allovereurope

Wow...I'm even more excited for our trip. We're staying at the Four Seasons (yes, because it's so affordable! in Europe we always stay in dumps) and I'm interested to see how good the service is there. I always thought I wasn't into "service", but the first time I stayed at an Intercontinental, I just bombarded the staff with questions about where to go, what to do, room service, better lighting, better mini-bar stocking, etc. They took it all in stride--in fact, they thought my requests were normal and always smiled and helped me out immediately--and that's what awesome service is.

Guenmai

I've been going to Europe almost annually since the mid-70s and you can't even compare the service in Southeast Asia to that of Europe...like comparing apples and oranges. No one knows how to do service like the Asians do...and especially the Thais.They put the "S" in the word. You'll love the Four Seasons Bangkok. It's my home-away-from-home hotel.You won't want to leave.Have a great trip. Travels!

BillT

Guenmai- yes right on!! I have all but given up on Europe because of the service level, the cost, and in some parts the attitude. My last 5 trips have been to Asia!

glorialf

No question that the asian hotels far surpass those in Europe in terms of service. I also agree that the Thais are the best at it -- largely because they seem to genuinely want you to have a good time. Their service has heart in it --not just efficiency.

BillT

Thats why they call Thailand the land of smiles!

Guenmai

It's all about the "SANUK"! Happy Travels!

glorialf

I know all about SANUK. I love it so much, that's what I named my dog -- and he lives it every day.

welch

I completely agree with all said about the Oriental's service and I love the newly renovated garden wing rooms, but in a class by itself is the Four Seasons Chiang Mai. I would return to Thailand just to spend my time at that hotel! The only exception we found on our trip to Asia (and the Four Seasons Marounuchi went to the police station to retrieve our lost camera and return it to us in the States!) was at the Chedi on Phuket where we departed after much rudeness!

BillT

Lets not forget to factor in value in these hotel ratings- if you pay $400-800 per night as some resorts charge- you damn well better get extraordinary treatment- I mean you better have maidens throwing rose petals ahead of where you walk and a butler runing your bath, personal cook and driver etc. Now if the rooms cvost that much you can imagine what the meals will run you. When I stay at a 5 star- I consider price as well as all of the other factors- service, room, view, etc. Again the hotels in BKK offer the best value- although some in the area are so high priced they fail in the value category- as I have often said- the law of deminishing returns applies when the price gets above the $300/night level. I just don't think you are getting good value beyond that point.

welch

I agree- somewhat. There is no amount of savings that will make up for a poor situation.. for me! I'd rather spend the money and know I have what I will enjoy, particularly when there's little difference between two properties. As it was, the Chedi was 220.00 per night and the Royal Yacht Club (which we were quite happy with) was 130.00. Our first night at the Oriental was 179.00- same price as the Peninsula- which I didn't care for. All bets were off for the price of Chiang Mai (Four Seasons, but what a unique experience). It would be difficult to put a price tag on it. Service can be the direct result of what is spent, but certainly doesn't have to be!

rhkkmk

$179 for oriental...that is the lowest i have ever seen...where did you get that rate for future reference...

welch

I'm a travel agent and it was available on my computer system. It was also available on their website. I had a room in the river wing. We were fortunate to have a room on the 8th floor directly behind the suite at the front of the building. Great view, lovely room and wonderful bathroom. When we returned to Bangkok the same room was 249.00 as the hotel was very full. We opted for the garden wing this time- more expensive.

glorialf

I generally pay $200-$225 for the Oriental in peak season and generally I find that the Mandarin Oriental website or AM Ex Fine Hotel Program have the best prices. They are much higher on the typical discount hotel websites. The one time it is very hard to find deals (and in fact the prices go up) is over New Year's.

And while the price is generally higher than any of the other deluxe hotels in Bangkok, I still think it is an incredible value for what you get.

BillT

I think those prices mentioned in the last three posts are fine- its the $500-$800 prices I see on this forum (for other venues) that to me seem way out of the value bandwidth!

Guenmai

I agree...$500-$800 for a room... it ought to be illegal. It amazes me that people actually pay those prices.And then there's the high tax to be added! But, there are lots of places, on Bali and the Maldives that are priced like that and even higher.Never would I pay such prices. I know someone who stayed at the Hotel Lutecia in Paris... in the 7th across from Le Bon Marche Department store...an OK place...but not anywhere near what one gets in BK and he ended up paying $1200. a night for a split-level Jr. suite...probably closet-sized. This was just last year that he was there. Ridiculous. Happy Travels!

Craig

As one who likes to stay at luxury properties but not pay a lot, I have to give my 2 cents: I agree, the law of diminishing returns starts with the $300+ hotel room. I am amazed at what some places in the Caribbean are getting - just ridiculous. That being said, I am paying $380/nt to stay at a couple of properties in India in February. Of course, that includes tax and breakfast. The lower priced alternatives are just not attractive at all.

glorialf

I rarely will spend more than $300 a night (and try not to spend that much)and generally speaking when I have, I have not felt it was worth the money. basically believe that no hotel is worth $400 - $800.

welltraveledbrit

I agree with the discussion about diminishing returns at a certain point.

It's certainly true that the more you pay the greater the expectation and that at some point the pressure is no longer worth the return. I always look for value whether I'm paying $120 at my favorite B and B in Rome or splashing out at a Banyan Tree.

However, I also think that for some people there are special places that are worth the esculating price and can still deliver a sense of value even at astronomical rates. For me Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur is worth it and clearly for some people the Amans are worth it.

No matter how interesting list like Conde Nast are they just can't capture the nuance, the individual ways in which we understand value in relation to the different ways in which we all choose to spend, or not to spend our money.

The problem for me is not whether others choose to spend more but the often implicit assumption that chosing to limit what one spends is only a function of what one has to spend!

welch

And then there's the snobbery factor- "I want the most expensive because it has to be the best"
and the reverse snobbery factor
"it can't be good because it's too expensive".

dlh

IMO "the best" means simply that. I am really sorry to be the dissenting voice about the "law of diminishing returns over $300-" or believing that "value" must be added to the mix. After all, value is perceived and even the definition of it varies by person - after all, limiting the list of "the best" to hotels under $300- is not necessarily representative of the actual "best" hotel anymore than limiting the list to those hotels that cost more than $300- per night would be representative of the "best". The best service (and, no, to me someone that is insincere or has their hand out is not offering me the best service nor is good service indiscreet), the best rooms, the best facilities, the best and most knowledgable information about the area, and the best location - basically the best experience. I honestly did not/do not factor cost into my opinion. The best hotel could cost $25- per night or $2500- it simply is irrelevant in my mind either way if what you are determining is the "best". Of course modifiers can be added to the mix - best within a certain price range, city, is it worth it to upgarde to a different view/catagory, etc. but in the end the best is the best. There is nothing implied or snobbish either way. I was simply stating what I believe to be the "best". Thanks for letting me share my opinion - I really enjoy reading all of yours !
PS. Hobbes I am happy to share our experiences at the Soneva Fushi and Taprobane but don't want to digress from an already lengthy thread. Would you like me to post it seperately ?