OMG Kathie!!! One million Marriott points and you still in town! :) Her is a quick comparison between the two hotels:

- Better lounge at the JWM even though the Renaissance's is nice.
- Slightly better location at the Renaissance
- Better dining options at the JW Marriott: Japanese, Chinese, Thai, Steakhouse, Marriott Cafe, Bangkok Baking Company, and the lounge versus Italian, Chinese, Flavors (cafe on 2nd floor), and Lounge at Renaissance.
- Better rooms at the JW Marriott
- More likely to get upgraded at the Renaissance
- Renaissance has beautiful chic design, the JWM has the glamor!
- The JWM is more lively in terms of lobby, restaurants, events, etc.
- More and better facilities at the JWM: outside pool, spa & gym, parking, gift shop, cigar shop, etc.

Thanks, Kalil, that is very helpful.

Kalil, does the JW have a cigar bar, where the guys could light up?

You can buy Cuban cigars at two places inside the JWM (the Cigar Shop & the lobby lounge which has its own humidor). Smoking indoors was outlawed recently and you can only light-up outside, unlike the old days when we smoked cigars at the hotel lobby. Thai government reasoned that it was for the better health of the hospitality workers. The executive lounge on the 16th floor has a huge outside balcony that smokers usually use to satisfy their habit. I personally gave up puffing 5 years ago.

Here is a photo of the 16th floor balcony, please note that it contains more furniture now: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/5207813753/

The Hyatt Regency Erewan has (had) a lovely cigar bar. I think they still light up there???

The Grand Hyatt Erawan also has a smoking room next to the little computer room on their executive lounge floor (the 17th floor). Is this the one you referring to: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/6592818533/

The one I've been to is a nice 3-room lounge in the lower lobby level. Right outside the door is a small bar area.