Ok the next question .... is it a front load or a top load machine?

It is a front load. Not my favorite kind, but the washer and dryer are "stackables" in a closet in the kitchen. I'm going to give them a test run in the next day or two! I have used the front load at Adelphi for a number of years, and it does OK. This set will be brand new! (hope they aren't lemons :) )

Just wanted to let you know that you received a response to your question on Flyertalk. Since you said you don't visit the hotel board very often, I thought I would give you a heads up in case you missed it.

Plenty of photos too!

It looks like a really nice property, just too far out for me as a first time visitor to Bangkok with only two days to cram everything in.

Poutine, you are right about feeling too far out for a first timer. I hope I don't feel too isolated for these next five nights!

Looks like I need to check back in on flyer talk. thanks for the heads up.

Now that I have checked in on soi 57, I do feel like the location is too remote for me. Oh well, live and learn. I will not change the reservation as I need Marriott. But I am looking forward to moving back to soi 8!!

I need Marriott POINTS!

Trying out the washing machine. It is very quiet. Takes a long time to do a load. Typical dryer takes a very long time to get cottons dry. I finally opted to hang things. Very few hooks for hanging though! I will now wait until Adelphi to do anymore laundry!

Party at Tawandang last night was great as always. Good food, good entertainment, and about 60 good friends!

Do you bring your own laundry soap along on the trip (like Tide Pods)?

BillT, I always just buy it at TOPS or 7-11. The thing I hate most is the strong fragrance of the fabric softener here. You can't really tell through the packaging how strong it smells. It's all way too flowery for me. Fabric softener is a must here, in my opinion. I don't use it at home, preferring my dryer sheet instead.

I've determined pretty quickly that, even though this is a lovely new hotel (with glitches to overcome), I will not be returning to this brand new Marriott on soi 57. It is just too remote for me. I feel so removed from my "home" area around soi 8 to Asok. I would happily return to Centre Point at Terminal 21 though... but it doesn't have the washing machine. I'd do a 3-4-5 day stay there, and then move back home on soi 8.

Staff at this new Marriott are all very friendly. I can't tell at what rate of occupancy the hotel might be, but I'm quite sure there are only a handful of people in the serviced apartment section of the building. I never see other guests on the elevators or in the hallways. The breakfast buffet gets good attendance, but probably from people staying in the hotel part. I need to ask for a tour of the hotel rooms!! I am curious.

Hoping that my family/friends will come down to soi 57 this afternoon for a look at my place, and then a trip up to the rooftop bar for drink/snack. It really is nice up there. One of the HIGH points of this hotel.

Just had a view of a double-bedded room at this hotel. Much nicer than my apartment. Loads of natural light. A bathtub (round) with a view of the city...... WOW!!! I just might have to come back here for a few days in July... even if it DOES FEEL remote, locationwise. That tub was awesome! Now, the room has a very open feel to it. You can see the entire bathroom when you walk in the door from the hallway (best to be wrapped in a towel...haha). There are pocket doors that will close off the bathroom for privacy (good!!!).

I also got a personal tour of the rooftop bar. I had only seen the one floor that is open, but a staff member took me to the three OTHER floors (stairs, stairs, stairs) above the one I had seen already. These other floors are not yet open. The topmost floor will have (when finished) a 360 view that includes the BKK airport. There will be a round bar (small) and sushi bar. Hoping to have drinks/snacks at the rooftop bar that is now open before checking out and moving "up" to soi 8 tomorrow. Thinking DS and a few friends might come to visit my apartment later on today, and we'll have a visit to the 45th (?) floor before heading out to QUIZ NIGHT at the Pickled Liver.... whoop whoop!!

I should mention that the beds here are super comfortable!!! I am not sure how many hours I slept since the big birthday bash, between naps and regular nights sleep!! Lights were out when my head hit the pillow.

A reliable source tells me that Maeng has had a stroke. I am very sorry to hear this news. I know some of you know her. She is out of contact with friends from her past including me. Just wanted to let those of you who know her hear this latest news.

Other than that, this trip has been the typical seeing friends and having a good time. Today will be Platinum Fashion Mall with Thai friends.

I recommend the rooftop bar at the new Marriott on soi 57. Lovely!!!

Sorry to hear about Maeng. Hope she recovers and you get a chance to see her.

When do you leave?

I leave Wednesday, so only two days left in Bangkok.

just catching up..

Bob, good to see you have made it to Europe. I doubt I could do that long transatlantic cruise!

Last day in Bangkok today. We plan to have dinner at Red Sky. A visit to the office and last minute shopping.