nickadams

Pulse Clinic in Silom. I was impressed. HIV and syphilis results in 7 minutes. Wide panel of other tests including six UTIs delivered 7 to 9 days later via e-mail. They just need a first name and an e-mail address. It is a gay-friendly clinic so the decor (dudes on dudes in leather featured on the LCD TVs etc.) which might make some uncomfortable. I am straight but the location was good and convenient for me. Friendly staff all the way around. Not sure the "doctors" are really doctors, they are probably just lab techs.

Dream hotel is a good value for the money paid property. It is a little bit of an eerie walk there after dark the first time, but otherwise recommended.

They might check a guest's ID and/or keep it at the front desk. There is a popular night club, Levels, attached to the hotel which probably generates a fair amount of traffic itself, so not a big deal.

Westin is close and has a great location, but I was let down by the quality at that price point. For about 20 percent more, Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is noticeably better. Both are good but I'd pass on the Westin unless there was a special rate.

Pullman is just up the street It is a rebranded Grand Millennium. You can walk on the main traffic road or the quiet Soi in back.

FourPoints Soi 15 is good walkable location and front desk is recessed from entrance. But now there is a Hooters at the entrance and that might be a deal breaker for some.

I have been learning about credit card sign up and spend bonuses and find Bangkok has some good value hotels that are free without burning too many points. For example, Starwood Preferred Guest: ALOFT 3000 to 4000 SPG points per night FourPoints 3000 to 4000 points per night Westin or Sheraton Grande 5th night free when redeeming points. Does anyone else have specific hotels they like to stay at with points? I'm curious about IHG branded hotels.

Bumrungrad is probably the best quality, but if you are o.k. with giving up the five stay hospital atmosphere for something that is still better than most dental clinics, Bangkok International Dental Clinic (BIDC). There is a small branch in one of the malls, Emporium mall I think, but I've always gone to the main clinic. It is in a large modern building with multiple dentists all under one roof. You can take the subway to the Thailand Culture Center stop, then it is about a 15-minute walk. Slightly hard to find the first time, easy to find on return trips. Or just take a cab there from near Asok intersection.

Bangkok International Dental Clinic: http://www.bangkokdentalcenter.com/ It is a few subway stops up the line from Asok, then a 10-15 minute walk. Big building on the left. Make an appointment in advance, it is a busy place. Mix of Thais and tourists.