Let me just begin by saying that I really, really hope the Lonely Planet doesn't start listing the Phranakorn as a place to stay anytime soon. My reason for saying this is entirely selfish- I just don't want my new favorite hotel to be ruined by an influx of travelers, especially travelers that won't appreciate its quirky charm. My boyfriend and I stayed here three nights and as soon as we stepped through the gates of the Phranakorn and into the garden outside of the lobby we knew that we had fallen in love with this hotel.

Every room has been painted differently (we were in room 209) and every aspect of the Phranakorn's accommodations have been attended to in such a way that they radiate cheerfulness. Everything from the garden to the quaint little open air "internet cafe" (about five computers) has been decorated in such a fashion as to convey a cozy atmosphere as enthusiastically as possible- something more recognizable hotel chains will always fail at, although I do not believe it's from a lack of effort (please see my review on the Sofitel Metropol in Hanoi).

As all of the other reviews have said, the organic breakfast has been really well done- every morning a different breakfast in a open air facility that overlooks the garden. Also, just like the other reviews have stated, the Phranakorn staff are the definition of hospitality (something that comes in handy when trying to find a restaurant for dinner or other various activities). As for the tours, we went on the Kanchanaburi trip, which was also really well choreographed. We had a driver and a tour guide, and ourselves (all two of us). I had originally anticipated other guests from the hotel to be joining us, but it truly is a "private tour". Our driver and tour guide were always available without being intrusive, no doubt another benefit of a well organized and efficient routine. One example of this was we asked our tour guide and driver to join us for lunch- clearly we would have enjoyed their company but they maintained a professional distance and politely declined. Given our experience with the tour that we took I would highly recommend guests to utilize the tours the Phranakorn has available- just make sure you have enough Baht handy when the tour is over, they don't allow you to add the charge to your hotel room.

Aside from all of the positives, there are a few other things visitors should keep in mind. The Phranakorn is comfortably set apart from the bright lights of Bangkok- something that we appreciated- but other guests may not. Other things some traveler's may want that are not available: a tv, a swimming pool, a mini bar, elevators- When talking with the staff one morning she informed me that *sometimes* their guests are disappointed when they discover these amenities are not available. This, along with the location, are the only reasons I would not suggest this hotel to ALL travelers to Bangkok, even those used to the advantages of a five star hotel (i.e. me). One last suggestion- if you're looking for an all night party or a room to exploit the ubiquitous sex trade... again, this hotel is not for you (a detail the reservation process will make clear regardless). Although I will admit that a swimming pool would have been nice (mainly because it was so hot during our visit), I would still prefer this hotel over any other in Bangkok, no matter how many butlers, swimming pools, or stars it comes with. I appreciate originality, and this hotel epitomizes it.