wkwb42a

We are now working on our hotels for our January, 2013 trip to SE Asia. In Bangkok, I have booked the Royal Orchid Sheraton, using points. For Siem Reap, I am trying for the Golden Temple Hotel. For Hanoi, I am trying for the Diamond Elegance Hotel. Thanks to all for your great reviews! These hotels sound very nice.

What hotels do you highly recommend for HCMC? Also, what hotels for Hong Kong?

Thank you very much. I remember that someone stated that choice of hotel in Asia is very important.

simpsonc510

Choice of hotel can add a lot to your S E Asia vacation, yes. So can the location of that hotel.

Happy planning.

rhkkmk

HK is tough as things are so expensive... might i suggest you use your starwood pts in HK instead of in bkk? better buy.

paying for ROS can not cost that much depending on the day... marriott mayfair, while not on the river is a bargain and well located. centre point silom is almost on the river and quite nice---as nice as ROS, imo. cash and pts with starwood is always a fab deal, if available..

AskOksena

>>>I remember that someone stated that choice of hotel in Asia is very important.<<<


Indeed, and will gently suggest careful choice of room/floor is every bit as important. (Took me more than a few Bangkok business travel visits to narrow down my special rooms/suites at various hotels, both riverside and 'in-town' -- particularly with my current BKK Starwood work property, the St. Regis.)

Now, warm congratulations, wkwb, upon forthcoming holiday. It's been awhile since my last Royal Orchid stay for work, but can give the high personal praise to that fine ROS property and staff. Over time, I became very partial to a certain lodging on floor 25 at the ROS; good karma -- and those lounge benefits. BKK Starwood business travel heaven, down by the river. Enjoy your Bangkok times, riverside.

Wish I could help you with Hong Kong Starwood suggestions, but to date it's been the Island Shangri-La (work) and the Peninsula (holiday). Lovely places, both.

I'm currently scheduled to be back in BKK and HKG over the next several months for brief business trips, so will pass along any noteworthy (Starwood & otherwise) developments well before your January '13 departure. Have fun planning and should your itinerary change to include our fine home of Singapore, pleased to assist.

macintosh (robert)


... Singapore Airlines, You're a Great Way to Fly ...

fishskis

I agree about the use of points in Bangkok; the hotels are of such a high level, at such relatively inexpensive prices, points are better used elsewhere, like Hong Kong, which has gotten more and more expensive for nice hotels. Starwood recently opened a very nice W Hotel in Kowloon; it is excellent and about $400 per night or so - if you have the points, this might be a good use of them. Additionally, there is a relatively new hotel called The Icon which has some decent prepaid rates, and has gotten universally great reviews; it is well located near The Pen in Kowloon.

Good luck.

rkkwan

The ICON isn't that close to the Peninsula, and the W is poorly located for sightseeing. But I agree with using points at the Sheraton instead.

wkwb42a

Does anyone know about the Rex Hotel in Saigon? Please advise about location, service, and level of luxury. Thanx.

Can anyone highly recommend any other hotels in Saigon? Thank you so much.

crellston

Caravelle is my favourite hotel in Saigon - great central location in District 1. The Park Hyatt is close by and also a great but usually v. expensive choice. Rex is OK and again is close to the other two and has more history attached but not as luxurious (although it is along time since I stayed there so things may have changed a lot).

wkwb42a

It seems that the Rex Hotel in Saigon has been renovated. We are considering staying in their new section. So, the location is good? We are working with Tonkin for VN.

Any other recommendations in similar price range?

Thanx.

rhkkmk

we were very pleased with liberty central hotel in HCNC

yestravel

I liked the location of the Rex - nice lobby and upstairs terrace bar. The Hyatt was very swank and while not much of a walk from the Rex, I thought the location of the Rex better. Did not see the rooms in either hotel.
If u decide on Liberty Central, request a room on a high floor and check out your room to ensure its not one of the smaller ones. It's in a good area -- right next to the market and easy to walk everywhere. Staff is very nice. Has a small rooftop pool.

crellston

The Rex is in a good location and, if it has been renovated is probably as good a choice as any in District 1.

mcbeanie

Hong Kong ~~ while I haven't actually stayed at the Marco Polo (some Fodorites have!), I can assure you that their pre-trip customer service is 'over the top.' We were booked there for 2 wks in May, but had to cancel because of personal illness. They refunded our deposit ~~ normally unrefundable ~~ because it was illness and we had dr's validity, which we faxed to them. No, Marco Polo wasn't booked with points, but I will continue to recommend them for their customer service, pleasant responses, and concern. Yes, we will re-book with them when we do get to HK next March.

Hope you find exactly what you are looking for, and enjoy your visit to SEA. I am certain that all the recommendations above are excellent, as Fodorites have never failed me in this aspect.

Sandra

wkwb42a

Thanx so much. We chose the Rex, the renovated section. We appreciate all your advice.

Which type of room/location do you recommend in Golden Temple in SR?

Again, many thanks to all.

sf7307

This is from my trip report of a year ago:

"Drinks and dessert at lovely rooftop bar at Hotel Rex ($14 for a margarita and a coffee/ice cream) with live music (mostly of lounge act quality, but a group of guitarists was excellent)!"