Riva Surya Bangkok

Riva Surya Bangkok is a 68-room hotel on Phra Athit Road, the leafy riverside street at the northern edge of the old town, a short walk from Khao San Road. It occupies a site directly on the Chao Phraya, and its riverside terrace, pool and bar make it one of the few hotels in this historic quarter where you can relax with a view of the water. The style is modern and comfortable, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal.

The 68 rooms are divided into four categories. Urban Rooms face the street and city, while Riva Rooms, Deluxe Riva Rooms and Premium Riva Rooms look out over or towards the river, and the higher categories offer more space and better views; book a river-facing room if the view matters to you. The riverside swimming pool is the centrepiece of the hotel, alongside a gym, and dining runs from a relaxed café to a riverside bar and restaurant with an extensive menu of Thai and international food. Sunset on the terrace, as the river traffic passes and the lights come on along the Thonburi bank, is a highlight.

The hotel is officially rated four stars. Reservations can be made directly by phone or by email. Because the street is busy at night with bars and restaurants, light sleepers may want to ask for a room on the river side.

Riva Surya suits couples and independent travellers who want to explore the old town on foot but prefer a quieter, more comfortable base than the guesthouses of Khao San Road. It is also a good choice for anyone who wants easy access to river boats. Rates are mid-range to upper mid-range for Bangkok. Phra Athit Road itself has plenty of small restaurants, bars and cafés, many in old shophouses, so evenings are easy without going far.

The hotel is at 23 Phra Athit Road in Chana Songkhram, Phra Nakhon. Phra Athit Pier on the Chao Phraya Express Boat is a few minutes' walk away, connecting downstream to Tha Chang for the Grand Palace, Tha Tien for Wat Pho and Wat Arun, and Sathorn Pier for the BTS. Phra Sumen Fort and Santichaiprakarn Park, Khao San Road and the Bangkok National Museum are all within walking distance.