From the outside, the hotel looks like a huge shopping mall. A structure that is half glass, half concrete and surrounded by tall palm trees, it towers above nearby buildings. The road it sits on is a busy one, tooting with cars and tuk tuks, but this is Bangkok, and unless you find a property tucked away on one of the side roads, the lively atmosphere is par for the course. The lobby is crammed with retail outlets and a dramatic elephant shrine, and it hums with a steady flow of shoppers and guests. It's bright and buzzing, with shiny floors and a wooden front desk, but there's nothing particularly exciting about the design or furnishings. 

The hotel lacks the personality and quirky nooks and crannies that you would find in boutique hotels or even backpacker hostels. The vibe is generic throughout all the public spaces, and the bland theme continues into the rooms, which also have tired-looking furniture. The hotel is popular with families and business people,who are looking for a host of amenities on-site (like an outdoor pool and fitness center) and a location that's in close proximity to all the shopping.

The hotel is a great base for shopping and eating, as Siam Paragon, MBK hall, Central World Plaza, and Siam Square are just minutes away from the hotel. The BTS sky train station is a 30-minute drive from the lobby door, which isn't that close but once guests get there, it provides easy access to all the touristy areas of Bangkok.  Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a 30 minute-drive from the hotel on the expressway. The property is within walking distance of Pantip Plaza, Platinum Fashion Mall, and Pratunam Market. Also nearby are Siam Ocean World and CentralWorld Shopping Complex, which is the sixth largest shopping complex in the world. A 30-minute walk takes guests to Patpong night market, which is a great destination for shopping -- but true to the area’s illicit leanings (it's in the red light district) -- pirated goods, especially watches, are haggled by everyone from families to teenage couples. If guests want to get to Koh San Road, it's about 20 minutes away on the bus and is a favorite haunt of backpackers. The road is brimming with cheap souvenirs, street food treats, and cheap bars. The hotel is less well-placed for reaching tourist hot spots like the Grand Palace and Emerald Buddha. To see these mesmeric relics, travelers would be better to pick a hotel that's nearer to the Hua Lamphong train station. 

Rooms at the Grand Diamond Suites are much blander than they look on the hotel's website; the furnishings are dated and the lighting is dim. That said, rooms are big with full-size fridges, coffeemakers, and flat-screen TVs. The Luxury suites are probably the best rooms, having wooden floors and pretty walls decorated with classic Thai scenes. Bathrooms usually come with both a bath and a shower, and the water pressure is excellent. There's a flushing toilet (and a hose and bucket, traditional to Bangkok etiquette) and robes are fluffy and white. Views are of the city skyline which looks incredible at night when hundreds of lights in the surrounding buildings reflect and flicker. Some guests have complained of water damage and carpets that are on the dirty side. Extra perks include free bottled water, free Wi-Fi, and in-room massages (for a fee) that are available on request.

The hotel is secure, with a well-lit entrance way on a busy street and a good range of CCTV cameras, making it a good choice for families who want to feel extra safe. As well as two restaurants, the Grand Diamond Suites hotel Has a large oval outdoor pool and a kids' pool, but the space isn't glamorous and is surrounded by buildings, although the greenery lovely. The fitness center has a good range of cardiovascular equipment, although some guests have complained that the machines are a bit dated. Guests can book massages and treatments at the on-site massage room, which has wall-to-wall carpeting, old blinds, tubeTVs, and a generally dated feel. The spa tub and sauna are much better, and the hot tub has especially nice views over the Bangkok skyline.