotel and the subway is next door as well. Also the new mall - Terminal 21- is across from the hotel- it will have many food options for you.
The subway stations all have escalators in both directions, in my experience. The skytrain stations have stairs going up and down/escalators going up only. That might be something to consider for OP with mobility issues. Yes, the Westin is by the subway station. Good suggestion! So is the Centrepoint Grande Sukhumvit inexpensive london hotel room serviced apartments (although they are more like hotel rooms than apartments IMO).
I think the old, or original Anantara, was situated in Cha Am and is now a residence type of hotel or apt. The new Anantara is the old Marriott in Hua Hin proper and it has undergone a big renovation.
The Hyatt at Hau Hin is a little distance from down town (but taxis are available) and there for a nice quiet place to relax. It is self contained and no reason inexpensive london hotel room to leave the property if you don't want to.
Thank you all so much for the replies, so difficult to choose! But I take note of the points made about the water taxis, longtail boat, shopping and the issues with access to the skytrain stations - taxis would be fine! Shopping, well having read so much on the forum that Bangkok is a good place to shop it would be rude not to! But we are very interested in the other side of Bangkok as well, the food, culture and the arts.
We now have a reservation for a Club room at the Hilton, the rate was too good to pass, for our first 7 nts, just have to decide on Hua Hin, leaning towards the Hyatt and then have to book for our return to Bangkok. Any information for Hotel De la Paix Cha Am? or Rest Detail Hotel Hua Hin?
Elevators are hard to come by. Not every station has them (in fact I'd guess most do not). The express boats on the river are very quick to stop and go again at the various stops they make. I do not have mobility issues but found that I had to really watch my step when boarding and getting off at my stop(s). It was important to be quick! And there are lots of people coming and going at every stop.
i think i would find the skytrain a bit difficult to manage if i were a bit disabled... escalators are not where you want them from the street.. take nana stop as an example.. there is one but often you are nearly a block away from it and have to walk quite a distance to reach it... same with taskim station..