FX Hotel Metrolink Makkasan (Bangkok, Thailand)

The journey to Suvarnabhumi Airport takes about 25 minutes via the nearby train service. Incidentally, this is far preferable to - and cheaper than - a scary taxi ride.

Rooms are clean-cut and well designed to include all the things that we now see as being necessary. They aren't the biggest rooms ever but they serve their purpose very well. Service in the hotel is exceptionally good.

That first impression counts and the reception staff certainly delivers the goods. Smiling and helpful, they understand that you are in strange surroundings and do all that they can to help. Arrive early, for instance, and if the room is ready, it's yours.

Breakfast in particular is a huge disappointment. Having invested in the design of guest rooms, they've missed a trick here with indifferent offerings. The hotel food, generally, is overpriced but, unless you want to take to the train, you are stuck with it. There are very few alternatives in the vicinity.

Housekeeping is very iffy and in keeping with that of an extremely expensive but low budget B+B. Cleaning is superficial. Beds and towels aren't changed and rubbish is just left to accumulate. Complimentary toothbrush, slippers, etc? Forget it!

The FX Metrolink Makkasan is a relatively new title for the hotel and as such, is completely unknown to locals and taxi drivers in particular. If venturing out, take a hotel card with the address included so that, at least, the driver can deliver you back.