Bangkok's Hidden Gem: Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 - Unbeatable Luxury!
Bangkok's Best Kept Secret? Metro Hotel Ratchada 36: A Messy, Wonderful Deep Dive
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because I'm about to spill the tea (and maybe some coffee, because, let’s be honest, I need a caffeine boost) on the Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 in Bangkok. "Unbeatable Luxury!" the ads scream. And, you know what? They might be right. But let's dissect this in a way that’s less corporate drivel and more… well, me.
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- Title: Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 Review: Bangkok's Hidden Gem? (Accessibility, Luxury, & Honest Opinions!)
- Keywords: Metro Hotel Ratchada 36, Bangkok Hotel Review, Ratchada District, Accessibility Bangkok, Luxury Hotel Bangkok, Pool with a View, Spa Bangkok, Hotel Reviews Thailand, Family-Friendly Hotel, Bangkok Accommodation, Free Wi-Fi Bangkok, Wheelchair Accessible Hotel, Bangkok Restaurants, Metro Hotel Reviews
Accessibility - The Good, the Slightly Confusing, and the 'We'll Figure It Out'
Alright, let's be real. Accessibility in Thailand can be a mixed bag. Metro Hotel Ratchada 36? Solid effort, but not perfect.
- Wheelchair Accessible? Yes, generally. Elevators are a godsend, and most common areas seem manageable. HOWEVER… I remember one day, I was trying to get to the pool (more on that heavenly pool later), and there was some slight ramp shenanigans happening. I'm not in a wheelchair myself, but I could see that a perfectly smooth ride wasn't guaranteed everywhere. But the staff? Bless their hearts, they were amazing. Always willing to help, always smiling.
- Facilities for Disabled Guests: They've clearly thought about it. Plenty of elevators, and I think some rooms are specifically designed for accessibility… though I didn't personally inspect one.
- Getting Around: This is a big one. Getting around the city from the hotel? Easily done with taxis. The hotel offers airport transfers, which is a must after a long flight. Seriously, after 20 hours, a private transfer is worth its weight in gold.
- The Verdict: They're trying, and the staff's kindness goes a long way. Not flawlessly accessible, but definitely a step above many places in Bangkok.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking - Food, Glorious Food (and Maybe a Mild Belly Ache)
Okay, food is crucial. And the Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 mostly delivers.
- Restaurants, Restaurants, Restaurants! They've got options, people! Asian, International, Vegetarian (thank goodness!), you name it. I went for breakfast in the restaurant every morning; yes, I woke up for it every morning and the breakfast was amazing..
- Breakfast [Buffet]: THE BREAKFAST. Honestly, it’s the reason I'd go back. The buffet was vast, glorious, and frankly, a little overwhelming at first. Noodles, pastries, fresh fruit, eggs cooked every which way… I swear, it took me three days just to figure out what I wanted every day. Then I finally started mastering the art of the perfect omelet
- Coffee/Tea in Restaurant & Coffee Shop: Yeah, the coffee's good. It was fine. But I remember the tea, it was delicious. I practically mainlined Earl Grey every morning.
- Poolside Bar: Ah, the pool! That's where you'll be spending most of your time, and the poolside bar is a godsend.
- Happy Hour: A necessary indulgence. Cocktails by the pool? Yes, please!
- Room Service [24-hour]: Yes, I indulged. Several times. Because sometimes you just need Pad Thai at 2 AM, okay?
- The Minor Hiccup: I did have a slightly questionable chicken satay experience one night. Let's just say my stomach was a little… unhappy the next morning. But hey, it happens. Don't let it deter you.
Things to Do, Ways to Relax - Spa Days, Pool Views, and Enough "Zen" to Annoy a Monk
This is where the Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 shines. Holy moly.
- Swimming Pool & Pool with a View: The pool is the centerpiece. Seriously, it's magnificent. A stunning infinity pool overlooking the city. Floating around in the water, sipping a cocktail… pure bliss. It's just… everything.
- Spa/Sauna, Massage, Body Scrub, Body Wrap… I'm a spa fiend, and this place delivers. I had a Thai massage that almost made me cry (in a good way!), a body scrub that left me feeling like a newborn baby, and generally indulged in way too much relaxation.
- Fitness Center, Gym/Fitness: Look, I intended to use the gym. I really did. But the pool and the spa were just… too alluring. I glanced at the fitness center once. It looked perfectly adequate.
- Steamroom: I didn't go, it was a mistake. I’ll do it next time, I promise.
- The Emotional Breakdown (of Joy): I spent an entire afternoon just staring at the view from the pool. Just… completely lost in contemplation. Okay, maybe not contemplation. Maybe just… enjoying the fact that I didn't have to be anywhere or do anything.
- The Annoying Little Imperfection: The pool did occasionally get a little crowded at peak times. I did have to wait 15 minutes once for a sun lounger. First world problems, I know. But still…
Cleanliness and Safety - Sanitized and Sorted, Mostly
- Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Professional-grade sanitizing services, Rooms sanitized between stays: They take safety seriously, which is reassuring
- Hand sanitizer, Hot water linen and laundry washing: Spotless
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They know their stuff.
Internet Access & Other Techy Bits - Wi-Fi (Free!) and, Well, More Wi-Fi
- Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Hallelujah!
- Internet Access – Wireless / LAN: All good.
- The Downside of Over-Connectivity: My phone did die on me at one point, and I was seriously disconnected. But that was my fault.
Services and Conveniences - The Little Touches That Make a Difference
- Concierge, Doorman, Daily housekeeping: Top-notch, as you'd expect.
- Cash withdrawal, Currency exchange: Convenient, for sure.
- Laundry service, Dry cleaning, Ironing service: Perfect for globetrotters like me.
- Facilities for disabled guests: Mentioned, but bears repeating - they seem to be working on it.
- Babysitting service: Didn’t use it, but good to know it's there.
In-Room Amenities - Your Private Sanctuary
- Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Air conditioning, Bathrobes, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, In-room safe box, Mini bar, Refrigerator, Satellite/cable channels, Shower, Slippers, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free]: All the standard luxurious stuff.
- The Bed! The extra-long bed was a dream. I slept like a (well-fed and pampered) log.
- Mirror & Closet: Big enough, good storage, all you could want.
- The Minor Annoyance: The TV remote was… a little confusing. But hey, Netflix on your phone is a thing, right?
For the Kids - Family-Friendly, But…
- Family/child friendly, Kids meal, Babysitting service: They lean into this. The pool is definitely a draw, and kids facilities seem fine.
- The Questionable Observation: From a kid-free traveler's perspective, it might get a little noisy at times. Just a heads-up.
Getting Around - Easy Peasy Lemon Squeezy (Except for the Traffic)
- Airport transfer: Essential.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site], Taxi Service: Easy to get around
Safety and Security - Keeping You Safe
- CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property, Fire extinguisher, Fire extinguisher, Front desk [24-hour], Non-smoking rooms, Proposal spot, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour], Smoke alarms, Soundproof rooms: Top notch, what you want.
The Verdict: Is Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 a Hidden Gem?
Yes. Absolutely. But it's not perfect. It's a little rough around the edges, and not completely flawless for accessibility seekers. However, the staff, the pool, the spa, the delicious breakfast… those are things that make this place genuinely special. It
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Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We’re diving headfirst into my Bangkok brawl at the Metro Hotel Ratchada 36. Forget sleek travel blogs; this is gonna be a messy, glorious, and possibly slightly caffeinated recount of my time there. Pro tip: Grab a snack. You'll need it.
Day 1: Arrival of Chaos (and Curry)
- 1:00 PM: Touchdown at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Okay, so the airport itself is gorgeous, like a giant, air-conditioned temple to duty-free shopping. But the heat that hit me the second I walked outside? Rude. Brutal. Like a thousand little suns were personally offended by my existence. Thank god for pre-booked airport transfers. I swore the driver was playing chicken with the taxis. Adrenaline junkies, take note.
- 2:30 PM: Arrival at Metro Hotel Ratchada 36. First impressions? Clean, functional, and blessedly air-conditioned. The lobby smelled vaguely of lemongrass and hope, which is always a good sign. Check-in was smooth, except I nearly tripped over a stray luggage cart (me, not the cart). I’m already winning at life.
- 3:00 PM: Room Reconnaissance. My room was…compact. Cozy, even. The view? Overlooking a rather unremarkable street. But hey, I’m not here to admire the architecture, I’m here to eat everything in sight. The air conditioning immediately became my best friend.
- 4:00 PM: The Hunt for Food Begins! Absolutely desperate for something to eat after hours of flying. Found a street food stall literally across the street. This is it. This is where the magic happens. Ordered some green curry. Spicy, fragrant, LIFE-ALTERING curry. I devoured that thing like I hadn't eaten in a week, which…maybe I hadn't. My mouth was on FIRE, but in the BEST way possible. Seriously, best curry ever. I might have cried a little. Happy tears, okay?
- 6:00 PM: Exploring the area. I attempted to wander around the neighborhood. The traffic noise and chaos was a little overwhelming at first. Navigating the sidewalks? An exercise in dodging motorbikes, stray dogs, and the occasional rogue tuk-tuk. I nearly walked straight into a giant food cart. I'm a natural.
- 8:00 PM: Bedtime. Jet lag hit me like a truck. I swear, within five minutes of hitting the sheets, I was OUT.
Day 2: Markets, Massages, and Mayhem
- 8:00 AM: Woke up surprisingly sprightly. Maybe it was the curry-induced coma. Or the slightly-too-firm mattress. Either way, time for breakfast buffet! I attempted to navigate the buffet like a battlefield. I loaded up on fresh fruit, eggs, and a questionable looking sausage. (Spoiler alert: the sausage tasted like sadness).
- 9:30 AM: Off to Chatuchak Weekend Market! Oh. My. God. This place is a beast. A glorious, overwhelming, sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. Everything you could possibly imagine - clothes, souvenirs, furniture, pets (mostly sleeping dogs, thank god) – was on display. I got so disoriented I nearly ended up buying a whole set of fake Louboutin shoes. (I’m a sucker for a bargain, okay?) I did manage to secure a beautiful silk scarf and some ridiculously cheap sunglasses. Victory!
- 1:00 PM: Lunch at Chatuchak. Found a tiny, hole-in-the-wall place serving Pad Thai. The noodles were perfectly cooked, the sauce was sweet and tangy, and I almost forgot about the sweltering heat. (Almost).
- 2:30 PM: The Quest for the Perfect Massage. After a morning of intense shopping, my body was screaming. The hotel staff recommended a place nearby, so I hobbled over there. Best decision ever. The masseuse was tiny but mighty. She kneaded out all the knots and tension. I drifted off into a blissful, sleepy state. I felt like a new person. I consider my body my temple. And this was an experience in my temple.
- 5:00 PM: Back to the hotel to cool down. I spent a good hour just sitting in my room, watching the world go by. The street noise, the chatter, the smells, everything felt normal.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. Found a local restaurant and ordered some more questionable dishes. I think I accidentally ordered chicken feet. (Don’t judge me!). I ate it. Weird.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime. Jet lag is still my enemy.
Day 3: Temples, Tuktuk Terrors, and Total Exhaustion.
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast buffet, take two! The sausage still tastes like sadness. I did manage to find some excellent mango.
- 10:00 AM: Temple Visit. This was the moment: the day I finally got to see a temple. Wat Arun. The Temple of Dawn. A stunning, mind-blowing architectural masterpiece. The detail was incredible. The gold shimmered in the sun. It was breathtaking. I spent ages just staring, feeling utterly insignificant. Then the crowds descended. Suddenly there were a hundred tourists all trying to get the perfect Instagram shot. Okay I got it, this is the world. I started to feel a little jaded.
- 12:00 PM: Tuk-tuk Adventure. After my temple visit, I needed a tuk-tuk to the next destination. The driver seemed friendly enough. I’ll admit, it was a blast zipping through the city. It’s like a rollercoaster…without the safety restraints.
- 1:00 PM: I’m on the other side of the city. It’s incredibly confusing to navigate, but I finally got to the destination: a restaurant a friend recommended. I enjoyed myself.
- 3:00 PM: Head back to the hotel for a nap. I crashed and burned.
- 7:00 PM: Dinner. I ordered some spicy noodles. Fantastic, even though I'm starting to think I might need to invest in some antacids.
Day 4: The Unexpected and the Indelible
- 9:00 AM: Breakfast. That damn sausage is still there! I'm starting to think about leaving it.
- 10:00 AM: Attempted to navigate the local transportation. Success!
- 1:00 PM: I finally went to a bar. I met someone interesting. We had an amazing time!
- 7:00 PM: Last dinner. Sad, but grateful. I'll be back.
- 9:00 PM: Bedtime.
Day 5: Departure
- 6:00 AM: Wake up to pack.
- 9:00 AM: Head to the airport.
- 12:00 PM: Fly home.
Reflections and Ramblings:
- Metro Hotel Ratchada 36: a surprisingly good base camp for adventures. It wasn't fancy, but it was clean, comfortable, and in a decent location. The staff were friendly (even if my Thai is basically non-existent).
- Bangkok: A chaotic, intoxicating, and utterly unforgettable city. It’s a sensory overload, a beautiful mess, and a place that will stay with me long after I’ve unpacked my suitcase full of questionable souvenirs.
- Food: Thai food is a gift from the gods. I will dream of that green curry for years to come. (And maybe avoid the sausages next time.)
- Me: I survived. I conquered. I ate, I explored, and I had a blast. Bangkok, you magnificent, messy, and utterly chaotic city, I can't wait to come back and do it all again (and maybe learn a few more Thai phrases this time).
And there you have it! My Bangkok brawl. It's messy, it's real, and it's filled with more than a few questionable food choices. But that, my friends, is the beauty of travel. Embrace the chaos, the unexpected, and the occasional bout of food poisoning. You might just have the time of your life. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need a nap. Jet lag is a cruel mistress.
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Metro Hotel Ratchada 36: Banging Bangkok Bliss... or Total Bust? Ask Away! (Seriously, Ask!)
Okay, spill the tea. Is this place *really* a "hidden gem" or just another hotel with decent aircon and questionable coffee?
Alright, alright, deep breath. "Hidden gem"... it's a loaded phrase, isn't it? Here's the deal: Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 *could* be a hidden gem, *if* you define "gem" as something that offers a solid value without the insane price tag. First off, yeah, the aircon? Glorious. Seriously, I'm a sweaty mess by default, and I was consistently chilly, which, in Bangkok, is practically a religious experience. The coffee... well, it's hotel coffee. Let's be realistic. It’s not single-origin, ethically sourced, barista-trained perfection. Think more along the lines of "hot brown liquid." Drinkable. Necessary. Not something I'd write poetry about.
But here's the thing: I got the most incredible massage *ever* at a spa just down the street. Like, my back felt like a silk scarf afterward. Found a street food stall that sold the best Pad Thai I've ever tasted (and I’ve been to Bangkok, like, a million times. Okay, maybe five). THAT’S the gem. The hotel? It's the comfy basecamp for your Bangkok adventures. It's clean, the staff is friendly, and the price doesn't make you weep. So… yeah, a gem. Kinda. With caveats.
What's the deal with the location? Is it actually "hidden"? And by hidden, I mean, like, in the middle of nowhere?
Okay, the location. This is where things get… interesting. Ratchada *is* a little further out than, say, Sukhumvit, so if you're the type who *needs* to be tripping over designer boutiques every five minutes, you might be a bit… unhappy. "Hidden"? Not really. It's on a reasonably busy street, with a 7-Eleven (essential for late-night snacks and emergency supplies of Singha beer) practically next door.
The real "hidden" aspect is that you're *close* to the MRT (subway) station. A quick motorbike taxi ride (again, bargaining is key! Don’t pay more than 50 baht!) or a brisk (okay, maybe slightly sweaty) walk gets you there. From the MRT, you're connected to pretty much everything. Chatuchak Weekend Market? Boom. The Grand Palace? Double Boom.
But… remember that massage I mentioned? The walk to the spa from the hotel was a little… adventurous. Sidewalk sometimes dissolved into construction zones, and I swear I saw a chicken crossing the road, followed by a tuk-tuk driver who looked like he'd seen a ghost. That’s Bangkok, though, right? Embrace the chaos. Or at least, tolerate it with a smile and an iced coffee.
Luxury? Unbeatable? Really? Give it to me straight. What does "luxury" mean in the context of this hotel?
"Luxury." Sigh. In the world of hotels, it's a slippery word. Unbeatable? Let’s not get carried away. This isn't the Mandarin Oriental (though, I'd kill for a stay there). The "luxury" at Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 translates to: a comfortable room, a decent-sized bed (mine was huge, seriously, could have slept five), good water pressure in the shower (a MUST!), and a pool. I mean honestly that pool was a savior! After a day of battling the heat and crowds, diving into the pool felt like a hug from the gods.
The view from my room? Let me be frank: it wasn't sweeping panoramic vistas. It was of other buildings. But who the hell cares? You’re in BANGKOK! You shouldn't be spending your time in your room staring out the window. You need to be out there!
So, "luxury"? Relative. It's affordable comfort with a dash of nice. Don't expect gold faucets. Expect a good night's sleep and a functional base of operations. And that’s perfectly fine.
What about the staff? Are they helpful? Do they speak English? (Because, you know, I don't speak fluent Thai and I don't want to embarrass myself *too* much.)
Okay, the staff. This is where the hotel REALLY shines. And this is where I start to get all warm and fuzzy. Seriously, they were lovely. Honestly, I’d give them all big hugs if I could (cultural sensitivities, I know).
English? Yes, absolutely. They were fluent, friendly, and incredibly patient with my constant questions. I lost my phone charger (clumsy, much?) and they helped me track down a replacement faster than you can say "Sawasdee." They also offered me recommendations for restaurants, transportation, and even helped me navigate the crazy world of Thai SIM cards.
One day, I was looking totally lost (as usual). The lady at the front desk saw me struggling and quietly guided me toward a street food stall serving mango sticky rice. It was, hands down, the best mango sticky rice of my life. Pure bliss. (Yes, I’m getting emotional about mango sticky rice. Bangkok does that to you.) They genuinely cared. They weren’t just going through the motions. That, for me, is worth more than a fancy lobby or a gold-plated toilet (though, let's be honest, a gold-plated toilet would be pretty cool).
Okay, let's talk about the pool. Tell me everything! Is it a sparkling oasis? Crowded? Chlorine-soaked?
The pool! Oh, the pool! If you're a pool person like me, then this is a major selling point. Honestly, it saved me from a complete meltdown a couple of times. Bangkok heat is no joke, and sometimes you just NEED to submerge yourself in cool water. Sparkling? Well, it wasn't quite the kind that makes you want to leap with joy. It was clean, definitely not chlorine-soaked (thankfully!), and usually fairly quiet. The pool wasn't Olympic-sized, mind you, but perfect for a refreshing dip. They should have pool towels.
There were a few times when a few more people were there, because of the heat, but it's Bangkok. It is hot and the pool felt so good. But for the most part, it was like my own little oasis. I spent hours just floating there, watching the sky and trying not to think about my rapidly dwindling bank account or the fact that I hadn't learned a single word of Thai. Pure relaxation. It's a huge bonus, honestly.
Would you actually go back? Be honest. Don't sugarcoat it.
Okay, cutting to the chase: HELL, YES. I would absolutely go back. Would it be my *only* option? No, of course not. But for the price, the comfort, the genuinely friendly staff, and the pool? Absolutely.
It's not perfect. It's not the Four Seasons (again, dreaming). But it's a damn good option for a traveler who values value, comfort, and a bit of adventure. I'd book it again in a heartbeat. Just maybe I’ll pack a backup phone charger this time. And learn at least *one* Thai phrase. Maybe. "Sawasdee" is a goodSleep Stop Guide
Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 Bangkok Thailand
Metro Hotel Ratchada 36 Bangkok Thailand
