lcuy

Sorry to ask this again, but I'm soooo torn! We're trying to choose between a tower rooms at the Orchid or go with the Marriott Resort.

Reason for my indecision: We've got two teens who are hot to use all the time not sightseeing for shopping. Lovely as the boats from the Marriott sound, will the time and heat involved on the "commute" drive us crazy?

We live in Hawaii, so a tropical flavor is not really as exotic as a glamorous high rise to us, but we do appreciate friendly staff.

Orchid Tower is avail at about $320 for two rooms; Marriott at about $260.

Thanks for your input. If you need any help on Hawaii, Let me know!

Kathie

You won't go wrong with either of them. Being in the Towers at the Royal Orchid has some advantages as your room price includes full breakfast, evening cocktails and canapes and (the biggest money-saver) 6 pieces of free laundry per person per day.

While the Marriott is a bit out of the way, the commute on the river is always interesting.

By the way, while the Marriott is billed as having the best pool area in Bangkok, the Royal Orchid has two pools, one of which is located in a lovely garden. So if you stay at the Royal orchid, your kids will still have a lovely pool to swim and lounge (and there are plenty of shady spots).

rhkkmk

kathie is right...thw two pools are nice at the sheraton---well one is nice and one is a rooftop pool completely out in the open and overlooked by the hotel restaurants...i do not find it nice, but the one in the portugese embassy area is lovely and relaxing and enjoyable ...having said that...everyone on this forum knows that i hate the sheraton and kathie loves it....i would only choose the marriott if i had kids...there is really not anything for kids to do especially around the sheraton---the mall is of no interest to them, but the mall at the marriott at least has mcdonalds, burger king, swensons ice cream and a few video games....there is also a good internet cafe just up the road which is full of thai kids playing games every afternoon and evening...

the trip on the boat is a joy....its only 10-15 minutes each way...they give you cold cloths and cold water on the return trips to the hotel....it is great to see the actural workings along the river and the kids will love seeing the long tail boats cruising at high speeds along the river---its best seen from another boat

lastly why pay extra...the sheraton could be located in pheonix, paris, istambul or tampa...that is the way it looks both inside and out....the marriott at least has a thai feel about it, both inside and out...PLUS THE BEST AND LARGEST POOL AREA IN BKK....

its no choice in my mind...can't remember how long you are going for but you could easily stay in both places and just change hotels...its easy...

have you considered booking rooms from a hotel service for less money??

www.huahin.20m.com or
www.asiavoyage24.com

lcuy

Bob- asiavoyage24 is the site I was looking for in another post!!! Thank you! they had the best rates of anyone. Have you (or anyone else) actually used them?

When you stay at the Marriott, so you fell free to come back mid-day for a rest, or do you stay out all day so as to avoid the shuttling?



My 'kids' are actually a senior in high school and a freshmen in college. Both girls and are interested in clothes, and ethnic jewelry - the cheaper the better! I'm into weavings and textiles; my husband loves tacky souvenirs- so we have to censor his purchases!

We'll be in Bangkok for 6 days over Christmas. I plan on seeing the major temples, exploring the river on public boats, the night market, maybe a day with ratt (depending on her availability), a 1/2 spa day for the whole family, and the rest of the time wandering and shopping.

For the last 18 years, we have spent every Christmas in San Diego with the family. Grandma & Grandpa and the house are gone this year though, hence the exotic locale.

Anyway all your comments are greatly appreciated...I've seen how often the same questions are asked...it should be easy to read and decide, but it isn't!

Kathie

Your kids are of an age where they might appreciate the adult things the Sheraton has to offer. I looked last time I was there, and there actually are a couple of fast food places across the street from the Sheraton (pizza and ice cream). They will be closer to shopping at the Sheraton, both at River City and at the shops closer to the Oriental as well as shops that are a taxi ride away.

If you're going to do spa, the Mandara spa at the Royal Orchid is lovely. There is also a Mandara spa at the Marriott, but I haven't seen their spa rooms.

Still, as we've both said, I don't think you'd regret either choice.

rhkkmk

the girls will go wild....let them know however unless they are small then many things will not fit them....jewerly, etc is in abundance and very cheap....

MBK is a good starting place....near siam square...

river city may have some things for them but not lots....along silom road there are tons of street stalls and also along sukhumvit rd....the weekend market if you can stand the heat....the night market is good, but i have not been there yet...only hear it is good...

the marriott is mcuh better than sheraton for girls in my opinion...the mini mall at marriott has lots to bargain for cheaply...there is also lots around sheraton and out on new road....good silver at lin's on oriental rd in back of oriental hotel...

lcuy

I forgot about the size thing, but luckily one of our girls is tiny (5'1&quot and the other is very tall (5'10&quot but very skinny so everything but long pants will fit her. The little one loves going to Japan..She always stocks up on her shoes in Japan.

I guess I'll just check the prices and go for one or the other hotel in the next few days. After all, neither could be as bad as the last hotel I stayed in in Bangkok...the Golden Palace. Wonder if its still around??!!

orgy7

from what ya posted I'd say maybe stay in town.. notably around ploenchit district. for lux you have choice of four seasons, Grand hyat, and intercontinental..

everyone posts that taking the boat too mariot takes 10-15 minuts, but they fail too post that its only too the BTS station then ya have another 10-15 minuts BTS ride too get in town or atleast aournd siam and sukunvit.

if you stay aournd SIAM/ploanchit you will be souranded by all the major malls souviniers shops. night clubs, and movie theaters.. pluss all BTS routs are either connected too hotels or a block or 2 away. .

for the ethnic looking jewlary khao san road is kind of the place.. the backpacker GHETO.. but the "OFICIAL souvinier store (forget real name) is a couple a block away form the inter... the prices may not be dirt cheep but ya know that merchandise is authentic and litle too NO HAGGLING.. if ya do want the cheeper items the basemnt offers some deals.

rhkkmk

orgy---most of us love to be on the river and not in town, although you are right that everything is right there....go ride on that free marriott boat and see how nice it is....you may change your mind...the 15+15 minute timeframes don't mean that much when you are on vacation if you know and plan for them...

travelduo

rhkkmk, we took your advise and booked the marriott for nov! our plane lands at 10pm, are we going to have any problems getting to the hotel that late? Do we just take a taxi to the dock then wait there, or how does that work? thanks

laurieco

You can get a taxi straight to your hotel. No need for boats as far as I know when coming from the airport. I've stayed at the Shangri-La and the Penninsula, both on the river, and to and from the airport, we take taxis directly to and from the hotel. The boats are good for getting around Bangkok once you're all settled in. You should have no problem getting a taxi at that time. Make sure it's metered so you don't get ripped off.

Kathie

Yes, take a taxi or a limo directly to the hotel. The "limo" service (really what we would call a Mercedes sedan) is at a stand outside the arrivals hall. I always travel with a fair amount of luggage (empty - to fill on my travels) so I appreciate the larger car. For a family of four, you'll either need a limo or van or two taxis from teh airport.

rhkkmk

believe me you will not be in any mood for a boat ride after landing in bkk...

a taxi is out for two reasons...the trunk (boot) is way to small for the luggage for 4 people and also too small for 3 in the back seat for a 45 minute ride....most are toyota corollas...

you will need either a "limo" (medium sized mercedes or toyota camry) or a van...do not take huge suitcases, use medium sized ones...

plan on getting to the hotel about mid-night...no problem they will be at the desk waiting for you....everything in the hotel will be closed except room service and maybe the bar and/or basement snack place 9both are in the main building)...most flights from usa arrive just before mid-night so there is always some activity....let them know at the hotel what time you will arrive...

limos: the hotel will charge $36++ for the benz (more for a van)...you will all fit, but it will be tight in the back seat (for 3)...a van might be better...

i have been using aac limo....as kathie said they are just inside the door from the outside taxi stand (come out of customs and turn left and go to the last door--they have a yellow sign that says airport limo...)....they require cash....there are atms close by and currency exchange windows both inside and outside customs...many people will approach you for a ride...i would wait for aac or marriott myself...the fee for aac is about 1250-1600B for a round-trip... i arrange mine in advance:

[email protected]

you will need to pay aac an additional 70B for the highway--you give it to the driver directly after you are in the car--tell him toll road...

orgy7

RTKHK.... Im a water man myself I sometimes take a day trip over there too calm my nerves.

I try too give advice on what I interprit the post says.. I try not too push any place or property.. I have nothing too gain...

as far as the mariot goes after reading years of your posts on it.. I get the impresion it's really nice place. but I would suggest it for seasoned travelers too bkk who want too relax, have already been too all the sites and know how too manage thier time in the city.. I don't think it appropriat for some one comming here for a short time and first time. you yourself have said there is nothing much going on in that side of thombari.. LCUY spacificly mention commuter time driving them crazy. (and I believe it would)..
I think it would be better for a hard core shopper too stay in town. they can just walk a couple of blocks shop around. walk back too hotel leave junk behind relaxe and head out when ever and as many times as they wish without having too plot out a commute too get back to the shopping districts.

No, I have nothing against river side hotels. I think they are great for honeymoons and romantic lux getaways. Every location has it's benifits and I try too throw my 5 baht in there as a diffrent opinion..

one thing I do disaprove of big time on this board is suggesting LUX hotels too everyone even for those that say they are on a tight budget.

rhkkmk

orgy---couple of things....the marriott is the perfect place for any family...by far the best choice....and i've looked at tons of bkk places...i do not consider it lux...

on the lux score....bkk is so cheap that people from the west (like you) can stay in a lux place for the price of a holiday inn in the usa....so why not encourage them to do it...??

you are correct that there is nothing to do near the marriott...i do not find that a 20-30 minute commute from the marriott to the center of town to be too much for most tourists...the marriott is an oasis---quiet and even clearer air....

TAKE THE BOAT OVER THERE ONE DAY AND HAVE A LOOK AROUND AND HAVE A DRINK---SEND ME THE BAR TAB......you will see why so many of us like it..

orgy7

RHKNK. setle down sir. I don't want ya too have a heart atack, I would miss you on this board..

there is no debate that BKK offers the worlds best value for all hotels especialy lux. $100 + for some of these places is a deal but it dosn't mean that someone on a $70 a day budget will want or be able to grab the best value.



anyways...... if someone mentions they want an oasis in the city or need a HUGE pool. I'll suggest checking out the mariott.. but if they are intersted in shopping and being around resteraunts/entertainment. I'll continue too suggest the in town places.

Spygirl

Orgy7-you make a good point. There's no need for anyone on this board to push the Marriott and riverside when clearly it's not suitable for everyone. The Marriott IS down river, and it's a 15 minute boat ride from the skytrain-THAT's a signficant commute to me, and you have to wait for the boat, too. A lot of people, particularly with families, may not want to do that, and therefore, staying closer in town is far more practical, not to mention less expensive (unless you can get a good priceline rate).

rhkkmk

enjoy the pollution and noise---i'll continue to stay on the river and at the little oasis --the marriott resort and spa...more room for me!! yip-EE...

Craig

Did someone say there is a pool at the Marriot? LOL - this is the most intense sparring I've seen on THIS forum in a while.

BillT

I am a big fan of the Peninsula but I would admitt that if proximity to shopping venues is your main concern then yes staying in town- next to a Skytrain station is the thing to do.
Staying on the river is relaxing, the boat ride to the Skytrain/other stops is very pleasant and the views are nice.
However after some heavy duity shopping it is a bit tiring to ride the train with all your packages, then walk to the boat, wait and then the ride across the river to get to your hotel.