2010 Holiday season on Bangkok
Dec 29th, 2010, 03:26 PM
#101
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Carol, I too am a fan of your trip reports.
I have stayed at the Adelphi Suites many times, they have such great staff.
I will return to BKK in April on route to Malaysia for the F1 Grand Prix, this trip i will make it to the PL and try the Chilli !
Happy travels and thanks for your informative and entertaining posts.
Rick
I have stayed at the Adelphi Suites many times, they have such great staff.
I will return to BKK in April on route to Malaysia for the F1 Grand Prix, this trip i will make it to the PL and try the Chilli !
Happy travels and thanks for your informative and entertaining posts.
Rick
Dec 30th, 2010, 02:03 AM
#102
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Clifftop, I appreciate your kind words. I'll be back at the Adelphi in April, last half of the month... around the 18th or so. If we are here at the same time, we can have a cup of coffee or smoothie at Monsoon and visit!
Not sure how many BKK regulars are reading along here, so I'm going to post a separate thread on Indigo. I can't think of anyone who posts here with any regularity who would NOT like the food/service at Indigo!
The only thing on the schedule today is dinner and quiz night at the Pickled Liver. I did some shopping for tops and a long skirt today. Finally found something I like, at Robinson's ASOK store.
We were very lazy this morning after dinner last night, and then a stop on the way 'home' for yet another drink with friends. My head did not hit the pillow until maybe 11:30. DH had breakfast buffet, I just had yogurt, coffee, and a clementine. Didn't leave the apt until almost 3:00!! Time for a couple of loads of laundry. We'll need clothes to pack for our 2-night trip to the Marriott Pattaya for New Years Eve, returning to Bangkok on January 2nd, 2011.
Carol
Not sure how many BKK regulars are reading along here, so I'm going to post a separate thread on Indigo. I can't think of anyone who posts here with any regularity who would NOT like the food/service at Indigo!
The only thing on the schedule today is dinner and quiz night at the Pickled Liver. I did some shopping for tops and a long skirt today. Finally found something I like, at Robinson's ASOK store.
We were very lazy this morning after dinner last night, and then a stop on the way 'home' for yet another drink with friends. My head did not hit the pillow until maybe 11:30. DH had breakfast buffet, I just had yogurt, coffee, and a clementine. Didn't leave the apt until almost 3:00!! Time for a couple of loads of laundry. We'll need clothes to pack for our 2-night trip to the Marriott Pattaya for New Years Eve, returning to Bangkok on January 2nd, 2011.
Carol
Dec 30th, 2010, 06:04 AM
#103
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Enjoying your report Carol. Have written down the directions for getting to Indigo, sounds like a good spot for a special occasion dinner. Rather pricey but if we forgo wine might not be too out of range. Do you need a reservation?
I'm thinking that we will only be eating one meal (dinner) out each day we are in BKK as the Marriott Buffet breakfast will serve as breakfast and lunch.
The one thing that I do NOT like about Thailand is that wine is so very expensive. It must be the taxes because they could surely get tons of Australian and NZ wines there easily. Even if it's taxes, that doesn't explain why spirits are not out of the range of normal price, especially if you by the non famous brands. Perhaps someone can explain the WHY of why it is wine that is so pricey.
Sue
(who will be boarding JAL flight for first leg of journey (to Narita) then on to BKK, at this time next week!!!!!!excited)
I'm thinking that we will only be eating one meal (dinner) out each day we are in BKK as the Marriott Buffet breakfast will serve as breakfast and lunch.
The one thing that I do NOT like about Thailand is that wine is so very expensive. It must be the taxes because they could surely get tons of Australian and NZ wines there easily. Even if it's taxes, that doesn't explain why spirits are not out of the range of normal price, especially if you by the non famous brands. Perhaps someone can explain the WHY of why it is wine that is so pricey.
Sue
(who will be boarding JAL flight for first leg of journey (to Narita) then on to BKK, at this time next week!!!!!!excited)
Dec 30th, 2010, 06:13 AM
#104
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Oh uh just read your individual post about Indigo and see you already answered my question about a reservation. Thanks. After handwriting out all your directions, I was able to print out your topic specific post.
Sue
Sue
Dec 30th, 2010, 07:06 AM
#105
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Sue, the wine here has heavy import taxes, even if it only comes from as far as NZ or Australia.
Glad you are going to try Indigo. I think you'll enjoy it a lot.
We did quiz night at the PL and proudly took LAST place... lol. We just simply don't know all the trivia about sports. PL is a sports bar (British style pub, TVs playing 'football'... what we call soccer) after all. Anyway, we had a great time; and Maeng's chili was superb, as always.
Tomorrow we head to Pattaya Marriott resort for New Years Eve. It will be a crazy place, but the Marriott is a good place to view the fireworks, from our balcony. Much less crowded and crazy than the walking street or beach road!
Happy New Year to one and all.
Carol
Glad you are going to try Indigo. I think you'll enjoy it a lot.
We did quiz night at the PL and proudly took LAST place... lol. We just simply don't know all the trivia about sports. PL is a sports bar (British style pub, TVs playing 'football'... what we call soccer) after all. Anyway, we had a great time; and Maeng's chili was superb, as always.
Tomorrow we head to Pattaya Marriott resort for New Years Eve. It will be a crazy place, but the Marriott is a good place to view the fireworks, from our balcony. Much less crowded and crazy than the walking street or beach road!
Happy New Year to one and all.
Carol
Dec 31st, 2010, 06:36 PM
#106
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We made it to Pattaya Marriott, our oasis for two nights... free with points. We got upgraded (both rooms I booked) to deluxe rooms. Our room has a fabulous view of the pool, the gulf, and the gala dinner that started at about 8 last night and went on until 1am. We did not participate. We had our own 'party' on our balcony, where we could see most of the fireworks going off everywhere, and the hundreds, if not thousands, of lucky balloons being launched. It was great!!! DS's room is two floors down, with a pool view, but trees partially in the way of the fireworks.
I've already had a good night's sleep and just finished a quick breakfast in the club lounge here. Internet is free in the lounge, so I'm plugged in and surfing on line for a little while.
Guenmai, I saw your thread about LaBua. Does this mean you are considering a return to BKK sometime in 2011??
Sue, have a good flight to BKK. I hope there are no weather issues preventing your departure from ORD. Here at the Marriott, they tell me that occupancy is about 80%. This is because some of the guests from Europe had to cancel. They could not get here! Too bad. They really missed out. Weather is absolutely gorgeous.
I'm off to the mall for a look around as soon as I finish my internet surfing.
Happy New Year to one and all.
Carol
I've already had a good night's sleep and just finished a quick breakfast in the club lounge here. Internet is free in the lounge, so I'm plugged in and surfing on line for a little while.
Guenmai, I saw your thread about LaBua. Does this mean you are considering a return to BKK sometime in 2011??
Sue, have a good flight to BKK. I hope there are no weather issues preventing your departure from ORD. Here at the Marriott, they tell me that occupancy is about 80%. This is because some of the guests from Europe had to cancel. They could not get here! Too bad. They really missed out. Weather is absolutely gorgeous.
I'm off to the mall for a look around as soon as I finish my internet surfing.
Happy New Year to one and all.
Carol
Jan 1st, 2011, 05:14 AM
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Watch out for the rug sales man in that mall. He got Bob to look at rugs, and then we had to spend the next 3 days avoiding that side of the mall b/c he thought Bob was comming back to buy. Very agressive man. Enjoy
Jan 1st, 2011, 05:16 PM
#109
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Karen, that rug salesman sounds like the very agressive one I met up with at the Westin/Sheraton/Crowne/now Holiday Inn in Chiang Mai... lobby! Not so easy to avoid after that first encounter, because one has to walk thru the lobby to get to the door!!
Mango, would love to meet up! Caprese or Maeng's cooking. Either one would be fine. How often are you making the trip to BKK these days? I'll be back in April.
Today we head back to BKK around 11:30. Hopefully the Marriott can arrange our taxi/van, as we have not pre-arranged anything. It is usually pretty easy to get a ride back to BKK from Pattaya. Lots of folks going that way. Tomorrow is a holiday for many Thai office workers, since NYD happened on a weekend; hopefully that means the highways won't be too bad today... but the headaches will be tomorrow when Thais go back to BKK to work on Tuesday.
Took a walk down to Central Festival (the big newer mall along the beach). It's about a 15 minute hike from Marriott. I found that the road that is the next one up from the beach had to be at least 5 degrees hotter walking than the beach road. Beach Rd had a nice breeze, which could not get through to the next road, so the air was much more stagnant/hot. Oh, one of the girls at Marriott said I could get a taxi for 10 baht to the mall. I opted to walk. This was before I realized how hot it would be. I thought I'd grab that 10 baht taxi on the way back.... hahaha! I asked a tsongtau driver how much to Marriott and he said 100 baht! I opted to walk again instead. This time, along the beach road. Much more pleasant, cooler, even though quite crowded.
I have the information I need for booking a room here for New Years Eve 2011. There are rooms at the 'corner' of the hotel which have an even more panoramic view than what we have enjoyed the last three years. Now I think I know how to possibly snag one of those corner rooms next time!! It took a bit of investigating, but hopefully worth the time next holiday. I know, I know... we should try something different next time. DH says we know what to expect here, and he's right. We really do like this resort, and Pattaya goes crazy for the new year. It's quite a sight to behold. Three years in a row now, but who's counting.
And now, off to pack for the ride back to BKK.
Carol
Mango, would love to meet up! Caprese or Maeng's cooking. Either one would be fine. How often are you making the trip to BKK these days? I'll be back in April.
Today we head back to BKK around 11:30. Hopefully the Marriott can arrange our taxi/van, as we have not pre-arranged anything. It is usually pretty easy to get a ride back to BKK from Pattaya. Lots of folks going that way. Tomorrow is a holiday for many Thai office workers, since NYD happened on a weekend; hopefully that means the highways won't be too bad today... but the headaches will be tomorrow when Thais go back to BKK to work on Tuesday.
Took a walk down to Central Festival (the big newer mall along the beach). It's about a 15 minute hike from Marriott. I found that the road that is the next one up from the beach had to be at least 5 degrees hotter walking than the beach road. Beach Rd had a nice breeze, which could not get through to the next road, so the air was much more stagnant/hot. Oh, one of the girls at Marriott said I could get a taxi for 10 baht to the mall. I opted to walk. This was before I realized how hot it would be. I thought I'd grab that 10 baht taxi on the way back.... hahaha! I asked a tsongtau driver how much to Marriott and he said 100 baht! I opted to walk again instead. This time, along the beach road. Much more pleasant, cooler, even though quite crowded.
I have the information I need for booking a room here for New Years Eve 2011. There are rooms at the 'corner' of the hotel which have an even more panoramic view than what we have enjoyed the last three years. Now I think I know how to possibly snag one of those corner rooms next time!! It took a bit of investigating, but hopefully worth the time next holiday. I know, I know... we should try something different next time. DH says we know what to expect here, and he's right. We really do like this resort, and Pattaya goes crazy for the new year. It's quite a sight to behold. Three years in a row now, but who's counting.
And now, off to pack for the ride back to BKK.
Carol
Jan 2nd, 2011, 06:01 AM
#110
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That Marriott is quite centrally located, and a nice comf. property. If you know the room number you want just sent the booking office a request after you book. They will usually honor that if possible...esp since you are a return guest.
Jan 2nd, 2011, 06:09 AM
#111
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Do you have an email for the booking office there, Karen? That would help, I think. I do know which room number(s) would be most desirable.
Maeng and I met up at JJ Mall (next to Chatuchak) this afternoon. I needed to do some laundry after returning from Pattaya, and then later on, the three of us (DH, DS, myself) met a friend from home who has just arrived in BKK for a 6-week stay, and all of us went to the PL for dinner. Maeng cooked an Indian dish w/chicken (DS knows the name) plus tom yum gung, tom ka gai, shrimp with vegetables, roti, and the Indian 'bread' that you dip into the Indian chicken dish. It was all very delicious, as always.
We now have just two more days left in BKK. Time flies when one is having fun... although it DOES feel like time to go home, after nearly three weeks in the city. I think we are ready, although DH has one or two last appts at Bumrungrad before he is ready to leave. DS will be coming home on Friday, so he has two more days than we do (but he also just arrived here Dec 23 and DH and I arrived on the 18th).
Karen, thanks for the tip on trying to get a specific room for the next New Years Eve festivities in Pattaya!
Carol
Maeng and I met up at JJ Mall (next to Chatuchak) this afternoon. I needed to do some laundry after returning from Pattaya, and then later on, the three of us (DH, DS, myself) met a friend from home who has just arrived in BKK for a 6-week stay, and all of us went to the PL for dinner. Maeng cooked an Indian dish w/chicken (DS knows the name) plus tom yum gung, tom ka gai, shrimp with vegetables, roti, and the Indian 'bread' that you dip into the Indian chicken dish. It was all very delicious, as always.
We now have just two more days left in BKK. Time flies when one is having fun... although it DOES feel like time to go home, after nearly three weeks in the city. I think we are ready, although DH has one or two last appts at Bumrungrad before he is ready to leave. DS will be coming home on Friday, so he has two more days than we do (but he also just arrived here Dec 23 and DH and I arrived on the 18th).
Karen, thanks for the tip on trying to get a specific room for the next New Years Eve festivities in Pattaya!
Carol
Jan 2nd, 2011, 06:44 AM
#112
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i would call the pattaya marriott and ask for the booking office's e mail address....i did that for the r&s and it works well...
plus as gold and probably platinum by then you will get what you want or better....i have two more stays now to platinum... that will happen later this month...
you could even stop in at the jw in bkk and ask for the e address for pattaya or call the r&s as they are owned by the same guy or call minor corp. the owners...
plus as gold and probably platinum by then you will get what you want or better....i have two more stays now to platinum... that will happen later this month...
you could even stop in at the jw in bkk and ask for the e address for pattaya or call the r&s as they are owned by the same guy or call minor corp. the owners...
Jan 2nd, 2011, 04:52 PM
#113
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Thanks for those ideas Bob. I think I'll go down to the R&S as I've not been down on the river at all on this trip. I enjoy that boat ride.
Wow, platinum! I've made gold again in 2010. Platinum seems a bit harder to reach, but we'll see.
Wow, platinum! I've made gold again in 2010. Platinum seems a bit harder to reach, but we'll see.
Jan 3rd, 2011, 03:54 PM
#114
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Hi Carol... I'm not sure when I'll be back in Thailand....maybe a couple years. I like it there, but feel burned out in a few ways and a couple things have soured the experience. I was going to do a trip report but I didn't want to come off as being too negative. Anyway, will let you know if I end up there sooner. Regards,
Mango
Mango
Jan 3rd, 2011, 04:35 PM
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Mango, I'm sorry your experience in BKK was somehow soured. That's too bad. I still love this city and am already looking forward to my return in April.
Off to the river today. Yesterday was a holiday for lots of workers so I decided to go to the Marriott today, hopefully finding someone who will give me the email/contact information I'm wanting for the resort in Pattaya. That (and VASU exchange)will be my only goal for today. Remember, Bangkok is a city where you might have just ONE thing to do in the day, and NOT get it done!!
Last day in Bangkok. Tomorrow at this time, we'll be about 1/4 of the way to NRT. Weather today is a repeat of the weather we've been having... glorious!
Carol
Off to the river today. Yesterday was a holiday for lots of workers so I decided to go to the Marriott today, hopefully finding someone who will give me the email/contact information I'm wanting for the resort in Pattaya. That (and VASU exchange)will be my only goal for today. Remember, Bangkok is a city where you might have just ONE thing to do in the day, and NOT get it done!!
Last day in Bangkok. Tomorrow at this time, we'll be about 1/4 of the way to NRT. Weather today is a repeat of the weather we've been having... glorious!
Carol
Jan 3rd, 2011, 05:38 PM
#116
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Safe trip home Carol. Great report. I think you land at O'Hare the day before we leave from the same location, (Thursday) heading for Narita, then BKK.
Sounds as if you had just wonderful weather, it's really cold back here!!!
Will be at the Marriott on the River, this time next week, ahhhhhh - eeek, I'm so excited.
Happy for you that you will be back to Thailand in just a few months.
Sue
Sounds as if you had just wonderful weather, it's really cold back here!!!
Will be at the Marriott on the River, this time next week, ahhhhhh - eeek, I'm so excited.
Happy for you that you will be back to Thailand in just a few months.
Sue
Jan 3rd, 2011, 08:09 PM
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It's probably best to keep it to myself, Carol and Bob. I certainly wouldnt want to risk influencing anyone negatively (at any degree) who loves Thailand as much as you two. I will say that I now look at Thailand on a level very few people would.
Jan 3rd, 2011, 10:37 PM
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Sorry to hear that, mango, but I won't press you any further.
Successful trip down to the Marriott on the river today. The staff at Elite Check-in was very helpful in getting me the information I wanted. One staff member even tried to book the special room for me, bless her heart, but was told to try again in another week or two, as computers were not yet ready to accept reservations for the new year period. But, my name is now out there (at the Pattaya Marriott) and they know to expect an email from me soon!
A quick stop at MBK to pick up a new suitcase. I really only came over with 'one' plus a fold-up bag from a cruise years ago... that fold-up bag is not going to be big enough to get me home, I'm afraid. Looking at luggage at MBK is almost mind boggling. So many to pick from. But I made my choice, and I'm happy with it so far. Grabbed a taxi back to soi 8 rather than lug my bag onto the crowded BTS.
No plans for dinner tonight. We'll play it by ear, as we will be packing for the trip home. Ho late night. Hope to grab a small bit of sleep before having to leave for the airport. A van has already been arranged for us, so plenty of space for our bags.
Hating to leave the great weather here for the cccooooolldd (I'm shivering) temps of Illinois. Winter clothes are being prepared for the trip home... ugh.
Hoping for an upgrade from BKK to NRT in the morning, but it does not look good unless I'm #1 for an upgrade... but the good news is, I've got just about the 'best' seat in econ+ with enough leg room to keep my happy if that upgrade doesn't clear. It's looking good for NRT-ORD, so not too worried about that leg.
Now, packing!
Carol
Successful trip down to the Marriott on the river today. The staff at Elite Check-in was very helpful in getting me the information I wanted. One staff member even tried to book the special room for me, bless her heart, but was told to try again in another week or two, as computers were not yet ready to accept reservations for the new year period. But, my name is now out there (at the Pattaya Marriott) and they know to expect an email from me soon!
A quick stop at MBK to pick up a new suitcase. I really only came over with 'one' plus a fold-up bag from a cruise years ago... that fold-up bag is not going to be big enough to get me home, I'm afraid. Looking at luggage at MBK is almost mind boggling. So many to pick from. But I made my choice, and I'm happy with it so far. Grabbed a taxi back to soi 8 rather than lug my bag onto the crowded BTS.
No plans for dinner tonight. We'll play it by ear, as we will be packing for the trip home. Ho late night. Hope to grab a small bit of sleep before having to leave for the airport. A van has already been arranged for us, so plenty of space for our bags.
Hating to leave the great weather here for the cccooooolldd (I'm shivering) temps of Illinois. Winter clothes are being prepared for the trip home... ugh.
Hoping for an upgrade from BKK to NRT in the morning, but it does not look good unless I'm #1 for an upgrade... but the good news is, I've got just about the 'best' seat in econ+ with enough leg room to keep my happy if that upgrade doesn't clear. It's looking good for NRT-ORD, so not too worried about that leg.
Now, packing!
Carol
