With just 12 hours overnight between landing at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and catching my next flight to Kuala Lumpur with Thai Airways, the idea of heading into central Bangkok didn’t exactly scream “good idea.” Add in the fact that the city’s infamous traffic can easily turn a simple journey into a stressful race against the clock, and staying near the airport became the obvious choice.
The Siam Mandarina Hotel is close enough to BKK that I won’t be anxiously watching the clock. The goal here is simple: get some rest, avoid unnecessary stress, and make the next leg without feeling like I’ve already run a marathon before boarding.
A Drink, a Meal, and Some Sanity
I read that the hotel has a 24-hour bar and restaurant—a small but welcome luxury when you’re landing at what would be 2 p.m. GMT and your body clock isn’t quite sure if it’s time for lunch, dinner, or just a well-earned drink. The idea of having a good meal and a drink or two before trying to sleep sounded like the perfect way to wind down ahead of my hop from Thailand to Malaysia on Thai Airways the following day.
Location and Accessibility
The hotel is about a 12- to 15-minute drive from the airport, making it one of the most convenient choices without paying a premium for an on-site property. They offer a shuttle service from the terminal, but after a long flight, I wasn’t in the mood to wait, so I opted for a taxi instead. At 500 baht, it wasn’t the cheapest ride, but it got me there quickly and hassle-free. That said, the hotel provided clear directions on where to meet their shuttle representative for those who prefer the free transfer.
The surrounding area is exactly what you’d expect from an airport hotel—functional, but not exactly lively. There’s a 7-Eleven nearby, which is always handy for grabbing a few essentials, but beyond that, this is very much a stopover spot rather than a destination in itself.
Check-In and First Impressions
Check-in was smooth and easy, though they weren’t able to offer a slightly extended checkout due to full occupancy. That wasn’t a dealbreaker, as midday checkout was already more than reasonable for my 1 p.m. departure.
The lobby was well-appointed and had a welcoming atmosphere. To the left, there was a bar and coffee counter with a decent selection of pastries, and to the right, a small gift area selling the usual hotel trinkets. Staff were exactly as expected in Thailand—polite, professional, and eager to help. The bellboy, who introduced himself as “B,” was particularly friendly and helpful, making for a warm first impression.
The Room – Ideal for Plane Spotting
I booked a king room with an airport view, and on this front, the hotel absolutely delivered. The view was fantastic, offering a clear, wide-angle look at the airport and runway. For aviation enthusiasts, it’s a great place to stay, and if I’d had more time in the morning, I could have easily spent a few hours just watching the aircraft movements.
The downside was the state of the windows. They were pretty filthy, which did take away from the experience. This isn’t uncommon in Thailand to be fair, but still disappointing given that the airport view was one of the main reasons I chose this hotel- although it didn’t stop me enjoying myself.
Inside, the room was spacious and comfortable. The bed was firm but fine, and the desk was perfectly positioned right by the window, making it a great spot to work while taking in the airfield activity. The furniture and fixtures showed some wear, but nothing that was particularly concerning or affected the stay.
Bathroom and Amenities
The shower and bath combo was perfectly functional, though I ran into the same issue I’ve had at other hotels on this trip—the bath plug didn’t seal properly, so taking a bath was out of the question. Since I wasn’t feeling great, this was more frustrating than usual, though at least this time, the old “glass over the drain” trick actually worked.
The air conditioning was noisy but worked well. It was one of those older units that hums constantly, but in a way that acts like a built-in sound machine rather than being disruptive. At least it kept the room cool. More concerning was the large stain on the ceiling from what was clearly an old AC leak, though nothing was actively dripping. One thing I did notice—and maybe I was just too tired to care at that point—but I didn’t see any smoke detectors or fire alarms in the room. Not sure if that’s common in Thailand, but it definitely stood out.
Noise Levels and Sleep Quality
Given that it’s an airport hotel, some aircraft noise was to be expected, but I actually appreciated it. Internally, the hotel was blissfully quiet, with no hallway disturbances, no slamming doors, and no late-night staff clattering plates outside my room—something I definitely couldn’t say about my last layover hotel.
Dining and Facilities
I didn’t go for a full meal, but I grabbed a coffee from the bar in the morning. It was quick, affordable, and genuinely good—just a simple Americano, but exactly what I needed before heading back to the airport.
I skipped breakfast, which was available from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m., purely because I wasn’t awake in time.
The hotel has a pool and a spa, though I didn’t use either. Public areas were well air-conditioned and pleasant, making it an easy place to relax before heading out. The shuttle back to the airport was booked at check-in, left on time, and was a great free option, even if it felt a little rough around the edges.
Final Thoughts – A Solid Stopover Choice
For under £100, the Siam Mandarina Hotel did exactly what I needed it to—provided a quiet, comfortable overnight stay with an unbeatable airport view. It’s not a five-star luxury property, but it doesn’t need to be, and for a solo or business traveler looking for convenience and functionality pre or post flight, it’s a great option.
Would I stay here again? Absolutely.
Best for solo travelers, aviation enthusiasts, and families needing a reliable pre- or post-flight hotel. Probably not ideal for those expecting modern luxury or a hotel with an active surrounding area.
With my other options being a fully booked Marriott attached to the terminal or the airport’s transit hotel, which would have been fine for six to ten hours but a bit dull for an 18-hour layover, this was definitely the right call. For a Bangkok stopover, it’s an easy yes.
