Bally Suite Sukhumvit

This low-key property sits on an unassuming low-rise block along a narrow back street. Style-wise, it's not a standout. The tired, frumpy-looking lobby has purple and navy-blue sofas and gold-brown canvas prints on faded yellow walls. The black- and pink velvet-upholstered tub seats, where guests can sit as they check in, are stylish but are mismatched and look out of place, as do the tacky ornaments and dated red-and-gold-papered ceiling panels. This stylistic mishmash continues throughout the hotel. There's a huge divide between the new and old wings -- the bright eight-story new wing offers views of the neighborhood through its large windows, while the five-story old wing has old-fashioned gray-and-cream floor tiling, pale green walls, and frosted-glass-tile windows. Given its lack of much in the way of features, the hotel is best for travelers who plan to spend most of their time out exploring Bangkok. The D Varee draws travelers from across the spectrum due to its cheap rates (especially when compared to the more upscale options in the area) -- couples, those visiting Bangkok on their own, friends traveling together, and even families all pass through here.

Although it's located in central Bangkok's Upper Sukhumvit area, the hotel sits down a quiet back street and can be tricky to find. Traffic in the area is among Bangkok's heaviest, but during the day the hotel runs a free tuk-tuk shuttle service to the main road, which is about a 10-minute walk from the hotel. From there, it’s a short walk to the skytrain and metro stations, which otherwise take 10 to 15 minutes to reach by walking directly from the hotel. Plenty of restaurants, bars, convenience stores, and shopping malls can be found along Sukhumvit Road. It's a 35-minute trip to Silom, and 45 minutes to Chatuchak Weekend Market by metro or skytrain. Otherwise, given Bangkok's heat, cabs might be in order -- just keep in mind that traffic in Bangkok means travel times fluctuate wildly. It's a seven-minute drive to Terminal 21 shopping mall, and 20 to 25 minutes by cab to Chinatown, the Siam area, or the trendy Thonglor neighborhood. It's at least 35 minutes by car to the Grand Palace and Wat Pho. Given the city's traffic problems, budget at least an hour to reach either Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi International Airports.

Decor in the hotel's 78 rooms varies dramatically, and it's worth requesting a room in the new wing, as they are bright and spacious. Decor in this building includes handsome wood-laminate flooring and comfy beds set against contemporary accent panels. Kitchenettes have electric burners and microwaves, and pleasant daybeds sit under large windows. Some balconies can be tiny. One Bedroom Suites are larger (592 square feet, or 55 square meters), and add cozy living rooms, though black wicker armchairs and polka-dot cushions look out of place beside sharper beige sofas. Dated prints are oddly positioned on the walls.Rooms in the old wing -- like the Superior Room that we visited -- have more dated decor, including beige tub seats, gaudy Renaissance-inspired artwork, and old bedspreads. Amenities in all rooms include flat-screen TVs with DVD players, air-conditioning, safes, minibars,  coffee- and tea-making facilities. Wi-Fi is free, but spotty. Guests have complained about maintenance (non-functioning bath tubs, loud air-conditioning) and housekeeping, and extra charges for children even when not using additional beds.New-wing bathrooms are large, but basic. Simple, built-in vanities have brown cupboards, and there’s brown-tile flooring and white walls. Brown mosaic splash tiling in the walk-in shower stalls (with power showerheads) is an upmarket touch. In the old wing, old-fashioned bathrooms have off-white wall and floor tiling, unattractive glass sink units, and wave-effect mirrors. Shower/tub combos are large, with power showerheads. Even though this is one of Bangkok's busier areas, rooms are quiet.

The D Varee Diva Bally Sukhumvit has the amenities found in most mid-range hotels in central Bangkok, though some aren't always up to snuff. The pleasant rooftop pool has wooden tables, chairs, and umbrellas, plus a small number of sunbeds. But there’s scant covering from the sun, and the pool is small -- as is the gym, where the cardio- and weight-lifting machines are often out of order. Breakfast is available, but it's not included in standard rates. It's served in the coffee shop, which has a pool table and is open from morning until late evening for drinks and light meals. During the day, the hotel also provides free tuk-tuk service to the Sukhumvit Road, though this doesn’t get going until the late morning. There are computers in the lobby and Wi-Fi is free throughout the property, but the signal can be touch and go.