Aurum The River Place

Rooms and decor

Aurum has only about 12 rooms, so it feels warm and personal — more like staying with relatives than checking into a hotel. The rooms are done in classic European style, and each one comes with air-con, a flat-screen TV, minibar, fridge and en-suite bathroom. We'd ask for a river-facing room: you get a view straight out over the Chao Phraya with the boats sliding past.

Food and amenities

There's a riverside restaurant serving Thai and international dishes with the river in view, plus daily continental breakfast. Beyond that you get a spa, a small garden corner to sit in, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry service. It's a small place, so don't expect a big resort spread — there's no pool — but the essentials are all here.

Location and getting there

This is where Aurum punches above its size. It sits on quiet Soi Pan Suk off Maharat Road in Tha Tien, on Rattanakosin Island — a world away from the bustle of Khao San. It's about 2 minutes' walk to MRT Sanam Chai, a beautifully Thai-decorated station that connects you to the rest of the city. Wat Pho is 4-5 minutes on foot, the Grand Palace 10-11 minutes, and the pier for the cross-river ferry to Wat Arun is right nearby, along with the Chao Phraya Express boat.

Things to know before booking

It's a very small hotel — only about 12 rooms — so it books out fast; reserve early if your dates are fixed. Facilities are modest and there's no pool. And rates run higher than the typical budget stays over by Khao San Road, so you're paying for the riverside setting and the quiet rather than rock-bottom price.

Our take

Aurum The River Place suits couples and travelers who want a small, quiet hotel with character. If you value the riverside setting, the privacy and being a short walk from both the MRT and Wat Pho, this is one we'd recommend. Real-guest score is 8.8.