Bangkok mileage run

Old Oct 28th, 2013, 03:44 PM
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Bangkok mileage run

I have not done my usual on the ground reporting this time as this is such a short trip! One week on the ground in Bangkok. That's it! I decided to do a biz class mileage run in order to keep my 1K status with United.

I flew the UA 787 dreamliner on the longest leg of my 30 hour journey to get here. I had one of the two middle seats in row one. Plenty of room, comfy seat, and no crawling over anyone! Food was OK. I managed to get some sleep (albeit restless), which is my usual way of passing the time on long flights. No movies of any interest to me. There is another thread about this airplane so I won't go into detail about the lighting and such. I will add, however, that my map feature did not work so the flight felt ever so much longer because I never knew where we were or how much longer the flight was! Grrr not happy about that!!

A report on the Sofitel to come next.
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Old Oct 28th, 2013, 05:24 PM
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Are you back from Bangkok, Carol? Cheryl and I were just discussing how we didn't get to Bangkok last year and won't this year. That is the longest I've been without a "Bangkok fix" since I first started going there in the mid-1980s.

I hope you enjoyed your stay. Yes, do tell us about the Sofitel.
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Old Oct 28th, 2013, 05:52 PM
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I'm still here, Kathie. I leave Thursday. I need to be on my laptop for the hotel report. Lots of things to mention!
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Old Oct 28th, 2013, 11:44 PM
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Have fun!
We stayed at the Sofitel a few years ago, the service was good and I liked the club level but I wouldn't go back because I didn't like the astonishingly small pool. However, I do fondly remember getting some very good French macaron in a shop in the lobby. I hope it's still there.
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Old Oct 29th, 2013, 08:25 AM
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Hope you are having your usual great time in BKK. I had to laugh at your mileage run to BKK. We're doing one to San Francisco just to keep lowly silver status.

We're looking for a hotel for our last couple nights in BKK before heading home so looking forward to your comments on the Sofitel? @welltravel, so other than the pool, you sound like you liked the hotel?

I read the report on the dreamliners. Is it the same story with the different airlines? We fly Thai Air in biz class from Franfurt to BKK. Any tips on seating for that?
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Old Oct 29th, 2013, 08:55 AM
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Each airline apecifies its own seating arrangements. So the comments on seating (and cabin temperature) will no doubt be different for you.
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Old Oct 29th, 2013, 09:08 AM
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@Kathie, that's what I thought. The report by rhkkmk was on Japan Air and then Carol referenced her flight on UA so thought perhaps I was missing something.
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Old Oct 29th, 2013, 05:31 PM
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Yestravel, you should be on the A380, not a 787 for that trip from Frankfurt to Bangkok. That's a great flight! We did it in 1st class on our return from BKK in January of this year, and will do it again in first from FRA to BKK on the way back to BKK for our 2.5 week holiday trip this year. First class was AWESOME. I thought I would not like the huge A380, but it was just fine. I'm sure you will find business class to be very nice as well.

Sofitel is a nice hotel, and yes you can still get macaroons in the lobby deli. I might try one this morning before heading out. Hoping their coffee is good as well.

First impression of the hotel was iffy. My biggest complaint is POOR LIGHTING. I have a corner room with windows on two walls, but it still feels very dark in my room. The lighting in the bathroom is nearly impossible for doing make up (and there is even a lighted make up mirror which doesn't help much). The size of my room is fine. Bed, corner chair, both very comfy. Soaking tub and separate shower are nice. The "open concept" bathroom I'm getting used to. It's just me, so no need to lower the shade over the big window between tub and bedroom area.

My room never got serviced the first night I was here; and then the third night, the two guys (in nice uniforms) finally came to clean at nearly 4:30. A bit late IMO. I saw them cleaning another room at 7pm, so maybe I was the lucky one. haha

Internet is free, but there is also the option of paying for a much faster download speed. I guess if you are a business person and you need to download large files you might want to opt to pay for the internet service. The free service is fine for email, FB, fodors and such.

I've not been in the pool, but it is in clear view of my 11th floor room. Looks inviting. If I were a swimmer, I'd probably be indulging. There appear to be shaded areas for those (me included) who try to avoid the sun exposure.

I had read in the guide book that there is a "deli" in-house in the lobby, but it wasn't until I was spending time in the lobby yesterday morning (waiting for a Thai friend to pick me up) that I noticed the door tucked away in a corner behind the bell desk. AHA.. the deli! I had a look, and saw macaroons and croissants and such, and will try one this morning before I head out for the day.

I indulged in the breakfast buffet (850 baht) my first morning here, but have not returned. Lots of food choices! It's a really nice selection. I just don't eat 850 baht worth of food in the morning! I'm a fresh fruit/sunny side up eggs/ and yogurt person. Simple is better.

I like the fluffy bathrobe, and there are also the usual slippers. Slippers are placed by the bed at nighttime turn down service (which I've opted out of all but one night). I just flip the "do not disturb" light on, and no one comes knocking. My sleep patterns have been off the wall, so nice to be left alone in case I've dosed off at 7pm!!

Walls are pretty thin here. The other night there was an argument next door around 3am that awakened me and it was nearly impossible to get back to sleep.

The bathroom amenities are from L'Occitane en Provence. Small bottles of shampoo, conditioner and bath gel. Only one bar of soap was provided for use in the sink, shower and tub. I found that to be unusual. Normally there would be at least one extra bar in the shower stall. Anyway, loving the soap, and managed to get an extra bar, still in the wrap, to take home with me. Let's see if that bar is replenished ONE more time before I fly off tomorrow morning.

Getting the instant coffee and tea packets replenished is hit or miss. Three water bottles are left for me each day though.

I love collecting hotel pens and note pads. There is NO PEN (only one of those HB pencils with no eraser) and my note pad has only two sheets of paper. Not so useful this time around.

All in all, this hotel is fine for a short stay in Bangkok. The location along Sukhumvit is excellent (other than the usual traffic snarls). I, personally, will not be returning. "Been there, done that" sort of thing. But it IS fun trying new places.

Yesterday, my Thai friend took me to a new shopping venue that opened two years ago. She had never been, so it was a surprise to both of us. It was a 99 baht taxi from Sofitel, so NOT CLOSE! To our surprise, disappointment, it was mostly an eating venue. I would think the place would be hopping by about 8pm, but nobody here at noon. Live music, oodles of food choices, plus food court, but few small boutique shops. Nothing of interest for either of us. The name of the place is The Nines, and it is located way out on Rama 9. Not worth the drive/ride in a taxi IMO. It's more of a local place for folks who live away from city center.

We left the Nines in a taxi and headed along Rama 9 back into the city area and made a stop at the Central Plaza Rama 9 mall, a very nice large shopping/dining venue, enclosed, much like a Central World or Emporium. There is a very nice Robinsons store. I lost track of how many floors in this place, but probably 7 or 8. Top couple of floors are all about food, although plenty of restaurants and coffee shops can be found on every floor. The location of this mall is EASY to get to, on the subway, just two stops from Sukhumvit station (in the direction of the weekend market). The mall is connected to the subway entrance so no need to go outside in the heat and/or rain. Across from this mall is a HUGE and I mean HUGE IT mall. Fortune Town or something like that, is its name. We didn't go there. Supposedly more expensive than Panthip.

Last night we hopped on the BTS (sky train) and went down to the river to catch the free shuttle boat to Asiatique Night Bazaar. I was there last year (or maybe year before?) and I see that the place has gotten much bigger. Pretty much all market stalls are now occupied. Loads of eateries! There is a huge ferris wheel there now, and the Calypso Cabaret is now here. I did not see (or look for) Joe Louis puppet theater, but if I understand correctly, it should also be located in Asiatique now. We arrived about 5:15 and stayed until 6:45. It was just starting to get very busy when we left on the shuttle boat back to Saphan Taksin BTS station, and off to Sukhumvit on the skytrain. A fun evening!

BTW, I've not been reading Bangkok Post or The Nation, so I don't know if there is anymore talk of closing Saphan Taksin station in order to make double rail lines across the river for the much-expanded skytrain route. Nothing is happening right now, so those of you coming into BKK in the short term should be fine, as far as getting to/from riverside hotels.

I'm finally going to go to Platinum Fashion Mall, my last day here in Bangkok. Two more Thai friends and I will meet there for a day of shopping. Should be a fun time.

My quick mileage run trip to Bangkok is quickly coming to an end! I'm leaving in the morning. No exceptional "finds" in any of my shopping adventures yet.

The only big adventure is/was a new haircut/color. I went to a place in Siam Discovery (Hair Decor) where I used to get cuts when I first started coming to Bangkok. I got another really short cut (I'm beginning to like it better) that won't need trimming for 8 weeks! haha Then, I went back to see my latest hair stylist, Od, in a salon near Central Chitlom department store. Od has cut and colored my hair numerous times and I've almost always had good results. I left my hair color in his hands. Big mistake! My hair is nearly blond. I'm NOT a "blondie-type" person in any way shape or form. I objected immediately, and Od took me to the shampoo bowl, put on some special kind of shampoo I guess, and was able to darken my new color a notch or two. The current color is still lighter than I'd ever choose, but my hair grows fast so it won't be too long before I'll get to fix the mistake. haha
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Old Oct 29th, 2013, 06:49 PM
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Quite right -- we are on the 380. Thanks so much for your detail on the Sofitel.
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Old Oct 29th, 2013, 11:02 PM
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380 is #1 for sure..
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Old Oct 30th, 2013, 04:34 AM
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Bob - are you referring to your 38 special revolver?
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Old Oct 30th, 2013, 03:23 PM
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Ohhhhh not much hot water at Sofitel for my 4:30 a.m. shower. I was asked about my stay at check out and I mentioned it. I also mentioned that the rooms seem very dark.

Off to the airport at 5 for my 7:10 to NRT...upper deck 747. One of my favorite places to sit on a plane.

This mileage run was short, but I managed to pack in quite a bit. Shopping with three Thai girls at Platinum Fashion Mall was a riot! I'm surprised they run out of energy before I do!!

Last dinner in Bangkok was at Monsoon on soi 8. Yum!

Time to head home.
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Old Oct 30th, 2013, 03:32 PM
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The Sofitel sounds like it doesn't have much to recommend it.
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Old Oct 30th, 2013, 11:18 PM
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Kathie it is fine for a short stay. I know that you much prefer staying along the river, but for those of us who stay along Sumhimvit, location is the primary issue. Being close to a BTS station is #1. A dark room, maybe not so great supply of hot water at 4am, those are secondary. The actual hotel is very nice! I wouldn't tell someone NOT to stay there. I just won't be returning, most likely. There is the new HYDE scheduled to open middle of next year. It is condos and a hotel. The complex is at least partially owned by HYATT so I'm guessing it'll be pretty nice. Just might have to try it at some point next year.

Note to the religious person who thought it was a good idea to put on your garb and take out your gear and "do your thing" on a crowded airplane, it's a bit unnerving to the rest of us who don't understand what you are doing!! You just might even SCARE some of the folks on the plane. Is there some reason why your ceremony can't wait until you hit terra ferma??????

So glad to be off that flight. The person was sitting right next to me. I did not ask questions (thought about it though).

Now at Narita where the lounge is uber crowded!!! The dreamliner to Denver is delayed a couple of hours. (glad I'm not booked on it) My own flight to OHare is one time. Hope to be able to sleep.
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Old Oct 31st, 2013, 05:42 AM
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Some observant practitioners believe that their faith requires them to perform certain rituals at certain times of the day. Some of these rituals involve "props" (for lack of a better word), such as tefillin for observant Jews. Tefillin are small, usually black, boxes that one attaches to one's arms and/or head with leather straps. The boxes are filled with verses from the holy books, and a specific set of prayers is recited while wearing this gear. The prayers are recited each morning.

I have no idea why the person who frightened you so said the prayers on the plane rather than terra "ferma". Maybe he is required to say them at a specific time. Or maybe he didn't have time to do the whole mishegas [hope you're not frightened by Yiddish words] before a 7 a.m. flight and it never occurred to him that someone else would be intimidated by his following his faith.
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Old Oct 31st, 2013, 02:20 PM
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Don, he didn't frighten ME in particular. I was just sitting next to him. I know he was getting odd looks from some of the other passengers.

I am sure that the God he praises would understand being delayed in his ritual because he is on an airplane full of people!!!

Made it to Chicago, and almost ready for my last let home.
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Old Oct 31st, 2013, 04:46 PM
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Actually don't some religions (Islam, for instance) require praying at absolute or fixed times of day? I think those folks might argue that their God doesn't really care what a plane full of people think.

Signed,
A very non-religious person
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Old Oct 31st, 2013, 06:49 PM
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Carol, you might be the only one here who is surprised that you wore out those Thai girls.
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