There are many places to stay in asia, each different and each with their own strengths and weaknesses. My personal preference is to stay at local hotels or bed and breakfasts. I like to stay in nice places, but I hate staying in over prices marriots or similar places. I mean, I hate paying 300$ a night when they all look the same and you could be anywhere, even the states. Local is much better. In Thailand I stayed at a 4 star hotel right next to a marriot, they paid 300$ I paid 40$ and my place was a LOT nicer and had a beautiful ethnic feel. I have stayed in 5 star hotels in Singapore for 50$ a night, I have stayed an a hotel in Vietnam that was once the playground of high military and foreign ambassadors for 60$, with a multi-room suite no less. I found China to be a bit more expensive, but I haven’t explored China as much as I would like yet. Indonesia has some beautiful places, though you have to be careful there, and it helps to know people before you go.
Sometimes I found the best thing to do is just head to an area and walk around and find smaller hotels. I have stayed in some beautiful places that would never show up on expedia. It’s a bit more adventurous, but it adds to the fun of travel.
Another thought for you, If you are traveling and plan on bringing any ladies back to the room, make sure that the hotel is ok with that. Sometimes you have to pay a double rate, or they require that they check in. Sometimes they don’t allow overnight guests at all. There is something some of my friends call the “walk of shame” as well. If you are bringing a lady back to the room, some hotels have a long walk to the elevator where pretty much everyone watches you. Some hotels are quite “guest” friendly though, and will even watch out for your best interests by taking IDs and if your lady friend leaves they might call your room to make sure everything is ok.
