ahorvath

I just had a terrible experience at a Sheraton in the US (dirty room, stained carpet, smoking room only available, mediocre restaurant, and in general need of a face lift).

I also have reservations in the Towers at the Royal Orchid Sheraton in Bangkok this November for 6 nights. Has anyone had a recent experience there that was positive? My wife and I are very scared the ROS in BKK will be like the Sheraton experience we just had!

Kathie

I've stayed at the Royal Orchid Sheraton Towers in Bangkok almost annually for over 20 years. I consider it to be one of the best Sheraton Properties. I rarely stay at Sheratons elsewhere because I do think they are often not up to standard.

I was there most recently in November 2007. I'll be back at the end of October this year. They were refurbishing all of the Towers rooms last year, so I expect them to be lovely this year.

Gpanda

We always stay at the ROS when in BKK. It is very nice. Not particularly Thai, but up to snuff. It is in a great location.

There is a wonderful Thai restaurant just around the corner, the Gallery Cafe. Walk out of the lobby, turn right follow the road around to the left past the Portugese Embassy. The Gallery Cafe will be on your right before you get to the main road, Charon Kreung (New Road).

You can also easily walk to Harmonique and Tongue Thai. If you want you can take a taxi back because Charon Kreung runs South-North which makes this a short trip. The other way, you have to go the long way around.

LeighTravelClub

We have stayed at ROS on several occasions and would have no hesitation in returning.

However, in terms of deluxe accommodation it has some way to improve. The hotel is tired and somewhat outdated.....at least pre re-furb, BUT the location is perfect. The service has always been outstanding and the staff friendly and helpful.

Going back to your post, and I quote
' mediocre restaurant, and in general need of a face lift'. That very nicely sums up ROS, at least, in its pre re-furb condition. It's not dirty, it's not tatty or shabby....it's just tired!

I hesitate to say it, but in comparison with the sheer luxury of other Bangkok quality hotels, ROS has a lot of catching-up to do.

But, Location, Location, Location..... is for me, the No1 asset of ROS.

poochie

We were there just this past June. A wonderful hotel (thanks kathie).
Just in case you get tired of Thai food try the Italian restaurant in the hotel. It was the best Italian meal we have ever had...anywhere.

Kenstee

Have no fear. Sheratons outside of the US have no resemblance to those overseas.

The ROS has nice rooms all overlooking the river. Great location as well. Convenient to the river taxis.

I've stayed there numerous times over the past 15 years and always had a great stay. In fact, I will return there in December.

BTW, the Thai restaurant in the hotel is really fantastic! And better than most any restaurant I've tried in Bangkok. Don't miss it.

Kenstee

Meant to say: Sheratons outside of the US have no resemblance to those in the US.

rhkkmk

i love to dish the ROS, but it is mostly its 2nd tier location, its non-thainess and anywhere in the world feel that annoys me....

it is a perfectly good hotel...nothing wrong with it...the price is good, especially for FF rewards and SPG rates....

i just prefer other hotels...

you will love your stay there...

it is a big hotel and if you find any stains, etc just tell the front desk and you will be immediately moved!!!

TC

We spent a week in the ROS Tower last November and thought it wonderful. Views are amazing, cocktails and breakfast in the Club are outstanding, rooms are very nice, service was perfect. Four travelers agreed -- we couldn't have done better.

Kathie

I have to laugh at Bob's description of the ROS as having a "second tier" location! This from someone who likes having a hotel far enough away to be considered the suburbs! It must come from living in Needham.

For me, the location of the ROS couldn't be better
- on the river
- on the "right" side of the river
- next door to River city
- walking distance to a number of very good restaurants
- next to a water taxi pier
- a short shuttle ride from the Skytrain
- taxis easily available and they don't have to cross the river to get into the city.

travellingteacher2

We stayed at the Royal Orchid at the end of July for three nights. I can say nothing but wonderful things about the ROS.

We were upgraded to a top floor room that reminded me of the rooms at W hotels. The room was beautiful, the bathroom very chic and the view was great. The staff were very accommodating bringing us extra towels, bathrobes, shampoo, etc. without asking.

The breakfast buffet was included in the room rate and was very good. We took advantage of the club floor for cocktails and appetizers two nights. The staff was very efficient and there to please. They were making martinis, cocktails, etc. - a far cry from just the beer and wine we usually see in North America (don't get me wrong - beer and wine works but this seemed extra special!).

The concierge was efficient and arranged activities for us at a moments notice.

I would definitely return to the ROS and highly recommend them.

rhkkmk

kathie---you don't expect me to be totally positive do you?? this was a real stretch for me... i wanted AHO to be comfortable with the place (2nd tier place)

Kathie

LOL, Bob, I just had to tease you about it.

magical

"For me, the location of the ROS couldn't be better
- on the river
- on the "right" side of the river
- next door to River city
- walking distance to a number of very good restaurants
- next to a water taxi pier
- a short shuttle ride from the Skytrain
- taxis easily available and they don't have to cross the river to get into the city."

Couldn't agree more, Kathie. We loved observing river come to life in the morning, and city and water views in the evening.
I found the ROS to be first class, and the restaurant on the riverfront is excellent...good food, great views.

Kathie

Magical, I'm glad you enjoyed the ROS. I'm headed back there at the end of October and I can't wait!

Gpanda

Another convert! The ROS rules.

Kathie

shhhhh... don't tell Bob!

Craig

The ROS rules for those that want to waste their points on hotel rooms...

I have found that the Krupthep Wing at the Shangri La and of course the Penn, are fabulous places to stay if you are not using points or not staying in the ROS Towers as Kathie does.

Guenmai

I stayed there, but in a non-Towers room...just a standard room and was not impressed with my room at all and especially since it was only a few dollars less...maybe around $5.00 or less... than my standard room at the Four Seasons. It was like comparing apples and oranges.

I had problems with bathroom plumbing, to say the least, and there was really a very small and at a very weird angle, partial view, of the river. When looking out the window, to my right was the outside wall of another part of the hotel.

The western-style restaurant inside the hotel is quite good and I'd been eating there for many years before I stayed there and I still eat there when I'm on that side of town. And it's an excellent river location. Plus, the staff is very nice.

I was shown rooms in the Towers some years ago and they looked much better. Happy Travels!