why doesn't this hotel feature in the rants and raves section? I thought is one of the "top" hotels in Bangkok and wanted to see what people thought of it before booking.

I'm not sure why Fodor's doesn't list it in their guidebook. If you do a search here, you will find lots of feedback on the hotel.

Do a text search in this board, you'll find plenty of comments. The Peninsula in Bangkok is an excellent hotel. It's considered to be on the "wrong" side of the river, though some people think that's not a problem.

Graham - my husband and I just returned from a two week trip to Thailand, a week of which was spent at the Peninsula in Bangkok. The hotel is simply incredible! We have been fortunate to travel extensively in Europe in the past few years and have stayed at some very nice hotels, but nothing compares to the Peninsula. <BR><BR>Because of the hotel's relatively inexpensive rates, we opted for a suite. The suite was the size of an apartment, with floor to ceiling windows encircling the living room. We had a breathtaking view of the Chao Phraya river which provided a never-ending source of entertainment.<BR><BR>The service was impeccable. The staff was unfailing polite and friendly; the concerige effecient and always dead on with their advice. Restaurants were first rate. The pool was a welcome respite from the city's heat and hectic pace. <BR><BR>As far as the hotel being on the "wrong" side of the river; I simply do not understand this comment. From the Peninsula's location, you get a great view of the city; the hotel has continuous shuttle boat service that begins at 6:00 a.m. (I think) and lasts until midnight. The shuttle takes you to the Oriental Pier, the Peninsula's own pier, the Taksin Pier (where you catch the elevated skytrain)and to the River City shopping complex. After spending a week fighting Bangkok traffic, I would never stay anywhere else but the river. It is cooler, less hectic, and the river taxis and sky train so much faster and better than inner city taxis.<BR><BR>I cannot recommend the Peninsula highly enough. I only wish that they had hotels in more than just a handful of cities around the world.

I believe the hotel isn't listed in Fodors because it wasn't built when their last guidebook came out. I've found this to be true with any number of hotels throughout the world.

thanks for all the replies. Wouldn't it be great if there was a forum for us to just put in hotel or restaurant rants and raves? I would have thought that that would also benefit Fodors.<BR>Jam <BR>did you book the suite before you arrived or just upgrade on arrival? I'm wondering if it would be cheaper to wait until we get there.

Graham - we booked our suite before we left. I did it directly through the Peninsula's own website. We got a rate of $225. I don't know when you plan on going, but I believe our rate was low because we were there in the so-called rainy season. The rate included "free" pick-up (in a Mercedes) at the airport on arrival and a buffet breakfast each morning. The breakfast buffet was huge and offered everything you could possibly want for breakfast from bacon and eggs to pancakes to cereal, fruit and yogurt. They also served noodles and soup which I imagine is a more typical Thai breakfast. I don't know what kind of rates you are used to paying for hotels, but getting a suite in a 5 star hotel that includes breakfast for $225 is unheard of in my travels. A comparable deal in Europe would run $500 and up.

Bangkok has some of the best hotels in the world, and at some of the best prices. Your $225 for a suite at the Pen is a good deal. I just booked a big suite (70 sq. m.) with a jacuzzi and full river view (all the rooms have a full river view) in the Towers section of the Royal Orchid Sheraton. The room price includes full breakfast (part buffet, part made to order), cocktails and hors d'ouvres in the club each evening, laundry service, and 24 hour butler service for $190 in December.

Last year I booked a regular room through circleofasia.com. I think it was around $100. The room was incredible. Nice furniture & carpet in the bedroom. A hardwood floor entrance & closet area. The bathroom was huge with separate bath & shower facilities. It was beautiful w/a view of the river & fresh fruit every day.