Hello All. I'm considering staying at the Oriental Hotel in Bangkok next month. I heard they have a dress code but can't seem to find any info on it. Since I'll be hiking/camping for several weeks on this same trip, I wasn't originally planning on bringing really fancy clothes. Can someone tell me what this "dress code" is? <BR> <BR>Also, any opinions on the Oriental would be appreciated! <BR> <BR>Thanks!

Smart casual probably would be best.

As I understand it, the dress code mostly says what isn't acceptable in the public areas of the hotel: no tank tops, for instance. A friend stayed there on her honeymoon, and said they were quite diligent about enforcing the dress code.

Definitely "smart casual" for the public areas and formal for the Normandie Grill - the only hotel in Thailand to maintain such a pretentious attitude.

Suzanne - <BR> <BR>We stayed there in '99 and the smart casual look is the way to go. Just don't wear tank tops, flipflops, cutoff shorts, etc. in the hotel lobby. <BR> <BR>For Le Normandie, you do not need to wera formal attire. We ate there and while I had a nice skirt and blouse on, many other women had on outfits I would call "dressy casual" and looked fine. Dinner was WELL worth the price. <BR> <BR>Also, if you are so inclined, try a couple of treatments at the Oriental Spa, it's really fabulous. <BR> <BR>Lynn <BR> <BR

However, if you are going with a man, make sure he wears jacket and tie or he won't be admitted (they usually have a couple of emergency sets at the entrance). Lucnhtime, if not busy, and depending on the mood of the maitre d', they can be a little more flexible,

In my opinion, the dress code in the public areas of the Oriental is more a matter of respecting Thai/Buddhist culture than anything else but smart casual attire accomplishes this for the most part--no shorts, tank tops or plastic sandals (Tevas, etc.). Although I do not consider athletic shoes or sneakers "smart casual", noone will bother you for wearing them in the Oriental.