BudgetTravel

REFLECTIONS 
'Hood: Soi Ari, in the northern part of the city. It's an up-and-coming area that still has a distinctly Thai flavor. Artsy cafés jostle for space with traditional noodle shops.

First Impression: A celebration of camp--its exterior is painted shocking pink--Reflections blazed the trail for Bangkok's thriving boutique-hotel scene when it opened in October 2004. The lantern-lit pool area is still a hotspot. Smartly dressed locals meet there for after-work cocktails.

Phranakorn Nornlen (courtesy Phranakorn Nornlen) MARCH 2007 ISSUE • Table of Contents • Dream Trips • Lighthouses of Croatia • Family Camps • Eat Like a Local: Chicago • Trips That Can Change Your Life: Adventure Biking • Road Trip: The Olympic Peninsula • 40 Best

The Rooms: Owner Anusorn Ngernyuang's artist friends decorated the 33 rooms. The Taj Mahal is painted red and has silk lanterns, gauze curtains, and doorways cut in the shape of Mughal arches. Freak Show features graffiti-covered orange walls, spray-painted couches, and Japanese vinyl toys.

Plus: If you fall in love with the pint-size, pink Venus de Milo in your room, buy it. Much of the quirky furniture and accessories is for sale.

Minus: In a few cases, form trumps function. The Post Industrial room is cool-looking but too austere to be comfortable.

Details: 81 Soi Ari, Phaholyothin 7 Rd., 011-66/2-270-3344, reflections-thai.com, from $80, includes breakfast.

PHRANAKORN NORNLEN
'Hood: Phra Nakorn, a section of Old Bangkok with Buddhist temples and ramshackle wood houses. Khao San Road is a backpacker hangout.

First Impression: With a quiet location, lush garden, and unhurried service, Phranakorn Nornlen has evoked the slow pace of rural life since late 2005. The manager, Barisara Mahakayi, is passionate about creating peaceful surroundings for her guests.

The Rooms: Rooms put recycled materials to good use, like the terra-cotta pots that have been turned into sinks. Beds are on traditional wooden platforms and dotted with colorful silk throw pillows, and pastel walls are painted with murals of lotuses, birds, and trees.

Plus: The hotel supports the community by limiting services. There's no laundry, for example: You're directed to shops nearby.

Minus: There are lots of mosquitoes in the garden, especially right after the rainy season (June to October).

Details: 46 Soi Thewet 1, Krung Kasem Rd., 011-66/2-628-8188, phranakorn-nornlen.com, from $60, includes breakfast.