Carol, even Asiarooms shows the Sofitel So at US$150-200 (and up) advance payment for July which is not much better than the Sofitel website price. Maybe you need to look elsewhere. Wow - no bargains in Bangkok anymore...

Hi Craig. I was hoping for this new Sofitel because I like the location. Guess I might also look at the new Centre Point at Terminal 21. I've seen some fairly good rates for that place. It's new too, having opened in about October. Sofitel just opened in maybe Feb/Mar of this year.

Somebody here at fodors stayed at S15, I think...? It's much less money... heck, I could stay in the best suite! It also has a desirable location for me.

I've got time. Maybe Sofitel will lower their rates....

Hi Carol, Booking.com doesn't require advance payment, I think. They have the Centre Point T21 for less than Emporium Suites. What about the Four Points? It's right behind S15.

We stayed at Aloft, the new place on Soi 11 (quite close to the new Sofitel)and really liked it. Rooms available from 2470 baht on their website.

I used booking.com for our upcoming stay in a small town in Switzerland. Their cancellation policy (for this hotel anyway) was not great, but I'm certain we're not going to cancel in the next week and a half.

Four Points looks nice, yes. We saw the "one-man band" in the lobby bar there. That's another possibility, as is CP at T21. Emporium is too far down Sukhumvit or I'd give it a try sometime.

Aloft is a bit further away from where I want to be than my usual Adelphi Suites so I won't investigate it at this time, but the suggestion is appreciated.

OK, I opted for a cancellable jr suite at Four Points. The price for jr suite is less than a regular (cancellable) room at Sofitel. I used booking.com. Fingers crossed, it turns out to be a good choice.

Yes, the four points is nice for the price. Breakfast is pretty good.

breaking out of the box...what's next?? no shopping??

Not a lot of time for shopping on this trip, Bob. But I'll do what I can to help the Thai economy.

start buying expensive stuff to really help the economy

Bob... I don't have it in me to buy expensive stuff! I came from a very meager background. My mother lived thru the depression and she set an example that I will never outlive, I think.

I'll have to make up for it... cheap goods but I buy it in QUANTITY!!

i guess we could all learn a lesson... does brad still have 40,000 frogs??

He's got waaaaaaay more than 40k. That's 'small peanuts' compared to what he has in his 'warehouse' upstairs. I think he probably just purchased 40k more, on his over night trip to CM about a week ago.

now that's shopping

Bob, don't encourage him! haha

Speaking of 'new' hotel stays... we're off to Lucerne today to stay for 2 nts at the 'new' (very old bldg) Renaissance in a jr suite. I'm sure it will be very nice...

Bob, do I earn nights of I'm paying with points and cash?? I'm going to try to maintain platinum status if possible. These 2 nights would help.