We just got back from our honeymoon, and had a blast. I wanted to thank everyone for the good advice. Some observations:

Peninsula: we loved this hotel, the service was professional and gracious. I never felt that it was cold or inpersonal. Check-in and check-out both tool less than 10 min. We had a Deluxe Suite, and loved it. I think there were 6 phones in the room. The technology is great, but the room and whole experience still felt warm. We loved breakfast at the River Cafe and Terrace. We hung out for a couple hours each day at the pool, and liked the layout and service there.

Other:
Bed: It is such a strange concept, but the food and the entire experience was great, and surprisingly cheap on a Wednesday night.

Thipatra: (the Thai rest at the Penn) was also very good, despite the heat it was nice eating outside by the river. The food was very good, the service excellent, and the setting was perfect.

Harmonique: we had a very good meal, that was decent deal. I liked the small feel of the place.

Jim Thompson: we had lunch here, and it was decent and very pleasant in the gardens.

State Tour: we hung out at both of the bars on top of the State tour, and had a good time at both. The scene is good, and the drinks are more expensive than many places in Bangkok but not bad compared to other big cities.

Tan: we hired Tan for a half day tour, and ended up having lunch and then shopping with her after the tour. I can not reccomend her enough, she made the trip to Bangkok come alive with her coverage of Thai history and culture. We loved having her lead us through the flower and food markets and then teaching us about all of the local fruits and vegetables. She is fabulous.

Phuket:

We had planned to stay at Amanpuri for 5 nights and the JW Marriott for 2, but ended up never leaving Amanpuri. It was amazing in every sense. We loved our pavilion, the food, the uncrowded beach, and the fact that the entire staff new our names and preferences after the first day. We hired a driver to tour the island one day, and took their yacht to the James Bond islands another day, both excurions were great and decently priced. Overall, Phuket was very uncrowded everywhere.

Resturants:
Silk: we loved our meal at Silk, and were amazed at how cheap it was for a really nice setting.

Limms: this was a very cool small modern Thai restaurant in Patong. A really fun and varied meal that was a total bargain. Like Silk, we were just about the only people in the place.

Ottanie (sp): we had lunch at this Japanese place on the end of Patong on the hill by the famous Thai resturant. We were the only people in for lunch, and ended up having interaction with the chef with lots of free extras.

Overall a great trip, to a country that we will definitely return to.

Another satisfied customer at the Penn!!!!
Just goes to validate what some of us have been saying all along

It sounds like you had a wonderful time! Like many of us here, you may be addicted to Thailand.

Only one thing for it- start planning your next trip to Thailand!

Sounds like you had a wonderful trip! We also loved our time with Tan, and so glad you did too.

glad the trip worked out well and don't wait until your 25th anniversary to return....you can do it well another time and spend lots less money too....

SO what kind of deals do they have at BED on wendsday?..

Thanks for the glowing report on your trip. I'm so glad you enjoyed Thailand as much as we do here on this forum. As others have said, you'll be addicted, and wanting to return as soon as possible. Each trip brings new and different experiences!

I'm glad you enjoyed The Bed Supper Club. It is right at the top of my list of favorite places in BKK, along with the top of State Tower (Sky Bar). Sounds like you managed to visit some of the best places.

For your NEXT trip, be sure to include going to a movie. I know, you're thinking WHY would I go to a movie when I'm in Bangkok??? Well, you will see why if you go to the Gold Class Theater at Siam Discovery. It's like watching a movie from your most comfy chair at home, only BETTER!

Glad you had such a great time.
Carol

carol---we are planning an afternoon at the movies...do you know where i would find out what is playing from home or after i get to bkk??

bob

BED is fantastic, isn't it? Hope you just didn't hang out in the restaurant part though-I do miss those little showtime vignettes they stage in the club! (now, if we could JUST kick Venice's nightlife up a notch...)

Bob,
I've always just gone to the Gold Class to look on the marque to see what is playing and at what time. Son seems to think they have a web site though. You might do a google search for EGV Gold Class Bangkok.

I'm glad you are going to try it out. It's a great experience.

Carol

Puck021, thanks for the report. Missing Thailand is a common affliction among Fodors posters. I think our affection for the country and its people draw us back year after year.

carol---found a site that will send me the weekly schedule via e mail on fridays....we shall see....

That's great, Bob. I'm glad you are going to give the Gold Class a chance. I always go to the one at Siam. There may be other theater complexes like that, but I'm not sure. I do know that EGV Gold Class has the lazyboy type recliners with pillows, blankets, footies, etc. and a few massage chairs (although my massage didn't work all that well last time, so I might not want to spring for the extra baht to have a massage chair next time).

I really wish I was headed to BKK next week. WWAAAHHHHHHHH (I'm so spoiled)
Carol

(Happy Mothers Day to all....)

who better to spoil....

HMD

orgy: on Wed Bed has a 3 course meal for about $30. Not so much of a deal, but a good meal for the price.

Spygirl: we moved from the restaurant to the bar and hung out there awhile. the music was good, but it wasn't packed, so we moved on. I liked the whole place a lot more than I thought I would.

Glad you had a great time. Happy Travels!