From the exterior, the Sabai-Sabai looks like a cleaner, newer version of the apartment buildings that line the area, save the large metal sign bearing its name and a happy tree sculpture. Inside, the decor is bright and welcoming -- intensely so in many places -- throughout the lobby, spa, restaurant, and rooms. The long, rectangular lobby and entrance is adorned with beautiful dangling glass ornaments, and the tall windows and glossy black floors allow the eclectic decor to really shine. Asian knick-knacks -- including sculpted fish and dragons -- cover every surface, and the furniture includes bright red birdcage-style chairs, and cozy armchairs with elaborately patterned silk cushions. Capping off the appealingly hodgepodge decor is a wall of Post-It Notes left from satisfied guests. There are different decor themes on each floor of the hotel -- Chinese, Vintage, and Thai -- and even the hallways have interesting touches, like colorful floor tiles and bright oil paintings. Red and gold mosaic tiling, dangling red tassels, and carved wooden chairs decorate the restaurant, which has balcony seating, as well. Guests include business travelers with work nearby, as well as many tourist couples and some families wanting a quieter atmosphere than is typically available in Bangkok. 

The hotel is located in a residential area of east Bangkok, on a narrow side-street behind rows of shophouses. The area is quiet and peaceful, but a considerable distance from Bangkok’s attractions for those taking public transportation. The hotel is about a 30-minute walk or less than 10-minute tuk-tuk ride from the nearest BTS station (E8 Phra Khanong), which is five stations away from Siam. The Wat Pho, Grand Palace, and National Museum are about an hour away by public transit. Suvarnabhumi Airport is 20 minutes to an hour away depending on traffic, or around an hour via public transportation.

Decorated in either a modern, Thai, Chinese, or Vintage theme, rooms at the Sabai-Sabai are spacious and colorful, sometimes to the point of clashing. Different floral patterns decorate the beds, walls, and pillows, accompanied by carved teakwood and wicker furniture. Still, each room is rich with character, equipped with free Wi-Fi access and a modern flat-screen TV, as well as air-conditioning, a safe, coffee and tea facilities, and a minibar. The Penthouse rooms are especially spacious, with beautiful gardens and lounge areas. The bathrooms are small with tiny basin sinks, and most are equipped with curtained showers that drain into the floor, save in the Penthouse rooms, where showers are spacious glass enclosures.

For a hotel far from the action, the Sabai-Sabai has a lot to offer for its price, including free Wi-Fi in rooms, free tuk-tuk shuttles to the BTS station in the mornings, and a fitness room with a variety of modern equipment. Sabai Jai Spa is opened daily with foot and Thai massage rooms, private hot tub, and sauna. Some rooms include the free breakfast buffet, and the restaurant is known for its delicious Pad Thai and local dishes. Hotel staff is helpful with arranging taxis, and restaurant and tour reservations.