my week of research: less than USD $100 for Bangkok 5 star accommodation
Jul 10th, 2010, 07:12 AM
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my week of research: less than USD $100 for Bangkok 5 star accommodation
Brace yourself for a long (but hopefully useful) write-up... here goes:
I've been told that the unrest in Bangkok earlier this year has brought about a price-war among the city's top hotels. But when I started to do some research for a one week leisure trip planned for August 2010, I found that although the prices were indeed REALLY low, most deals were not applicable for tourists and non-residents. Worse, some five star hotels still resorted to price discrimination by offering reduced rates only for Thai nationals. (I'll refrain from naming names, but if you dig around the web you'll know which hotels I'm referring to.)
My plan for this trip is to stay in the old part of town for 2-3 days where I can walk to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and go see "Muay Thai" - preferably in a smallish place with a bit of history and character. Then for remainder of the week, find a international-standard five star hotel in the inner-part of the city where I will have easy access to the "sky train" or the subway. Budget wise, I am willing to pay up to USD $100 per night (Initially, I was planning to spend less, but apparently the dollar doesn't get you very far at all these days.)
Surprisingly, the hardest part was finding hotels that offered special rates to foreign tourists - you'd think the hotels would extend the promotions to foreign tourists because we stay longer and spend more at the destination, but apparently that wasn't the case - so after a week of research, here is what I came up with:
1. For the first leg, I found a quaint little B&B named the "Old Bangkok Inn" that was offering a "Pay two, one free" package. Location wise, it was ideal because it's right in between the Grand Palace and the Muay Thai stadium and yes... it was extending the promotion to foreign tourists and locals alike. I booked the lemongrass room for baht 3,590 per night nett for three nights, but will end up paying for only two night because of the promotion. So on average I'm paying USD 74 per night.
Seeing as it is the low season, I also decided to try my luck and had asked for an early check-in, late check-out and a room upgrade... guess what? I got all three!!! If you decide to stay there, I would recommend writing directly to Nantiya - the owner - and ask politely for an early check-in, late check-out and a room upgrade (if you need it, that is). Their website is at: http://www.oldbangkokinn.com/
2. For the second leg, I settled on the Dusit Thani Bangkok for their "Dusit Take Two" promotion. The Dusit Thani is an upper-market Thai hotel chain that is located on both the sky train and the metro route. Its also right opposite to the city's central park, so I shouldn't have to stare at an office when I look out of my room. Basically, I paid baht 3,500++ per night for a Superior room and half that amount on the subsequent night. After taxes for two nights I'll be paying on average USD 96.
I was not able to book the promotion through their website, so I just called the hotel directly and they took care of everything in 5 minutes. I should also note that for both the Old Bangkok Inn and the Dusit Thani, their promotions will be running until the end of September 2010. For the Dusit Thani's website go to: http://www.dusit.com/hbs/checkAvailability.html#
3. Last but not least, I think I should mention the Sukhothai Bangkok which was real tempting but was a tad too expensive for my taste (and for the subject of this post.) They are running a "welcome back package" for baht 4,900++ per night - I asked... you don't necessarily have to be a returning guest to be "welcomed back". So if you can afford USD 180 per night nett, I would definitely check it out at:
http://www.sukhothaihotel.com/rates-...-back-package/
Wendy Brians
Naples, FL
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
---
I've been told that the unrest in Bangkok earlier this year has brought about a price-war among the city's top hotels. But when I started to do some research for a one week leisure trip planned for August 2010, I found that although the prices were indeed REALLY low, most deals were not applicable for tourists and non-residents. Worse, some five star hotels still resorted to price discrimination by offering reduced rates only for Thai nationals. (I'll refrain from naming names, but if you dig around the web you'll know which hotels I'm referring to.)
My plan for this trip is to stay in the old part of town for 2-3 days where I can walk to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and go see "Muay Thai" - preferably in a smallish place with a bit of history and character. Then for remainder of the week, find a international-standard five star hotel in the inner-part of the city where I will have easy access to the "sky train" or the subway. Budget wise, I am willing to pay up to USD $100 per night (Initially, I was planning to spend less, but apparently the dollar doesn't get you very far at all these days.)
Surprisingly, the hardest part was finding hotels that offered special rates to foreign tourists - you'd think the hotels would extend the promotions to foreign tourists because we stay longer and spend more at the destination, but apparently that wasn't the case - so after a week of research, here is what I came up with:
1. For the first leg, I found a quaint little B&B named the "Old Bangkok Inn" that was offering a "Pay two, one free" package. Location wise, it was ideal because it's right in between the Grand Palace and the Muay Thai stadium and yes... it was extending the promotion to foreign tourists and locals alike. I booked the lemongrass room for baht 3,590 per night nett for three nights, but will end up paying for only two night because of the promotion. So on average I'm paying USD 74 per night.
Seeing as it is the low season, I also decided to try my luck and had asked for an early check-in, late check-out and a room upgrade... guess what? I got all three!!! If you decide to stay there, I would recommend writing directly to Nantiya - the owner - and ask politely for an early check-in, late check-out and a room upgrade (if you need it, that is). Their website is at: http://www.oldbangkokinn.com/
2. For the second leg, I settled on the Dusit Thani Bangkok for their "Dusit Take Two" promotion. The Dusit Thani is an upper-market Thai hotel chain that is located on both the sky train and the metro route. Its also right opposite to the city's central park, so I shouldn't have to stare at an office when I look out of my room. Basically, I paid baht 3,500++ per night for a Superior room and half that amount on the subsequent night. After taxes for two nights I'll be paying on average USD 96.
I was not able to book the promotion through their website, so I just called the hotel directly and they took care of everything in 5 minutes. I should also note that for both the Old Bangkok Inn and the Dusit Thani, their promotions will be running until the end of September 2010. For the Dusit Thani's website go to: http://www.dusit.com/hbs/checkAvailability.html#
3. Last but not least, I think I should mention the Sukhothai Bangkok which was real tempting but was a tad too expensive for my taste (and for the subject of this post.) They are running a "welcome back package" for baht 4,900++ per night - I asked... you don't necessarily have to be a returning guest to be "welcomed back". So if you can afford USD 180 per night nett, I would definitely check it out at:
http://www.sukhothaihotel.com/rates-...-back-package/
Wendy Brians
Naples, FL
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
---
Jul 10th, 2010, 08:16 AM
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Wendy, I'm surprised at your comments about "price discrimination." It is very common for hotels and resorts to have special prices for locals only. That's certainly common, for instance, in Hawaii, and I expect resorts in Florida do it as well. So I would always expect locals to be able to find exceptional deals for which I would not be eligible.
I must say I don't understand your comment "the hardest part was finding hotels that offered special rates to foreign tourists." Yes, I know the hotels often have lower prices for locals, but in my experience is that virtually all of the hotels have specials for tourists virtually all of the time. No one, but no one pays rack rates for hotels! The hotels own websites almost always show specials, and of course, there are always the usual hotel booking sites like www.sawasdee.com and www.agoda.com that have great prices.
But good for you for doing your research. There have been a number of reports on the OBI. A couple of people reported here that taxi driver have a hard time finding it. Hopefully, it's been open long enough now that you won't have that problem.
Your comment about calling the hotel directly is a good reminder for those who haven't done it before. I often find that I can get what I'm looking for by contacting the hotel directly.
One other note for people looking for last minute deals. www.latestays.com often has some very good deals, though always compare with prices from other sources.
Have a great trip!
I must say I don't understand your comment "the hardest part was finding hotels that offered special rates to foreign tourists." Yes, I know the hotels often have lower prices for locals, but in my experience is that virtually all of the hotels have specials for tourists virtually all of the time. No one, but no one pays rack rates for hotels! The hotels own websites almost always show specials, and of course, there are always the usual hotel booking sites like www.sawasdee.com and www.agoda.com that have great prices.
But good for you for doing your research. There have been a number of reports on the OBI. A couple of people reported here that taxi driver have a hard time finding it. Hopefully, it's been open long enough now that you won't have that problem.
Your comment about calling the hotel directly is a good reminder for those who haven't done it before. I often find that I can get what I'm looking for by contacting the hotel directly.
One other note for people looking for last minute deals. www.latestays.com often has some very good deals, though always compare with prices from other sources.
Have a great trip!
Jul 10th, 2010, 04:35 PM
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Thanks for your note Kathie.
Just one small clarification, my "issue" with many of the special hotel promotions I was looking at in Bangkok is that many were only valid for Thai nationals (they were not even valid for foreign nationals living in Thailand with work permits) however, it could have been a misunderstanding/ miscommunication on the part of the employee I was emailing with.
Nevertheless, thank you again for the note and for making me feel welcomed on this forum.
I'll be sure to print out a map of the Old Bangkok Inn so that I'll have less of a hard time finding it
Thanks again!
Wendy Brians
Naples, FL
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
---
Just one small clarification, my "issue" with many of the special hotel promotions I was looking at in Bangkok is that many were only valid for Thai nationals (they were not even valid for foreign nationals living in Thailand with work permits) however, it could have been a misunderstanding/ miscommunication on the part of the employee I was emailing with.
Nevertheless, thank you again for the note and for making me feel welcomed on this forum.
I'll be sure to print out a map of the Old Bangkok Inn so that I'll have less of a hard time finding it
Thanks again!
Wendy Brians
Naples, FL
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness." - Mark Twain
---
Jul 10th, 2010, 06:21 PM
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Wendy, while taxis are cheap and readily available at the airport, if you are concerned about the driver finding the OBI, you might consider a limo service. It's not necessary, but a bit of luxury to be met and whisked into a waiting Mercedes. I always use AAC Limo, it's about 1000 baht plus tolls. A taxi is about 350 baht plus tolls. In my experience, taxi drivers are not always able to read maps. (Still, do print it!)
BTW, where did you find all the hotel promotions for Thais only? The only place I regularly run into those is in the Bangkok papers.
BTW, where did you find all the hotel promotions for Thais only? The only place I regularly run into those is in the Bangkok papers.
Jul 10th, 2010, 06:33 PM
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At this point in time, following the recent turmoil, the TAT is purposely promoting domestic travel for Thai nationals. It's not aimed "against" foreigners.
"Locals" promotions are common, everywhere. They entice people who might otherwise look elsewhere for a holiday.
"Locals" promotions are common, everywhere. They entice people who might otherwise look elsewhere for a holiday.
Jul 10th, 2010, 06:45 PM
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Whatever hotel you choose to stay in just pull up the map link and proper name and address and the clerk at the taxi meter desk will tell the driver in Thai where to go.
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/52
Meter starts at 35 baht. You do pay any toll charges during the ride - prices are posted - probably a total of 70 baht.
If you are worried about discounts on hotels so much you could choose one of the many hundreds of hotels at half your price and save a lot of money! At least check out some of the places at lower prices and see if they will do for your next trip. Saving $50 a night isn't too shabby! Many millions of tourists stay at hotels that are half or even less than your hotel allowance. I am not talking about dorms or hostels these are rooms with air conditioning, private bath, etc.
http://www.bangkokairportonline.com/node/52
Meter starts at 35 baht. You do pay any toll charges during the ride - prices are posted - probably a total of 70 baht.
If you are worried about discounts on hotels so much you could choose one of the many hundreds of hotels at half your price and save a lot of money! At least check out some of the places at lower prices and see if they will do for your next trip. Saving $50 a night isn't too shabby! Many millions of tourists stay at hotels that are half or even less than your hotel allowance. I am not talking about dorms or hostels these are rooms with air conditioning, private bath, etc.
Jul 10th, 2010, 07:51 PM
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i hope the room you have at the DT is not one of the ones that was recently set afire by the locals during their disturbances.... the hotel took quite a hit...
old bkk inn is old news as kathie points out....it is often mentioned here and people love staying there but taxis to and from can be an issue...
there are many really good deals just now....marriott and sheraton for instance have fabulous deals around $100 per nite...
there has long been a special membership card that thai marriotts offer for up to 50% off for expats and locals that is good for one year.... that is valid today...
of course there are the pre-pay sites like agoda and sawadee which have fabulous deals all the time on bkk and other asian destinations... did you ever look at those.....or serviced apartments also...
you got decent locations for your stays, but personally i do not think they are fabulous... you will be well served at both...
old bkk inn is old news as kathie points out....it is often mentioned here and people love staying there but taxis to and from can be an issue...
there are many really good deals just now....marriott and sheraton for instance have fabulous deals around $100 per nite...
there has long been a special membership card that thai marriotts offer for up to 50% off for expats and locals that is good for one year.... that is valid today...
of course there are the pre-pay sites like agoda and sawadee which have fabulous deals all the time on bkk and other asian destinations... did you ever look at those.....or serviced apartments also...
you got decent locations for your stays, but personally i do not think they are fabulous... you will be well served at both...
Jul 11th, 2010, 08:47 AM
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You won't have any problems getting back and forth from OBI. Nantiya has cards printed out with directions to the hotel in Thai that you can carry with you (as you explore the city) and just hand them to taxi drivers as needed--you'll be fine.
That said, we found that exploring the city from the canal system (located right across the street from OBI) was a lot quicker and a helluva lot more exciting.
Enjoy! It's a great hotel.
That said, we found that exploring the city from the canal system (located right across the street from OBI) was a lot quicker and a helluva lot more exciting.
Enjoy! It's a great hotel.
Jul 12th, 2010, 05:52 AM
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I stayed at the OBI in January 2010. It is wonderful. We used Tong's service to hire a driver from the airport. It was flat rate (I think 700 baht). The driver (who was polite and efficient) got to the street without problem but had to ring up the OBI to get the exact location. It was very simple.
Jul 12th, 2010, 07:51 AM
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That's a funny way to call dogster - "liquids"! Here's my note for dogster:
This man is a blend of Caucasian and Aborigines, with the Caucasian dominating, looks to be the best they have ever produced, even eclipsing the Caledonians of yonder. Vanilla white in color, with extraordinarily elegant floral notes intermixed with Old Spice, Paco Rabanne, Musk, and Brylcreem, it is medium to full-bodied, not massive, but again, very seamless, with beautiful precision, sweet eloquence, and an endearing fleshiness and depth of knowledge that are neither heavy nor fatiguing. This man will be relatively approachable for the next 3-5 years but will fade after that.
Now do you want to see my note for you?
This man is a blend of Caucasian and Aborigines, with the Caucasian dominating, looks to be the best they have ever produced, even eclipsing the Caledonians of yonder. Vanilla white in color, with extraordinarily elegant floral notes intermixed with Old Spice, Paco Rabanne, Musk, and Brylcreem, it is medium to full-bodied, not massive, but again, very seamless, with beautiful precision, sweet eloquence, and an endearing fleshiness and depth of knowledge that are neither heavy nor fatiguing. This man will be relatively approachable for the next 3-5 years but will fade after that.
Now do you want to see my note for you?
