Tiny hotels in Bangkok

QUESTION: We will be stopping over in Bangkok for three nights on a trip to Asia and would like to stay at a hotel or guesthouse on the Chao Praya River, but preferably not one of the big high-rise hotels. Do you have any suggestions? - Magda Jooste

ANSWER: There are three great places that could interest you. The most intimate is definitely the Ibrik Resort, which only has three rooms. This charming little hotel overlooks the river and has a small breakfast room, but meals can be taken at a lively restaurant next door. (www.ibrikresort.com: tel +66-2-848-9220) Across the river is the five-bedroom Arun Residence, an intimate Sino-Portuguese style boutique hotel. It gets its name from Wat Arun, the temple of dawn, directly across the river. Ask for a room with a view or opt for the splendid Arun suite, which has a private roof garden and veranda with spectacular views of the temple. Do try the hotel restaurant, which literally overhangs the river. (www.arunresidence.com; tel +66-2-221-9158). If you really want to live it up, then the Chakrabongse Villas may be a good choice. Three stylish apartments are set in the gardens of a home which belongs to a member of the Thai Royal Family. The property lies between between Ko Ratanakosin and Chinatown and has splendid views of the temple of dawn. Choose the riverside villa for the best views. (www.thaivillas.com; Tel +66-2-224-6886).