Thanks rhhkkmk. I need to do some more research and check out both hotels. I am leaning towards oriental though.

Brendan-- A lot of the staff at the Oriental have been there for 15-30 plus years and they often get promoted. Nuansri (the director of guest relations) was the person who gave me my key when I first started going. Another "friend" used to be a waiter and now is the manager of one of the restaurants. I have gotten to know them over the years and it's a major reason why I love the hotel.

You can definitely request a certain wing and type of room.

Definitely more time in Bangkok...3 full days minimum. Happy Travels!

Gloria,

That is amazing. The fact that these people are so happy there is a testament to the hotel itself. What room / wing would you suggest? The garden wing?

Ask for a deluxe room in the garden wing with a river view.

By the way -- the head porter and one of the doorman have been there 30 plus years as well. One of the things that I feel makes the hotel so special is the fact that the staff stays there. Mr. Kurt, the general manager who is married to a thai woman and lives on the premises, has been at the hotel for around 40 years. On New Year's Eve -- after the big party -- the lobby was turned into a disco and all the staff was dancing with the guests (but only the guests they know). How many other 5 star hotels can you think of where you are dancing with waiters, butlers, guys who carry your luggage, receptionists, concierge staff, waitresses etc. And Kurt (at 75) was leading the disco! They are wonderful people.

Hi In Koh Samui try the Royal Meridien at Baan Taling Ngam. It's on the west coast of the island and far from the very uninteresting town of ?? where most of the hotels are..The Meridien's site is unbelievable - all accomodations are suites and while the only downer is that the hotel is built on a steep cliff, the views from the suites/villas up top is to die for...if you dive the dive shop there is fantastic and there are good dive sites not far from the hotel...if you stay on the other side of the island, it takes forever to get to them - even getting to the marine preserve, which is awesome, takes almost twice as long from the eastern part of the island. I would highly recommend a day in the marine preserve - the hotel can arrange a day there complete with picnic! You will not believe the beauty of the place.
In Bangkok, go for the Oriental!!! and definitely try the Tom Som O salad, an outrageous blend of pomelo, chicken, and thai spices.
In Chang Mai, forget the Four Seasons. It's miles away from everywhere and you want to be in town. We stayed in a refurbished home which was small and beautiful, and if you mine the web you'll probably come across it. I can't remember the name, but I think it started with a "V". Have a great time in Pratet Thai! Kap kom maag krap! It is the most wonderful country on the planet!

Jdak-- I agree about the Tom Som O salad at the Oriental. it's a perfect lunch. You can get it at their Verandah Restaurant. I made them give me the recipe and have won many raves for it -- if I can't find pomelo I use pink grapefruit.

Is the place you describe in Chiang Mai Jaya Mong -- or something like that?

gloriaf: the hotel is called the Tamarind Village - it is exquisite and I would highly recommend it! http://www.chiangmaihoteltravel.com/...s/tamarind.htm

All the advice here are excellent. I would add one other thing, do let the hotels know that you're on your honeymoon - some if not all will be more than willing to upgrade to a higher grade room & complimentary fizz etc ;-). I agree with glorialf, kurt's a great guy in fact everything about the country's great (though my opinions are biased- 1/2 thai, 1/2 malaysian - currently residing in scotland). Also look at Sukhothai (if you're looking for somewhere in the Silom area) & Marriot Spa (if you're into pools/spa). Though my vote's for the Oriental. Have a good time.

nmurad-- I'd forgotten that Kurt is the longest reigning GM in the hotel business. He's been at the Oriental for 38 years. Wonder if he'll retire when he hits 40. If he does it will be hard to find a replacement. I've always thought that what makes him so different is how visible he is. I recently read an article that said that he and Penny never eat in their apartment (above the spa) but often eat at the restaurants so he can see first hand how visitors are reacting and see first hand how things are working.