Hi-
Before we go, I have a couple of questions about the Royal Orchid Sheraton in Bangkok.

1. Is it true that the last boat from Taksin Pier/ Skytrain is at 9PM? After that, I'm assuming our only option is a taxi, correct? I have to say, this is one thing I like about the Pen; the boat runs until midnight. I know BKK taxis are cheap, I just hate sitting in traffic.

2. What kind of toiletries are in the bathroom? I'm wondering if I need to pack shampoo and conditioner. I'm sure they have <i>something</i>, I'm just looking for details. I would prefer to avoid packing more liquids than necessary.

3. Anyone ever had a problem getting a late checkout? My mother (who has reserved the room) will be leaving at 9AM, while my flight does not leave until 7:30 PM. I was hoping I could get a later checkout. I'm thinking they should allow it if they have availability, but wondering if they will if she's the one to leave early (since the room is in her name).

I think that's it for now!
Thanks!

Don't worry about the last boat. The taxi ride from Taksin pier to the ROS is a straight shot uo Charon Kreung Road (New Road). It will take about ten minutes. I've never seen bad traffic on that road.

The ROS has both shampoo and conditioner.

Don't know about late check out, but last year we checked out at normal time, had them hold our luggage and we used the pool and shower attached thereto. It was easy and convenient. We took the midnight BKK-JFK flight.

Have a great trip Kristina! Think I will be just missing you and your mom along the way in CM, CR and SR.

Jackie

Ah, I knew Pandas were good for something! It hadn't even occured to me to take the taxi from the sky train. Thanks.

As for the late checkout, I'm hoping since Mom is a Gold member they will oblige. Because I'll be alone, I'd prefer to keep the room and be able to come and go before leaving around 4:00PM.

Moremiles- I know, it's really a bummer we will be just missing each other in all places. Hope you have an excellent trip.

don't get your hopes up about late check out....they will offer use of a room i believe to shower and change if you wish like the other bkk hotels...

One of the reasons I always stay at the oriental -- no problem checking in at 6AM and no problem having as late as a 10PM check out. I figure I get at least one and often two extra free days out of the hotel each trip.

Gloria, I'd love to stay at the Oriental for free, using SPG points as we are for the ROS, but I don't think they will take them.

K-FREE. Nothing beats it. The O and P are better, but don't take Starwoods. I assume you know that Meridien hotels can be obtained with SPG points. We use them at the beach.

If you're staying for free I suspect you may have an even harder time having a late check in but sometimes just being nice and getting to know the right person (and using your mom) can help.

You'll love the ROS (especially for free)-- I'd stay there over the Peninsula anytime. Think it's much better located.