Bangkok Hotels

[QUOTE=Margaya; 1219570]I checked via hotels. Com and probably price line. Shows up as $65 which I don't think is justified.

Taipan@$51 sounds better. In any case I want to get a deal for a free night after 3 nights so am still looking.

I liked citadines 23 but it is not worth $66 in my opinion.[/QUOTE]I used to use Agoda and other similar online sites but I quickly found that in order to show a low price they don't include the obligatory 10% service charge and 7% tax in their advertised rates.

So to properly compare prices you must add 17% to their rates. In addition, you must pay in advance, and even though they say they have a guarantee, when you have a problem they are very difficult to contact, and they already have your money.

On the other hand. Booking. Com includes the extra charges in their quoted rates, you don't need to pay in advance, and in most cases you can cancel up to 24 hours before your trip with NO penalty. The BEST site IMHO.

Thanks a lot for the valuable tip.

[QUOTE=David 2; 1220593]I used to use Agoda and other similar online sites but I quickly found that in order to show a low price they don't include the obligatory 10% service charge and 7% tax in their advertised rates.

So to properly compare prices you must add 17% to their rates. In addition, you must pay in advance, and even though they say they have a guarantee, when you have a problem they are very difficult to contact, and they already have your money.

On the other hand. Booking. Com includes the extra charges in their quoted rates, you don't need to pay in advance, and in most cases you can cancel up to 24 hours before your trip with NO penalty. The BEST site IMHO.[/QUOTE]

If you are considering the Four Seaons or Renaissance you should also look at the brand new St Regis which is next door to the four seasons and directly across the street from Ratchadamri sky train. I have not stayed there but it looks very nice. One of the hotel cars is a Bentley.

[QUOTE=Nullnull; 1219655]@Natty Bumpo, Rjsss212 and Fon Tok:

Thanks for your detailed advice! That's exactly the information I was looking for.

While I still think Grand Millenium is a good compromise between classic mongering needs and a touch of class (breakfast buffet isn't that great but still miles ahead of Grande Centre Point and I really liked their room design) , I will look (either on my first or second stop in BKK) for something a bit more "classy".

Le Meridien looks interesting (I love big breakfast buffets) , but I am not convinced with the location yet. Peninsula has even worse location (having in mind that I'm a Soi Cowboy man) , but it may give me simply that outstanding experience. I was thinking about the Four Seasons and Renaissance (even though the "indoor pool" seems a bit weird to me) already. Hansar is supposed to have big suites but their interior design doesn't appeal to me (at least on pictures) , same goes for Plaza Athenee. At least on paper Dusit Thani, Sukhothai and Banyan Tree (girlfriendly?) are fantastic value for money offers. Do you have any experiences there? By now I would say Peninsula, Four Seasons and Banyan Tree (love to stay on higher floors) are close favourites.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=David 2; 1220593]I used to use Agoda and other similar online sites but I quickly found that in order to show a low price they don't include the obligatory 10% service charge and 7% tax in their advertised rates.

So to properly compare prices you must add 17% to their rates. In addition, you must pay in advance, and even though they say they have a guarantee, when you have a problem they are very difficult to contact, and they already have your money.

On the other hand. Booking. Com includes the extra charges in their quoted rates, you don't need to pay in advance, and in most cases you can cancel up to 24 hours before your trip with NO penalty. The BEST site IMHO.[/QUOTE]You can also try Asiatravel. Com. They also have instant booking and you don't have to pay in advance.

[QUOTE=Margaya; 1219570]I checked via hotels. Com and probably price line. Shows up as $65 which I don't think is justified.

Taipan@$51 sounds better. In any case I want to get a deal for a free night after 3 nights so am still looking.

I liked citadines 23 but it is not worth $66 in my opinion.[/QUOTE]From your initial query, I gathered you had not stayed at Citadines, Soi 23 but I suppose not if you're saying it's not worth $66.00. How much is it worth then? $66.00 for a clean hotel/apartment type room with a kitchenette, free wired internet, a pool, a small gym, is GF and in the middle of the action with Cowboy in the vicinity is very reasonable. Taipan@ $51 or $55 may be the way to go for you.

[QUOTE=Ivanba;1220625]If you are considering the Four Seaons or Renaissance you should also look at the brand new St Regis which is next door to the four seasons and directly across the street from Ratchadamri sky train. I have not stayed there but it looks very nice. One of the hotel cars is a Bentley.[/QUOTE]Conrad is nice also- great pool and gym.

[QUOTE=Rjsss212; 1220268]On my list for a while has been the Plaza Athenae. They seem to have some interesting suites and the location there on wireless Road. Makes it very convenient to Suk AND Lumpini park. I've always wanted to check out the nocturnal Lumpini pickins but just never had an excuse.

Anybody stayed there?[/QUOTE]I have stayed at the Plaza Athenee perhaps 20 times. It is one of my favorite hotels anywhere. However, I have Starwood Platinum status which means I almost always get upgraded to a suite, and also get to use their fantastic lounge. The breakfasts are excellent as well. I don't have a complaint about the place although some might not like that you can't bring a guest for the free breakfast.

On the other hand I would think without status with the Starwood program and all that it brings the hotel would be good but not great.

As a Starwood guy, I also sometimes stay at Le Meridien for a change of pace. It is essentially right next to Patpong. With the upgrades to a suite, it is also a good choice for those with Starwood status, although there is no lounge (you do get to drink at the bar for free though from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and also get great free breakfasts if you have Platinum status-and can bring a guest to the breakfast and the free drinks).

When I stayed at citadines 23 last time, somehow taipan seemed like more upscale. I guess it was because I thought that it is bigger, higher and may offer lot more privacy. I was a concerned with walk of shame at citadines 23 but have learnt not to care at all about that next time.

Also it looks like citadines has just one queen bed in rooms which may be a tight fit for two guys plus two gals. Hmmmmmmmm.

[QUOTE=Run Mann;1220921]From your initial query, I gathered you had not stayed at Citadines, Soi 23 but I suppose not if you're saying it's not worth $66.00. How much is it worth then? $66.00 for a clean hotel/apartment type room with a kitchenette, free wired internet, a pool, a small gym, is GF and in the middle of the action with Cowboy in the vicinity is very reasonable. Taipan@ $51 or $55 may be the way to go for you.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=LA Guy 5; 1221046]I have stayed at the Plaza Athenee perhaps 20 times. It is one of my favorite hotels anywhere. However, I have Starwood Platinum status which means I almost always get upgraded to a suite, and also get to use their fantastic lounge. The breakfasts are excellent as well. I don't have a complaint about the place although some might not like that you can't bring a guest for the free breakfast.

On the other hand I would think without status with the Starwood program and all that it brings the hotel would be good but not great.

As a Starwood guy, I also sometimes stay at Le Meridien for a change of pace. It is essentially right next to Patpong. With the upgrades to a suite, it is also a good choice for those with Starwood status, although there is no lounge (you do get to drink at the bar for free though from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, and also get great free breakfasts if you have Platinum status-and can bring a guest to the breakfast and the free drinks).[/QUOTE]Sounds good. So, no guest breakfast and Starwood status aside, what makes the Plaza Athenae less than "great"?

[QUOTE=Rjsss212;1222020]Sounds good. So, no guest breakfast and Starwood status aside, what makes the Plaza Athenae less than "great"?[/QUOTE]Nothing in particular really. My "great" experiences at the Plaza Athenee have included all the Starwood status perks (such as a suite upgrade, and lounge access (which also includes becoming friends with the lounge staff and so forth) and it is therefore difficult for me to know how I would judge the hotel if I didn't have these perks. I'm quite certain I would still like it, just difficult to know how much.

I hope that clarifies my earlier answer.

[QUOTE=LA Guy 5; 1222046]Nothing in particular really. My "great" experiences at the Plaza Athenee have included all the Starwood status perks (such as a suite upgrade, and lounge access (which also includes becoming friends with the lounge staff and so forth) and it is therefore difficult for me to know how I would judge the hotel if I didn't have these perks. I'm quite certain I would still like it, just difficult to know how much.

I hope that clarifies my earlier answer.[/QUOTE]So basically your satisfaction at this hotel is price driven. Got it, thanks.

[QUOTE=Rjsss212;1222071]So basically your satisfaction at this hotel is price driven. Got it, thanks.[/QUOTE]No you don't "got it." My satisfaction is based on the experience I have when I stay there, including my interactions with the staff (as I noted) , the fantastic lounge, the rooms they assign me, and so forth. But I already said all that in my earlier post. I have no idea why you posted what you did about my satisfaction being price driven as I didn't say anything even close to that.

[QUOTE=LA Guy 5;1222085]No you don't "got it." My satisfaction is based on the experience I have when I stay there, including my interactions with the staff (as I noted) , the fantastic lounge, the rooms they assign me, and so forth. But I already said all that in my earlier post. I have no idea why you posted what you did about my satisfaction being price driven as I didn't say anything even close to that.[/QUOTE]OK then, sorry I asked.

[QUOTE=LA Guy 5; 1222085]No you don't "got it." My satisfaction is based on the experience I have when I stay there, including my interactions with the staff (as I noted) , the fantastic lounge, the rooms they assign me, and so forth. But I already said all that in my earlier post. I have no idea why you posted what you did about my satisfaction being price driven as I didn't say anything even close to that.

And from earlier: I have stayed at the Plaza Athenee perhaps 20 times. It is one of my favorite hotels anywhere. However, I have Starwood Platinum status which means I almost always get upgraded to a suite, and also get to use their fantastic lounge. The breakfasts are excellent as well. I don't have a complaint about the place although some might not like that you can't bring a guest for the free breakfast.

On the other hand I would think without status with the Starwood program and all that it brings the hotel would be good but not great.[/QUOTE]I know exactly what you mean. I am mid-tier elite with several hotel brands. On one trip to BKK I had business near the Millennium Hilton so I booked a couple nights there before heading across the river to better mongering locations.

I arrived late at night and the first thing the bellman said as he opened the taxi door was,"Good evening sir, would you be Mr Pogostick?" I said I was and was immediately whisked directly to my room. No check in at the desk. I was upgraded to an executive business suite with a panoramic view of the river. A fruit plate and a a hand personalized and signed letter of greeting from the General Manager were on the table. The bellman informed me that since the club lounge was closed I could have anything from the late night room service, including 3 beers. Complimentary. He also offered to arrange for a massage.

The next morning my wake-up call was a live person who asked what time I would like to be escorted to the lounge. 20 minutes later, my masseuse and I were escorted to the lounge for a wonderful breakfast. The entire experience at that hotel was of the same caliber. Anything I needed or wanted was there about 5 seconds before I even knew I needed it.

And it only cost me US$90 per night. The very relaxing and accommodating all night massage by a drop dead beautiful young lady was at standard LT go-go rates and the bellman got the equivalent of a standard bar fine.

The hotel is really nice, right on the river and with every possible amenity that you would expect from a top level Hilton property. But for the average monger or even the average tourist, I would not recommend this hotel. It's location is not very convenient to shopping, nightlife or other activities. You need to take a boat across the river to the sky train. Later at night it is taxi only.

For the average person it will be rather expensive compared to other nice hotels in the central areas. You will get a top level Hilton experience but without the nice perks. You can have a fantastic breakfast buffet, better than the lounge, but it will cost almost 1000 baht per person. You will get a very nice standard room. If you want the nicer rooms you will pay through the nose. You would be better off at the Narai for $40-50 for a standard room or $60 for a deluxe (nicer bathroom and decor) All rooms come with one of the best breakfasts in Bangkok and you are walking distance to sky train, Patpong and many nice restaurants. In the Suk area I like Soi 11 and stay at the President Palace on the club floor. Besides the club lounge for breakfast and happy hour I get a couple of free laundry items per day and half of the mini bar is free. Check-in is either in my room or in the club lounge.

I find that the girls really like some of the nicer rooms. Club level rooms usually have fantastic showers and / or tubs and great views. I always make sure that my guest is welcome in the lounge in the morning. The Hilton was no problem. The Narai does charge a joiner fee unless you check in as a couple and stay that way, so if you are really into butterfly LT then there are better options. I like it for convenience to some business associates but move to Soi 11 as soon as possible The Pres Palace is no problem, just register for two at no extra charge to get breakfast for two. They don't seem to notice if your "wife" looks entirely different every day.

For me it is never about price, although I do try to get the best bang for my buck and will go as cheap as I can. But I do look for either a great experience or a great location. There are places I pay over $200 a night for a dive when I can get a resort for half the price, but it may have a location that I can use as an office to take care of several of my clients rather than work out of a suit case moving around to their offices. (I do technical product analysis with specialized equipment)

So it is very possible to have a fantastic experience because of loyalty perks yet not recommend the hotel to others if there are better options. But if you do have access to the perks you will usually book the hotel even if there are financially better deals out there. I like to book the Hilton for my first night in BKK. I'm usually too tired to go out and the incredible service and perks are a nice way to mellow out after the long flights. Who needs the hassle of a standing in line for normal check in? I can go straight to my room and have a shower, with food and company on their way in about the time it takes to get checked in anywhere else. Can't beat that!

Anyone that travels a lot or long distances should be signed up for rewards when ever possible. It can make the hassles of travel a little more tolerable.

Have fun.

Pogo

Has anyone got a report on S31 hotel? Looks like a nice place, Good location. Is it GF?

Please let me know. I'm looking for an upscale place, within reasonable walking distance to BTS / MRT. Prefer a service apartment type place.

I stayed recently at Citidines 11 and would not recommend it. The place was VERY basic. Bedroom was an american queen size if even that. Price was ok, location was ok, but on the price performance scale, for me not worth it.

Please if anyone has anything to say about S31, please respond or send me a message.

JD