A simple value-for-money option for travelers on a budget, this bright, clean, contemporary hotel throws in a few more frills than you might expect from a property in this price range. The smart and colorful four-story building’s lobby, set just back from the main road, has a modern floor-to-ceiling glass frontage. It's a small space, but pleasant and functional, with white-tile flooring, dark-wood edging on cream walls, and simple dark wood seating that sports neutral upholstery. Numerous mirrors help maximize the space, and traditional Thai decorations add character -- but there are also some off-points, like out-of-place patterned seat cushioning and a few cheap looking pieces of IKEA furniture. The small but attractive rooftop garden area is a nice touch, with black paving, potted shrubs, and neighborhood views, while the simple cafe that fronts the property also has a few streetside terrace seats.

In the heart of Bangkok’s old town Phra Nakhon district, Tara Place is within walking distance of traveler-friendly Khaosan Road, yet far enough away to afford some peace and quiet. This is a charming neighborhood filled with a mix of restaurants, bars, and coffee shops, as well as old-school Thai businesses. Plenty of other popular attractions are within easy reach too, and the hotel runs a regular free tuk-tuk shuttle service -- the one downside to the location is that it’s a trek to the Skytrain and subway for downtown shopping and nightlife.

• Seven-minute walk to Phra Sumen fort and Santi Chai Prakan Park
• 10-minute walk to the Phra Athit river ferry pier
• 11-minute walk to Khaosan Road
• Six-minute drive to the Grand Palace (13 minutes by public transit)
• 10-minute drive to Wat Pho temple (15 minutes by public transit)
• 14-minute drive to Hualamphong subway and mainline railway station (24 minutes by public transit)
• 15-minute drive to Chinatown (20 minutes by public transit)
• 15-minute drive to Wat Arun temple (36 minutes by public transit)
• 17-minute drive to MBK shopping mall (30 minutes by public transit)
• 20-minute drive to National Stadium Skytrain station (32 minutes by public transit)
• 30- to 60-minute drive to Don Muang International Airport (approximately two hours by public transit)
• 30- to 60-minute drive Suvarnabhumi International Airport (55 minutes by public transit)

Rooms at Tara Place are simple and functional, yet they’re comfortable, smart, and relatively spacious, and come with a few extras that are a welcome bonus at this price point. The Standard Double and Standard Twin Rooms have comfortable king-size beds with built-in bedside tables. Pastel-colored accent walls sport somewhat tacky paintings, while the laminate wood flooring is slightly dated. Rooms have dark wood closets and built-in wooden desks with basic stools.

The Triple and Family Rooms have two separate bedrooms; Triple Rooms have one king-size bed and one single, while Family Rooms have one double bed and two singles. All rooms have fairly small windows (larger in Triple and Family Rooms) that offer decent views of the hotel courtyard or the local neighborhood.

Generally chic but small and simple bathrooms have black floor tiling and white walls, black vanities with stylish white countertop sinks, and brown mosaic-style tiling on accent walls with a mirror and window (in some rooms the accent walls and tiling take more garish shades of brown and yellow). Elegant glass walk-in showers have limited free toiletries in pumps.

Surprisingly comprehensive standard amenities include 32-inch flat-screen TVs (two in Triple and Family Rooms) with cable, phones, safes, minibars (with a small selection of beers, soft drinks and snacks), hairdryers, and slippers. Rooms lack coffee- and tea-making facilities, though there’s free tea, coffee, and snacks in the lobby.

For a budget hotel, Tara Place offers a decent set of facilities. A free tuk-tuk shuttle to popular attractions (including Khaosan Road, the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Phra Athit river ferry pier) operates regularly throughout the day. The attached but separately managed Deo’sha cafe serves drinks and snacks all day, including a decent a la carte breakfast (for a fee); room service is also available, and there’s free tea, coffee, and local Thai snacks in the lobby. There’s also a small arcade of shops on the approach to the hotel lobby, including a massage spa that guests recommend, and the hotel has a pleasant rooftop garden area. Check-in is efficient, the front desk is staffed 24/7, guests computers are available in the lobby, and there’s reliable free Wi-Fi throughout.