One of Asia’s most enduringly popular tourist hotspots, the Thai capital of Bangkok is a buzzing and hectic metropolis with many different sides to it. Besides being a necessary destination for nomads and backpackers, it also caters to thousands of visitors every year who come for business.

Some of these are attending meetings, conferences, and other events, and the country is working hard to capture some of the global MICE tourism market. But Thailand is also one of the largest economies in Southeast Asia and one of the most involved in international trade.

Whatever the reason you’re visiting, if you are coming for business then you will need to choose wisely when it comes to picking your accommodation. Here’s everything you should consider to help you decide.

Your budget

If it’s going on expenses, then you’ll certainly need to set a budget for your accommodation. This doesn’t mean that comfort and convenience are not important, and it certainly doesn’t mean that you need to stay in a backpacker hostel. It’s all about achieving a balance; staying somewhere that meets your needs while keeping within your company’s budget guidelines.

Luckily, Bangkok is one of the best destinations for visitors on a budget. 4 and even 5-star hotel rooms can be had there for cheaper than they would cost in many other countries.

When looking at the rates of different local hotels, remember to consider any additional fees you might incur, such as parking if you are hiring a car.

Location

Unless you are visiting a particular office, factory, or other specific location, you will probably want to base yourself in or near Bangkok’s central business district. The following are popular areas that you might wish to consider, and all of them have plenty of hotels to choose from.

Silom

In the daytime, this is generally one of the quietest and least touristy areas of central Bangkok. The reason is because it is part of the central business district, so many of the people you see here are professionals and businesspeople. It still has plenty of nice restaurants, bars, cafes, and workspaces.

Sukhumvit

On the other end of the ‘touristy’ spectrum you have Sukhumvit. However, hotels in this district such as the Rembrandt hotel on Sukhumvit 20 offer the advantage of having everything the city is known for right on your doorstep. Malls, bars, restaurants, and entertainment are everywhere, and there are plenty of places to catch public transport so that you can visit other parts of the city.

Riverside

This trendy spot is a bit quieter than Sukhumvit and is home to several of the city’s best hotels. This is a good choice if you are also planning to see some of the local culture on your trip, as it is an area with some very beautiful temples.

Meeting facilities

Even if you are not planning to have any meetings in your hotel on your trip, it’s always worth checking out the facilities because unforeseen events might mean that you suddenly need to use them. Make yourself aware of your hotel’s booking policy in case you need to find a new location at the last minute.

Connectivity

From video conferences to international transfers, so many modern business operations are done online that it’s essential to know you’ll be staying somewhere with a solid internet connection.

Flexible bookings

Business travel can be unpredictable, and if your reasons for visiting the city are unexpectedly invalidated then you will want to be able to cancel your booking and recover as much of your money as possible. Make sure you read the cancellation policies of any hotels you are considering carefully.

Amenities

Business trips often come with a packed schedule and lots of back-to-back meetings, so it’s essential that you are able to unwind and relax in your hotel to restore your energy and productivity for the next day.

Checking out the reviews from past guests is the best way to get an idea of this before you go. Once you are there, make sure that you find the bed comfortable and that the TV and hot water work, if those are  ways that you like to unwind. Also check the air conditioning. Bangkok is hot all year round and you could be in for an uncomfortable night without it.

Conclusion

With government support for the MICE industry and an economy that is bouncing back from the pandemic, Thailand is becoming an increasingly popular destination for business travellers. To get the most out of your business trip, choosing the right hotel is essential. Give consideration to your budget, the location, and the amenities and facilities. Make sure that they all meet your needs.