Bangkok: Which starwood hotel would you recommend?
May 23rd, 2010, 04:02 PM
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Bangkok: Which starwood hotel would you recommend?
We were in Thailand last February but never made it to Bangkok.....went directly to Krabi and Phuket. Next spring we want to stay in Bangkok and see the city. There are several starwood hotels available: Le Méridien, Plaza Athénée, Westin Grande, Royal Orchid and Sheraton Grande. For first-timers in the city, which do you recommend? We plan to stay for 5 days.
Thank you.
Thank you.
May 23rd, 2010, 04:21 PM
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We love staying at the Royal Orchid Sheraton. Looking out of your room and seeing the river pass by is a wonder on Bangkok. The Sheraton Grande is probably a better hotel, but there's nothing like staying on the river. The ROS is well-located to several restaurants.
May 23rd, 2010, 04:42 PM
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Le Meridien BKK is a very classy hotel INDEED. I've stayed there lots this year - great rates, great rooms. Very modern and they play bird sounds in the lift. I suppose I'll be drowned out by the 'you-must-stay-on-the-river' faction, but - if you actually want to dip into BKK, then a hotel in town is better.
However, as a first-timer, maybe a riverside hotel is what you need. Maybe you prefer to look and not touch. Both are fine, just different experiences.
[Luckily, I've been on this board long enough to withstand the incoming shock, horror and abuse at daring to suggest an in-town alternative - but I can take it.]
However, as a first-timer, maybe a riverside hotel is what you need. Maybe you prefer to look and not touch. Both are fine, just different experiences.
[Luckily, I've been on this board long enough to withstand the incoming shock, horror and abuse at daring to suggest an in-town alternative - but I can take it.]
May 23rd, 2010, 05:42 PM
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Lol - "Maybe you prefer to look and not touch." No reason not to touch if you are staying by the river (but don't drink the river water!).
My fave is the Royal Orchid on the river. The Chao Praya is the lifeblood of Bangkok. To awake each morning to the river traffic is simply wonderful. But to each his own. Some prefer the symphony of taxi horns, which makes them feel like they are in the city.
There are people who love the river, people to love being in the midst of the shopping district. There are great hotels in both areas. Do what appeals to you.
My fave is the Royal Orchid on the river. The Chao Praya is the lifeblood of Bangkok. To awake each morning to the river traffic is simply wonderful. But to each his own. Some prefer the symphony of taxi horns, which makes them feel like they are in the city.
There are people who love the river, people to love being in the midst of the shopping district. There are great hotels in both areas. Do what appeals to you.
May 23rd, 2010, 05:45 PM
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Dogster... lol... you won't hear any incoming words of shock from me, as we are in the same boat. I have stayed on the river years ago, but now only stay in the central part of the city. So much easier for exploring, IMO.
Plaza gets great reviews here from those who have stayed there. Royal Orchid, for a first timer though, is probably a good idea. When one stays 'in the city center' one rarely ventures down to the riverside. The river has its charms.
Carol
Plaza gets great reviews here from those who have stayed there. Royal Orchid, for a first timer though, is probably a good idea. When one stays 'in the city center' one rarely ventures down to the riverside. The river has its charms.
Carol
May 23rd, 2010, 06:10 PM
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A novel suggestion. Stay at two different Starwood properties. The Royal Orchid for 3 nights at Dogster's meridien for 2 nights. You can then report back to us your favorite. This works very easily if you fly into BKK, wander off somewhere else and then are flying back out of BKK. A natural spilt. Not necessary, but common. If you stay in BKK the whole time, moving hotels will be a simple process, My memory is that one of out regulars, Guenmai, stayed in many BKK hotels during a single trip.
May 23rd, 2010, 06:43 PM
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to me the plaza anthanee and sheraton grande are the best quality, although a st regis will open soon...
but ROS on the river (the lowest rated of the starwoods) offers somethin unique---the river location which most of us prefer--it gives a uniquenness to a bkk stay..
cash and points at PA can't be beat for price... same at krabi, hua hin and pattaya---all lovely sheratons..
but ROS on the river (the lowest rated of the starwoods) offers somethin unique---the river location which most of us prefer--it gives a uniquenness to a bkk stay..
cash and points at PA can't be beat for price... same at krabi, hua hin and pattaya---all lovely sheratons..
May 24th, 2010, 04:12 AM
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Panda's idea makes a great deal of sense. Split your stay between in-town and riverside, then plan your activites based on where you're staying. (When in-town, do your shopping, eating at Sukhumvit-area restaurants, and anything else thats Skytrain-accessible. When riverside, do the boat trips, etc.).
The Sheraton Grande is extremely convenient to the Skytrain -- literally across the street from the station. Only think that put me off a bit when staying there was the street entrance, which I think is a bit unwelcoming (You need to go through a street-level arcade before going upstairs to the main lobby.) The ROS on the other hand has a very pleasant and welcoming lobby at street level -- I value that in a hotel.
The Sheraton Grande is extremely convenient to the Skytrain -- literally across the street from the station. Only think that put me off a bit when staying there was the street entrance, which I think is a bit unwelcoming (You need to go through a street-level arcade before going upstairs to the main lobby.) The ROS on the other hand has a very pleasant and welcoming lobby at street level -- I value that in a hotel.
May 24th, 2010, 09:30 PM
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>>>Bangkok: Which starwood hotel would you recommend?<<<
Warm greetings joy; have always found the ROS, SGS and WGS to be most acceptable Bangkok business (and occasional pleasure) travel properties. (My - 'pg' - reviews of the three have been posted on this fine, friendly forum.)
Should you go ROS, well, floor 25 has been the scene of some sweet tender times with loved ones (just one these days, mind you), and memorable 'sunset' shots. WGS has the charms of the joyous masseuse, Khun'N'. SGS has the sweet 'jungle' pool and yes, Khun 'J', my all-time favourite Bangkok waitress. (I'm presently scheduled at the SGS for meetings in ~ five days.) Special places and memories, all.
Like the idea of you doing the 'Bangkok bounce' between two properties, perhaps 'city' and riverside. (Back in my day of maintaining Starwood plat status, it largely entailed the simple walk between the SGS and WGS.)
Wherever you stay, joyous times to you, joy, in the City of Angels.
macintosh (robert)
mama don't take my kodachrome away/
(p. simon)
Warm greetings joy; have always found the ROS, SGS and WGS to be most acceptable Bangkok business (and occasional pleasure) travel properties. (My - 'pg' - reviews of the three have been posted on this fine, friendly forum.)
Should you go ROS, well, floor 25 has been the scene of some sweet tender times with loved ones (just one these days, mind you), and memorable 'sunset' shots. WGS has the charms of the joyous masseuse, Khun'N'. SGS has the sweet 'jungle' pool and yes, Khun 'J', my all-time favourite Bangkok waitress. (I'm presently scheduled at the SGS for meetings in ~ five days.) Special places and memories, all.
Like the idea of you doing the 'Bangkok bounce' between two properties, perhaps 'city' and riverside. (Back in my day of maintaining Starwood plat status, it largely entailed the simple walk between the SGS and WGS.)
Wherever you stay, joyous times to you, joy, in the City of Angels.
macintosh (robert)
mama don't take my kodachrome away/
(p. simon)
May 25th, 2010, 02:19 AM
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I was ALWAYS a"stay by the river gal"until i went in Feb,stayeda2 different locations and LOVED the convenience (Emporium suites was especially great - but not a Starwood) the PA was also lovely. For me I can see benefits to both and when i wasn't staying by the river i did go to the Mandarin Oriental for lunch to get my river fix.
However if your time is short and shopping is on your mind an in towm location is great. IF you want to see the Grand Palace, Wat Po etc a river location could suit.
Sorry i am on the fence on this but i guess what I am saying is you can't go wrong with either.
However if your time is short and shopping is on your mind an in towm location is great. IF you want to see the Grand Palace, Wat Po etc a river location could suit.
Sorry i am on the fence on this but i guess what I am saying is you can't go wrong with either.
Aug 6th, 2010, 09:49 AM
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A bit of an update....
Unfortunately we need to cut our stay to 4 days now because my dear MIL wants us to join them in Singapore for a short cruise. So we can only stay in 1 location (this time). We are leaning towards city center so either Sheraton Grande or Plaza Athenee. Any preference? The PA really has very good rates (and even better cash & points) but I also like that the SG is convenient to the Sky train.
Thank you again for all your inputs...they are much appreciated!
Unfortunately we need to cut our stay to 4 days now because my dear MIL wants us to join them in Singapore for a short cruise. So we can only stay in 1 location (this time). We are leaning towards city center so either Sheraton Grande or Plaza Athenee. Any preference? The PA really has very good rates (and even better cash & points) but I also like that the SG is convenient to the Sky train.
Thank you again for all your inputs...they are much appreciated!
Aug 6th, 2010, 07:09 PM
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i have stayed at PA and looked at the rooms at SG.... it is very nice to walk out to the sky train which SG offers, but i take taxis most places so one is not better than the other except SG is smack in the middle of some of the worst traffic jams in the city...
i still favor PA
you would not be disappointed with either....
stat at PA and buy your MIL a few drinks on the cruise...
i still favor PA
you would not be disappointed with either....
stat at PA and buy your MIL a few drinks on the cruise...
