I have stayed at the SGS over 50 times. Being next to the BTS is.a big plus for me, along with the great pool, gym, and a wonderful staff. However, a club room at the BT might entice me away.

For me, personally, ease of access to the skytrain is #1 importance in Bangkok. I do not like sitting in traffic, not moving, as the taxi barely creeps along. Sheraton is a very nice hotel, as is Banyan Tree. Sheraton, as you note, is much more convenient.

Instead of rooftop at Banyan Tree, you could go to Red Sky or to the new Sofitel on Sukhumvit Rd, which is right across from the Sheraton. Very handy.

Maybe STAY at the Sofitel???

A subway station is not to far from the BT, but think the BTS takes you to more places of interest for you.

Thank you all for your responses.

I think I'm leaning towards the club room at the Banyan Tree especially because I think we'll be fighting crowds on the BTS. We leave Bangkok for Krabi on a Monday at 8:10am from BKK. Knowing that we have to be at the airport at 6:10am, will be it sufficient if we left at 5am from Banyan Tree?

IMO you've made the right decision. To be next to the BTS will be useful if you are planning on going to where there are BTS stations. If you are going to the palaces and temples, very few of them are next to the BTS. Also, IMO the suites, all suites at the BT, are quite nice and the roof top bar is excellent.

Airport - for a domestic 8:10 departure you can arrive at 7:00 and IMO that's plenty of time. I'm a local and when I fly domestic I only arrive 1 hour prior but if you want to feel safe then 6:30 or 6:45 will be more than safe. Taxis are easy to find around the BT and the bellman can call one for you. I would leave the hotel at 6:00 as there is little traffic at that time and you will be at the airport by 6:30.

Hanuman (my 2nd favorite God!) - thanks for the info. You just help make my decision. BT it is!!

The spa at the Banyan Tree is one of the best in the country as well so if you like spa then perfect!

personally i would prefer the sheraton for location but banyon tree for almost everything else.. both are fantastic and i love club access.

The service, facilities, and location at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (SGS) are much superior ... the SGS hands down! See our SGS hotel report here: http://milepoint.com/forums/threads/sheraton-grande-sukhumvit-master-thread.1571/page-2#post-516165

Kal, another great report

Nice review Kalbozey but the OP is asking about the basic room and not a suite. Do you have a review of the basic room at the SGS and a suite, all suite at the Banyan Tree, in Bangkok so that the OP can compare?

true, not apples and apples

Thank you all ... yes, we have stayed at a regular room at the SGS during a late checkout (4 - 8 PM) mentioned in my above report and the King bedroom was huge (45 SQM), luxurious, and with basically the same amenities. Did not have the chance to take too many photos, but here is one with Mr. Kalbozey and Kalboz Jr. relaxing in the basic room: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/5243515642/in/photostream

This is truly the best property I have stayed at in Bangkok in terms of service.

The room at the SGS in the photo does look quite ordinary. Have you stayed at the Banyan Tree in Bangkok Kalbozey? Love to ready your review of it.

To be all honest with you Hanuman, I have never stayed at the Banyan Tree Bangkok, but I have been visiting the the Moon Bar and Vertigo since 2005. The food is delicious but the service is inconsistent at best, hit or miss!

I personally know of several people who stayed at the banyan Tree and reported dated accommodations and spotty service. But then again, the OP experience might varies.

The appeal of the SGS, to me, is the location, staff, gym, pool, and restaurants. happy hour in the Living-Room is also a big plus.