Bangkok Hotels

Sky and Bman,

I am not a top level flyer like you guys so my experiences with the airlines is very different from yours. I carry a Mileage Plus account with United and a Gold Delta Sky Miles account with Delta so I usually fly free roundtrips to Asia. On a certain level I can't really complain, Free is free, but the airlines still treat me shitty so they end up destroying the good will their frequent flyer programs are supposed to create and foster. Here is the rub: at my humble level, booking flights with miles is a pain and never very satisfying.

First I have to book at least 6 months in advance or my dates will not be available for the minimum miles. Second the airlines screw the customer on routing. For example, from South Florida where I live, United (Continental) flies a 19 hour total duration flight to HKG with one stop in Newark. Using miles to purchase this flight when there are plenty of seats available for sale is difficult. The airline only offers me the one stop 19 hour flight going out and then makes available only multi stop 23 to 40 hour horror return flights. My last return flight was from HKG to San Francisco to Houston to West Palm Beach. It sucked! The one stop 19 hour return flight was available, but only for 20, 000 to 30, 000 more miles and I refused to pay those additional miles. On seating: the international flights I have been taking for the last few years are packed like sardines. There are no empty seats in coach. Yes, I fly coach! I am a peasant. Oh yeah, United does give me two club passes every year – so that is good. I took a nap in the Houston United Club while waiting for my final flight back home.

My question to you guys is: is this the way to treat a customer? I don't think so. By the way, this reminds me of that George Clooney movie,"Up in the Air." Wasn't Clooney a ten million frequent flyer miles member? Talk about perks.

[QUOTE=Natty Bumpo;1305962]My question to you guys is: is this the way to treat a customer? I don't think so. By the way, this reminds me of that George Clooney movie,"Up in the Air." Wasn't Clooney a ten million frequent flyer miles member? Talk about perks.[/QUOTE]Natty,

Trust me when I tell you that I am not one of the elite members, I am on the other end of the equation. To answer your question, no it is not the best way to treat a customer if you are talking generating loyalty, etc. It is the way to treat a customer from a revenue generating view. I have to admit, I don't understand the "value" of making someone change airplanes three times, it seems counterproductive to me, but I suspect that was the way the computer looked at how to get you back with the least amount of negative revenue impact. Since you are traveling for "free" (not really since you had to pay to earn those miles) , a lot of other considerations are not so important.

As far as no empty seats, well everytime an airplane takes off with an empty seat, it is revenue lost. The airlines have trimmed their route systems to eliminate "empties" as much as possible, and those that didn't or couldn't don't exist anymore. A few airlines have tried a different way, by putting fewer seats, with more room, but they are all gone because they couldn't charge enough for the service to be profitable.

The truth is that traveling by air these days is nothing more than "public transportation", unless you can afford to travel in biz or first class. And who can afford that.

[QUOTE=Natty Bumpo;1305962]Sky and Bman, My question to you guys is: is this the way to treat a customer? I don't think so. By the way, this reminds me of that George Clooney movie,"Up in the Air." Wasn't Clooney a ten million frequent flyer miles member? Talk about perks.[/QUOTE]Spending miles on free flights is a pain, I agree. The same is on upgrades. BUT my strategy is to upgrade only on half leg and the other half pay for the class. This works. I admit, I fly business on any oversaeas flight, including my private ones. Nevertheless I succeed to have some business flight fully free. Depends on routes and period. I also admit that, being european I can live without the US airlines. I have banned United from my flights since they let me down quite a few times on treatment and upgrades. My personal revenge. And with no offence for anybody in general United sucks. One need to find his ways. Nevertheless gone asre the times when, being a frequent flyer, even if upgrades were already possible with the miles, I used to get 50% of my overseas flight with a last minute upgrade at the gate, just by asking nicely ot the agent, without spending a mile. The best way to send a message to an airline (or to any serviec) is stopping to use them. They might not ntoice your individual absence, but drop by drop, when they see a reduction of passsengers, and other comeptitors are not, maybe, I repeat maybe, somebody might notice and wonder. Pointing out the low's in questionnaires (when they do them) helps too as usually those answers are always quite postiive, so as soon as you drop down a judgement that is below average wakes some sleeping dog.

Hi Natty

Many thanks for your response. I hope you enjoy your stay, and if you feel like letting us all know what the place is like when you get there that would be good too.

And if anyone else has an opinion of the place that would be most welcome as well.

[QUOTE=Natty Bumpo; 1305952]Since there is construction going on next door to the Admiral Premier, my favorite suites hotel, I decided to move to the other side of Sukhumvit and try out the Marriott Exec Sukhumvit Park Apartments for a few days. The rooms are large and I like that because it allows me to entertain my girls before we get down to the main event. In addition, I don't mind earning a lot of Marriott Reward points for staying there.

The Marriott Soi 24 Park Apartments may not be as convenient as the Soi 23 Admiral Premier or the Grand Millennium on Asok for hitting Soi Cowboy every night, but I am really looking forward to staying at the new Soi 24 location because of its proximity to the best oily massage joints in BKK. I figure I will be walking past these little hotbeds of action many times each day and I know I will avail myself of their services more than I usually do. Change is good.

Based on my research, the Marriott Exec Sukhumvit Park Apartments is GF. My source is Sukhumvit Psycho. Just Google Girl friendly plus the hotel name.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=Sfiend;1305675]I stayed bang opposite Phachara at the Dynasty Grande on soi 6 for 5 nights toward the end of June. It's a great hotel. Cheaper and I wouldn't hesitate one bit staying there again even though it may not be at the very next one simply because I'd like to try something different. Just make sure you chose the 'Grande Deluxe' rooms rather than just the Deluxe because there is quite the difference (I tried the deluxe for a night).40sq. Meters, flat screen, dvd player for the porn, great house keeping, great bathrooms with high quality fixtures and no pressure problems at all, and one of the best, largest gyms I've seen at any hotel thus far with what smelt like fresh new equipment. It was a pleasure working out there. In fact I may go back simply for the gym. I couldn't get it any cheaper than USD 70 / night, but that still saved me over a 1000 baht a night by not staying at the Phachara and they were the nicest and quickest in responding to me when I was shooting out emails to over 2 dozen hotels to enquire about their guest friendliness. Walking distance to soi 4 on your left and the sky train and some nice eating places on the perpendicular sois to the right. Oh and by the way, even though its a 3 minute walking distance to the entertainment, the rooms were quiet and the sleeping sound.[/QUOTE]I don't know where you are searching your hotels. I just searched Booking. Com for 3 nights in August at both hotels. Phachara Suites is $225. 00. 3 nights at Dynasty is $216. 00.

So for 9 dollars more, you get a nice kitchette and bigger room.

I also like the Dynasty Grande. But Phachara is a better deal I believe.

Not 1k a night more like you claim.

To each their own though.

[QUOTE=Luvpuss; 1306296]I don't know where you are searching your hotels. I just searched Booking. Com for 3 nights in August at both hotels. Phachara Suites is $225. 00. 3 nights at Dynasty is $216. 00.

So for 9 dollars more, you get a nice kitchette and bigger room.

I also like the Dynasty Grande. But Phachara is a better deal I believe.

Not 1k a night more like you claim.

To each their own though.[/QUOTE]Booked once Patchara, but saw then, that I have to pay a hefty rate for the internet addittionally! That was a killer and I canceled the booking, even when this cost me 20 bucks.

Could you verify the addittional internet rate by own expirience? Would be tempted if that wasnt additionally.

[QUOTE=Payu; 1306850]Booked once Patchara, but saw then, that I have to pay a hefty rate for the internet addittionally! That was a killer and I canceled the booking, even when this cost me 20 bucks.

Could you verify the addittional internet rate by own expirience? Would be tempted if that wasnt additionally.[/QUOTE]Strange. I've stayed there twice previously (booked through Agoda) and in room wi-fi was complimentary.

May be worth emailing them to clarify.

[QUOTE=Sainter21; 1307087]Strange. I've stayed there twice previously (booked through Agoda) and in room wi-fi was complimentary.

May be worth emailing them to clarify.[/QUOTE]Internet is included. Or not. Depending on the rate and the room type you choose.

You can get the info directly on their website.

I stayed there 3 times in the past, booked a one bedroom exectutive room each time well in advance, and got free internet.

However, the "included" internet is a 1MB connection that is shared between ALL the guests who get free internet. It can therefore be quite slow at times when the hotel in packed (mornings, evenings.).

If you want your own 1mb feed, you have to pay extra (which I've never tried)

[QUOTE=Sainter21; 1307087]Strange. I've stayed there twice previously (booked through Agoda) and in room wi-fi was complimentary.

May be worth emailing them to clarify.[/QUOTE]Phachara Suite is trying to make some extra $$$$

I have spend at least 150 nights during October 2010 and December 2011. Stayed in a 60 sqm deluxe whatever room and had a fixed price for full 2011.

A while ago I tried to book again (for 4 till 5 weeks) and they gave a first a 30% higher price and after some emailing they stayed with a 15% higher price than I had paid last year (without any explanation why they needed that higher price).

On the end I booked with Grand Mercure / Soi 19 where I get a 95 sqm room for a same price as Phachara. Not so close to the action but. Very quite and convinient.

Couldn't find any info for On8. Has anyone stayed? GF? Hows the wifi, breakfast, and are they clean?

Thanks!

Rocky, I've never stayed there but visited a few months ago. It is girl friendly and very clean and very modern. The front door to the hotel is 10 steps from the escalator leading up to the Nana skytrain station. Very nice in the Bangkok heat. If you like Nana Plaza I would call this perhaps the best location in Bangkok. They also have connecting rooms if you are traveling with a wingman.

The only thing I didn't like about the room that I saw was the frosted outside windows. They are probably frosted because there is no view. I'm not sur eif the windows open or not.

If you don't mind the window issue I'm guessing this would be an exellent choice due to it's location alone.

Hi,

Any views on how gf this hotel is now? This was my first hotel in BKK back on 09/11 but I have memories of them charging a stupid joiner fee even for a room booked as a double.

Thanks!

[QUOTE=Allover; 1309530]Rocky, I've never stayed there but visited a few months ago. It is girl friendly and very clean and very modern. The front door to the hotel is 10 steps from the escalator leading up to the Nana skytrain station. Very nice in the Bangkok heat. If you like Nana Plaza I would call this perhaps the best location in Bangkok. They also have connecting rooms if you are traveling with a wingman.

The only thing I didn't like about the room that I saw was the frosted outside windows. They are probably frosted because there is no view. I'm not sur eif the windows open or not.

If you don't mind the window issue I'm guessing this would be an exellent choice due to it's location alone.[/QUOTE]I'm thinking about a half-maxim inn, half-on8 stay for my first in BKK. With all the info I've received I will try and reciprocate with a detailed travel report.

not for the guys who have to have the best of the best – for the guys who want reasonable space, comfort, amenities and location at a fair price.

le fenix – this has been my go to hotel for the last couple of years. i went this time and the wear and tear is becoming noticeable. i wonder what strategy an owner would have for dealing with the inevitable wear? still, the rooms are a good size, with no issues with hot water or pressure, the location works ok and i do use the tuk tuk service if i'm heading towards asoke or soi cowboy. if i'm going to soi 4 i'll grab a meter taxi and he goes the back way and comes out on soi 3 then zips down to sukhumvit for 35 baht. anyway, you can almost always find le fenix on wotif. com as a mystery deal for about 1, 100 to 1, 300 baht. it's the one that says 'one minute walk to q bar'. the staff there is professional with no bad attitudes and helpful.

i've also been using wotif for a couple of years – where is that barko guy anyway? i thought that i had read a clue in this hotels thread that said 'shhh – it's a 4. 5 star. '. this supposedly leads to the mystery deal that is the new soi 11 property, aloft. for 1800 baht, i'm in! i booked that 'shhh' clue and it's the dream hotel on soi 15, not aloft. i was disappointed in that result but what can you do? i was booked in there for 3 days. it is a nice hotel. i'm no expert but i doubt that it's 4. 5 stars. the room was nice, but small. the breakfast buffet is good if that's important to you. the internet connection is a choice of lan cable or wi-fi. i used the lan and was happy. the location is good with an easy walk to the asoke bts, etc. the annoyance at dream is the lack of sound proofing between rooms and imo, the desk staff is a bit snooty.

from my window at dream i could see kingston suites just down the soi. i previously stayed there on a mystery deal for 1500 baht and thought it was a better room than at dream. the room was bigger, quieter, less glitzy but nice. in the past i was able to decipher the mystery deal that put me into kingston suites on soi 15 for 1500 baht. i followed the same mystery deal phrasing at a 1400 baht price and ended up in the bel aire princess on soi 5. i'm writing from there right now and i'm happier here for 1400 than i was at dream for 1800. the room is much bigger, quiet and comfortable even if slightly worn. there is really nothing wrong with it, it's just not new. i can have breakfast at foodland for 60 baht and easily walk to all of the nana area. they are gf as long as you book for 2 people.

so i might ditch wotif and start using wego, recommended by nicfrenchy, where there are no mystery deals. i did chase a deal for aloft on there but never could get it for the advertised 1999+++. maybe i was not booking far enough in advance.

i peeked in at the gulliver's tavern hotel as i walk past it every day and it looks quite inviting. they want 2, 800 per night as a walk in rate. i looked at some reviews that made it seem questionable and as a cheap charlie, i don't need to spend 2, 800 to be comfortable in a room.

c4t

[quote=crazy4thai; 1311159]not for the guys who have to have the best of the best – for the guys who want reasonable space, comfort, amenities and location at a fair price.

le fenix – this has been my go to hotel for the last couple of years. i went this time and the wear and tear is becoming noticeable. i wonder what strategy an owner would have for dealing with the inevitable wear? still, the rooms are a good size, with no issues with hot water or pressure, the location works ok and i do use the tuk tuk service if i'm heading towards asoke or soi cowboy. if i'm going to soi 4 i'll grab a meter taxi and he goes the back way and comes out on soi 3 then zips down to sukhumvit for 35 baht. anyway, you can almost always find le fenix on wotif. com as a mystery deal for about 1, 100 to 1, 300 baht. it's the one that says 'one minute walk to q bar'. the staff there is professional with no bad attitudes and helpful.

i've also been using wotif for a couple of years – where is that barko guy anyway? i thought that i had read a clue in this hotels thread that said 'shhh – it's a 4. 5 star. '. this supposedly leads to the mystery deal that is the new soi 11 property, aloft. for 1800 baht, i'm in! i booked that 'shhh' clue and it's the dream hotel on soi 15, not aloft. i was disappointed in that result but what can you do? i was booked in there for 3 days. it is a nice hotel. i'm no expert but i doubt that it's 4. 5 stars. the room was nice, but small. the breakfast buffet is good if that's important to you. the internet connection is a choice of lan cable or wi-fi. i used the lan and was happy. the location is good with an easy walk to the asoke bts, etc. the annoyance at dream is the lack of sound proofing between rooms and imo, the desk staff is a bit snooty.

from my window at dream i could see kingston suites just down the soi. i previously stayed there on a mystery deal for 1500 baht and thought it was a better room than at dream. the room was bigger, quieter, less glitzy but nice. in the past i was able to decipher the mystery deal that put me into kingston suites on soi 15 for 1500 baht. i followed the same mystery deal phrasing at a 1400 baht price and ended up in the bel aire princess on soi 5. i'm writing from there right now and i'm happier here for 1400 than i was at dream for 1800. the room is much bigger, quiet and comfortable even if slightly worn. there is really nothing wrong with it, it's just not new. i can have breakfast at foodland for 60 baht and easily walk to all of the nana area. they are gf as long as you book for 2 people.

so i might ditch wotif and start using wego, recommended by nicfrenchy, where there are no mystery deals. i did chase a deal for aloft on there but never could get it for the advertised 1999+++. maybe i was not booking far enough in advance.

i peeked in at the gulliver's tavern hotel as i walk past it every day and it looks quite inviting. they want 2, 800 per night as a walk in rate. i looked at some reviews that made it seem questionable and as a cheap charlie, i don't need to spend 2, 800 to be comfortable in a room.

c4t[/quote]this is aloft hotel on soi 11.

presently 1899 baht a night.

[url]www.wotif.com/hotel/view?hotel=m25208[/url]