Hotel: Cheap or chic?

Booking of hotel is usually a headache for gals.
We want it cheap, chic, safe and if possible within walking distance to all attractions! If you want these things all thrown in, I suggest you give Bangkok a miss. You can get all the other things in your list, except the walking distance part. Bangkok is huge, and there are so many places of interest. Fret not, the taxis there are really really cheap. You will reach most places with less than 100B

Bangkok is a hotel haven
Even a pauper like me can afford to go 5 star (ok, at least 4 star) if I want to. Push that "be sensible" button in your head and you know that if you give up one star, you will get your massages and many more pairs of shoes!

My favourite site is asiarooms
Ok, I ONLY use Asiarooms for my Bangkok hotels. So far, I cannot find any other cheaper place. Orbitz and others may give similar rates, but they will also charge you a service charge! (usually around 10USD). No way. I just become extra stingy when it comes to spending on these things for Bangkok trip. I can get a lot of fun with 10USD. And don't bother to spend time checking out those so called last minute discount hotel rooms, they are never as cheapas Asiarooms, at least for Bangkok.

Warning
I never had any problems with Asia Rooms, and so did my friends. However there are some postings on the internet about overcharging etc.

My biggest problem so far is requesting for a non-smoking room. They cannot specifically confirm a non-smoking room or you. After being smoked out in HK, I have a phobia of smoking room.(I will tell more about the disgusting experience next time)

Calling the agents can be a drag. Their English may not be that good (They can understand you, but you got to speak slower), and they speak SLLOOOOOWWWLY. Thank goodness the long distance call was not that expensive. My word of advice, if you need to call them make sure you call off-peak or using budget lines. The time taken will be longer than you what had expected.

Checking in early helps ???
I am not terribly sure of this, but the only time I did not have a very good room was when I checked in around midnight, and graciously let everyone go before us. We regreted being so gracious. We had the last room along the corridor, and the room did not smell exactly fresh. You can tell it had not been used/aired at least for a week. We could not change rooms, cos we had the last room in a fully packed hotel.
Hotel tips

• Slippers and toothbrush sets are usually not in your room (if you go 3 star), but you can request and get it free.
• Tip that guy who brought it for you generously. Come on, you can afford to be generous in Bangkok. Give at least 20B! You can then be doubly be reassured that you will get everything done smoothly. If you need anything else, it will come in doubly quick time. Hot water etc. Even your room may be extra well cleaned.
• If you are really supersitious, knock before going in. Thais believe in this as well.
• Tip from a well travelled sales friend- check for the Bible/Quran/Buddhist prayer book. If it is closed, it is ok. If it is opened, ask for a change of room.
• Another tip : Leave your shoes at the door/near your bed, one face up, the other face down.
• Explore the hotel services eg massage. Many health centres are open until 2 am, and you can book a massage after a late night out in the comfort of your room.
• Before you book your massage service, get out of the hotel and look around. You will definitely find some cheaper alternatives for the massage.

Oh ya, never ever ask for a BODY MASSAGE.