BudgetTravel

THE EUGENIA 
'Hood: Sukhumvit, one of Bangkok's main drags. Restaurants and condos are cheek by jowl with girlie bars and souvenir stalls.

First Impression: Opened in March 2006, the Eugenia exudes unapologetic nostalgia for the days of the British Raj (even though Thailand is the only Southeast Asian country never colonized by a European power). There are game trophies, a tiger-skin rug, and sepia-colored maps.

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The Rooms: The 12 suites are furnished with antiques, including hand-beaten copper tubs and four-poster beds. Modern amenities include flat-screen TVs, free broadband, and well-stocked minibars. Several rooms overlook the courtyard and swimming pool.

Plus: You can pay to be chauffeured around in one of the owner's vintage Mercedes-Benzes or Jaguars.

Minus: The Eugenia can't completely shut out the nuisances of modern life. Next to the hotel are a large construction site and an occasionally smelly canal.

Details: 267 Soi 31, Sukhumvit Rd., 011-66/2-259-9011, theeugenia.com, from $163, includes breakfast.

ARUN RESIDENCE
'Hood: Rattanakosin Island, home to Wat Pho, the Grand Palace, and the flower market, Pak Klong Talad.

First Impression: At the end of a dozy lane of cream-colored row houses that double as stores, the small waterfront property feels removed from modern high-rise Bangkok. The Arun's open lobby is especially inviting, with ceiling fans, comfy armchairs, and a selection of magazines.

The Rooms: The five rooms are done in a tasteful colonial style, with clapboard walls and wide-plank floors. All offer spectacular views of the 18th-century Wat Arun temple across the river. The top-floor Arun Suite has a private deck.

Plus: Arun's riverside restaurant, the Deck, has earned a following for its Thai-French cuisine. Reservations a must.

Minus: The boat traffic on the river is picturesque, but it's also extremely noisy.

Details: 36-38 Soi Pratu Nokyung, Maharat Rd., 011-66/2-221-9158, arunresidence.com, from $83, includes breakfast.

LUXX HOTEL 
'Hood: Near Silom Road, the heart of a bustling business and nightlife district. Office workers in suits crowd the sidewalks during the day, while nightfall brings out tourists and club hoppers.

First Impression: In 2005, architect and designer Dusadee Srishevachart gutted two town houses to create a style-conscious look. The result combines Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian functionality.

The Rooms: Polished wood, chrome, and glass dominate the 13 rooms; also, expect flat-screen TVs, CD/DVD players, and free Wi-Fi. In suites and studios, the bathroom is partitioned with sliding wall panels, allowing guests to watch TV from the barrel-like tub.

Plus: The firm, king-size "beds of heaven" are dressed in crisp linens and down duvets.

Minus: Rooms in the back get less natural light--especially those on the second floor, where windows are blocked by a neighboring building.

Details: 6/11 Decho Rd., 011-66/2-635-8800, staywithluxx.com, from $93, includes breakfast.