I'll be in Bangkok early next year and will be staying in either the Peninsula or the Oriental. I'm a very light sleeper (hate thin walls, TV noise, and slamming doors - a real handicap when traveling). Has anyone stayed in both of these hotels who could tell me which has the least room to room noise? Outside noise isn't an issue - earplugs usually take care of that! Thanks for the help...

We've stayed at the Peninsula on 3 occasions and I can say you can't hear anything from outside the room. We never even heard when the newspaper was slipped into the compartment...we only knew it was there because a little light told us so. No slamming doors, no hallway sound, no sound at all from another room. I'm pretty sure the Oriental would be similar.

Thanks for your response. There's almost no info in travel books or on websites about this kind of thing, so I figured I'd ask those who know first hand!

I have stayed at both and the rooms at both are equally quiet. I've stayed at the Oriental many many times and have never heard a thing when in my room. Stayed at the Pen once and also heard no noise.

I have also stayed at both - no problems with noise at all. I did note that during our stay at the Penn last February that it was especially quiet. Even the elevators don't make a sound.

I've stayed at both and it was a bit noiser at my room at the Oriental only because I was given a room directly across from the elevator and there were some small kids on the same floor. But, that kind of noise can happen anywhere. As far as the two hotels, I pick the Oriental over the Pen in general although there are a lot of Pen fans in this forum. Happy Travels!

Thanks for the all the info. Now if only I could decide between the two hotels...leaning toward the Oriental for the historic aspect and legendary service but I change my mind hourly!

Why not try both? Happy Travels!

I stayed at the Oriental last August. You won't hear a thing. This hotel has my top recommendation, the service is top of the line, from room service to the front desk. Anything that you need, the hotel will try and accomodate you. A must try! PS - Their breakfast is top notch as well.

The Oriental has a mynah bird outside in a cage in the garden area, just by the boat dock. It will talk a bit, say "sawadee ka" and whistle at you. It also bit my finger-but I guess that was my fault-I stuck my finger in its cage. It was only afterwards that I thought about bird flu... oh well!

The Oriental it is! Maybe I'll try the Peninsula on my next visit. Thanks for all the input!

You won't be sorry. As everyone on this board knows, the Oriental is by far my favorite hotel in the world.

Gloria- we need you at the HGT- you have been MIA on that thread!

I just stayed at the Oriental and I loved it! So much so that we are considering changing our stay at the Peninsula to the Oriental at the end of the trip! Having angst now about what to do! Will probably have angst for next three weeks until we fly back to Bangkok...

Bella- if you have not yet stayed at the Penn- then I suggest you do that and then you will have stayd at both and can then make a proper assessment of which hotel you prefer.

I agree with Bill. I have stayed at both and I am glad I did. If for no other reason, do it just to have breakfast outside by Chao Phraya - you won't regret it.

Bella-- return to the Oriental. The more you stay there the more you are treated like a friend, the more extras you get etc.

Gloria - you need to come to HGT so I can debate you in person on this O vs. Penn thang!

Bill - I'd love to debate in person but how about you coming to Chicago instead? My travel ability is pretty limited these days due to an elderly and ill dog and a big condo special assessment.

But, also Bill, we can't really debate until you have actually stayed at the Oriental -- which I don't believe you have