iCheck inn Sukhumvit 22 Thailand

iCheck Inn Sukhumvit 22: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury on a Budget!)

iCheck Inn Sukhumvit 22: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (Or Just Secretly Awesome?) - A Messy, Honest Review

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're diving headfirst into the (alleged) hidden gem that is iCheck Inn Sukhumvit 22. Honestly, trying to write a review that covers everything is like trying to herd cats, so I'm gonna be honest: this is gonna be a bit…scattered. But hopefully, useful! And maybe a little entertaining.

First Impressions: Access and Location, Location, Location! (And My Panic)

Getting there was, well, typical Bangkok. The BTS SkyTrain made it a breeze from the airport, and that, my friends, is a HUGE win. Accessibility-wise, the BTS is generally pretty good, although navigating massive crowds with luggage is always a fun game of "dodge the elbows." iCheck Inn is conveniently located off Sukhumvit Road, which is both a blessing and a curse. Blessing because you're within spitting distance of awesome restaurants, shopping (Terminal 21 is practically next door!), and vibrant nightlife. Curse because… well, Bangkok, right? The traffic is a beast.

Accessibility? (Because, You Know, Important Stuff)

This is where things get…a little hazy. I'm not traveling with anyone who requires specific wheelchair access, so I can't personally vouch for the specifics here. However, I did notice an elevator, and the hotel generally looked like it tried to cater to different needs. The information online states they have facilities for disabled guests, but I'd HIGHLY recommend contacting the hotel directly to confirm their specific capabilities if this is a crucial factor for you. Don't take my word for it! Always double-check.

Rooms: Cozy? Maybe. Luxurious? For the Price, Absolutely!

Okay, the rooms. This is where iCheck Inn really shines, at least for budget-conscious travelers. I booked a "Deluxe" room, and while it wasn't palatial, it was clean, well-maintained, and surprisingly comfortable. The "luxury" part comes in because of the amenities. They weren't kidding about the free Wi-Fi, it worked like a charm! (And hey, free Wi-Fi in every room? That’s gold, especially in this day and age. Forget the LAN connection, the wireless was excellent). The air conditioning was a lifesaver, the blackout curtains were perfect for sleeping off that jet lag (crucial!), and the bed was comfy enough that I didn’t wake up feeling like I’d been run over by a tuk-tuk. (Although, let's be honest, that might have been just Bangkok in general.)

Now, the "imperfections." The decor was a bit…generic. Think "modern hotel room" with perhaps a slight lack of personality. Also, I wouldn't say it was a massive room. It was perfect for two people, but if you're expecting a sprawling suite, you might be disappointed. But considering the price? Seriously, I'm not complaining. The shower was powerful, the toiletries were decent, and they provided complimentary bottled water daily (a must in Bangkok!).

Amenities: Spa, Fitness, and the Quest for Inner Peace (and a Good Pad Thai)

Here's where the "luxury on a budget" part really pays off.

The Spa: Oh. My. God. The massage. I indulged in a traditional Thai massage, and it was divine. Honestly, I'm still humming the soothing tunes of the background music in my head… and my body is still loose and relaxed, even now! They also offer body scrubs and wraps, which I didn’t try, but I’m tempted to go back just for them. This is where the "secret" part really comes in. This spa is a gem!
The Pool: The outdoor pool with a view is a small, but nice, oasis. It's not huge, but it's perfect for a refreshing dip after a day of exploring. I spent an afternoon lounging by the pool, sipping a Singha beer, and just letting the world melt away. (Okay, maybe I got a little sunburned, but totally worth it.)
The Gym: I peeked in, and it looked… adequate. I'm not a gym bunny, so I can't offer a super in-depth review, but it had the basics. Treadmills, weights, and the usual suspects to keep you in passable shape.
Sauna/Steamroom: Yes, there's a spa/sauna/steamroom! I sadly didn't find time for it but I loved the idea.
The Foot Bath: I think my feet had a foot bath, don’t judge me…

Dining: Breakfast, Bars, and the Endless Pursuit of Deliciousness

Okay, the food. This is where iCheck Inn is, again, good, but not mind-blowing.

Breakfast: The breakfast buffet was included in my room rate, and it was… fine. Think a mix of Western and Asian options. They had eggs, bacon, some noodle dishes, fruit, and pastries. It wasn't the best breakfast buffet I've ever had, but it was perfectly acceptable. It’s a great way to start the day, unless you are a picky eater, like me. I think I had two eggs a day, everyday. The soup was good.
Restaurants, Bars, and Snacks: There are a few restaurants and a poolside bar. I grabbed a burger one evening and it was decent, plus, the pool view was amazing. There's a coffee shop, but I tend to stick to street food for my caffeine fix in Thailand (and honestly, the stuff at the coffee shop always smelled better than it tasted). There’s a snack bar to grab something small to eat.
Room Service: 24-Hour room service is always a win. I ordered from them once, it came quickly, and was… perfectly fine. No complaints, but not a Michelin star experience, either.

Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Safe (mostly!)

This is a big one, especially these days. I was genuinely impressed with the cleanliness of iCheck Inn. Everything felt spotless.

Anti-viral Cleaning Products: The hotel claims to use these, and I certainly didn't see any evidence to the contrary.
Daily Disinfection: They were always cleaning the common areas.
Hand Sanitizer: Everywhere. This gave me peace of mind which is very great to have.
Staff Trained in Safety Protocol: Staff wore masks, and seemed to really take things seriously.
Rooms Sanitized between Stays: The room looked immaculate.
CCTV & Security: The hotel has cameras everywhere and 24/7 security.

Odds and Ends: Perks and Quirks

The Staff: The staff were generally friendly and helpful, although not super outgoing. Everyone spoke English and seemed happy to help.
Cashless Payment Service: They totally took credit cards, which is awesome and very convenient.
Luggage Storage: They were happy to hold my luggage after check-out, while I squeezed in one last massage.
Facilities for disabled guests: I am unable to comment on this.
The "View": My room overlooked, a somewhat mundane Bangkok street. Don't expect a breathtaking panorama. But hey, that's Bangkok.
Smoking Area: There is a smoking area.
Family/child friendly: Seems like a great option, but I don't have kids to confirm.
Non-smoking rooms: A great thing to get, because it's Thailand.
Breakfast in room: Was an option, but I choose to eat at the buffet.

The Verdict: Is iCheck Inn Sukhumvit 22 a "Best Kept Secret?"

Honestly? For the price, absolutely. I thought the value was incredible.

What I Loved:

The price! Seriously, a steal.
The location (close to the BTS, shops, and restaurants).
The spa massages. To die for!
The cleanliness and attention to safety.
The comfortable, well-equipped rooms.

What Could Be Better:

The room decor could be a little more interesting.
The breakfast buffet, while decent, wasn't amazing.

Final Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Highly recommended for budget-conscious travelers who want a clean, comfortable, and conveniently located hotel with excellent spa services.

And Now, The Offer (Because Everyone Loves a Deal!)

Stop Reading This Review, And Book NOW!

Tired of hotels that promise luxury and deliver disappointment? Ready to experience real value? Then iCheck Inn Sukhumvit 22 is calling your name!

Here's what you'll get:

Unbeatable Prices: Seriously, we're talking incredible value for money.
A Clean, Comfortable Room: Perfect for resting after a day of exploring.
A Heaven-Sent Spa: Experience massages that'll melt away your stress.
A Convenient Location: Easy access to Bangkok's best attractions via BTS

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Okay, buckle up, buttercups. This isn't your grandma's meticulously color-coded itinerary. This is my potential implosion in Bangkok, and you're invited along for the ride. We're talking iCheck inn Sukhumvit 22 – let's see if I survive the heat, the food, and my own questionable life choices.

Bangkok Blowout: A Chronological Train Wreck (with possibly delicious food)

Day 1: Arrival & Initial Panic

14:00 - Arrival at Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK): Oh God, here we go. First order of business: don't panic. (Narrator voice: She will panic). The airport is a glorious, air-conditioned labyrinth. Finding the airport rail link… okay, that seems doable. Right? Right?! Pray for no flight delays, I'm already running on fumes.
15:00 - Immigration/Baggage Claim/Currency Exchange/Phone Sim: This is where things usually go sideways. I can practically feel the judgmental glares of customs officials already. Last time, I accidentally tried to declare a bottle of duty-free vodka as "essential survival supplies". Wish me luck. Also, will my data roaming even work? If I'm offline, I'm dead in the tropical waters.
16:00 - Travel to iCheck inn Sukhumvit 22: Okay, taxi or BTS Skytrain? Taxi means potential traffic hell plus the (inevitable) driver trying to rip me off. BTS is faster, cleaner, and probably less likely to induce a rage blackout. Decision made. We're going express. Found our hotel, iCheck Inn, checking in, and hoping the air conditioning is working. I need a cold, dark room after that airport ordeal.
17:00 - Check-in at iCheck inn Sukhumvit 22: The reviews were good (hopefully not fake news). I'm picturing a minimalist oasis of calm. Reality: probably a slightly damp room with questionable art and a view of… something beige. I'm fine with that. I can handle beige.
18:00 - Unpacking & Initial Reconnaissance: Right, unpack. Swimsuit (essential). Sunscreen (also essential). Anti-diarrheal meds (probably more essential). Then, a quick walk around the neighborhood. Locate 7-Eleven (survival strategy #1). Assess the street food situation (survival strategy #2). Potential meltdown level: moderate.
19:00 - Dinner - Street Food Adventure: Okay, I'm hungry. Really hungry. Time to brave the street food. Pad Thai? Green curry? Deep-fried insects? Okay, maybe not the insects (yet). I imagine, I'll probably order something that could either be amazing or send me straight to the porcelain throne. This is a risk I'm willing to take.
21:00 - Post-Dinner Meltdown & Bed: Bloated, slightly sweaty, and questioning every life choice that led me here. But hey, at least I'm in Bangkok! Maybe a Chang beer to calm the nerves… or maybe three. Early night. Tomorrow is supposed to be even more intense, and my brain is already screaming.

Day 2: Temples, Trains, and Total Tourist Trauma

08:00 - Breakfast: Included? If not, 7-Eleven breakfast it is. Probably a suspicious-looking pastry and a bottle of something colorful.
09:00 - Temple Visit: This is the "culture" part of the trip. Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) – stunning Instagram fodder, guaranteed. Hopefully, I remember to cover my shoulders and knees. The heat will be a beast. I'm anticipating sensory overload, a healthy dose of awe, and maybe… just maybe… a spiritual awakening. Or at least find a nice place to buy a smoothie.
11:00 - Train Market Chaos: Market on the tracks? That's what I've heard. I think I'm ready to be mesmerized by the coordinated chaos of this market. Watching vendors retract their awnings and pulling away their goods with lightning speed before the train runs through will be worth it, I'm sure. This isn't just a market, it's an epic dance of commerce and impending doom.
13:00 - Lunch - The Authentic Bite: After being mesmerized by the Train Market, I will be on the hunt for the perfect eatery. I will find this place and find myself in a new world of food. I will find food that gives me an experience.
14:00 - Massage & Relaxation - So Hot! I'm going to need a massage after all the chaos. Hopefully, the massage parlour has AC and can make a good massage for my aching body.
17:00 - Explore the Chatuchak Weekend Market: It's not technically the weekend, but I'm banking on some vendors being open. This market is legendary. Rows upon rows of stalls selling absolutely everything. The sheer volume of… stuff… will either exhilarate or overwhelm me. I'm betting on overwhelm. I'm going to need serious stamina (and a strong will to avoid buying a miniature ceramic poodle).
19:00 - Dinner - The Unplanned Disaster: I'm just going to let it happen. I'll wander around Chatuchak, get lost, and eat whatever looks remotely edible and doesn't have ominous-looking flies buzzing around it. I'm prepared for a culinary adventure of epic proportions (or, more likely, a stomach ache).
21:00 - Crash & Burn at the Hotel: Back to beige. Coma mode.

Day 3: River Cruise & More Food (Pray for Me)

09:00 - Breakfast: Praying the breakfast at the hotel is decent.
10:00 - Chao Phraya River Cruise: Okay, let's get all touristy. A boat ride on the Chao Phraya River. This is supposed to be a classic. I like the idea of floating past temples and markets, feeling the breeze, and pretending I'm in a movie. Hopefully, the boat doesn't sink.
12:00 - Lunch - River Side Experience: We'll see if any authentic restaurants have a place to sit and eat.
14:00 - Shopping: Time to hit the malls to find something beautiful.
16:00 - Get a drink: I need something with a little buzz to make the shopping experience more enjoyable.
18:00 - Dinner - Rooftop Dinner: Time to treat myself to a nice rooftop dinner.
20:00 - Back to the hotel: I am so exhausted, I will sleep well.

Day 4: The Epilogue: Farewell, Bangkok! (Maybe)

09:00 - Breakfast: One last attempt at a decent breakfast.
10:00 - Packing & last minute shopping: Make sure to wrap up the trip.
12:00 - Check out and departure: So long, Bangkok. I am hoping everything went well, and I did not get sick.

Final Thoughts:

This "itinerary" is more of a guideline, a suggestion of how I might spend my time. The reality will likely be a glorious, chaotic mess. There will be wrong turns, missed opportunities, and probably many, many moments of sheer, unadulterated "what have I gotten myself into?" But that's part of the fun, right?

Wish me luck. I'll need it. And if I don't respond to emails for a week after I get back… well, assume I'm still recovering. Or enjoying a lifetime supply of Chang beer on a remote Thai beach. Either way, it's been an experience. And that, my friends, is a promise.

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Okay, "Thailand's BEST Kept Secret"? Seriously? Is iCheck Inn Sukhumvit 22 all that? And what does "luxury on a budget" even mean?

Alright, let's be real. "Best kept secret" is a marketing pitch, yeah? But... and this is a big BUT... I stayed there last year, and honestly? It *felt* like a secret. Like you'd stumbled onto something the travel bloggers hadn't quite caught up with yet. "Luxury on a budget"... it's true-ish. Think: Beautifully designed rooms. Seriously stylish. Huge beds you could get *lost* in (and, you know, I may have done just that a time or two). Nice pool, kinda swanky. But the price? Way less than what you'd pay for similar digs in, say, New York or Paris. I mean, a *luxury* hotel in Paris, you'd be bankrupt before you could even *think* about croissants. Here? You can actually afford to enjoy the damn stay. My first thought on entering the lobby? "Whoa. I'm underdressed." (And I *was* wearing my favorite travel-stained shorts.) It's got that 'vibe'. But it's also *accessible*. Not stuffy. You can smell the money but you can walk in feeling right. The food at their in-house restaurant was so tasty that I ended up eating there every day.

The Rooms: What's the real deal? Are they Instagram-worthy or just cleverly photoshopped? Spill the tea!

Oh, the rooms. *Sigh*. Okay, so. The pictures don't lie. They're genuinely lovely. Think sleek lines, minimalist chic, huge windows... and air conditioning that actually WORKS. (Trust me, that's GOLD in Bangkok.) I stayed in one of the 'Deluxe' rooms. (Treat yo' self, right?) The bed was, seriously, a cloud. I'm not kidding. I'm not sure what kind of sorcery they use on the mattresses, but it was heavenly. I actually considered calling down to reception and begging to be *stapled* to the bed. The bathroom? Impeccable. Clean, modern, with a shower that had *actual* water pressure (another Bangkok miracle). Now, here's a tiny little imperfection. One day, the hot water decided to take a holiday. But I called reception, and they had someone up there fixing it within like, ten minutes. Perfection isn't real. But the response? Nearly perfect.

Location, Location, Location! Is it actually convenient, or are you going to be stuck in a taxi for an hour every time you want to see something? (Tell me honestly!)

Alright, location. Yes, it is convenient. YES. It is *convenient*. It's right near the BTS skytrain (the Phrom Phong stop) and the MRT subway (Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre), so you can zip around the city without getting stuck in that Bangkok traffic hell. Seriously. Traffic is a monster. The public transport is a *lifesaver*. Plus, it's walking distance to Emporium and EmQuartier (fancy malls – hello, shopping!), and a bunch of amazing restaurants and street food (hello, Pad Thai cravings!). You are also not too far from the Sukhumvit Soi - which means lots of shopping in the area. *Disclaimer:* Bangkok is HUGE. You'll never be able to walk *everywhere*. But the location of iCheck Inn makes getting around a breeze.

The Pool: Is it a crowded, chlorine-smelling disaster, or an oasis of relaxation?

Okay, the pool is a *highlight*. It's not gigantic, but it's perfectly sized for a refreshing dip after a day of temple-hopping and mango sticky rice indulgence. It's clean. The water actually *sparkles*. And, the best part? It never felt overwhelmingly crowded. I spent a good chunk of my days by the pool, reading, sipping on fruity cocktails (the bar staff make some *excellent* mojitos, by the way), and just generally de-stressing. It's a legit oasis. One day, I fell asleep by the pool. Fully passed out. Woke up with a slight sunburn and a half-eaten mango. No regrets. Honestly, that sums up my whole experience.

The Food: Is it worth eating there, or should I venture out for all my meals? (Because street food is King!)

Okay, this is personal. I mentioned before... their restaurant is *good*. Like, really good. Now, look, street food is undoubtedly king in Bangkok. It's an experience. Essential. You *must* eat street food. But the food at iCheck Inn? Fantastic. Delicious. And after a day of navigating Bangkok's chaotic streets, sometimes you just want a comfortable meal. I had the Massaman Curry there. Heaven. And the Pad Thai? Seriously, it was better than some of the Pad Thai I had from street vendors (don't tell anyone I said that!). The breakfast buffet wasn't a huge spread, but it was all quality. The coffee was good, and that's what matters, right?

Customer Service: Are they genuinely friendly and helpful, or just putting on a show? (Gimme the tea!)

The staff? Top notch. Seriously. Always smiling, always helpful. Not one of those forced, robotic smiles, either. Genuine. I had a small problem with my luggage – the zipper broke. (Don't ask. Travel is messy, okay?). The front desk staff immediately helped me find a seamstress nearby. They even called them for me and walked me halfway there. That's the kind of service you don't expect, especially at this price point. I felt like they genuinely cared about my stay. And that, my friends, is worth more than any fancy room.

The Downside: What are the actual flaws? Because no place is perfect. Come on, spill!

Alright, the downsides. Yeah, nothing's perfect. * **The Elevators:** They can get a *little* busy during peak times. I wouldn't say it's a *massive* issue, but you might have to wait a minute or two. * **Noise:** The walls aren't paper-thin, but you might hear some distant city sounds. I sleep like the dead, so it didn't bother me, but light sleepers might want to bring earplugs. * **The Lack of a Gym:** If you're a gym rat, you might be disappointed. They don't have one. But, the pool's great for a quick dip. And, you're in Bangkok! Walk around! * **It's *almost* too good.** This is a weird one. Because it was so nice and affordable, I spent more time in my room relaxing and less time exploring the city. (Blasphemy, I know.) Maybe that's a personal flaw, not a hotel flaw, but...

Budget Hotel Guru

iCheck Inn Sukhumvit 22: Thailand's BEST Kept Secret? (Luxury on a Budget!)