So I've been getting great feedback on here, so I'll post another question.

I have a Grand Deluxe room at the Peninsula Bangkok booked for three nights in mid march for the first leg of our honeymoon (paying a bit over $300 per night, breakfast included).

A friend of mine told me the Peninsula is in a less than ideal location in the city and is more of a business hotel. Any thoughts on those comments? Any thoughts on where else I could stay that is more romantic and closer to all the sites I should see? Or should I keep the Peninsula?

Thanks!

Most people like to stay on the river. The Penn is a true 5 star property - you will love it. The hotel has its own boats that will take you to the skytrain in no time and they run often. The boats will also take you over to the Oriental Hotel. For a more Thai/resort experience check out the Marriott Resort and Spa- a little further down the river - but a lot less expensive. The Marriott is a 4 star property. We like the Marriott for its pool and gardens and resort feel. They also have heir own boats to take you to the skytrain and the boat ride is fun and relaxing!

We stayed at the Peninsula on our honeymoon - it is lovely and in a beautiful location overlooking the river. The service is impeccable and discreet but I do not think it is a business hotel, I would think it a great hotel for both leisure and business travellers. The Peninsula offer a boat service (running v frequently) to the skytrain/express boat stop on the other side of the river so v easy to get to shops/sights. Breakfast is fab, views are fab, pool is fab!

I can only think in £ or baht so I am not sure how good the rate is - I can tell you we have a rate for a Deluxe room (same room but lower floor) for 8200B plus taxes inc breakfast in Feb. If you booked some while back, then contact the hotel directly and see what their current best price is - lots of hotels having been offering good deals even though it is high season at the moment.

Btw, the 'grand' bit means on a higher floor but same room and some have posted that they thought it was not really worth paying extra just for the higher floor. I am not sure really - we had a suite on (I think) the 29th floor last time and the view was splendiferous over the city. However, I really like to see what is going on down on the river and you couldn't see so well from up there!

Make sure you let them know it is your honeymoon btw wherever you stay whilst in Thailand, we got some really nice gifts/bottles of sparkly/cakes/upgrades whilst we were there.
BB

Everyone has been very happy with the Pen on this forum and there are almost no business posters. Draw your own conclusions about your friend's characterization.

Why don't you read the reviews on tripadvisor?

Keep the Penn. We've stayed there a couple of times and will stay there again in April for the same as what you are paying in a GD room with breakfast. The location is fine and there are just as many tourists staying there as business folks, perhaps even more. There is no better romantic place to enjoy your "free" breakfast than outdoors by the Chao Phraya River than the Penn. The sites are spread out so location doesn't matter all that much but the river isn't a bad place to be.

>>>there are almost no business posters<<<

... well, sorry to rain on your parade 'grandpa' ... (by the way: will always love that 02138 neighbourhood), but this monthly Asia-North America business traveller loves the Bangkok Peninsula and Bangkok Oriental (our two Bangkok honeymoon hotels), and yes, Singapore Airlines First Class, the only way to fly whilst on honeymoon ... (with yes, a bit of a nod to the SQ-forever wife) ...

... (And, if so inclined, check out 'macintosh' on tripadvisor and his reviews of the Oriental, and yes, our little extended SEA honeymoon.) ...

... as for special 'honeymoon' suites at the Peninsula and Oriental, well, let's just say our Peninsula suite had a little outdoor 'jacuzzy' (wicked fun, one evening), and the Oriental, well, up until a few days before our ceremony / reception / fireworks production at that fine hotel, 'Mr. K' and his senior staff reserved the right to give the suite away to any unannounced visiting 'Heads of State'. (Just between us and my battered chequebook - and please never tell mrs. m: you have no idea how I was secretly hoping for that to happen. Alas, it didn't, and now, I'm glad we savoured a rather 'cream coloured' suite ... 'you only live once' and all that ...

... savour your tender times ... (perhaps, with that special Singaporean airline) ...

macintosh (robert)



... and the inflight service even other airlines talk about ...

i have stayed there many times...its a fabulous hotel.,...it is on the opposite side of the river than most hotels, but with their super river transports that is no problem...

i prefer the simple deluxe rooms...they are just on a lower floor than the grand deluxe...i like to save money...

i have a bkk restaurant listing if you want it ask at:

[email protected]

Just wanted to give our input too...We stayed with my family at the Peninsula and loved it-fabulous service, rooms and food, and very convenient to everything; you just hop on the boat to get to shopping. My husband travels often to Bangkok on business and has stayed at many hotels there. His favorite is the Peninsula-with the Oriental a close second (across the river from the Pen.)

I think you will really enjoy the Peninsula. It's true luxury, as others have said.

Shopping isn't that far away... take the skytrain to the SIAM station, where you will find a shopper's paraside!!! A number of malls, some interesting markets, and lots of great food courts for a great lunchtime meal.