Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok

Courtyard gives you a quiet base right next to Bangkok's busiest shopping district. It sits on a lane off Ratchadamri Road, a short walk from Ratchadamri and Chit Lom BTS, with CentralWorld, Siam Paragon, and the Erawan Shrine nearby, and Lumphini Park within easy reach. The hotel's free tuk-tuk runs from early morning until 10 pm, stopping at both stations and CentralWorld.

Rooms and public spaces follow a "Touch of Nature" concept, with earth tones and tree, leaf and stone motifs. Thai art and architecture inspire the hotel too, through its guiding-star emblem, which appears throughout the lobby. Behind the scenes, solar panels supply much of the hotel's power.

Rooms are light-filled and calm, with plush bedding, marble bathrooms and a flat-screen TV. Bigger groups and families can book the Family Room, with two double beds, a bathtub and the option of connecting rooms.

End the day with a sunset drink at the pool bar. The all-day restaurant opens with a buffet breakfast and serves authentic Thai dishes and international favourites in the evening, with a well-chosen wine list, and the bar pairs handcrafted cocktails with tapas.

Tarnvana Spa specialises in Thai massage, including a warm herbal compress of turmeric, lemongrass and plai that eases tired muscles. Afterwards, relax by the outdoor pool or work out in the fitness centre.