ReddTyde

I am soliciting any suggestions seasoned fodorites might give regarding hotels in Siem Reap, Bangkok, Phuket, and Krabi (Railey or Ao Nang, by the way, which is betteer?) for a trip in January.
I'd prefer 3.5 stars and up for all the destinations, on the higher end in BKK. In Bangkok, I'd like a hotel possibly near the river or with a killer city view. In Phuket, i'd like to have a ocean view, or at least be quite close to the water.
I would also appreciate input on specific neighborhoods in BKK.
Thanks all!

Kathie

Give us a price range per night and we can be more helpful.

ReddTyde

$150 to $250 per night, hopefully.

Kathie

I see. For that price you can get 5 star hotels.

rhkkmk

bangkok: anantara resort and spa, formerly marriott; peninsula, shangri-la, royal orchid sheraton, chatrium suites riverside, all on the river. plaza anthanee, sheraton grande, jw marriott, marriott mayfair (love this neighborhood), rennaissance (new), all in town..

krabi: sheraton, amari vogue, sofitel, all out of town which i prefer but i also like having a car there to get into ao nang at least once.

i love khao lak which is one hour north of phuket airport: jw marriott is simply fabulous, le meridien..

phuket: le meridien right on the beach, new marriott courtyard in patong, jw marriott-remote, also renaissance and anantara on same property...

siem reap--sofitel

i also have a restaurant guide from personal experience of bangkok if you want it, ask me at [email protected]

Kathie

I agree with Bob on the river hotels, but I'm confused by your request for a "city view." Typically you stay on the river to get the view of the endlessly fascinating river traffic.

I disagree with Bob about the Sofitel in Siem Reap - huge could be anywhere hotel. I'd chose a boutique property like L'Hotel de la Paix, La Residencec, Victoria, etc.

simpsonc510

I would probably pick Railay over Ao Nang (although I stayed in Ao Nang on my trip to Krabi). I like walking out the door and having dining and shopping options 'right there' rather than having to grab a tuk tuk. BTW, side car taxis in Ao Nang are a hoot! Loved it!

simpsonc510

Phuket... look at either Mom Tri's Boathouse or Mom Tri's Villa Royale. Also, the Katathani on Kata Noi beach is lovely.

sf7307

<<<I'd chose a boutique property like L'Hotel de la Paix, La Residencec, Victoria, etc.>>>

If you're looking for a beatiful luxury resort property in Siem Reap, I can vouch for La Residence d'Angkor (the others may be great, we only stayed at La Residence, and loved it -- it's beautiful, with a great pool, very good breakfast, large rooms, nice staff).

rhkkmk

i agree with simpson about phuket

Kathie

For booking hotels, check out www.agoda.com or www.asiarooms.com or www.sawasdee.com for Thailand.

Note that tax and service add 17.7% to your room cost. As you compare prices, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Also, it's a good idea to get a deal that includes breakfast, as the usual price of breakfast in these hotels is US$16-20 pp.

AskOksena

>>>In Bangkok, I'd like a hotel possibly near the river or with a killer city view.<<<


Warm greetings, Redd, and early congrats on upcoming trip to Asia.

This could be a budget killer for you, but can't resist giving the highest praise to an all-time cherished Bangkok riverside hotel with a 'killer city view' : The Peninsula. I never tire of staying at that property for work and the occasional, brief holiday.

Mind you, the fine city views from the Peninsula truly kick in on the highest floors. It took a few business and leisure stays to find my (our) special lodgings, and can assure you there are some sweet suites and rooms up high at the hotel. Savouring the sunset glow overtaking the city and the lights beginning to shine; magical. And, taking in the river traffic, from above and riverside.

I love the place so much (going back to her earliest days, late-nineties), I've scheduled my November Bangkok business trip to coincide with the Loy Krathong celebration at the Peninsula on 10 November. It's always been a delight sharing that holiday with the loved one and some great employees and friends at the Pen. (And, can also give the highest praise to the Peninsula's, Valentine's Day celebration.)

Wherever you stay, have fun in the City of Angels.

macintosh (robert)


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

ReddTyde

Thanks to all those who have provided suggestions. By all means, please keep them coming. I love the input!

AskOksena

>>>Thanks to all those who have provided suggestions. By all means, please keep them coming. I love the input!<<<


You are most welcome.

Will add a relatively new Bangkok business travel favourite of mine, the St. Regis. Such great staff (including some good friends who were transferred over from the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit) and wonderful rooms and public venues with fine views. Nothing to lose by checking the hotel's website for various promos (along with the cherished Peninsula hotel I mentioned earlier in thread).

Another Friday flying day for me awaits, so early and warm weekend wishes to all -- and enjoy your planning.

robert

ReddTyde

Thanks to all those who have responded. I have decided on Angkor Village Resort in Siem Reap and LeBua Tower in Bangkok. I am still having trouble deciding on hotels in Phuket and Krabi.
Does anyone have anything to offer on the Marina Phuket in Karon Beach or the Peach Blossum, also Karon Beach?
Has anyone heard anything about the Krabi Thai Village or the Vogue resort in Ao Nang?
I am also looking for suggestions about land travel back and forth between Phuket and Krabi.
Again, I really appreciate everyone's suggestions!

jenskar2

If you want Lebua Tower -- there's a flash sale right now at jet setter -- you might get better rates:
http://www.jetsetter.com/r/towerclub...saicgroup&cl=3

rhkkmk

i stayed at angkor village several years ago and was very disappointed. the buildings are beautiful, but not kept up well.

usernameistaken

We liked the Old Bangkok Inn....not by the river, but I liked it better than the Shangri La....more character.

Elizabeth_S

The Arun Suite at Arun Residence has a huge balcony right on the river and the location is ideal....

http://arunresidence.com/index.php

AskOksena

>>>Thanks to all those who have responded. I have decided on Angkor Village Resort in Siem Reap and LeBua Tower in Bangkok.<<<


Warm greetings again, Redd, and hope planning is coming along nicely. Regarding lebua, my few stays were for work, way back in '05 and '06, so any thoughts on my part, rather antique. I truly enjoyed my times at the hotel, but don't know if I can put her in the 'top ten' of the various BKK properties I've had the privilege of staying at for work (and occasional pleasure). Nothing against lebua; it's simply the plethora of great hotels and gracious service I've encountered over the years.

Which brings up two potential alternatives I just had the pleasure of savouring once again over the past several days: St. Regis (a few days of meetings) and Peninsula (all too brief holiday before flying back home to Singapore). Can't praise those two hotels, staffs and friends enough.

(For what it's worth, during our Peninsula stay, we made another contribution to the Thai Red Cross, thanks to suggestions via the ever-helpful 'Pook' and a wondrous friend at the Peninsula who never seems to fail in procuring 'suite upgrades' at that magical property; thanks forever, Khun 'N'.)

Would gently suggest (for all of you) researching various Bangkok deals being currently offered (and in near future). Can assure you, the St. Regis and Peninsula came through with most agreeable frequent corporate and leisure guest rates, respectively.

Another travelling day for me, so early and warmest weekend and holiday wishes to you and all,

robert


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