My husband and I stayed just one night at the Phranakorn Norlern, on our way to Phitchit. We loved it! It is an oasis of peace in a very hectic and noisy city. The staff is very friendly, the garden beautiful, the beds very comfortable and breakfast delicious. If we ever go back to Thailand, we shall not fail to stay there again.

We had booked this hotel for 3 nights based on the comments on trip advisor. It was our final leg of travelling around the Far East. We actually checked out after only 1 night.
We arranged a transfer from the airport via the hotel which cost more than what it would have been to get one outside the airport.
If you decide to get one at the airport, make sure the meter is used rather than bartering.
The hotel was very quirky, very different to what we had been used to. The room was very small with some shelves to put clothes on. No tv. There was a cd player which had a calming thai music cd playing in it, which is a thoughtful touch.
The location of the hotel is quite a way from main attractions. We walked to Khao San Road which took about 30minutes. Trying to explain to taxi drivers where to hotel was proved tricky! So we always had a map with us.
There was free internet access and breakfast was nice. The lunch we had was a fantastic phad thai.
We chose to check out early due to the hotel not being in close proximity to many attractions and places to eat. Also, as the weather was terrible we spent a lot of time in our room, which was very basic.
When we checked out, our credit card was not returned back to us and we left (forgetting we didn't have it) but our new hotel (Holiday Inn- Chidlom) called the hotel and they couriered it over at no charge within the hour.
If you like "Western" style hotels then this may not be the right choice for you.

First off, the Phranakorn Nornlen can be bit hard to find. My wife and I had several taxi drivers over the course of the few days that we were there that had trouble locating the hotel. But what a great place once you've found it! The Phranakorn Nornlen is tucked away on a little side street. Once through the gate you find yourself in a lush patio/garden area with several "stalls" set up to emulate old time Bangkok street vendors. Reception staff are exceptionally friendly, speak good English and are efficient.

Our room was decent sized with a queen size platform bed, a cute bathroom with very cool copper and brass piping for the shower and a small balcony overlooking the courtyard. The room was decorated with a hand painted floral mural and made liberal use of reclaimed wood for the bed, small table, nightstand and wainscoting around the room. Eco-conscious and very nice looking. The hallways outside the rooms and the rooms themselves are decorated to imitate Thai apartments, streets and alleys.

Breakfast (included) was a joy. The menu is set each day, it's lacto-ovo-vegetarian, and it's good, real good. I'm a coffee fan...and I'm willing to say that the Phranakorn Nornlen serves the best coffee I've had to date in SE Asia. Unreal good. Still missing it.... :-(

Overall...for the price (we paid about $60 a night)...it's an outstanding place, truly an oasis from the hustle and bustle of Bangkok...It's near the river, not too far a hoof from the palace, the national museum, and all the sights in that area...

Would we stay there again...yep...without question...

There are hotels more centrally located with more amenities the the Phranakorn Nornlen but this charming little place has so much character I will not hesitate to go back. I loved everything about this hotel: the food, the excellent staff, the individually designed rooms - the list goes on and on.

The only downside was the location. It is not close to the metro nor the Sky Train so unless your destination is reachable by boat you need to take a taxi. The staff will give you a map you can show the taxi drivers when you want to go back to the hotel - hang on to it! It is a lifesaver!