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Published on September 8, 2007

The pinkish-purple facade of the Veronica Residence can scare potential customers away.

But, take time for a chat with the staff and learn that most clients are seminar groups and outbound tourists. You'll check in.

At less than Bt1,500 for a superior room for two - depending on how you book it - the hotel is affordable. Its location is an advantage, too; just a few paces from the Suthisarn underground station.

But be prepared for surprises.

Enter your room and you may start to question the truthfulness of the staff downstairs. Would colleagues really share a room like this during a convention?

It is similar to any other hotel room you've been in - wardrobe on the right, toilet on the left, two singles or a king-size bed, Internet access, television, refrigerator.

However, instead of a door, the bathroom has folding plastic panels. But, I guess it is enough to allow you a private moment away from your roommate.

The shower area is divided by glass. Inside, the toilet is behind the sink and mirror yet has no door. Luckily, the whole area is partitioned with a thin, white curtain through which you will still be able to gauge the curves of your roommate.

The suite could be better. Not many companies will book the most expensive suite for staff. Privacy is not that important in suites. If your company is generous, two-room suites are available and have separate bathrooms.

The bath and bedrooms are simply divided by a glass wall. But, it is more generous because glass doors separate the shower and toilet.

The living area offers a large sofa bed with a television. A multi-purpose dining table doubles as a workspace.

The bathroom is simple and like any other hotel.

The suite is large enough for four, but just two are permitted.

A jacuzzi is an added, sexy feature. The room must have been designed as a honeymoon suite, because the pool is right in the middle.

Either the hotel does not know its clientele or the marketing is not working and the wrong kind of guest keeps checking in.

After all, the hotel is affordable, well located and nicely decorated but really for "close couples", not colleagues.

Sirinya Wattanasukchai

The Nation