Bangkok Hotels

[QUOTE=Simian;1663206]I have stayed in the Sofitel on Sukhumvit. Location is good but there are plenty of other hotels nearby with equally good locations.

Lots of fiddly things that irritated me a lot.[/QUOTE]There are many good hotels along lower Sukhumvit. JW Marriott and the Sheraton Grand are the other 5-star hotels that come to mind. I prefer the Sofitel because it is newer, so it has less wear and tear, and it is less expensive than these other properties. However, there are many good three and four star properties in the vicinity that offer good value.

The Citadine Soi 11 is approximately half as expensive as the Sofitel, and one-third the price of the Sheraton Grand. The basic room at the Sofitel is almost 25% larger than the executive studio at the Citadine. The Citadine has a mini kitchen. The Sofitel does not even have a microwave. If you're looking for a decent size room, comfortable bed, nice bathroom and facilities for food preparation at a good price, the Citadine is an excellent choice.

I make little use of the Sofitel's pool, but appreciate the much better than average hotel gym that is open 24-hours; and an excellent locker room with all the amenities that is open during the day. I typically use it rather than the bathroom in my room in the morning to shower and shave.

The Sofitel does fill the refrigerator with its overpriced stuff. I deal with that by calling the front desk and telling them I need more room in the refrigerator. They send a person up to take stuff out and make an inventory, which I sign. I inspect my final bill closely. There have never been incorrect charges.

There is bottled water in the room at ridiculous prices. But the hotel also provides as many bottles of complimentary water as you require. I called once to request another bottle. They brought two and from that time on made sure there were four or five bottles of complimentary water in my room when they made up my room and at the evening turn down.

I think the Sofitel's breakfast is very good. I got it free, so to speak. I booked a standard room, requested an upgrade, which the hotel offered at a very reasonable rate. I was also offered about 50% off on the breakfast, which I declined. They then gave me the breakfast at no additional cost. I ordered room service a couple of times. The food was expensive, as I expected. Room service food can be a logistical problem for hotels. The hotel financials I've seen showed it is not a lucrative profit center and is offered as much as a service as to make money. I did not eat at the cafe off the lobby. I don't care for sweet pastries. I did drink and eat at the bar on the 32nd floor. It was expensive. The view was fantastic. My date loved it and later expressed her appreciation.

I had no problem figuring out how the shower worked or locating the light switch on the small mirror attached to the wall above the vanity; and I didn't have a problem with the enclosures for the shower and commode. My only problems with the bathroom were water getting on the floor outside the shower and poor lighting around the sink. In fact, generally I found the room to be poorly lit. I find this to be a common problem in newer 5-star hotels. I agree, pocket doors for the bathroom would have been better than the swinging double doors, but much more expensive (I'll come back to this point shortly.) I agree there are not enough electrical outlets and the switches for the lighting are not well-thought out. But again, I've encountered this problem in other hotels. I do believe there is a reason for this. Hotels are simply cutting corners to keep their construction costs down, which allow them to keep the room costs down. The 5-star hotels are spending money on decorative stuff rather than practical stuff.

For me the Sofitel beds are extremely comfortable. I also had a nice work desk, sofa and comfortable stuffed arm chair in my room. I was staying in a corner room on a club floor. There were plenty of closets and wardrobe space, which I need as I bring a lot of clothes for long trips and require both business and casual clothing. Ample closet space is a problem I often encounter in hotels. During the day the curtains didn't make the room as dark as I prefer for napping.

Every 5-star hotel I've ever stayed in has had many additional charges for all sorts of stuff. These can add up. You can "avoid" these by paying more for your room. Reserve a suite on the club floor at rack rate and they'll happily pick you up at the airport for "free. " I don't have a problem with these charges, because I don't pay them. What I can't get for free through my loyalty program membership I forego.

I didn't write this to quibble. We all have our opinions, which are perfectly valid. I've stayed at other 5-star properties in Bangkok. As I mentioned, I've had similar problems with them. I stayed at a Sofitel in Macau on my last trip. It had many of the same problems. Curiously, I stayed in a new Ibis in Hong Kong (Accor's 3-star brand.) I thought it was very Spartan and the room small; but I had fewer practical problems with it than with the Sofitel hotel rooms I stayed in. Perhaps the three and four star properties know they have to offer value and the practical things travelers are looking for to compete. The 5-star properties just focus on the glitz and amenities. But then there are those special properties that offer it all, and you really pay for it.

Generally, when I travel I look for good 3-star properties in good locations. Location is most important to me. I "splurge" on the 5-star hotels in Bangkok because they are so cheap. The Ibis I stayed at in Hong Kong was more expensive than the Sofitel in Bangkok. A 5-star hotel on Hong Kong Island will cost US $400 a night and up! This spring I will be able to stay at the Sofitel in Bangkok for US $105 per night, including all taxes. And I will get some nice upgrades at little or no cost when I check in.

I just like what I've read about the sofitel having the best sw outside hehe. As is the case for any mongering city eh, there is always 'that' hotel.

I wanted to like the citadines, but looked at the pics and it looks like one of those new but slightly cheesy ones as far as rooms go. The grand sukumwit looks more posh just to give an idea what I mean. And I'm sure no SW outside like the kinds described beside the sofitel. Just like the dynastygrande looks a bit cheesy. These local ones are like that, laminated looking walls.

Vs. The grand sukumvit, by accor, looks more rich (the rooms). Granted I'm not checking the price range of the grand sukumvit, I'm just guessing it's not a 5 star or 4 star.

This was my 3rd time in Bangkok and booked the Grand Center Pointe Terminal 21 through agoda for 4 nights with breakfast for $125 USD a night all in and could not have had a better experience. Whenever available I have a new go to spot in Bangkok. Previously I had stayed at the JW Marriott and Dawin. Both the previous properties were good, and I have no complaints about either. I had found I preferred cowboy over nana so wanted to be closer to the action and try a new section of the suk. I thought I got on the wrong train at the aiport when I realized it wasn't the express, but later saw the signs about it not running. Then took MRT one stop and coming up the escalator there is actually a sign for the hotel so location can't be any easier. I had a dive bag and duffel with me but was easy on all those distances to carry it myself so you can save a few baht using public transport. Check-in was smooth and even though I was next in line the business desk check-in person came over and took me back to the desk and checked me in and gave me a free upgrade from superior to deluxe room. I thought the room was terrific, view was incredible, large fridge, great bathroom with Japanese toilet (now I wait on every toilet I sit on waiting for it to wash and dry me, totally spoiled), and plenty of closet and room space. The staff throughout was always friendly and accommodating. Ordered some room service when I arrived as I had to sort through clothes to take to my preferred laundry in Nana and was delivered promptly and quite affordable. Club sandwich, fries, and soda for around $12. Pool was also great and my girl didn't go with me until last day and said she wished she had brought a bathing suit to join me. Breakfast was good, but didn't wow me, next time I would skip the extra charge.

While everything about the property was great, the location is what really did it for me. You never have to step on the street to get to the BTS, MRT, or cowboy (well maybe 10 m on the street). For cowboy walk down through the MRT station and back up, it's quicker than the elevated walkway (my girl showed me that shortcut, think there is a chance she made that walk before? Hahaha). The last part that made the location great was the terminal 21 mall. Virtually unlimited food options for every meal (hence why breakfast at hotel could be skipped, or even just order room service). Also in bottom level of terminal 21 is a market for picking up drinks or any other supplies you want for the room. In summary just a great property and my personal favorite to date. Now just need t get those other FR written.

Wanted to see if any frequent Bangkok visitors had any particular website or hotel room price tactics beyond the normal agoda, booking, tripadvisor, or property specific ones. I have used agoda primarily in the past and done well along with the hotels own site (I. E. Hilton, Marriott) but wanted to see if anyone had any success in Bangkok via other methods. Walking up to the desk or maybe keeping email of concierge? Mostly asking since my favorite hotel, GCP T21 is asking way too much for an upcoming trip and was looking for alternative pricing routes.

Thanks ahead for any insights.

[QUOTE=MichaelSamuel;1663261]Wanted to see if any frequent Bangkok visitors had any particular website or hotel room price tactics beyond the normal agoda, booking, tripadvisor, or property specific ones.[/QUOTE]The hotel I stay at in BKK is the same price 365 days a year. So it has fixed pricing vs. Variable pricing. High season, low season, last minute; it does not matter. So during high season it is a relative deal, and during low season you can usually do better for the same money.

[u]My other advice would be:[/u]
* Contact the hotel directly and try to negotiate a deal.
* Ask for a long stay (15 or 30 days) discount if your trip allows.
* Shop in person and offer to pay in advance: think [i]show me the money[/i] and [i]cash is king[/i].

SunLover.

[QUOTE=PaulKausch;1663247]
Generally, when I travel I look for good 3-star properties in good locations. Location is most important to me. I "splurge" on the 5-star hotels in Bangkok because they are so cheap.[/QUOTE]Why is location so important and what makes for a good location?

I think it depends on how many times you need to leave your Hotel and return per day. For some people value for money is much more important than location providing there are easy mechanisms to get to where you want to be without spending an arm and a leg in money or wasting too much time.

I once stayed in Asoke residence that was close to Petchburi road and close to Petchburi MRT. The location would have been quite okay As could get to Nana Plaza or Dr. BJ, as examples with short 5 min motorcycle ride. Drawback turned out to be noisy construction work nearby during daytime. So I think noise level is one of the most important location issues. 2nd is ability to get to BTS or MRT station quickly. 3rd is to be a spot not too affected by continuous traffic jams. Sukhumvit Soi 4 is not a great Soi to stay in due to difficulty of taxi access in and out.

I recently decided to stay a few days in Silom. Simply the location was close to "the girl's" house.

Generally I like any of the Sois close to Soi Asoke and not too far from Sukhumvit road. This is close to BTS MRT intersection.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;1663320]Why is location so important and what makes for a good location?[/QUOTE]

Convenience.

I'm sure you're familiar with the saying about the three most important things in real estate.

To me a good location is related to proximity to certain stores and transportation. From the Sofitel I can easily get to BTS and MRT. I use both to get to various business destinations. I know other hotels are closer, such as the Sheraton Grand and the Centre Point Hotel in Terminal 21, but the Sofitel is close enough for me. And, for example, there is a 7/11 next door to the hotel, and a super market very close by in the basement of Robinsons. I also like to go down in the wee hours of the morning and get something to eat at one of the sidewalk stalls, sit, drink a beer and watch the show. It's nice that the walk back to my hotel is just a few meters.

Location is the most important factor for me when I choose a BKK hotel. I live in California, am in my early 60's, and the BKK humidity absolutely kills me. I just can't walk far in that heat and therefore want to be very close to the MRT and BTS. I also return to my hotel 2-3 times per day and a convenient location matters. That's why I use Grand President or S Sukhumvit Suites. S Sukhumvit has an unbelievable location next to the Citi Bank at Suk / Soi Asoke. From Grand Pres there is a shortcut through the Park Hotel parking lot that is good for going to Bier Garden, Soi 7/1, a BTS entrance with an escalator, and even Nana. And Soi 11 is my favorite street in BKK.

Tips for finding a good Hotel at a good price, or value for money. If this is not all completely obvious? However I see many newbies listing some strange choices that they are considering.

I don't usually go very much over $100 or 3000 Baht, unless the special girl warrants it LOL, and sometimes take around 2000 Baht. In general, a girl will prefer extra money to be spent on her instead of wasted on a luxury Hotel, as long as Hotel is still a good standard and very practical. A girl will not want you to spend 2000 Baht extra on a room if she could have got that money instead. My girl was once very upset with the over the top bill in a posh French Restaurant in Phrom Phong, and food wasn't that extraordinary. She could have put 4 K to 5 K Baht to far better use and she did not particularly like the very rich tastes. LOL.

1. Go to [URL]www.Booking.com[/URL] and pick Bangkok. Enter your dates.

2. Pick the location you want to be in, e. G. For me Asoke. Others might want Sukhumvit Wattana.

3. Search and sort by "Review Score" showing prices per night. All the really good hotels will have a score of 8. 0 or higher but prices vary a lot.

E. g. At a good price, Admiral Premier, Mermaid, FuramaX, Grand Mercure, Silq, etc. Show up, all places I am happy with, plus a few super bargain places that I don't know.

Perhaps can go lower than 8. 0 points average score for places where price is super low, however I would resist that unless few options.

4. Open some places in a new window to check your special things like pool, separate shower, etc. Or include extra parameters in the search if they are a mandatory.

Some Hotels are missing like Column (rating 8. 5). Seems to be a fault not linking it to correct area. In peak season its price will be high, but I recommend it for times when price has significantly dropped. You always have to choose different Hotels based on best value for money at the time.

I believe large Chinese tour groups coming into good Hotels are causing prices to fluctuate badly at certain times. E. g. Admiral Premier can be very expensive at time when a tour comes in.

Citadines 23 and Amora Neo Luxe are just below a 8. 0 average review rating. In my opinion this is fair (have tried them both) and they are not quite as good as other places rated 8. 0 and higher. Wolvenvacht likes Citadines 23 but I did not. Rather hard mattresses do not suit me (Wolven likes that). Just one of the issues. I did not take to the staff either, which is rare for me. I think you can do better for a similar price.

I like websites like Wotif and [URL]Booking.com[/URL] that include taxes in the price quoted. I prefer to avoid Agoda for this reason. Agoda's prices are bullshit prices to make them look cheapest.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;1663721]Tips for finding a good Hotel at a good price, or value for money. If this is not all completely obvious? However I see many newbies listing some strange choices that they are considering.

I don't usually go very much over $100 or 3000 Baht, unless the special girl warrants it LOL, and sometimes take around 2000 Baht. In general, a girl will prefer extra money to be spent on her instead of wasted on a luxury Hotel, as long as Hotel is still a good standard and very practical. A girl will not want you to spend 2000 Baht extra on a room if she could have got that money instead. My girl was once very upset with the over the top bill in a posh French Restaurant in Phrom Phong, and food wasn't that extraordinary. She could have put 4 K to 5 K Baht to far better use and she did not particularly like the very rich tastes. LOL.

1. Go to [URL]www.Booking.com[/URL] and pick Bangkok. Enter your dates.

2. Pick the location you want to be in, e. G. For me Asoke. Others might want Sukhumvit Wattana.

3. Search and sort by "Review Score" showing prices per night. All the really good hotels will have a score of 8. 0 or higher but prices vary a lot.

E. g. At a good price, Admiral Premier, Mermaid, FuramaX, Grand Mercure, Silq, etc. Show up, all places I am happy with, plus a few super bargain places that I don't know.

Perhaps can go lower than 8. 0 points average score for places where price is super low, however I would resist that unless few options.

4. Open some places in a new window to check your special things like pool, separate shower, etc. Or include extra parameters in the search if they are a mandatory.

Some Hotels are missing like Column (rating 8. 5). Seems to be a fault not linking it to correct area. In peak season its price will be high, but I recommend it for times when price has significantly dropped. You always have to choose different Hotels based on best value for money at the time.

I believe large Chinese tour groups coming into good Hotels are causing prices to fluctuate badly at certain times. E. g. Admiral Premier can be very expensive at time when a tour comes in.

Citadines 23 and Amora Neo Luxe are just below a 8. 0 average review rating. In my opinion this is fair (have tried them both) and they are not quite as good as other places rated 8. 0 and higher. Wolvenvacht likes Citadines 23 but I did not. Rather hard mattresses do not suit me (Wolven likes that). Just one of the issues. I did not take to the staff either, which is rare for me. I think you can do better for a similar price.

I like websites like Wotif and [URL]Booking.com[/URL] that include taxes in the price quoted. I prefer to avoid Agoda for this reason. Agoda's prices are bullshit prices to make them look cheapest.[/QUOTE]I agree this approach may be the best for the infrequent traveler. However, if one spends more than 50 days a year in hotels, there is merit in obtaining Starwood Platinum status, or for the higher rollers Hyatt Diamond, by staying at their hotels (actually Marriott and some other hotel chains may also be an option, although I have found the Starwood and Hyatt programs more suited to my needs). Starwood has a large number of hotels in Bangkok, including the Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, the Westin, Plaza Athenee, Aloft, Four Points, Sheraton Royal Orchid, LE Meridien, W, and St. Regis. By obtaining Starwood Platinum status (50 nights a year, including any award nights spent) you obtain a high probability of a suite upgrade at most of their properties, free breakfast, free drinks and food during the early evening at their lounge (some hotels), free internet (which has become more common at most hotels these days, irrespective of frequent guest status), accumulation of points for future free stays, and so forth. It is necessary if one wishes to receive the benefits from the frequent guest program, however, that the booking is made on the hotel chain's website or directly with the hotel (at least for Starwood, and probably Hyatt as well).

So while during my early Bangkok days, I would shop around for the best deal on an acceptable hotel, now that I travel more the best deal often is one that ties into a frequent guest hotel program. And although some of the hotels mentioned above are expensive by Bangkok standards (not by international standards, however), there are also some relatively inexpensive choices among them.

[QUOTE=LAGuy5;1663727]I agree this approach may be the best for the infrequent traveler. However, if one spends more than 50 days a year in hotels, there is merit in obtaining Starwood Platinum status, or for the higher rollers Hyatt Diamond, by staying at their hotels (actually Marriott and some other hotel chains may also be an option, although I have found the Starwood and Hyatt programs more suited to my needs).[/QUOTE]I Agree. As I've reported before, I belong to Le Club Accor. With my membership I get better rates than you will find on Agoda, Expeding, [URL]Hotel.com[/URL] or any other hotel booking website. I also get many upgrades and amenities such as corner rooms on club floor and the breakfast buffet for free or for next to nothing, evening in high season.

[QUOTE=LAGuy5;1663727]I
So while during my early Bangkok days, I would shop around for the best deal on an acceptable hotel, now that I travel more the best deal often is one that ties into a frequent guest hotel program. And although some of the hotels mentioned above are expensive by Bangkok standards (not by international standards, however), there are also some relatively inexpensive choices among them.[/QUOTE]Sure its like I have many flights per year so I stick with Star Alliance to get my points.

You don't actually say what you pay on average per night, for room, breakfast and internet, taking into account all the discounts / freebies. So we can't tell if you are actually saving a lot of money in the long run, compared to picking favourable prices from miscellaneous Hotels. Maybe you don't know either.

Obviously a Hotel Group does want to offer discounts for very frequent guests, as Hotels are mostly under booked in total, so better to have guests making a little money than nothing.

I don't actually spend anything close to 50 nights in Hotels. I rent somewhere by the month. May buy something later. Staying in Thailand for 4 months per year, its still cheaper than Hotels working out to about 1 K per day (that I am actually there). Its location is not intended for mongering, but I can still get to the action (when deprived) on BTS fairly cheaply. i.e. 20 mins to get to Soi 7/1 for a Nuru BS. I occasionally stay in a Hotel for special mongering purposes. It is always chosen for price, location, and special facilities. Being part of a particular chain could be a bit restrictive for me, when I don't always choose the same general location.

[QUOTE=PaulKausch;1663918]I Agree. As I've reported before, I belong to Le Club Accor. With my membership I get better rates than you will find on Agoda, Expeding, [URL]Hotel.com[/URL] or any other hotel booking website. I also get many upgrades and amenities such as corner rooms on club floor and the breakfast buffet for free or for next to nothing, evening in high season.[/QUOTE]Its not so much all the freebies for many. Its the total or average cost that matters.

I am always amazed by some mongers that stay in Hotels flamboyantly but get so stingy when it comes to paying a girl. Not referring to you of course. I prefer to go the other way and spend less on accommodation more on girls.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;1664108]I am always amazed by some mongers that stay in Hotels flamboyantly but get so stingy when it comes to paying a girl.[/QUOTE]Some people are on business expense accounts or reward points so the cost of the hotel stay is zero. No apersions; good for them. It is what it is.

[QUOTE=Syzygies;1664108]Not referring to you of course. I prefer to go the other way and spend less on accommodation more on girls.[/QUOTE]That is my strategy also. I learned after my first Bangkok visit that while the upper end hotels are cheap when compared to the rest of the world they did not necessary add to my mongering experience, and have actually come to prefer the mid-tier and one-off type places.

YMMV.

[QUOTE=Allover;1663344]Location is the most important factor for me when I choose a BKK hotel. I live in California, am in my early 60's, and the BKK humidity absolutely kills me. I just can't walk far in that heat and therefore want to be very close to the MRT and BTS. I also return to my hotel 2-3 times per day and a convenient location matters. That's why I use Grand President or S Sukhumvit Suites. S Sukhumvit has an unbelievable location next to the Citi Bank at Suk / Soi Asoke. From Grand Pres there is a shortcut through the Park Hotel parking lot that is good for going to Bier Garden, Soi 7/1, a BTS entrance with an escalator, and even Nana. And Soi 11 is my favorite street in BKK.[/QUOTE]Does hsbc exist any more for Bangkok? Hsbc is very avail for many asian locales around the world. I don't do banking with citi incidentally.

It looks like the ATM fees are $5 usd for transactions outside of your bank. As I'd rather not carry much local curreny in pockets ea. Night, I kinda feel like withdrawals could be a frequent thing, any post thailand travellers with western banks can say if they are good for waiving the fees as courtesy after your vacation is over?