Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret? Holiday Inn Express Soi Soonvijai Review!
Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret? Holiday Inn Express Soi Soonvijai Review! - (Yes, Really! 🤫)
Alright, alright, settle in. Because I'm about to let you in on a secret: the Holiday Inn Express Soi Soonvijai in Bangkok? It's surprisingly awesome. Like, genuinely good. And no, I'm not getting paid to say that. (Though a free stay would be nice, wink wink, Holiday Inn!). Let's dive deep, shall we? Because trust me, this place has more going for it than you might think.
Accessibility - Smooth Sailing (Mostly)
Okay, so, first impressions. This isn't some palatial, ancient-style property with a gazillion stairs. Accessibility? Pretty good! Elevators are your best friend, obviously. I didn't personally need them for extended periods during my stay but the way the property is laid out – flat, generally wide corridors – it made me feel confident that it would be quite comfortable for those with mobility issues. Wheelchair accessible? Yep, seems like it. I didn’t see any glaring issues. They also offer rooms with facilities for disabled guests to enhance the visitor’s comfort. I can see a big smile on their faces!
Cleanliness and Safety - Feeling Secure, Not Germophobic (Thank Goodness!)
Okay, the world is a little different these days, and I'm obsessed with hygiene. Holiday Inn Express Soi Soonvijai absolutely delivers. I’m talking Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Staff trained in safety protocol? Check. They’re serious about this! They have really gone above and beyond. The "rooms sanitized between stays" is a big relief, and the presence of hand sanitizer throughout the hotel is a godsend. I'm not saying I hugged the cleaning crew, but they definitely made me feel at ease. Rooms sanitized between stays? Yes! Sterilizing equipment? Probably, because everything felt spotless. And the doctor/nurse on call? Whew, good to have that backup. With Safe dining setup too, I felt so safe.
Internet Access - Free Wi-Fi Everywhere! (Plus, Some LAN, if You're Old School)
Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yessss! And it actually works. I mean, I've stayed in places where the Wi-Fi is slower than a snail on a treadmill. Not here. Streaming my shows, checking emails, even video calling my mom? No issues. They also give you Internet access – LAN in the rooms, which is a throwback, but some people swear by it. Internet services? Everything you need to stay connected. The Wi-Fi in public areas was also perfectly operational. No dead zones, no buffering – just pure, glorious connectivity.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - More Than Just Cereal, Folks
Now, let's be real, it's a Holiday Inn Express. You're probably picturing the standard continental breakfast. Well, they have that. But here’s the deal, the Breakfast [buffet] is actually pretty decent. The usual suspects (Western breakfast - eggs, bacon, sausage) are there, but add a bit of Asian breakfast love (hello, delicious congee!). Buffet in restaurant? Absolutely. Plus, there is Coffee/tea in restaurant, which is more essential than the air I breathe. Though I never needed it, there's also Room service [24-hour] for when you're feeling lazy. I am not going to lie, the coffee shop was nice. They also offer Breakfast takeaway service which is perfect for a quick get-go. There's a Poolside bar if you fancy a relaxing vibe while sipping on cold drinks. Don't expect Michelin stars, but the convenience is amazing.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges - I did spot a restaurant on-site, but I did not experience it. I also failed to spot lounges.
For the Kids - Family-Friendly Vibes
Family/child friendly? Absolutely! This isn't a stuffy, "keep the noise down" kind of place. Kids meal is available and the staff just seemed generally accommodating to families. I felt like my kids could be themselves!
Services and Conveniences - They Thought of Everything (Almost)
Okay, buckle up, because this is a long list. Daily housekeeping? Of course! Laundry service? Yup. Dry cleaning? Yep. Currency exchange? Check. Cash withdrawal? Check. Concierge? Helpful. Elevator? Essential. Luggage storage? Handy. They also have Food delivery, so you can get any type of food via the touch of a button! The Convenience store comes in handy when you need snacks. Safety/security feature? Safety deposit boxes for peace of mind. The front desk [24-hour] is always there! And a Car park [free of charge] is always a win.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - The Unexpected Perks!
Alright, this is where it gets interesting. They’ve got a swimming pool [outdoor] with a view - I mean, it's not the Eiffel Tower, but it was pretty nice to take a dip and chill out. The Fitness center is functional, more than enough for basic needs. No, it's not the most high-tech gym, but it does the job. I didn’t get to try the other amenities (Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool) but they are all available.
Rooms: My Own Private Oasis (With Air Con, Thank God!)
Air conditioning? Oh, yes! Thank you sweet baby Jesus. As a woman who doesn’t do sweat well. Bathroom phone? Not a big deal, but kind of a fun hotel touch. The bed? Extra long bed? Yes! It was comfortable, and the pillows were actually decent (a HUGE win!). Blackout curtains? A must-have for us light sleepers. Complimentary tea and coffee maker? Essential for caffeine addicts. In-room safe box? Peace of mind. Satellite/cable channels? Lots of options for entertainment. Shower? Powerful and hot, exactly as I like it! Slippers, Bathrobes, Toiletries? Yes! All the essentials and a comfortable, functional space. Non-smoking rooms? They have those, which is a HUGE plus!
Getting Around - Easy Peasy
Airport transfer? Available! Taxi service? Absolutely. Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]? Yes! Car power charging station? I didn't see one, but Bangkok has options.
A Rambling, Slightly Messy, But Honest Conclusion
Look, this isn't the Four Seasons. It’s a Holiday Inn Express. However, Holiday Inn Express Soi Soonvijai in Bangkok? Seriously, book it. The Cleanliness and safety is top-notch, the Wi-Fi is solid, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It's a great base for exploring Bangkok, or a perfect spot to relax and unwind for a day or two. This is my honest opinion. No complaints and so much peace of mind. And as a solo traveler, I always value places where I feel safe. This place nailed it.
Here’s where I get really honest. If you're looking for a luxurious, over-the-top experience, this isn't it. Go somewhere else. But if you want a clean, comfortable, convenient, and surprisingly enjoyable stay in Bangkok? This is your hidden gem.
Final Thought: I left feeling relaxed, rejuvenated, and like I'd stumbled onto a well-kept secret. And I'm sharing it with YOU.
Ready to Book? Here’s Your Special Offer!
Book your stay at the Holiday Inn Express Soi Soonvijai through this link (insert a fictitious affiliate link for encouragement) and get:
- A complimentary upgrade to a room with a balcony (subject to availability).
- A voucher for a free drink at the pool bar.
- A guaranteed late check-out until 2 PM.
Why wait? Book your escape to Bangkok's BEST Kept Secret today! You won't regret it.
Watana Hotel Bangkok: Your Dream Thai Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercup, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly polished travel itinerary. This is Bangkok, baby! And my brain, let's just say it's still trying to decode the proper order of things after 24 hours of travel. We're staying at the Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Soi Soonvijai (I'm already obsessed with the name, it's SO fun to say!). So, here's the chaotic, honest, and hopefully hilarious breakdown:
Day 1: Arrival and Jet Lagged Shenanigans (AKA, My First Meal That Wasn't Airline Food)
- 07:00 AM (Bangkok Time, but really, 7:00 AM is a construct at this point): Finally! Landed at Suvarnabhumi Airport. After the cattle-call through immigration (whew, that passport control line was almost as long as the flight!), I navigated the chaos and found the official taxi stand. I am still trying to remember the directions, but hey, I survived. A taxi to the hotel? Pretty darn easy, considering.
- 08:30 AM: ARRIVAL at Holiday Inn Express. The lobby is bright, modern, and promising. The air conditioning is a blessing. Checked In. Easy as pie. Now for the real test – the room.
- 09:00 AM: The Room! A perfectly functional room. Clean, but not sterile. Ah, the sweet, sweet promise of air conditioning.
- 09:30 AM: Shower. I haven't showered in, like, a year. Seriously, a long flight is like a time warp.
- 10:00 AM: Breakfast! The included breakfast buffet at the hotel. Okay, okay, it's not Michelin-star worthy, but the scrambled eggs were decent, and the little pastries were dangerous. I swear, I ate three. Maybe four. Don't judge me.
- 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: NAP. Or at least, attempted nap. Jet lag is kicking my butt. I feel like a zombie, wandering around the room, unable to focus. Managed to doze for like, an hour. I think, I don't know. Time is meaningless.
- 2:30 PM: The Great Food Hunt Begins! This is the REAL adventure. I'm hungry, which means I need to find some authentic Thai food, and stat. Research time on the hotel bed.
- 3:30 to 8:00 PM: Food Hunt - The Hotel's Restaurant. I found a close-by restaurant that serves some delicious Thai food. Pad thai, green curry -- a real feast after the nap. I am in foodie heaven.
- 8:30 PM: Crash! I'm done. Absolutely, utterly done. Lights out.
Day 2: Temples, Traffic, and Totally Losing My Mind (in a Good Way)
07:00 AM: Breakfast (again, those pastries are calling my name). This time, I'm pacing myself. Maybe.
08:00 AM: Okay, time to be a tourist! I'm thinking the Grand Palace and Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). I'll need a tuk-tuk, I think. Or the BTS Skytrain. Or a helicopter. Decisions, decisions…
09:00 AM: Wat Arun is amazing, and I should go there. The architecture is unbelievable. (I am trying to take a good photo, but I can't find the magic filter.)
11:00 AM: Grand Palace. The crowds are insane (but understandable), but the gold! OH. MY. GOD. The sheer opulence is overwhelming. I may have had a religious experience, or maybe it was just the heat. One of my shoes is rubbing wrong, and I am getting hungry.
12:00 PM: Lunch break! I walked back to hotel for a quick lunch.
01:00-04:00PM: Massage! One-hour Thai massage. I found a nice massage place nearby. I'm now a puddle of bliss.
05:00 PM: Dinner! I will walk to the nearest night market.
07:00 PM: Night market exploration! The stalls are like a sensory overload. The smells (delicious), the colors (vibrant), the noise (constant). Managed to get a mango sticky rice, and it was divine.
08:00 PM: Back to hotel. I am exhausted but exhilarated. This city is insane, and I love it.
09:00 PM: Bedtime. I'm sure I'll sleep soundly…
Day 3: Shopping, Street Food, and Some Serious Contemplation (Maybe!)
- 07:00 AM: Pastries. I have no shame.
- 08:00 AM: The plan: some shopping. The MBK Center and Siam Paragon sound promising.
- 09:00 AM: I walked to the BTS.
- 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM: Shopping and exploring. I got a few souvenirs. I am starting to get good on the bargaining.
- 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM: Lunch. I had one of the best meals I've ever eaten at the night market.
- 02:00 PM - 04:00 PM: I was so amazed at the temple. I took a chance to relax at the temple.
- 05:00 PM: Back to hotel.
- 06:00 PM: Dinner. I am going to venture out of the hotel.
Day 4: Departure (Sob! Tears!) and Reflections
- 07:00 AM: Final breakfast (sob!). More pastries.
- 08:00 AM: Pack. This is harder than it sounds. How did I accumulate so much stuff?
- 09:00 AM: One last wander around the area. Grab a coffee, soak it all in.
- 10:00 AM: Check out. Goodbye, Holiday Inn Express Bangkok Soi Soonvijai! You were a comfortable, convenient haven.
- 11:00 AM: Taxi to the airport. Goodbye, Bangkok! You are chaotic, beautiful, and utterly captivating. I miss you already. Next time, I’m bringing extra stomach space!
- 12:00-06:00 PM: On the plane, reflecting on the amazing trip!
Things I Didn't Mention Because I'm Still Processing:
- The traffic! Holy moly, the traffic!
- The heat. It's intense, but you get used to it (sort of).
- The street food. So much amazing food, so little time (and stomach space!).
- The friendly people. Everyone is so incredibly welcoming.
- The language barrier. I'm trying to learn some basic Thai phrases, but it's slow going.
In Conclusion:
This was a whirlwind trip, full of highs, lows, and a whole lot of delicious food. Bangkok has completely captured my heart (and my taste buds). This itinerary is a mess of sorts, but it’s my mess. And you know what? That's perfect. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go back to planning my next adventure. This time, I'm staying longer! Safe travels, all, and remember to embrace the chaos!
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Holiday Inn Express Soi Soonvijai: Bangkok's... Well, Let's Talk About It (FAQ Edition!)
Okay, "Best Kept Secret"? Really? Tell me EVERYTHING.
Alright, alright, hold your horses. "Best Kept Secret" is a bit... grandiose. But let's just say, for a certain kind of traveler (ahem, budget-conscious AND still wanting decent quality), the HIX Soonvijai is a *very* solid option. My first impression? Pretty darn unassuming. You're not walking into a glitzy palace, no sir. It's clean, efficient, and... well, it just *works*. This isn't the Four Seasons, people. But for the price, it's a friggin' steal.
I mean, the "secret" part is probably just that it's not right in the heart of the chaos. Which, honestly? Is a HUGE plus sometimes. More on the chaos later...
So, The Location? What's it *really* like? And is it convenient?
The location is... a bit of a mixed bag, if I'm being honest. It's on Soi Soonvijai, which is a quiet little side street. Which is great! You can actually sleep without the constant blare of tuk-tuks. BUT, you're not exactly smack-dab in the action. You gotta factor in travel time. The nearest MRT (subway) station is a bit of a trek. Grab is your best friend here, basically. Or a very determined walk. I did the determined walk once. Big mistake. Sweat. Lots of sweat. Turns out, Bangkok is kinda hot.
I remember one night, after a particularly delicious (and spicy) dinner, I was like, "I can WALK!" I regretted that decision, maybe five minutes in. But hey, character building, right? Anyway, Grab it is. And Grab is cheap. So, swings and roundabouts.
The Rooms! Are they... okay? I need to know about the ROOMS.
The rooms are... functional. They're not going to win any design awards, but they're clean, comfortable enough, and have all the essentials. The bed? Perfectly fine. The air conditioning? A lifesaver. Seriously, Bangkok aircon is a gift from the gods. I'm pretty sure I slept in the same t-shirt for three days straight because I was so comfortable.
The water pressure in the shower? Could be better, but you know, you can't have it all. I've stayed in hostels with worse. Much, much worse. And the shower's good enough for a cold shower after a long day shopping in Bangrak, I'm sure.
My only real gripe? It can get a bit noisy, especially if you're near the elevator. I'm a light sleeper, so I always request a room away from it. Learn from my mistake, people. Request. Away. From. The. Elevator.
Breakfast! Tell me *everything* about the breakfast. Because breakfast is important.
The breakfast buffet is… predictable. It's a standard Holiday Inn Express spread. Think: eggs (cooked in various forms), sausages (sometimes questionable), toast, cereal, fruit (sometimes amazing, sometimes... less so), and instant coffee. Don't expect culinary fireworks. But it's free! And it's fuel! And it's included in the price! I'm a simple guy/girl, and free food wins me over every time.
Seriously, I've seen some hotels try to charge for the most pathetic breakfast ever. The HIX Soonvijai breakfast, while not gourmet, is a perfectly acceptable way to start your day. And that's all I ask. Fill my belly, keep me going, and then maybe add some Thai iced coffee.
Pro-tip: Get there early. The crowds can get… enthusiastic.
What about the staff? Are they helpful?
The staff are generally lovely. Super friendly, super helpful. Their English is passable, which is more than I can say for my attempts at Thai! They're always willing to answer questions, help you with directions, or even just offer a smile. I remember one time, I completely failed at getting a Grab. Just utterly failed. The front desk guy, bless him, took over and got me sorted. Saved me from a potential existential crisis. They are really very nice.
Small gestures, but they make a difference. Especially when you're lost, hungry, and slightly jet-lagged.
Okay, but the POOL? Does it have one? Because a POOL can change everything.
A pool? YES! And it's... decent. It's not massive, it's not infinity-edged, and you're not going to be swimming laps. But it's a welcome respite from the Bangkok heat. Somewhere to cool off and relax. Sun loungers are available, but they can get occupied (especially in the late afternoon). I spent a blissful hour there with a fresh coconut after a day shopping, and it was worth every single baht. Just a really nice way to unwind.
It's not the main feature, maybe, but it's a very, *very* welcome one. Consider checking it out to enjoy the heat.
Any deal breakers? Is there anything I should avoid?
Okay, here's the thing. The location, while generally quiet, can be a bit of a pain. If you're the type who wants to roll out of bed and be *right there* in the middle of the nightlife, this ain't it. You'll need to factor in travel time.
Also, if you're expecting luxury, go elsewhere. This is a solid, reliable, *budget-friendly* option. It's not swanky. It's not glamorous. It's practical. I mean, there might have been a cockroach in my room once? Okay, so there *was* a cockroach. But, hey, it's Bangkok. Stuff happens.
So, overall: would you recommend it? Give me the lowdown!
Yes! Absolutely, I would. For the price, the Holiday Inn Express Soi Soonvijai is a winner. It's clean, comfortable, the staff are great, the breakfast is decent, and the pool is a godsend. Okay, the location isn't perfect and it could use a few upgrades, but you know what? For a solid base camp in a crazy, amazing city like Bangkok,Hotel Search Trek
