I stayed at this hotel as it had a really good rate and is right at the river. I have to say that the location quite a bit off the beaten track. That is if you want to go shopping at the major spots it is quite a way. Then again, with the cheap taxi fares in Bangkok it didn't really matter as I never paid more than 3 USD for a single trip, normally less. One area that I found interesting and that is close to the hotel was Kao Sarn Road. It is more of a backpacker road but there are a ot of OK restaurants and bars with a relaxed ambiance. Only other hotel at the river are the very expensive ones such as Oriental, Shangri-La and Hilton which are out of my price range. The Royal River is a good hotel if you don't mind not staying in the city center.