We've been staying at the Bel-Aire since 1999, a total of 6 times and on this trip we stayed twice, a couple of days at the beginning of our trip and then another 4 days at the end.

The first room we had, an executive room on the 18th floor was very nice and clean, with good facilities and we were quite happy. The second was very much a basic 3*, the bathroom was not what I expected, chipped and cracked tiles around the bath and hand basin and overall looked very 'tired'. Disappointing (unexpectedly so).

The area around the pool/gym was being worked on, and the noise reverberated around the hotel, even on the 10th floor, and the pool was really out of bounds unless you fancied lots of banging. The service here for a drink was so slow that we thought they'd forgotten our order. (No-one mentioned any of this to us or apologised even though the gym was closed)

There were also a number of young british children (unaccompanied when we saw them) having a great time playing in the lifts. One of the lifts was frequently out of order and on a couple of occasions we had to wait a long time for it.

The staff, although still very friendly, will charge for anything they can. When we asked about upgrading the room on during our second stay, they tried to sell us a package costing another £50 per night! Also, whereas you could stay in your room late if it were free, now they'll charge you 1500bt up till 9pm and day rate for any time after. I know it's a commercial world - but I'm aware of how it used to be like!

The area around the Hotel has changed a bit too. The most disappointing is the parallel Soi where all the Muslim and Arab restaurants are situated. These used to be really friendly, and we've had many a fabulous meal there. Now it's just not friendly, they don't have the same 'vibe' and you do not feel welcomed at all. I know this is because of what's happening in the world - but we were really shocked at the under-current we found. If you do go, then shorts and sleeveless tops are not to be recommended.

I still love Bangkok, but I won't return to the Bel-Aire again.

We stayed for 2 nights at the Bel-aire.Having read the reviews my expectations were high and we were not dissapointed.
Much to our delight the polite and ever smiling reception staff came up to us and upgraded us to a deluxe room as we were on our honeymoon.
The bellboy who showed us to our room explained how and where everything was down to the mini bar and let us know what was complimentary and what was not.
The rooms were well appointed and quite spacious.
We were very impressed with the array of toileteries given.It included toothbrushes,sewing kits,shower caps,pocket combs,shower gels,shampoos,etc.
Everything in the room including the lighting,ac, tv and the alarm was controlled by a central panel on one of the side tables.
We were on the 9th floor with great views of the pool below and the bangkok skyline.
Although we never used the pool we could see lot of families having a good time poolside with the excellent staff serving snacks and drinks.
The complimentary breakfast was absolutely filling and had a huge variety.Definitely a great start to a day of sightseeing and shopping.
On our next day we were pleasantly surprised to see a complimentary cake wishing us a nice honeymoon in our room!
We also were served compliemtary fruits in the room everyday.
As we were entitled to a complimentary drink we were given vouchers for the same to be had at their bar called liquid lounge,
The bartenders were two very sweet thai girls who didn't hesitate to start a coversation with us on how our stay was panning out.

Although we didn't eat any other meals at the hotel we heard good things about the restaurant.There were lot of options nearby.
Gullivers was a nice pub at the end of the street to unwind after a long hot day.
The foodland supermarket had a 24 hour restaurant serving very resonably priced food.
All the other recommended restaurants in the forum and on trip advisor like cabbages and condoms and crepes etc were nearby ,just a 10 minute walk away.
The hotel was just a 5 minutes walk to the Nana BTS station.
This was all we needed to go around bangkok.
The hotel also had a reasonably price massage service which is available till 1:00 am in the night, We had an excellent foot massage at 12:00 pm for just 200 baht per person.
Overall i was quite impressed by this quiet and peaceful oasis in the hustle and bustle of the sukhumvit sois.It maybe ranked a three star but the personal touch and the staff make it much more than a five star.
Highly recommended!!

arrived at bel aire princess on 10/5/07 at approximately 10 am,we were immediately shown to our rooms.
we upgraded to a tribeca room which we were very pleased with,fresh fruit,newspaper and other extras including 2 hours free drinks in tribeca bar 1700 -1900. plus breakfast buffet for about £22 per night for upgrade per couple.(this also included internet access and drinks and snacks all day if needed)
throughout our stay the service and staff were excellent.
we also dined in the tiffin restaraunt on one night but think our order got lost in translation after the 2 hours free drinking and we didnt get what we ordered although it was ok.
most of our dining was done at gullivers bar about 5 minutes or less from the hotel which was really good.
if we were going back to the big mango we wouldnt hesitate in going back to this hotel and its happy smiling efficient staff

Stayed in a Club Tribeca room on 16th floor with panoramic views of the city.
Room was spotless, large and modern with a lovely comfortable king sized bed., desk ,large day bed ,wardrobe with safe ,usual storage furniture and TV and dvd player and internet access. Bathroom had a large shower but no tub.Room replenished and cleaned every day and turndown at night left a plate of fresh local fruit and orchids on the pillow
Had dinner several times in the restaurant and it was excellent,great food and fantastic service.
Staff all very friendly and helpful.

Booked a Tour with one of Tong's guides called Pook who was really great .We did a Bangkok tour and then to the Fishing Village,which is a must .
Not sure if I would come to Bangkok again , but to anyone thinking of coming, you could not stay in a better, centrally located,friendly hotel which is much more than three star. !!!