Starting to make final preparations for our trip to Thailand/Bali in June. Have a few questions about the Bangkok Marriott Resort:

1) I understand there is no free Internet, even in the Concierge lounge/level. Any idea for the approximate charge?

2) Is there a place nearby to pick up a SIM card? Sounds like One-2-Call is the best option for calls back to the US?

3) Is there a place nearby for a decent cheap massage? I would have sworn I read about a place rhkkmk mentioned several months ago, but now can't find it.

4) I'm assuming an ATM won't be an issue there - is there a K-Bank ATM close? Apparently they are not charging the new 150B fee.

5) What is the typical max withdrawal the Thai banks allow? Also, same question for Bali if anyone knows.

Thanks!

Bob will chime in about the marriott questions, but for massages, you can get very good amssages by calling the Wat Pho School of Massage and have the masseurs come to your hotel room. we've done this lots at the Sheraton. It's very nice and you can relax before and after.

My memory is that Bali allow 3,000,000 rupiah at the ATM's.

I believe that the Internet Charge at the Marriott is $15 per 24 hours. There is, however, a local internet cafe just outside the Marriott. You go through the Mall across from the Marriott and when you exit, turn right; it is about 2 minutes or so down the street on the right, just past the laundry. As for an ATM, there is one in the Mall but I do not recall with which Bank it is affiliated.
The above was true in 2006 and I am sure that Bob will update you as to current rates, etc. He is the Marriott Maven and to whom I am indebted for recommending the Marriott.

Statefan,

Here are some answer for your questions:

2/. You can buy Sim cards at most 7-11. If the primary purpose is to call back and forth from the States I would buy the Inter Sim from True Move(1 Baht per minute outgoing calls to the USA). The promotion end in June so hurry! http://www.truemove.com/eng/product/..._sim_inter.htm

4/. Don't know the specific locations of the K-Bank and there might be one in the mini mall next to the hotel.

5/. The maximum withdraw for Thailand per transaction is 20,000 Baht and the daily limit depend on your card or ATM arrangement with your bank. For more information: http://www.kasikornbank.com/portal/s...D&vgnextpage=1

I just came back from the Marriott and spa
two weeks ago and we had at club level i believe one free hour of internet per day. At the mall across the hotel, massages are great and there is four ATM machine to choose from, we are from montreal and had no problem taking money out.

ok, not sure i would ever comment on massage, but in the mall in front of the hotel there are two places at least...1500 and 1900 B stick in my mind for a marriott poolside massage...expensive. the doormen (women) would surely head you to a cheaper place or ask shop owners in the mall...

i used my laptop last year in the lower level lobby sitting on the sofa just outside the bakkery....it steals from the club lounge just above....but very cheap internet is available in a shop, photo shop, on the main front to back corridor on the lower level of the mini-mall....two machines available there but only during the day....
my other internet location is found by turning right out of the hotel driveway, walking about 2 blocks and you will see lots of shoes on the sidewalk...this is an internet spot and cost is minimal...like 25B per hour...

business center in marriott has internet but outrageous priced.

sim cards are available in 7/11's all over and probably in marriott mall too or just across the street is a 7/11.

use the ATM at the bank, just to the left of the mini-mall parking entrance....i always use this one...there is also a small ATM in the mini mall but probably it has a fee... this machine at the bank has been fee free in the past.... i have withdrawn up to $500, but my normal withdrawal is $300.

in bali w/d amounts are very limited,,,,you just have to do multiple withdrawals at one visit which is allowed...

remember to notify your home banks of your travel plans for both credit card and ATM usage, to avoid being turned off by security....i just had this experience in Argentina... also have alternatives with more than one source of $$

enjoy the marriott....eat in the new italian restaurant and tell us what its like...

Thanks everyone!