Ember Hotel Bangkok: Fire, Safety & Rooftop Bar Review

The Ember Hotel Bangkok, a 4-star boutique property on Tani Road just off Khao San Road, gained attention after a April 2023 fire killed three foreign guests. This review balances the hotel’s rooftop bar appeal and Old Bangkok location against the safety questions raised by that incident, drawing on verified facts from the hotel’s official site, Booking.com, TripAdvisor, and local press coverage.

Last checked: 2026-08-20

Hotel name: The Ember Hotel Bangkok · Address: 19 Tani Road, Talat Yot, Pha Nakhon, Bangkok, Thailand · Star rating: 4 stars · Number of rooms: 48 · Nearest landmark: Khao San Road (3-minute walk) · Notable amenity: Rooftop bar, fitness center

Key Facts at a Glance

Ember Hotel Bangkok: Specs & Details

Ember Hotel Bangkok Fire: What Happened in December 2024

On December 30, 2024, a fire broke out at the six-story Ember Hotel Bangkok near Khao San Road, resulting in the deaths of three foreign nationals. The incident was reported by Voice of America and other local outlets, though the official cause remains under investigation. The hotel’s management has not issued a public statement beyond acknowledging the event.

The fire raised immediate safety concerns among potential guests. One TripAdvisor reviewer described the hotel as a “cautionary tale” while noting that the rooftop bar remained a draw. The implication: while the hotel’s amenities are appealing, the fire incident cannot be overlooked.

Timeline of Key Events

• 2023-04-04: Grand opening announced for Ember Hotel at Khao San Road (The Thaiger)
• 2024-02: First TripAdvisor reviews appear, indicating active guest stays
• 2024-12-30: Fire kills three foreign nationals; hotel operations temporarily affected
• 2025-01: Booking.com listing still active with standard check-in/check-out times

What is the Famous Rooftop Bar in Bangkok?

The Ember Hotel’s rooftop bar is praised in guest reviews. One TripAdvisor reviewer called it a “beautiful, modern hotel in central location” and highlighted the rooftop as a key feature. Drinks at rooftop bars in Bangkok typically range from ฿200 to ฿500 for cocktails, though Ember’s specific menu is not publicly listed. The bar offers views over the Old City, within walking distance of Khao San Road.

Why this matters: the rooftop bar is the hotel’s strongest amenity, providing a competitive edge for nightlife seekers. However, the fire incident may overshadow this appeal for safety-conscious travelers.

“Beautiful, Modern Hotel in Central Location”

TripAdvisor guest review, April 2023

Pricing Band

As a 4-star boutique in a prime Old Bangkok location, the Ember Hotel typically falls into the mid-range category. According to Booking.com and Trip.com listings, nightly rates for a standard double room hover around ฿2,000–฿4,000, though prices vary by season. No specific currency conversion is provided; the hotel’s official site and booking platforms quote in Thai Baht.

The bottom line: Ember Hotel is positioned as affordable for a 4-star property in the historic center, making it a budget-conscious choice for solo travelers and small groups.

What is the Most Famous Hotel in Bangkok?

Bangkok’s most famous hotels include the Mandarin Oriental, The Peninsula, and Lebua at State Tower (the latter featured in Hangover 2). The Ember Hotel does not compete with these iconic properties in scale or luxury. Instead, it caters to a different segment: travelers who prioritize affordability and location near Khao San Road over prestige.

The trade-off: Ember offers a more intimate, less expensive stay than Bangkok’s landmark hotels, but lacks the brand recognition and historical reputation of those properties.

Which Hotel was Hangover 2 Filmed in Thailand?

The 2011 film The Hangover Part II was filmed at the Lebua at State Tower and the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. The Ember Hotel is sometimes confused with these properties due to search queries, but it has no connection to the movie. The hotel’s marketing does not reference the film.

What to watch: travelers searching for the “Hangover hotel” should not book the Ember expecting that experience. The Ember is a modern boutique, not a luxury riverside tower.

Ember Hotel Bangkok Haunted: Fact or Folklore?

Online searches for “Ember Hotel Bangkok haunted” emerged after the December 2024 fire. No source supports haunting claims. The rumors likely stem from the tragedy, not from any longstanding ghost stories. The hotel’s official site and TripAdvisor reviews do not mention paranormal activity.

The pattern: fatalities in hotels often spawn urban legends, but there is no credible source—only related search terms on Google. The hotel can be considered safe from a supernatural standpoint, though the fire is a real safety concern.

Pros and Cons of Staying at Ember Hotel Bangkok

Location and Getting There

The Ember Hotel Bangkok is located at 19 Tani Road, in the Phra Nakhon district. It is within a 3-minute walk of Khao San Road, the backpacker hub. The Grand Palace, Wat Pho, and Wat Arun are all within a 20-minute walk or short tuk-tuk ride. The nearest pier is Phra Arthit Pier (about 10 minutes on foot), which connects to the Chao Phraya river ferry network. Don Mueang International Airport is roughly 30 km away, about a 40-minute drive by taxi.

Why this matters: the location is ideal for travelers who want to explore Old Bangkok’s temples and nightlife without relying on the BTS Skytrain. The trade-off is that the area is less connected to Sukhumvit and Silom, requiring taxis or boats for those districts.

Alternatives to Ember Hotel Bangkok

For travelers weighing options in the same area, consider these alternatives:

• Riva Surya Bangkok – a 4-star riverside boutique, slightly farther from Khao San but with river views.
• Nouvo City Hotel – a 3-star option on Samsen Road, walkable to Khao San and similar pricing.
• Buddy Lodge – directly on Khao San Road, a 3-star property with a rooftop pool.

All three are within 1 km of the Ember and offer different trade-offs between price, quietness, and access to the backpacker strip.

Sources

• The Ember Hotel official website – address, positioning, attractions
• The Ember Hotel location & attractions page – walking times to landmarks
• The Thaiger – grand opening announcement – opening date
• Booking.com listing – check-in/check-out, pricing
• TripAdvisor reviews – guest feedback, naming variation
• Trip.com review page – aggregate score and review count
• Agoda listing – verified-guest rating context
• Bangkok-hotels.org aggregation – 4-star classification, distance to airport

Related reading: Aira Hotel Bangkok Reviews · Shangri-La Bangkok Review: Is It Worth the 5-Star Riverside

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