After asking a hundred questions on this site, we took your advice on traveling to Singapore, Bangkok, and Cambodia. Anyone making this trip will do well to listen to Kathie, Glorialf, and Bob.
My report isn't as comprehensive as others, but I wanted to send something.
First..I flew business on Singapore Air. I hate to fly. However, this was absolutely the best flying experience I ever had. The food (which I pre-ordered was delicious..event the rack of lamb. We were kept fully hydrated and fed throughout the flight and very comfortable in seats that recline almost flat. I got off the plane totally rested with no jet lag. I wish Singapore Air flew everywhere I need to go. I think I'm spoiled forever.
I was in Singapore on business and stayed at the Ritz Carlton on the Club Level. I booked this at the last minute through Expedia and got a rate of $250. a night. This was a major bargain..the breakfast, tea, and evening snacks/cocktails at the Club lounge were outstanding, hot, and substantial. The service at the hotel is second to none. The room was huge with a bright marble bathroom with a window overlooking the city. The beds and sheets were wonderful to curl up in after a day of work in a very hot city. We were taken out to eat, and quite frankly did not enjoy any of my meals...I know it sounds crazy. One night we ate at the top of the Pancea Hotel..classic Chinese. Great view...ok food. Strolled around Little India and ate the pepper crabs which were delicious. The night safari was great.

From Singapore we went off to Bangkok and the Peninsula. It was quite a decision...the Peninsula or the Oriental. The rooms at the Peninsula are everything you said..big beautiful and great views of the river. At the beginning of our stay there, I was a bit disappointed by the lack of activity in the hotel. The huge lobby bar/restaurant area was always empty...not conducive to wanting to sit and relax. There was also a small, dark, pretty bar off to one side of the lobby. This, too, was almost always empty. I like to see other people. The buffet breakfast was extensive and the service was good. There were always lots of people at breakfast. Being on the other side of the river was no problem at all. I don't know how they do it, but there was always a boat to take us across. I really enjoyed the trip and the captains were always so pleasant and helpful.
We hired Ratt for three days and enjoyed having her. Whoever said she has radar is right. She would park and find us everywhere. Having her follow us with cold water, wash cloths, and juice made all the difference in the world. It is so hot!
Re: restaurants: We love the Bed Supper Club. We never expected good food there and was completely surprised..it was fabulous and fun and comfortable. We ate at Tongue Thai several times because we liked it..and it was never crowded. We found Harmonique to be good and very interesting. We were very disappointed with the Thai restaurant in the Peninsula, Tipthara (spelling?). Gorgeous setting..so-so food. We also went to Face (Hazzara). The architecture and decor is great. The food was okay. Our dinner at Lord Jim's was romantic and gave us a chance to dress up. It's all about the view and the decor of the restaurant. The service and food were just ok but we loved it anyway.
At night we went to the Oriental's Bamboo Bar. The jazz was great and the atmosphere was so enjoyable. I really felt like I was in a faraway place...dark, smokey, cigars, cognac..hmmmm. The Oriental seemed to have a lot more going on and a certain livliness that I thought was missing at the Peninsula. Next time, we'll stay there.
We shopped...Cotton house for my suits, shirts,etc. I love my clothes..they fit perfectly and were so cheap. My husband had his made a Jesse and Victor's. I spent most of my money at Venus jewelers. I was very happy with a diamond bracelet they made for me from a picture. It came out perfectly and was 1/4 the price in the states with the same quality stones.
We flew to Cambodia and stayed at the Sofitel. This hotel had very pretty grounds and a lovely pool area which we enjoyed every afternoon after touring the temples. I thought the rooms were just okay and the beds were very uncomfortable with subpar linens. The service didn't compare to the Ritz or the Peninsula. However, everyone was very nice. We enjoyed our spa treatments there. Not much to talk about regarding food. For fun, we ate at the Red Piano in town..sitting outside on the balcony looking down on the night life of Siem Reap was fun. Angkor Wat was an amazing experience. We were there three days and felt is was enough time. If you can, take the hot air balloon..the view is great and the photo op is good. The guide recommended on this site was good but could only be with us for one day. After one day, we were handed over to a guide called Mr. X. I don't remember ever hearing about him but we enjoyed him alot. The guide and driver were always prompt, reliable. They knew exactly when to go to the temples to avoid the crowds and were a wealth of knowledge. By the way, we tipped both Ratt, and Mr. X at the end of our stay. They deserved it.
We had to return to Bangkok for one day before heading home. We decided to save some money and stayed at the Sheraton Royal Orchid. I don't know if there are different rooms in the hotel but I didn't like our two room suite. I thought it was old and dark looking. In fact, I didn't like the hotel at all. I have no idea why it has five stars. Three would be pushing it. It was filled with tour groups..very crowded. The breakfast buffet was also crowded and not very enjoyable.
We were glad we only had to be there for one night.
So, that's my trip. Again, thank you to everyone for all your help. We loved Asia and can't wait to go back.
Firenz

Thanks for the report!

great report....all in all i think you did well and hit the highlights....

can you tell us more why you did not like the sofitel rooms? i have only been in the public rooms so have no knowledge of the bedrooms...

penn is fantastic...i think the quietness of the lobby is one of its charms...more like being at a private club, albeit large....

can you tell us more what you did not like at lord jim's... i have found the service to be fantastic in the past...almost oppressive...

you made good observations of the ROS, imo...

bob

Thanks for your report, glad you enjoyed your wonderful trip!

I enjoyed reading your report. I'm glad you enjoyed the Bed Supper Club. I hope we get there before I have to head back home to the US (I'm in BKK right now).

Would like to try Singapore Airlines sometime. I keep reading great reviews.

Carol

Thanks for the report - always very interesting to hear another perspective on the Peninsula and Oriental. We still can't decide - I am leaning towards the Oriental, John towards the Peninsula...

F-Thanks for your report. Glad you liked Tongue Thai anhd Harmonique. These are two of our favorites. Many others have commented on the lack of comfort with Siem Riep beds and bedding. I love hard mattresses and had no problem. It must be the hard life of discipline.

Sorry you did not like the ROS. My cousin had a junior suite last year and it was somewhat dark. We're always on an upper floor in a deluxe room and it's always full of light. Perhaps your affinity for Bob's advice was noted by the staff before your stay. I did note that Kathie did not chime in on this issue.

firenz - we will be in Bangkok and Siem Reap (and Luang Prabang) next month doing many of the things you mentioned. As we have to eat anyway, we will check out Thiptara and Hazara even though you were not high on them. Can you tell me whether you ordered the "set menu" at Thiptara or ala carte? Also what should we avoid at Hazara? Thanks for your report.

How did you husband like his suits? What did he have made at Jesse and Victor's?

Shade

Sounds like a fantastic trip. Thanks for sharing.
Could you tell us about the clothes you had made at Cotton house and give an idea of prices?

Ok, Gpanda, I'll comment on the ROS issue. SInce I've always stayed in the Towers, only in suites for the last 10 years or so, I don't know that I can comment on others expereinces elsewhere in the hotel. All rooms have a river view, but I don't know how different the decor might be beween Towers rooms and non-Towers or Towers Suites and non-Towers suites.

Like you, I always find the rooms full of light, and can't conceive of how the room can be dark with all that glass area. But obviously, people have differnt experiences.

I would note that staying in the Towers is a "hotel within a hotel" experience. I never eat breakfast at the buffet in etc., as I find it noisy and crowded. Since by staying in the Towers, I have the options of room service (which we often do) or breakfast in the Club room, so I don't have to deal with that.

When I recommend the ROS to people, I am careful to note that I stay in the Towers. I think it's a totally different experience.

Kathie-I knew you would ride to the rescue of the honor of the ROS. Personally, I like the fact that the guests get scattered over the 5 River hotels. It keeps the wonderful ROS from being overcrowded with the likes of Bob.

Sorry it has taken a while to respond.
Re: clothes..We were very pleased with the service and clothes at Jesse and Victor's. My husband had several shirts made..there were so many great fabrics that it was hard to choose. The only problem was that we cut ourselves short on time and had to forego a third fitting and have his clothes shipped home. This is a big mistake...don't make it. The pants and shirts were perfect...the sport coat was delivered way too big. We contacted Victor and he was as accommodating as he could be at 10,000 miles away. We'll have to take it to our own tailor and I believe he will pick up the bill or try to make amends in another way. The experience, however was wonderful. Victor makes you feel right at home..he has a great personality.
I went to the Cotton House for my clothes. I had two suits made and several silk shells, and 5 cotton sleeveless blouses to wear under suits. What a bargain..suits were about $150, blouse and shells about $30. They all fit perfectly. My advice is to search fashion magazines and go with some ideas/pictures of what you want(including the details such as trim and buttons). This is a very small shop and can get crowded.

Happy travels!

so have you booked your return tickets yet???

thanks for the clothing details...people so often po po the fittings and they are the most important part of the whole thing really

Glad you had a great time. Happy Travels!