I have 11 nights in Thailand before going to Tokoyo and home. Since I cant decide weather to stay at the Oriental or Penninsula, I thought about splitting up my stay and going to both. 3 nights Penn(when I arrive at 11:00pm -is really only 2 nights) then 5 nights Samui either the Santiburi or Evason resort) and back to Bkk for my last 3 nights at the Oriental. Is that really enough time at either of the places to get the feeling of the resort? Or should I spend 5 nights in BKK/ 5 samui and 1 night at an airport hotel (are there any good ones in BKK? I must return to Bkk because my flight leaves at 7;00am for Tokoyo on that last day. Thanks for your advise! June

Actually, splitting your stay in Bangkok works pretty well. While there are a couple of ok airport hotels, they (of course) don't hold a candle to the Pen or the Oriental.

The Evason is a much nicer, cosier, resort than the Santiburi. Santiburi is quite dated IMO, and the best units are the bungalows near the beach. The beach itself is not that nice with mud like sand below the waterline. Samui also is not that big an island and I think 5 nights there will be more than plentiful.

Penn or Oriental, that's up to you but the Oriental does have more charm and Penn modern rooms with gadgets you can play with. I've observed a few times the ladies of the night escorting guests up elevators at the Penn while I've never seen this at the Oriental - if you care about these thing.

I quite like the before and after nature of your Pen and Oriental split. Also, it will be nice for you to get away from Bkk heat and dust in between then return - esp if this is your first trip? Enjoy.

I would agree completely that you should split your stays between the Oriental and the Pen. Your idea is a very good one. The Pen and Oriental are "even" as far as service and ammenities. I happen to prefer the Pen as I love the river and city views from about the 23rd floor. Awesome! I also like having my long lazy breakfast along the water's edge every morning as I read the Bangkok Post.

I've stayed at both the Pen and Oriental. For my money, I'd return to the Pen (and I HAVE) over the Oriental.

But the choice is yours, both will be a wonderful experience. Enjoy them!

Samui is indeed a smallish island. You will have plenty of time to explore in 5 days. You might want to do just 4, so that your time at Pen and Oriental are "equal". BKK is a most amazing city with so much to do and see and experience. Don't cut your time there too short!

Carol

It's not a bad idea to split your time but personally I love staying at a place long enough to get to know the staff and have them get to know you. It's the people that makes Thailand so wonderful and your hotel gives you the chance to get to know some of them.

I MUCH prefer the Oriental. I find it much warmer both in feel and in service. It does not have all the high tech and the rooms are a bit smaller but I would stay there over the Penn any day.

Thank you for your kind replies. I have decided: 3 nights Penn/ 5 nights Sala Samui/Koh Samui/3 nights Oriental/2 nights Tokoyo/Park Hyatt Shinjuku. How is that??????????????

Looks good. The Park Hyatt is in as terrific location in Tokyo and make sure you go to the hotel bar which is where Lost in Translation was filmed.

When you return do us a favor and tell us which one you preferred- Oriental or the Penn. I'm a Penn fan- to me you get more value for your 5 star dollar there.
But you tell us!

I sure will Bill!