I really enjoyed our stay at the Grand China. It had an old world feel about it like it would have been very much the grand hotel 30 years ago. Although a bit old and dated now I would rather stay here than a chain 5 star hotel in where you could be in any city in the world. I was there with my husband and 3 young boys 6, 8 and 10 and were in a huge family room which had 2 separate sleeping areas. 1 huge bathroom with big bath and shower. All very clean. We were on the 16th floor with great big windows overlooking the city. We could see the river and bustling markets below. Buffet breakfast was included and was great. We took the kids to the Revolving restaurant on the 25th floor one night and they loved the experience. Very spectacular city lights views. Food was good but overpriced when compared to what cheap alternatives are available but I'm glad we ate there. Other nights we walked along the streets of China Town and literally ate on the pavement at one of the street restaurants. No problem with cabs. The concierge offered to hail us one and made sure he put the meter on for us. 50 THB to the MBK centre (less than $2AUD) - gave him another 50 as a tip seeing it was so cheap. The staff were excellent especially the concierge staff - they were always friendly - saying hi to the kids. One grabbed my 6 yr old when he jumped out of our tour car at the hotel entrance as there was cars going left, right and centre and made sure he was safe. Breakfast staff were lovely. The lady checking off our room no's remembered who we were every morning and gave us a beautiful smile and hello. One of the girls brought my son his hot chocolate over to the table automatically as she remembered him making one the day before. Air-conditioning in the room was great - slept very well in the beds. 2 bar fridges which we filled up with bottled water. Didn't have time to use the pool so i can't comment on that. Diverse mix of nationalities and locals staying there which I loved. We stayed in a lovely resort in Phuket but 9 out of 10 people were Aussies and if you hadn't have left the resort (which of course we did) you could have been on the Gold Coast or Hamilton Island. I have travelled heaps around the world and much prefer character and authenticity when on an adventure holiday which is what this was.
I should add the location wasn't that near any of the tourist attractions but as we had private tours booked every day (see my Thai Tour Guide review - could not recommend highly enough)so it didn't matter.