"Why book? When the owner, Maii, inherited this 75-year-old Thai river home from her father, she transformed it into an elegant bohemian getaway, where tropical plants flow off wooden balconies, free bicycles line the walkway, resident kittens scamper and the murals on the bedroom walls are hand-painted by local artists. Set the scene The Siamotif is a moment of quiet discovery in a city teeming with heat, people, vibrant street life, and honking taxis. The location is off of one of the Chao Phraya’s largest arteries, the Bangkok Noi canal; to stay here is to get away from the chaos, while only being 20 minutes by car from main attractions like Chinatown. Bangkok’s canal neighborhoods are enchanting; there are wild orchids, wooden fences, and rustic houses perched on stilts above the river. Gates and clothing lines are decorated by prayer flags and laundry, and laneways are dotted with small shrines to ancestors. Staying here, you’ll truly get a sense of every-day life in Thailand and connect with other travelers looking to do the same. The backstory The wooden floors are cold and smooth as you slip off your shoes at the front door and enter the open, atrium-styled lower level of a traditional Thai house, built in the 1940s. The vibe and service match seamlessly—a homestay married with the little luxuries of a personable, boutique hotel. The rooms There are only seven rooms. Each is named for the theme, with design touches to match. In the Flowery Room, for example, Chinese-red walls are hand painted in scrolling trees and blossoms and antique, carved-wood doors lead to the bathroom. In the Celadon Suite, the aqua walls are embedded with pieces of pottery and a roof balcony comes with two bean bags for river-watching during al fresco happy hours. Food and drink Beyond a simple, cheerful breakfast—your request of Thai style or western each day—you’ll need to venture out. The adventurous might find a few street food options in blocks nearby but for a full sit-down meal, it’s best to venture back into the city proper.The neighborhood/area Even with a population of 10 million, Bangkok has tricks up her sleeve. One street can be filled with people, but two turns down one of the tiny alleyways, and you’d swear you were 50 years in the past. Siamotif is perfectly poised to show you the city’s sense of time travel. The service Repeat visitors are common here, thanks to a delightful combination of charming interior design and the staff’s warm welcome. Within a few minutes of check-in, you feel right at home. For families Bringing your own entertainment, be it a Kindle, an iPad, or a novel. A coloring book could be helpful for little ones, or just adults with decent ADHD. Accessibility It’s a historic home and there are both uneven floors, narrow passages and some stairs." - Jenny Adams
