Mr and Mrs Bluebell Thai The Knot
Aug 19th, 2006, 07:38 AM
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wow---i was under the impression that the place was new from the bottom up just about 2 years ago...
it is owned by the same group that owns the marriott in bkk, the 4 seasons in CM and tons of other places
it is owned by the same group that owns the marriott in bkk, the 4 seasons in CM and tons of other places
Aug 19th, 2006, 07:59 AM
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i decided to look on trip advisor and i did learn that anantara is a make over of a former mid-range resort....so this explains your impressions....i had been led to believe previously that it was totally new...i am very disappointed...
it gets only medium reviews...
it gets only medium reviews...
Aug 20th, 2006, 01:17 AM
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John's parents said the food was v good on the plus side and the communal areas were really very striking, but the rooms did let it down I think although there were nice little details. I knew I'd read somewhere that it was a refurb!
So now we are back at Rocky for one final day of sentimentality and to use up the vouchers we had for massages and the champagne bottles we left behind (complimentary - but undrunk - two of them!). We had a lovely stay at the Muang Samui - really v gorgeous and I had a few blissful spa treatments and even persuaded John to have a facial, ha ha, he looks v beautiful now.
The night before last we ate at Poppies and the food was v lovely. We went there because we have stayed at Poppies in Bali and wanted to see what it was like. Actually it is v similar to Rocky Resort where we married but in the middle of Chaweng and the rooms are in the garden not beachfront. Bella fell asleep in the songthaew down the beachroad to Poppies (it is the other end to Muang Samui) and so we had a peaceful meal! John had a steak and I had duck in a cinnamon sauce with feta salad. We had prawn and pork pancakes to share to start and were absolutely stuffed so no dessert. With cocktails and wine the bill came to c. 3500B. Recommended.
Last night, we went to Eat Sense which is often recommended on tripadvisor. It uses mainly organic food and no MSG. J's sister babysat so once more a peaceful meal. The restaurant is beachfront and lit by candles it is v romantic - except were stuck on the edge of the floorplan in some dark sandy corner with lots of ants and frogs. I asked for some insect repellant to try to deter the ants and hoped for the best! No mosquitoes though - we had a coil under the table. The staff was friendly and welcoming but too busy with too many tables to look after. Whilst our main courses were tasty, our starters came out only lukewarm and it took us 10 minutes to get their attention to get more drinks and the same later to get the bill. The staff was all busy during this time, not standing around chatting or anything, but they didn't look over to our dark little corner...
So I was somewhat disappointed and wished we had spent the 2250B the meal cost elsewhere. Nevermind - tonight I think we are going to eat at Baan Yai which is a home cooking restaurant we have discovered about 10 mins walk from Rocky. It is run by a lovely lady and her Australian husband. Her parents cook the food and her nephews (teenagers) are the v attentive waiters (doing their homework inbetween serving). The food is A* - incredibly fresh and tasty, each dish cooked to order. There are only about 6 tables and if you want seafood, you can phone in advance to order it. We will have curries though we think - they were delicious last time. I have the details written down so will post them later with phone numbers etc in case anyone wants to visit if in Samui. Best meal we have had on the island tbh - especially given it is good value. Last time we paid 300B each...too good to miss at 10 times that price imo.
Off to Bangkok tomorrow for the last few days of our trip. We have had a wonderful time and are really looking forward to BKK but I think we will be ready then to go home. I can't believe how long we have been away - we haven't done this since our backpacking days but B in particular is missing her friends and actually wants to go to nursery!
BB
So now we are back at Rocky for one final day of sentimentality and to use up the vouchers we had for massages and the champagne bottles we left behind (complimentary - but undrunk - two of them!). We had a lovely stay at the Muang Samui - really v gorgeous and I had a few blissful spa treatments and even persuaded John to have a facial, ha ha, he looks v beautiful now.
The night before last we ate at Poppies and the food was v lovely. We went there because we have stayed at Poppies in Bali and wanted to see what it was like. Actually it is v similar to Rocky Resort where we married but in the middle of Chaweng and the rooms are in the garden not beachfront. Bella fell asleep in the songthaew down the beachroad to Poppies (it is the other end to Muang Samui) and so we had a peaceful meal! John had a steak and I had duck in a cinnamon sauce with feta salad. We had prawn and pork pancakes to share to start and were absolutely stuffed so no dessert. With cocktails and wine the bill came to c. 3500B. Recommended.
Last night, we went to Eat Sense which is often recommended on tripadvisor. It uses mainly organic food and no MSG. J's sister babysat so once more a peaceful meal. The restaurant is beachfront and lit by candles it is v romantic - except were stuck on the edge of the floorplan in some dark sandy corner with lots of ants and frogs. I asked for some insect repellant to try to deter the ants and hoped for the best! No mosquitoes though - we had a coil under the table. The staff was friendly and welcoming but too busy with too many tables to look after. Whilst our main courses were tasty, our starters came out only lukewarm and it took us 10 minutes to get their attention to get more drinks and the same later to get the bill. The staff was all busy during this time, not standing around chatting or anything, but they didn't look over to our dark little corner...
So I was somewhat disappointed and wished we had spent the 2250B the meal cost elsewhere. Nevermind - tonight I think we are going to eat at Baan Yai which is a home cooking restaurant we have discovered about 10 mins walk from Rocky. It is run by a lovely lady and her Australian husband. Her parents cook the food and her nephews (teenagers) are the v attentive waiters (doing their homework inbetween serving). The food is A* - incredibly fresh and tasty, each dish cooked to order. There are only about 6 tables and if you want seafood, you can phone in advance to order it. We will have curries though we think - they were delicious last time. I have the details written down so will post them later with phone numbers etc in case anyone wants to visit if in Samui. Best meal we have had on the island tbh - especially given it is good value. Last time we paid 300B each...too good to miss at 10 times that price imo.
Off to Bangkok tomorrow for the last few days of our trip. We have had a wonderful time and are really looking forward to BKK but I think we will be ready then to go home. I can't believe how long we have been away - we haven't done this since our backpacking days but B in particular is missing her friends and actually wants to go to nursery!
BB
Aug 20th, 2006, 07:51 AM
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don't rush home....we have had your house moved to a new larger setting amongst 50 hexacres....all will be as you left it except for the broken crockery---the move you know...your old neighbors will miss you but the low income housing units which will fill your former property were sadly needed...
your driver will meet you at heathrow...
your driver will meet you at heathrow...
Aug 21st, 2006, 11:54 AM
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Hi Bella Bluebell
your wedding trip sounds fantastic. we're getting married in thailand Jan/Feb 2008-too far away-and we really liked the look of Rocky Resort. i was really excited when i read your messages about it-it sounds as amazing as it looks. Id love to chat to you about your wedding at Rocky to get a feel for it. We'r goinn out in feb time to have a lok at a few places anyway but are pretty sold on Rocky for our wedding. would you be able to email me about it so i can ask you loads of questions-if you dont mind?
its; [email protected]
look forward to hearing from you, enjoy the rest of your trip in wonderful Thailand
your wedding trip sounds fantastic. we're getting married in thailand Jan/Feb 2008-too far away-and we really liked the look of Rocky Resort. i was really excited when i read your messages about it-it sounds as amazing as it looks. Id love to chat to you about your wedding at Rocky to get a feel for it. We'r goinn out in feb time to have a lok at a few places anyway but are pretty sold on Rocky for our wedding. would you be able to email me about it so i can ask you loads of questions-if you dont mind?
its; [email protected]
look forward to hearing from you, enjoy the rest of your trip in wonderful Thailand
Aug 21st, 2006, 06:15 PM
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Hi all - and to Kerrie
Disaster - I lost my camera on the last night at Samui. It didn't have all my holiday photos on it but had three weeks worth. When I tried to transfer them to my dad's computer before he left, the cable wasn't working so they were all on the memory stick. I am absolutely devastated - although many were duplicates of those taken by my family. It isn't really the photos of the rooms and accommodation that I am upset about - although I know some would have loved to see those - it is the ones of Bella, particularly the one of her sweeping the verandah of our beach house in ko pha ngan in flip flops and a sarong looking v peaceful and wistful as she sung to herself. We were not with our family there so we have no photos of that place or the beach or us there which I am really upset about as it was my favourite beach we visited.
So - I cried most of yesterday morning - including in the police station. They didn't know quite what to do with me - but said they at least knew I was genuine, I think they get many false reports made for insurance purposes. I left it in a taxi - so stupid - but I had handfuls of things and J was carrying B and we were both trying to collapse a buggy.
Anyway - no point crying over spilt milk and there are lots of other photos to see. but no photos yet on my journal as the cable didn't work and now I am not sure how to get the photos off the other memory cards onto the computer either!
So now we are at the Shangri La - but I am afraid the Oriental has spoilt me forever! We are out and about a lot so not in the room much but I am still yearning for my deluxe stateroom...
We were put into an executive riverview room which had a view from 22nd floor over the river but predominantly the city and building sites as it was towards the back of the hotel. I just got straight onto the phone (with john rolling his eyes) and asked was there a room with a more direct riverview. We got moved to a deluxe balcony room - only on the 6th floor - but it has direct river views from the balcony and pool and river views from my bath! It is also much bigger which is a bonus as we have about a 100 bags and a cot too.
So we are planning what to spend our time doing here - we are taking B to Siam Ocean World for sure and luxuriating in not having any family to worry about and only ourselves to please!
Should I buy a camera here do you think - any views and suggestions as to best places to buy?
Kerrie - I have nothing but praise for Rocky and the staff. You can email me at [email protected] or [email protected]. I probably wont have much of a chance to email until I get home next Sunday but then v happy to let you know. Where do you live?
BB
Disaster - I lost my camera on the last night at Samui. It didn't have all my holiday photos on it but had three weeks worth. When I tried to transfer them to my dad's computer before he left, the cable wasn't working so they were all on the memory stick. I am absolutely devastated - although many were duplicates of those taken by my family. It isn't really the photos of the rooms and accommodation that I am upset about - although I know some would have loved to see those - it is the ones of Bella, particularly the one of her sweeping the verandah of our beach house in ko pha ngan in flip flops and a sarong looking v peaceful and wistful as she sung to herself. We were not with our family there so we have no photos of that place or the beach or us there which I am really upset about as it was my favourite beach we visited.
So - I cried most of yesterday morning - including in the police station. They didn't know quite what to do with me - but said they at least knew I was genuine, I think they get many false reports made for insurance purposes. I left it in a taxi - so stupid - but I had handfuls of things and J was carrying B and we were both trying to collapse a buggy.
Anyway - no point crying over spilt milk and there are lots of other photos to see. but no photos yet on my journal as the cable didn't work and now I am not sure how to get the photos off the other memory cards onto the computer either!
So now we are at the Shangri La - but I am afraid the Oriental has spoilt me forever! We are out and about a lot so not in the room much but I am still yearning for my deluxe stateroom...
We were put into an executive riverview room which had a view from 22nd floor over the river but predominantly the city and building sites as it was towards the back of the hotel. I just got straight onto the phone (with john rolling his eyes) and asked was there a room with a more direct riverview. We got moved to a deluxe balcony room - only on the 6th floor - but it has direct river views from the balcony and pool and river views from my bath! It is also much bigger which is a bonus as we have about a 100 bags and a cot too.
So we are planning what to spend our time doing here - we are taking B to Siam Ocean World for sure and luxuriating in not having any family to worry about and only ourselves to please!
Should I buy a camera here do you think - any views and suggestions as to best places to buy?
Kerrie - I have nothing but praise for Rocky and the staff. You can email me at [email protected] or [email protected]. I probably wont have much of a chance to email until I get home next Sunday but then v happy to let you know. Where do you live?
BB
Aug 21st, 2006, 08:15 PM
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BB...i don't think you should buy a camera there...don't make a hasty decision...
if you have sticks...there is a camera shop on the road leading from new road to the sh-la....it is in the right as you leave the hotel...there are two actually...i went to the one nearer the hotel....they transferred my sticks to a cd for a reasonable price...this is an easy way to upload things in the future...
i am so sorry to hear this!! but better the camera than bella...she would turn up however...
maybe you should see if you could advertise in the samui press about your sticks....never mind the camera...who cares about that....offer a reward....ask your hotel for help
if you have sticks...there is a camera shop on the road leading from new road to the sh-la....it is in the right as you leave the hotel...there are two actually...i went to the one nearer the hotel....they transferred my sticks to a cd for a reasonable price...this is an easy way to upload things in the future...
i am so sorry to hear this!! but better the camera than bella...she would turn up however...
maybe you should see if you could advertise in the samui press about your sticks....never mind the camera...who cares about that....offer a reward....ask your hotel for help
Aug 22nd, 2006, 04:51 AM
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BB-- so sorry about your camera.Console yourself by moving to the Oriental for the rest of your stay. Tell them your story and watch them make sure the tears turn to smiles as only they know how to do!
Aug 22nd, 2006, 06:57 AM
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Sorry you lost your camera but you know the image you describe of Bella sweeping in her flip flops & sarong was so clear to me that it is obvious that it is very strong in your memory so you won't forget that. Just beautiful.
J
J
Aug 22nd, 2006, 09:05 AM
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so sorry to hear about the camera BB. It's gutting when that sort of thing hapens. My Fiance lost his camera with loads of shots of us with the monks in a Battambang monastry a few years back......gutted !
Cheers for your addy I'll drop you a line when you get back. take care.
Kerrie. xx
Cheers for your addy I'll drop you a line when you get back. take care.
Kerrie. xx
Aug 22nd, 2006, 10:19 PM
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Thank you for all your kind messages - John says I will just have to write a really detailed travel journal to rememeber it all that way. We have just bought a disposable camera and been to Siam Ocean World which B loved!
We are going now to the Peninsula for our last three nights - we got a v good deal through Amex so it works out cheaper than 3 nights at the Oriental. I am hoping I like it as much as the Oriental but I suspect I may not but we had a reservation there already and it just seemed the easiest thing. I hope I like it - or we will be on that boat across the river...ooo no - now that Gloria has mentioned the Oriental I wish I was going back there. John is going to get v mad with me soon!
BB
We are going now to the Peninsula for our last three nights - we got a v good deal through Amex so it works out cheaper than 3 nights at the Oriental. I am hoping I like it as much as the Oriental but I suspect I may not but we had a reservation there already and it just seemed the easiest thing. I hope I like it - or we will be on that boat across the river...ooo no - now that Gloria has mentioned the Oriental I wish I was going back there. John is going to get v mad with me soon!
BB
Aug 23rd, 2006, 09:16 AM
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WELL????????????????? how is it??
much nicer than the oriental right?? gloria will kill you, or i will kill you...
disposable camera...good idea...
enjoy your last 3 days....and sharpen up that pencil for the long and interesting trip report...you may need another vacation after you finish writing this one...
enjoy
much nicer than the oriental right?? gloria will kill you, or i will kill you...
disposable camera...good idea...
enjoy your last 3 days....and sharpen up that pencil for the long and interesting trip report...you may need another vacation after you finish writing this one...
enjoy
Aug 24th, 2006, 01:07 AM
#76
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We are now in the Peninsula. We had a bit of a horrendous check in - the Peninsula and Amex Centurion seem to have had a bit of a communication problem over our reservation/upgrades/rates etc which could not be resolved even as we were standing there waiting (standing, for 30 mins, no offer of a drink...). But it all worked out in the end - due to the Peninsula taking pity on us I think more than anything else. It was all a bit horrendous and also v public. The reception area is quite small so all discussions were up for all ears. But it was all made better when they showed us to our suite...
So we are now in a beautiful Grand Deluxe Suite - very elegant and very spacious. You go in the door and turn left into a study area which opens into a big living room with 2 or 3 windows and there is a cloakroom off this room. Then you go through to a little hallway - to the left you enter a bathroom with separate shower (and TV in the bathroom - I didn't tell J or B about that - they are v impressed!) and there is also a wardrobe area and to the right is the door to the bedroom - with a corner window.
We are at the end of a corridor and seem to have views on all sides and we are on the 29th floor. The views are amazing, the room is lovely (although I think it needs a splash of colour - I am a bit beiged out this holiday...J says this is all a bit ironic as I have spent the last few years removing all colour from our home and beiging it out - so may this isn't different enough from home?). We have had champagne and chocolates delivered and a voucher for a massage each.
I am not making any quick judgements on which I prefer - but at the moment, my heart is still with the O. John really likes the peninsula - he likes v quiet tranquil hotels. So we may have our own private battle as to which one wins out!! He plays tennis wherever we go and the Pen has v good rates too he says!
will update more soon,
BB
PS looking for nice textiles to buy to take home - silk runners and hangings etc - where is a good place that is not too dear? B has taken up residence in a children's play centre in the Paragon so we keep ending up here but the 'exotic thai' bit of the mall here is v expensive. I am going to look at Emporium 4F now and then maybe will go to Suan Lum night bazaar or JJ market to see too over the next couple of days but welcome any other particular suggestions
So we are now in a beautiful Grand Deluxe Suite - very elegant and very spacious. You go in the door and turn left into a study area which opens into a big living room with 2 or 3 windows and there is a cloakroom off this room. Then you go through to a little hallway - to the left you enter a bathroom with separate shower (and TV in the bathroom - I didn't tell J or B about that - they are v impressed!) and there is also a wardrobe area and to the right is the door to the bedroom - with a corner window.
We are at the end of a corridor and seem to have views on all sides and we are on the 29th floor. The views are amazing, the room is lovely (although I think it needs a splash of colour - I am a bit beiged out this holiday...J says this is all a bit ironic as I have spent the last few years removing all colour from our home and beiging it out - so may this isn't different enough from home?). We have had champagne and chocolates delivered and a voucher for a massage each.
I am not making any quick judgements on which I prefer - but at the moment, my heart is still with the O. John really likes the peninsula - he likes v quiet tranquil hotels. So we may have our own private battle as to which one wins out!! He plays tennis wherever we go and the Pen has v good rates too he says!
will update more soon,
BB
PS looking for nice textiles to buy to take home - silk runners and hangings etc - where is a good place that is not too dear? B has taken up residence in a children's play centre in the Paragon so we keep ending up here but the 'exotic thai' bit of the mall here is v expensive. I am going to look at Emporium 4F now and then maybe will go to Suan Lum night bazaar or JJ market to see too over the next couple of days but welcome any other particular suggestions
Aug 24th, 2006, 01:23 AM
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Bella
Hope you have a fab time. Shame on centurion for mixing up your booking. I hope you will call and let them know when you get home?
We are staying at the pen in November again so can't wait. (i know what you mean about the o v pen)
Ok in my luxe guide it mentions a really nice silk shop ALMETA its 20/3 sukhomvit soi 23 i also read about its elsewhere. I plan to check it out myself in Nov its open everyday 10-6
Jane
X
Hope you have a fab time. Shame on centurion for mixing up your booking. I hope you will call and let them know when you get home?
We are staying at the pen in November again so can't wait. (i know what you mean about the o v pen)
Ok in my luxe guide it mentions a really nice silk shop ALMETA its 20/3 sukhomvit soi 23 i also read about its elsewhere. I plan to check it out myself in Nov its open everyday 10-6
Jane
X
Aug 24th, 2006, 03:15 AM
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BB-- as I have said repeatedly. The Oriental and Pen are both deluxe but also very very different. Which one you prefer often is based on the kind of hotel you like.
As for the mix up. You never know who is at fault when it happens -- whether it's am ex or the hotel. I had it happen to me the second time I stayed at the Oriental. In that instance they immediately took me to a room and they dealt with AM EX -- I just gave them my confirmation and papers etc. I didn't do a thing and I didn't wait somewhere while they dealt with it. Since I was NOT a regular client at the time and since it was 1985 so there was much less technology I have no idea how long it took them to resolve things. All I know is that it was resolved without any inconvenience to me. It's one of the things that made me love the Oriental in those early trips.
As for the mix up. You never know who is at fault when it happens -- whether it's am ex or the hotel. I had it happen to me the second time I stayed at the Oriental. In that instance they immediately took me to a room and they dealt with AM EX -- I just gave them my confirmation and papers etc. I didn't do a thing and I didn't wait somewhere while they dealt with it. Since I was NOT a regular client at the time and since it was 1985 so there was much less technology I have no idea how long it took them to resolve things. All I know is that it was resolved without any inconvenience to me. It's one of the things that made me love the Oriental in those early trips.
Aug 25th, 2006, 08:26 PM
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V much enjoying our stay at the Pen. They are both excellent hotels - v close competition...think O may win out but they are neck to neck at the mo'
went to JT factory outlet on sukhumvit 93 and got lots of beautiful silks to make panels with
one day to go...
BB
went to JT factory outlet on sukhumvit 93 and got lots of beautiful silks to make panels with
one day to go...
BB
