I have driven pass it a few times Kathie but that's about it. However, I've been going to the Siam Kempinski a lot so if you would like to know about that then let me know.

The St Regis is getting a good buzz from the local hotel experts I'm in touch with. The place that's really getting a lot of recommendations, although not much press, is the Hansar, which one maven says was the best hotel guest experience in Bangkok.

Thanks to both of you. How close is it to the skytrain station?

Michael, can you tell us what you know about the Hansar?

I was at the Hansar for the opening party, free flowing Chateau Latour... hic! Nearish to the Four Seasons so you can get a bearing for the BTS.

Gee, I'm sorry I missed the opening party!

Kathie check out SLH.com they are doing a deal re the Hansar, I liked the look of the location ( we stayed at the 4S last year and loved that location) and as Pook said its close to there. The hotel itself looks gorgeous, the current deal is 6000bht (which I think you can get through it's own web too)

Warm greetings Kathie (and don't forget to fly SQ every now and then; fine airline),


Re St. Regis, I suggested that property on this board a few days back to a woman named Ay and her grad school friends. They were looking for a fun place and I gave high praise to the hotel's bar scene one evening earlier this month. (Mind you, the setting was affiliated with a business function I attended at the hotel.)

Some wonderful friends (mostly from the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit) presently work at the St. Regis, so the evening in question felt like 'old home week'. I have yet to stay at the hotel but plan on doing so next month when I'm back in Bangkok for meetings. If so inclined, numerous discussions of the place on flyertalk and even that sweet SQTalk.com/ (The Hansar also intrigues me, but the current corporate promos from the St. Regis are too tempting.)

It's worth checking out, Kathie, particularly if your BKK hotel has always been the ROS. (Well, I've always loved staying at different Asian hotels for work.)

Wherever you end up staying, have fun. (And, I hope to have more info on the various St. Regis massage treatments and masseuses.)

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Girl, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

Hansar is an all suite hotel. Here's a link to the very glowing review:

http://reservethaihotels.net/2799/hansar-bangkok-review/

The same site also has several posts on the St Regis. The latest one is a video tour of the Caroline Astor suite:

http://reservethaihotels.net/3080/st-regis-bangkok-video-tour/

They have a good rate but I decided for the Sheraton Grande for the club amenities at the Sheraton. Am never sure what to do with a butler that the St Regis provides.

i think you will find that the skytrain is right across the street...

To answer Kathie's question,
The BTS Skytrain Rajadamri station is right outside the doors of the St Regis.

mjs, I know what you mean, the Club amenities at the Sheraton are too good to pass up. Let me know how you like the SGS in comparison to the ROS.

I'm thinking right now that I'll see if I can reserve the free night offered to me at the St. Regis for one night of our Bangkok time.

but crossing that street can be a problem...

>>>They have a good rate but I decided for the Sheraton Grande for the club amenities at the Sheraton. Am never sure what to do with a butler that the St Regis provides.<<<

Warm greetings, 'mjs', and must confess I'm looking forward to St. Regis butler service (and preferably discreet and female, just like my Bangkok business travel favourites at the Shangri-La's Krungthep Wing). Yes, corporate booking made at St. Regis for three nights in June. More to follow.

(And 'btw' mjs, did you not have the delights of butler service along with your 'club amenities' at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit? Every time I've stayed there - via upgrades to Club - for work, always friendly butlers scurrying 'round, escorting guests at all hours, amongst other functions.)

Thanks for the links, Michael, warm welcome to Fodor's, Aaron, and to all, keep flying that cherished carrier, SIN-BKK -- and, 'long-haul'!

robert


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

I personally haven't been (not until December), but many reviews with photos and a clip here: http://milepoint.com/forums/threads/the-st-regis-bangkok-master-thread.7705/

We did enjoy our stay at the Sheraton Grande. Have had a butler at Shangri La's before, last in Kowloon but never feel like I know what to expect from a butler as it takes me about 2 minutes to unpack. Do they iron your clothes? Also do not use the coffee/tea service in room very much although it was good to have as we had a 0230 wake up for a 0605 flight back home. Corner connected rooms were very nice and the breakfast was superb. Drinks 1800-2000 in one of the three bars. Free three pieces of laundry done per person also pleasant. Easy Skytrain access!

mjs, how would you compare the SGS with the ROS? Sounds like skytrain access was very easy.

Back in the old days, they had butler service for the ROS Towers. They brought us coffee/tea in the morning, they took any laundry we had to be done, and yes, they would iron clothes, etc.

When we were at the Ritz Carlton in KL, our Butler served us breakfast in our room, coffee/tea as requested, took care of getting clothes pressed, but he also made restaurant reservations, car reservations, etc for us.

BTW, once I found what I needed to do to get my "free" night at the St. Regis, I decided to forego it. It was very expensive "free."

Kathie, I think the Sheraton Grande is a upgrade to the ROS. It does not have a river view, nor the lounge with food and drinks and concierge. I am not clear as to whether laundry is three pieces per person per stay or per day at the Grande. The ROS used to be per day but I am not sure what it is now. The ROS executive tower room was much nicer than the usual tower rooms but the Sheraton Grande rooms are larger and nicer than the executive rooms. Bathrooms have nice granite and the corner rooms have huge showers and very nice baths. Only one sink. Toiletries probably the same. Breakfast is nicer downstairs in the main dining room than in the ROS club or ROS downstairs main dining room. Drinks at the Grande are at any of the 3 bars except on weekends when only 2 bars are used. I think there is a better selection of premium drinks at the Grande but only finger bar food. The general manager of the Grande makes an effort to meet his guests for feedback during cocktail hours. Did not use the business center at the Grande as there is Wifi everywhere and included in my room rate which was 5000 bht/room with the SPG 50% off. Ipad very useful here. Have had problems using my points for Tower Exec rooms at the ROS for my last two visits to Bangkok. The Grande lobby is on the second floor and access to the Skytrain is right out the front door with a minute walk. Subway is also right there so you can take either for the weekend market.
The Westin is across the street on top of the Robinson department store and there is a nice supermarket downstairs.
We stayed at the Conrad last time which also quite nice and thought their club rooms were nicer than the regular tower rooms at the ROS. Club was also nicer with better food. No free laundry. Located next to a small mall with massage shop, Burger King and small supermarket.

I appreciate your observations and comments, mjs. We normally use the SPG50 rate for a deluxe Tower Suite at the ROS. I just made my request, we'll see if it comes through. If not, we'll look at other options.

i have found the grande to be at least one step above ROS in every way except for the river parts..

From mjs's account, it sounds like the club and the club amenities are not as good as the ROS, but the rooms are larger and nicer.

Here is my review of the SGS: http://milepoint.com/forums/threads/sheraton-grande-sukhumvit-master-thread.1571/page-2#post-516165

>>>Here is my review of the SGS:<<<


Wonderful review, Kalil! Always a pleasure to savour your impressions and pics on various forums. My forthcoming review of the Bangkok St. Regis will try to convey the essence of the place.

And, loved your jazz pics. Brought back fine memories of SGS 'happy hours' listening to that fine musician and gentleman, Randy Cannon, and his trio. (And, memories of a certain Khun 'J', that all-time cherished Living Room/Library waitress.)

Best to you and all,

robert

Thanks for your review and photos, Kahil.

The jazz band was playing the theme from the Flintstones when we checked in. Could not get it out of our heads for days. While I like the ROS I would agree that the Grande is a step above the ROS in quality. The location for getting around Bangkok with easy Skytrain/subway access is also hard to beat. The lounge at the ROS is however nice with tea/snacks in the afternoon and drinks and hor dourves in the evening, and computers and concierge. May have more laundry privileges as well. Pool is also nicer at the ROS and the river view is a plus.

Thank you Kathie and Robert ... sharing your travel experiences and assistance to all travelers has been an inspiration to all of us

Thank you for the kind thoughts, Kalil.

The following and rather condensed review of the St. Regis Bangkok doesn't match the length and pics of others on flyertalk and milepoint (and even sweet SQTalk); will say that yours truly considers the St. Regis to be full-on, flat-out Bangkok business travel heaven. (Some of the enthusiasm derives from the joy of simply staying at a new property for work; perhaps some of you fellow frequent hotel dwelling business travellers can relate.)

The three night stay in question occurred a few weeks back. Earlier, had received a targeted email corporate rate offer of deluxe king room with skyline view and 'fast track' immigration service upon arrival and departure. The 'meet and greet' upon gate arrival at BKK (via the ever-fine SQ978) went as smoothly and quickly as other BKK fast tracks I've experienced. (I never check bags for short business trips.) Smooth ride in Mercedes with most cordial driver. (The hotel does offer big Bentley automobiles, but they - and the big suites - would push the expense account envelope a bit too much for this traveller.)

Upon hotel arrival, such warmth and personal attention. The finest 'personal butler' (let's call her, Khun 'N') gave the room tour, then presented the exact same greeting package (green tea and other items) I've requested over the years at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. Presentation with Khun N's words to the effect, "we know it's your favourite". Great staff, with some fine SGS alums and friends.

The room worked perfectly for me. Very quiet and more than adequate broadband. Wish I could give you full descriptions of the hotel's various restaurants and spa (re the latter, opted for in-room massages via a nearby establishment), but work and dinner commitments kept me away from the property from early morning until late evening. Breakfast consisted of room service after early swims in a most attractive pool. Remain partial to the pools at the Four Seasons and particularly the SL's Krungthep Wing (sentimental), but suspect the St. Regis pool will work just fine for many of you.

Smooth check-out, fast tracked out to BKK (the SIA SilverKris Lounge and delightful staff, fine as ever), and back home to Singapore via SQ979.

Fine hotel with such kind and gracious friends and staff; hope to return many more times. (For more sentimental reasons, will always remain partial to certain suites at the Oriental and Peninsula, a certain 'cabana' at the Four Seasons and my special business travel room in the SL's Krungthep Wing.)

Many thanks, St. Regis, and warm weekend wishes to all.

robert

What happened to AskOksena's unique style of writing. The above must be an impostor!

Must be getting old...and sentimental!

Many thanks for your thoughtful reviews, pook -- and enjoy Africa! (And I think you and your lovely family will enjoy the occasional St. Regis drinks and views; fine place.)

robert