Serviced Apartment Choices

[NanLaew]

I will be starting a 3-month assignment with a client in Bangkok. Their office is up on Viphavadi-Rangsit, close to PTT, just beyond Central Ladprao.

Any advice on a decent serviced apartment that makes for easier access via MRT, BTS, etc.? I have lived in Thailand for quite a while and worked a couple of times before in Bangkok but this area is new to me. I am looking to keep the daily commute manageable but still being close to the amenities, dining, shopping and social scene, etc.

Many thanks,

NL

[arkom]

There is one called Northgate Aerviced Apartment it opened early this year so still pretty new. Its across from SCB Park and within walking distance to Major Ratchayothin. Unfortunately there is no MRT or BTS nearby, but if traffic is good its about a 15-20 min taxi ride to Central and PTT.

[4evermaat]

appx Cost/month?

[beano2274]

Look on Mr Roomfinder (google it).

Some great ones around Ari, a friend of mine used to live in the area 14,000 for a serviced Apartment with a roof top pool. Bit of a walk to the main road but then you hit the BTS line so from there a doddle to get to PTT

[NanLaew]

appx Cost/month?

No cap stated. If I was parking in a hotel, it would be a minimum 5000 baht/night job so that gives me 125,000/month to beat... should be easy enough.

Look on Mr Roomfinder (google it).

Some great ones around Ari, a friend of mine used to live in the area 14,000 for a serviced Apartment with a roof top pool. Bit of a walk to the main road but then you hit the BTS line so from there a doddle to get to PTT

I didn't see any around Soi Aree on Mr Roomfinder but did note that several listed were based on a 1-year rental. This gig will be 3-months tops so may be a bit harder to sell. A couple of years back I was working around Mahidol & Salaya and managed to get a nice 1-bedroom digs in new-build, up-market student flats. I recall it was about 80,000 baht for the 6 weeks I was there. I never saw so many hi-so brats with Beemers and Mercs. Unfortunately, house rules were NO cooking allowed inside but managed to bypass that with a camper gas ring on the balcony... but it sucked really. Something to do with fire risks and students apparently. Loadsa eye candy uni student totty was a bonus tho'!

Thanks for the suggestions. Anyone have any experience with Amanta Ratchada? That places me mid-way between work and play, so to speak.

Edited June 3, 2011 by NanLaew

[NanLaew]

There is one called Northgate Aerviced Apartment it opened early this year so still pretty new. Its across from SCB Park and within walking distance to Major Ratchayothin. Unfortunately there is no MRT or BTS nearby, but if traffic is good its about a 15-20 min taxi ride to Central and PTT.

That would have been perfect if my Client had stayed at their old office in the SCB! Still, a good price especially for the 2-bedroom unit.

[NanLaew]

There is one called Northgate Serviced Apartment it opened early this year so still pretty new. Its across from SCB Park and within walking distance to Major Ratchayothin. Unfortunately there is no MRT or BTS nearby, but if traffic is good its about a 15-20 min taxi ride to Central and PTT.

That would have been perfect if my Client had stayed at their old office in the SCB! Still, a good price especially for the 2-bedroom unit.

^ Just noted how their rooms have a 'convenient pantry facility'...<deleted>? Looks like a sink, possibly a microwave and maybe a kettle? I guess the Salaya apartment I mentioned earlier had this 'convenient pantry facility' as well, ie. no place to actually cook!

[MiG16]

Sounds like u are looking for a more upscale apartment. Not many in viphavadi area unfortunately. There are more cheaper style places in that part of town. Otherwise, hotels.

One other way might be to look for a rented, furnished apartment rather than a serviced one if cooking is important to you. Short term could make this option harder but still worth a try.

If something more useful comes to mind will let u know. When do u need the place for?

[NanLaew]

Sounds like u are looking for a more upscale apartment. Not many in viphavadi area unfortunately. There are more cheaper style places in that part of town. Otherwise, hotels.

One other way might be to look for a rented, furnished apartment rather than a serviced one if cooking is important to you. Short term could make this option harder but still worth a try.

If something more useful comes to mind will let u know. When do u need the place for?

I appreciate the info. The tenure starts this Monday and I will take a room at the Amanta this coming week to see how the transport pans out and give me an idea if it's suitable or not. It's not that I plan on doing a lot of home cooking; just the odd meal or a decent cooked breakfast versus eating outside every evening. Unfortunately, most landlords would leave their places empty and wait for the minimum 1-year tenant rather than make some money on a short term deal. I did a similar job last year in KL where I had a 3-bedroom condo just behind the Petronas Towers. However, that was through a chap who works in the same industry who had himself relocated to Singapore but was happy to let his KL place for only 5 months.

[MiG16]

A small pantry would still be better than no kitchen at all. Better than hotel.

Good luck