I took several friends on a tour one year, and we stayed at a three-bedroom, serviced apartment with easy access to both Skytrain lines (Chitlom - where the original Central department store is located - and Ratchadamri Stations). The Mayfair Marriott was not even a year old when we visited. It targets executives, embassy workers, and other expats who were relocated to Bangkok, but it is open to tourists too. You can stay less than a week.
Service was absolutely first rate. Not one single complaint. Even the guards (one to let cars into the underground parking area, another at the door) were friendly and would snap their heels and salute us, especially since few people came in/out at any one time. I wanted to say "Easy boys, I'm just a lowly farang."
We had originally planned on staying at the Pratumwan Princess (PP) for convenience, but it was fully-booked, so I found the Mayfair. The cost of three rooms at the PP was about the same as the three-bedroom Mayfair unit. My guests loved the place, and it helped give them a great impression of Thailand.
I think our unit was a bit over US$200/night (in 2004) including breakfast, but there are one and two-bedroom units starting under US$100/night [now, rates are higher - around $150 for the one bedroom thanks to inflation and the weak dollar]. For six people, we had much more comfort, privacy, and luxury than at most hotels, and better service and no crowds.
There are several other serviced apartments nearby, and you can search for others in other areas, depending on where you wish to stay.
These are apartments, so they include a fully-furnished kitchen, two full bathrooms, dining, and living areas, complete with washer/dryer, dishwasher, stereo, a few TV's, etc., etc. The unit faced two different directions, so the view was great from our 14th floor. A maid thoroughly cleaned the unit every day, including washing the dishes. At the top levels are a pool (see photo), fitness area, and sauna. It's covered, so it was a bit chilly, but there was a hot tub next to it. The open-air view is great with nice breezes.
Breakfast is included and consists of a very adequate buffet in plush comfort. No crowds, and once again, the service staff there was tops in a country where service is generally excellent. They said they do not like seeing tourists overcharged in Thailand and offer helpful tips to those who are new to the country. You get to know them day-to-day.
This is an upscale area full of apartments, embassies, and fancy restaurants with Lumphini Park at the end of the street. Central Chitlom (an upscale department store) has some good food options, but there are many more choices within walking distance, such as Central World Plaza (a huge mall) and the many street vendors along Ratchadamri Road. You can cut through an alley to the Ratchadamri Skytrain Station.
