Opened in 2005 (and previously named Old Bangkok Inn), this was one of the city's first boutique guesthouses and is still arguably its homeliest place to stay. Thoughtfully converted from a 1940s shophouse, it sits on Ratanakosin Island in the middle of Bangkok's historic quarter and has been in the care of the owners' family for 7 generations.
Stepping into the tearoom-esque lobby is to be transported into a somnolent but classy olde-worlde realm. Jazzy guitar music plays, ornate birdcages are from Chiang Mai, and much of the structure came from Ayuthaya, Thailand’s ancient capital (now specialising in reclaimed teak from dismantled old Central Thai wooden houses). There are 10 charmingly unique rooms with antique hanging oil lamps, hand-painted porcelain washbasins and cute murals. Drift around the corridors and you'll find a glass walkway directly under a roof skylight, to naturally light as much of the hotel as possible, and tree-root-like banisters.
Highs
- A genuine sanctuary hidden on a quiet street away from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok
- Impressively blends old-world charm with modern touches, so no sacrifice in comfort
- Home-away-from-home ambiance with personal helpful service. Chances are owner Khun Jason will be behind the reception to offer great advice and recommendations
- Impressive green credentials - charity donations at check-in matched by the hotel, solar heating, bedding and towels changed upon request, no throwaway toiletries to name a few
- Close to Bangkok's main historical landmarks: the Golden Mountain temple is opposite; the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha are a 20-minute walk
Lows
- There is some ongoing construction work opposite the hotel, but we are assured there is minimal disturbance to the bedrooms
- Although all rooms are lovingly conceived, some are small, lighting can be subdued, the stairs to mezzanines are steep and creeky, and storage can be limited
- Limited outdoor space and no onsite pool, though guests can use a neighbouring hotel's pool for a very small fee
- A little far from Bangkok's main shopping areas such as Sukhumvit
Best time to go
Bangkok can get very wet from July to October. Although the heat is on all year round, March to May is the hottest time to be in the city, and December to February the coolest.
Our top tips
Take a short taxi ride to the Chao Phraya River, and from there jump on a public river-taxi or rent a longtail boat and whizz along this sensation-filled aquatic artery which bisects the city. Make sure you explore the narrow tributaries off the river proper. It doesn't take long before the city buzz is but a memory, and you enter the pastoral realm of lackadaisical riverine life.
- Boutique B&B
- 10 rooms
- Breakfast + tea room
- All ages welcome
- Open all year
- Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car not necessary
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
In each of the 10 individually decorated rooms you'll find reclaimed teak furnishings, quirky murals, antique oil lamps, hand-painted porcelain washbasins crafted by owner Nantiya and flower-inspired metalwork. Each room carries its personalised floral scent in ceramic containers, hand-made soap and shampoo. Sumptuous dark fabrics and fresh blooms contribute to the elegant feel, and all rooms have air-con, TV and multimedia players, WiFi and minibars.
The best are the Family Suite and Honeymoon Suite, which both have sitting areas and outdoor bathtubs. The ground floor Family Suite in which we stayed impressed at first glance, then doubly so when we realised there was a door at one end which opened on to a narrow corridor with fridge, amenities, wardrobe, and a huge rainshower. Beyond, an outdoor, plant-flanked space with a huge green stone bathtub allows you to bathe amidst the fronds and enjoy almost complete silence. A tree-house-style room is up some steps; perfect for a second couple or kids. Back in the bedroom proper, the comfy kingsize bed - marshmallow-soft pillows and crisp white linen - rests on a wooden plinth.
There are also Twin Rooms, and Garden Suites with little indoor garden lounge areas, and the latter has a bathtub too (which we enjoyed on our most recent visit). The King Loft Suites are duplexes with a bathroom/lounge on one floor and a rather precarious steep wooden stairs leading up to a mezzanine level bedroom.
Features include:
- Air conditioning
- Bathrobes
- Hairdryer
- Minibar
- Safe box
- TV
- WiFi
Eating
This is essentially a B&B with no restaurant, although it does have a small tea room with limited food selection, but you're greeted with a refreshing cup of Thai ice-tea and biscuits and a cold towel to cool off. You can order freshly-brewed coffee or tea, fresh fruit juices and snacks in the lobby until 8pm. There's 24-hour room service from the small tea room.
Upon check-in, you will be asked to fill out a form to make your breakfast selection (there are lots of vegan options) for the next morning which is taken in the lobby, where you can chat to owner Khun Jason. Our scrambled eggs and sausage were well cooked, the dragon fruit, pomelo and watermelon fresh, the toast adequate, the coffee delicious and the traditional Chinese pastries intriguing.
In your room you'll find a personally curated folder with a 72-hours Guide to Old Bangkok, vegetarian restaurant suggestions, and best cafe selections in old town Bangkok - which guests may find impossible to locate on their own. Brilliant.
Features include:
- Breakfast
- Restaurants nearby
Activities
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Historical sites
- Museums / galleries
- Nightlife
- Shopping / markets
- Traditional cultures
Kids
Cots are provided free for under 3s. Though this is a small hotel, so those with children may prefer somewhere with more space and a pool.
Family friendly accommodation:
The Family Suite sleeps 4 and the Honeymoon Suite has space for 3 people. Twin rooms are also available for older children. The Garden Suite has an additional daybed. Note that the steep steps of the King Loft Suite are not suitable for toddlers.
Cots Available, Extra Beds Available
Baby equipment:
Baby cots available on request
Remember baby and child equipment may be limited or need pre-booking
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Old Capital Bike Inn is located in the heart of old Bangkok, across the street from the Golden Mountain, Metal Palace, King Rama VII’s Museum, and Phan Fah Boat Pier.
By Air:
Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (25km). Click on the links below for a list of airlines.
From the Airport
The hotel can arrange a transfer (recommended as taxi driver's are unlikely to find it) from newly-opened Suvarnabhumi International Airport (45 minutes) or the just-re-opened-for-domestic-flights old dame, Don Muang.
By Train:
National Stadium Skytrain Station is about 10 minutes away by boat and 25 minutes by taxi.
By Boat
Phan Fah Boat Pier and the Chao Phraya River are yards away.
Detailed directions will be provided when you confirm your booking through i-escape.
More on getting to Thailand and getting around
Airports:
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International 25.0 km BKK
Other:
- Beach 30.0 km
- Shops 0.2 km
- Restaurant 0.2 km