Hilton HHonors - Hilton HHonors Properties in Bangkok

Will be in Bangkok this fall and trying to decide on a hotel. We are a younger couple and prefer hipper boutique style hotels, but we want to take advantage of the quality traditional Thai service as well and hotel value for the dollar. Was looking at the Conrad, Westin Grand Sukhumvit, Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit, Sukhothai, Shangri-La, or the Peninsula. I know this is quite a selection, but I wanted to see what sort of opinions I could solicit. I am not pushing to stay with one particular chain/program, I just want the best hotel at a reasonable price. I am also an HHonors Diamond, so any upgrade stories from the Conrad are appreciated too! Thanks for any input!

Right after I made res at the Conrad for a 3 day stay next month, I e-mailed the property with inquries as to what kind of perks a Gold HHonors member can expect. Within 24 hours I received a great reply from a res.mngr. informing me of a confirmed upgrade to Executive Room, free breakfast, Lounge access with free drinks in the evening, fresh fruits /or chocolates in the room, and few other perks. I booked on Hilton.com for $99 per night. She also informed me of a possible upgrade to a suite, if available on the day of check-in, not counting on that, but if it happens, well that much better....
Can't tell you about any of the properties as this will also be my first visit, but Travel+Leisure magazine in this months issue has the best of the best awards, and Peninsula BKK is picked this year as #1 in the world. We all know that these awards are subjective, but there is always some truth to them as well. Conrad is not on that list, because it's brand new, but the other properties you mentioned are also in the top 100, so I don't thing you could go wrong with any of them.
BTW, after my stay at the Conrad, I will be moving to the Pen to experience the best!
Have a great trip!

Conrad, Conrad, Conrad. If still in doubt, stay at the Conrad.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaucho100K:
Conrad, Conrad, Conrad. If still in doubt, stay at the Conrad.</font>

Looks like he's a fan too... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

While you are there, take advantage of Julie. She is the single most useful person in the hotel. Charming and beautiful too!

Service needs a little improvement, but as it is a new hotel, I'll give it a little more time. Wi-fi in public areas is a bonus.


[This message has been edited by jkc22 (edited 07-23-2003).]

Duplicate deleted.

[This message has been edited by jkc22 (edited 07-23-2003).]

We actually will be in Bangkok for the first 3 nights of our trip and the last two. To be honest, I already booked the Conrad for the first stint. Looks fantastic from the pics, very modern. But I thought maybe I should try somewhere else for the last part of the trip just for comparison. So i was trying to see where else people reccommend as well, especially in comparison to the Conrad. Looks like I made a good choice for the first part of my stay though, I was hoping someone would say it is great! Maybe I will just end up staying there later as well, its only $99 a night....the Peninsula is about $180!

Why not try the Bangkok Hilton for the last part of your trip?...especially if you are a diamond.

It has a very beautiful garden and pool area and would be a great place to wind down a trip to Thailand.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by travelinmanS:
Why not try the Bangkok Hilton]</font>

Leaving Hilton.

not until Jan 1...get in while the gettings good!

I stayed at the Bangkok Hilton in February, and found it very raggedy compared to the Conrad.

I stayed at the Peninsula twice in December, and enjoyed it very much. It could be a good place to wind down at the end of your trip. It is on the river, and you can have breakfast along side the river. It has boats constantly crossing the river so you are not isolated, and the boats are charming. At night, just take a taxi from the hotel rather than taking the boat across and needing to flag down a taxi. It is much easier, and traffic is down enough at night that you'll pay no more from the hotel than you will across the river.

The Conrad is a very good choice.

Of the others on your list, I stayed at the Sukhothai, about 3 or 4 years ago.

The Sukhothai is a great hotel. My only problem with it was location; it's out on Sathorn, and although that is not too far from the Sukhumvit area, it IS a long way with the Bangkok traffic.

The Conrad is close enough to Sukhumvit you can walk and catch the Skytrain (or take the free bus to the Skytrain). Or grab a cab.

The Conrad is on Wireless Road, but most taxi drivers know it as "Wittayu" road. Try to get a taxi card or map for the taxi driver if you are going there straight from the airport.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SanDiego1K:
I stayed at the Bangkok Hilton in February, and found it very raggedy compared to the Conrad.
</font>

Did the same in Jan at both, definitely skip the Hilton.

A quick recap of some of my recent stays:

JW Marriott.
Good:
1) Close (though not as close as the Westin and the Sheraton Grande) to SkyTrain (Ploenchit Stn)
2) Cosy/dark lobby furnished in simulated teak with Thai silk hangings-very classy
3) Button on phone accesses "personal concierge"
4) Lobby bathrooms provide individually folded cotton towels! (not disposable paper towels)
5) Staff excellent and extremely discreet. Nobody bothers you when you don't want to be bothered but the moment you need something, they are there.

Blah:
1) Smallish rooms (I am now a lowly Silver)
2) Pool is small and has a 1970-ish dark blue color scheme.

Marriott Resort & Spa
Good:
1) I was a Platinum at the time and was upgraded to a suite in the South Wing. I got a separate dining room, 2 huge sliding windows (in the front of the bed and at the side) and a huge wrap-around balcony. And to-die-for river views.
2) Lots of space (it's a sprawling property) with lots of greenery (tropically lush and unbelievable in BKK) and Thai touches. Reminds one of the Intercontinental in Bali. You can walk around the property at night and let it take your breath away.
3) Best river cruise dinner (Manohra Cruises)

Blah:
1) Location. On the wrong side of the river. You'd have to take a ferry across. Nothing in the vicinity to interest anyone-very local suburban setting.
2) No separate shower/bath. Shower is kind of funny with a a glass screen door that covers only half the bath. I hate wet floors.
3) Staff training a step behind. I had a "Do Not Disturb" request on my door ignored. Probably an isolated incident.

Shangri-la
Good:
1) Reception walks you right to your room after check-in to explain all the features of the room.
2) I got 3 papers a day (AWSJ, USAToday and the local paper)
3) Unlimited free local calls if member of loyalty program.
4) Within walking distance, the locale is very local. It's almost if the Shangri-la were an oasis in the middle of everyday Bangkokian life - great for observing the way the locals live in an urban setting.

Blah:
1) Entry-level rooms have no separate bath/shower

The irony of it is although a HH Diamond, I've not yet had the pleasure of staying at a HH hotel in BKK. Definitely the next trip.

Mind you, there's no other hotel in the low $100 range that offers the same amenities as the Conrad.

The JW can be had for $120 (incl breakfast) is the next best deal. The JW gym is also very excellent -- easily the most extensive hotel gym.

The Pen is a good choice, and definitely one of the best in service. It's however, still a luxury hotel, so not as hip as the Conrad.

The Oriental is an excellent hotel. I would not hesitate to put my grandparents into it. I would recommend eating there, however. Le Normandie is one of the best French restaurants in the same league as the likes of Lucas Carton, Les Ambassadeurs, and Gaddi's. Price is about 1/3 of the aforementioned.

Do not bother eating at the Conrad (other than Exec Lounge fare). Restaurants at the Conrad are hip, fun, and chic, but that's it... service and fare are subpar.

As mentioned before, Celedon at the Sukothai is an excellent place for Sunday brunch (elegant garden setting with reflection ponds).

As for the Hilton, it is not worthy of mention at all. It's been called a "3 star hotel commanding 5 star prices" by the industry insiders.

I just returned from a three-night stay at the Conrad. This is my favorite Hilton property thus far--better than the Conrad Singapore and Conrad Hong Kong, mainly because I enjoyed the unique rooms and because everyone was so friendly and helpful. The rain shower was a big hit, too.

Everything from start to finish was wonderful. The services offered by the Executive Lounge were especially nice. Breakfasts, afternoon tea, and evening cocktails were all top-notch. Snacks in the evening included a good selection of sashimi and sushi, plus a half-dozen other tasty choices. Two free internet terminals were also available for use in the lounge.

Other Bangkok/Conrad notes from this trip:

We enjoyed a great Thai dinner at the Baan Khun Luang, which is a 2-minute walk from the hotel.

As others have said, only about 1 in 10 taxi drivers knows where the Conrad is located. Take the taxi cards--even with these many drivers were confused. Hopefully, this situation will improve over time.

The 40-baht herbal massage from the school at Wat Po was a little rough, but fantastic. Probably the best deal in town.

The Narayan Phand mall is highly recommended for Thai gifts. They have just about everything, good AC, and fixed, but good prices.

Late-night shopping at Pat Pong is certainly not for everyone, but I really enjoyed the experience. The quality of the knock-off was generally quite good. Overall, a lot more entertaining than going to the mall!

I can't wait to see more of Thailand.

Found room service at the Conrad nothing less than excellent, as were the drinks by the pool and the prices are excellent as well! same or less than the Hilton.

With Taxi drivers - say "Plaza Athenee", they know this and it's relatively close (one or two buildings down is the entrance to the conrad).

The Sum Lom night markets are just down the road and worth a trek there one evening alongwith a snack at the outdoor food area, they also have live music on a big stage there at night (avoid the seafood!)

[This message has been edited by kawoh (edited 07-24-2003).]

Posting from the Executive lounge at the Conrad right now- the design of the rooms and public spaces is lovely- The Pen is my favorite- we stayed there 3 weeks ago- but I might be a convert- esp at the current prices. And thanks Pudding Guy for the restaurant suggestion.

I do not think you can go wrong with the Conrad

I just got back from a 6 night award stay at the Conrad. WOAH BABY. As a gold I was placed on a honors floor - there is a beautiful executive lounge on the 29th floor with a decent breakfast buffet and snacks in the evening (free sushi!).

The rooms are outstanding, service is outstanding, it is perhaps the best Hilton i've ever stayed at. And the rates are very low - perhaps $87US.

In the past I've stayed at the Sheraton Grande Sumkhvit and also the Sheraton Royal Orchid. The Royal Orchid is next to the river and I believe all rooms have river views. There isn't much right outside the hotel except for an impressive but expensive River City antique mall. The rooms are pleasant but unexceptional. It is very easy to hop on a boat - there is a dock right outside the hotel. It is also convenient to all the tourist sites near the river - but there is no skytrain nearby which is a big minus.

The Sheraton Grande Sumkhivit is awesome. I love the breakfast buffet. Normal rooms are fine - very nice but nothing exceptional. I've had the pleasure of the executive suite twice before as a platinum starwood member. Very very impressive and nice. There is also the Asok skytrain right outside the hotel.

The Conrad has a free shuttle bus to get you to the skytrain. I wish there was a skytrain right outside the hotel - that would make it even better. There is an attached mall of expensive shops.

You will not regret staying at the Conrad. Say hi to Julie, the manager of the executive lounge.

p.s. for a decent inexpensive thai massage, try body train. about 550 baht for 2 hour thai massage and 950 baht for 2 hour oil massage

Right now writing this email from the Executive Lounge in Conrad Bangkok. Do not miss staying at this great hotel. great staff and great location near Sukhimvit area. Had a reservation for a suite on executive floor but as a Hilton Gold was upgraded to a bigger suite with a outside garden on the 28th floor. Awesome to be that high sitting in a garden and viewing the Bangkok skyline.

Early in the year I did all the Starwood Properties as part of the 50k promo, on the last night I stayed at the conrad to get a Hilton Credit..

The Conrad is the best of all these properties, I was so impressed with the service I wrote to the manager afterwards..

I can't wait to get back..... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

If the Conrad needs another vote, this is it. I spent two nights there in July and it is just a fabulous hotel. Why stay anywhere else in Bangkok.

Loved it at $78.00....Going back asap.

how about Sofitel Silom? I saw the special rate on the internet for $57 per night incl. breakfast, pictures of the room look nice.

Another rave review of Conrad. I was suppose to stay for the first 3 nights only, but opted out to do the last 3 nights there as well, especially since I got upgraded to a 2 room suite on the 30th floor for the last 3 nights http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

Loved Club 87 - very HOT nightclub, and the best part, it's right downstairs. Tried the Japanese restaurant one evening, as I found myself not spending very much money, so I splurged. Had the world famous Japanese Kobe beef. EXPENSIVE, but worth every penny. Also liked the lounge downstairs for after touring BKK drink and also before dinner/nightclub action.

The exec lounge had a great breakfast, but I never made it for the evening drinks. I did not have a great experience with Julie. I was there as part of the AA mileage run(short vacation) so the NRT-BKK-NRT part was on JALways in coach. After experiencing 6 hours in a very tight seat, I decided to try to upgrade on the return. I asked Julie on Saturday to call JAL. Did not hear anything back. By Monday, as I went up there for breakfast I asked again, and she said the telephone line was always busy, but she informed me that she still had my note and will definitely find out. Well, Monday came and went, she was not there on Tuesday and Wednesday I checked-out early. It would seem to me that the least she could have done is leave a message telling me what's going on, or have one of her assistants do it on Tuesday and she never did. Somewhat disappointing for a 5* hotel Exec lounge concierge.

Still this little mishap did not take away from the whole experience. Great hotel!

I did sit in coach on the return, but the great JAL TA gave me an aisle exit row seat with about 6 feet of room in front http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

For a different dining experience I highly recommend The Bed Supper Club.

Have a great trip!

[This message has been edited by andrzej (edited 09-05-2003).]

I'm sure you know, andrzej, JAL doesn't upgrade AA codeshares, unless there is something "extra" we should know about? Are you a member of JAL's Milage Bank?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sky 1:
I'm sure you know, andrzej, JAL doesn't upgrade AA codeshares, unless there is something "extra" we should know about? Are you a member of JAL's Milage Bank?</font>

No I didn't know, but that's what I wanted to find out, possible or not, and if so how much would it cost?, and that's where Julie failed. I can't believe she couldn't get through for days. What if I really had a serious request? Such as changing dates? flying different route? whatever?, I still believe that she should have done something and at the very least, leave a "sorry" message at the end of her shift.
Again, I still love the hotel, but this was a little bump IMHO.

What's up with the point inflation at the Conrad BKK? Last time I checked in July it was a Category 4; I looked last night and it's gone to a Category 5!!!!!!

Prior to the new point structure, the Conrad was a Category 3.

The way's that this is going, this hotel will be a Category 9 hotel by the end of the year. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

The Hilton on the other hand still shows up as a Category 3.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by andrzej:
No I didn't know, but that's what I wanted to find out, possible or not, and if so how much would it cost?, and that's where Julie failed. I can't believe she couldn't get through for days. What if I really had a serious request? Such as changing dates? flying different route? whatever?, I still believe that she should have done something and at the very least, leave a "sorry" message at the end of her shift.
Again, I still love the hotel, but this was a little bump IMHO.</font>

There is a phone in your own room to call every 5 minutes for your own business needs.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sky 1:
There is a phone in your own room to call every 5 minutes for your own business needs.</font>

I know what the freaking phone is for, but apparently you don't understand the role of a concierge.

Is it normal to get an upgrade at Conrad BKK confirmed in advance? I have a reservation there next week in a classic room. I did mail and ask about upgrade and they confirmed that they have now upgrade me to executive floor due to my status at Hilton.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kempis:
Is it normal to get an upgrade at Conrad BKK confirmed in advance? I have a reservation there next week in a classic room. I did mail and ask about upgrade and they confirmed that they have now upgrade me to executive floor due to my status at Hilton.</font>

Yes, I received the same e-mail before my trip. They are very good about that. You will like this place!
Have a great trip!!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by andrzej:
I know what the freaking phone is for, but apparently you don't understand the role of a concierge.</font>

Sure you know the concierge as well as you know a freaking phone.

[This message has been edited by Sky 1 (edited 09-07-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by andrzej:
Yes, I received the same e-mail before my trip. They are very good about that. You will like this place!
Have a great trip!!!

</font>

Thank you I am sure I will have a great trip. This hotel will also get another night from me since I am upgraded in advance.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sky 1:
Sure you know the concierge as well as you know a freaking phone.

[This message has been edited by Sky 1 (edited 09-07-2003).]</font>

Nobody asked for your stupid remarks, but since you insist, allow me to point out some possibilities.
It really doesn't matter whether it's in US, China, Russia, England or whatever. A better hotel provides the services of a concierge for their guests. That could include anything from finding where the nearest McDonalds is to arranging a meeting with the president, if possible, and the money is right.
Now in this particular case, if your few remaining brain cells were able to grasp the remote possibility that I was in Thailand, and I tried calling Japan Airlines myself, only to find out that the person that answered did not even know what language I was speaking, and when finally passed me down to another CSR whose English was limited to hello, goodbye, sure, yes which made it very difficult to communicate at the lowest level, and forget about making any changes with the itinerary. And yes, I will admit, being an ignorant American, my Thai and Japanese were also very limited. So the services of the hotel concierge where absolutely necessary, but maybe the day you will have a chance to stay at places other than Hampton Inns, you will understand.(not that there is anything wrong with HIs)
Also, may I suggest that this is a great board, but what really makes it outstanding ,is the info, the advice, the tips, the warnings, etc..., not smart ... remarks, especially from a new member.
Have a great day!

Peter Sky 1,

I would appreciate if you refrain from e-mailing me if the best you can do is use foul language. I will try to explain to you one more time, The whole purpose of this board is to share info, advice, tips, warnings, critisism, etc... If you can do that, I'm sure you will reap the benefits, but if you insist on being immature, you will be very disappointed.
This is another request to stop e-mailing me.
Thank You.

I am writting this from the executive floor lounge at Conrad BKK and I must say I am impressed.

Lovely staff, great lounge, great view. I can recommend this hotel to anyone and this hotel will get my next business when I am in town.

I will have a new visit to this hotel in a couple of days and I will report from that stay as well.

I spent 1 night at the Conrad BKK, and am looking forward to returning there next month. Julie (as indicated above) is excellent. We chatted about Flyertalk and she mentioned that she occassionally reviews this board. She took the critism mentioned above seriously, and I understand she subsequently contacted that person and they are now satisfied.

Julie, and her assistant Ken, were extremely helpful. Check-in at the Executive Lounge was smooth and easy. Rooms are very nice too.

If you are booking under the AAA discount, be sure to bring your card with you as they need to enter your member number in the res system.

Also, security at this property was very tight (in comparison to the BKK Hilton down the road, where I also spent 1 night). Ingress and egress by motorized traffic is pretty restricted. Security personnel checked the underside of my taxi with mirrors and I saw a bomb-sniffing dog too. I also suspect that my luggage was examined because it was quickly taken from me as soon as I came through the main doors but was promptly delivered to my room. Everybody played it very cool, but I suspect this was a combination of the upcoming APEC events as well as the threats against this property as reported in the media. Overall a very good stay and I look forward to returning.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 767-322ETOPS:
Also, security at this property was very tight (in comparison to the BKK Hilton down the road, where I also spent 1 night). Ingress and egress by motorized traffic is pretty restricted. Security personnel checked the underside of my taxi with mirrors and I saw a bomb-sniffing dog too. I also suspect that my luggage was examined because it was quickly taken from me as soon as I came through the main doors but was promptly delivered to my room. Everybody played it very cool, but I suspect this was a combination of the upcoming APEC events as well as the threats against this property as reported in the media. Overall a very good stay and I look forward to returning.</font>

I'm sorry, I must have missed it...what threats?? Do you have a link? I have a reservation there for a stay in a few days. Thanks for your help.

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Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog (http://sirjackiechiles.blogspot.com) and leave some comments - thanks :-).

When did you stay at Conrad BKK 767-322ETOPS? I did hear someone in the executive lounge talk to Julie about Flyertalk while I was staying there. I was in a hurry so I didnt have time to stay and talk.

Conrad BKK was/is under some kind of threat from Al Qaida I believe. Conrad and Marriott was two hotels in BKK who was mention by Al Qaida, atleast this was the news I was reading in the Bangkok Post one morning in the lounge. Not the kind of news you would like to read.

[This message has been edited by kempis (edited 10-07-2003).]

attorney28, here's a link to some news from a couple of weeks ago

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/09/20/1063625260242.html

I would add, however, that I am not hesitating to return to this property the first week of November.

kempis, I was in the Exec Lounge for check-in on Saturday, 4 October. I arrived via SQ68, so I estimate it would have been around 8:30 or 9:00 pm. Sorry to have missed a fellow Flyertalker ! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

767-322ETOPS

Julie did contact me, which was a nice surprise. We exchanged couple of e-mails, and I would not hesitate to deal with her again when and if I visit this great hotel.

If Julie is reading, HI http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I will be staying at the HKG Conrad in the near future. Does anybody know how it compares to BKK Conrad?

Thanks

See what a few emails can do? Never got one from me, but you did get one from The Conrad.

[This message has been edited by Sky 1 (edited 10-07-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sky 1:
See what a few emails can do? Never got one from me, but you did get one from The Conrad.</font>

What exactly is your agenda in this thread?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 767-322ETOPS:
attorney28, here's a link to some news from a couple of weeks ago

http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/09/20/1063625260242.html

I would add, however, that I am not hesitating to return to this property the first week of November.

kempis, I was in the Exec Lounge for check-in on Saturday, 4 October. I arrived via SQ68, so I estimate it would have been around 8:30 or 9:00 pm. Sorry to have missed a fellow Flyertalker ! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

I was there in late september so I guess I must have missed someother FT member then.

Might have been me - I was there late Sept.

Nice hotel, although lobby a little underwhelming (the Mini parked at the corner notwithstanding) and the security was tight as previously described.

Upgraded to a deluxe corner room but not a suite. Asked about a suite upgrade at check-in but they said "we are all booked solid" and "we only upgrade you one class higher" (I am diamond) The booked solid excuse I would buy because the ATP tennis tournament was going on at the same time and Conrad was the official hotel.

As mentioned previously, room very nice but I think the Shangri-la's Horizon Club rooms and even their Deluxe Rooms beat the Conrad in terms of furnishings and definitely size. The Conrad had a nice walk-in closet space and a bathtub that had windows at the side but lacked the double-washbasins and a sofa that the Shangri-la offers. Also maybe because of the tournament, the hotel was busy(?) because trays of food left outside the door were not cleared after 4-5 hours (!).

But all in all very nice. Nicer than the Conrad Singapore (but to be fair, it is also newer) but then again at the Conrad Singapore, I was upgraded to a Centennial Suite and that room is huge.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kempis:
I was there in late september so I guess I must have missed someother FT member then.</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kempis:
I was there in late september so I guess I must have missed someother FT member then.</font>

I was also in the exec lounge evening of October 4th but believe I left around 7:30. Did not here of any Flyertalk though; also sorry I missed a couple of you.

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KLM PE,HHonors Diamond,SPG Plat,PC Plat,SAS Silver

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by attorney28:
What exactly is your agenda in this thread?</font>

Mind your own business.

I was at Conrad BKK 20-22/9 and then Conrad SIN 22-23/9.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Sky 1:
Mind your own business.</font>

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

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Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog (http://sirjackiechiles.blogspot.com) and leave some comments - thanks :-).

Attorney28:

You take some amazing pics (in particular the Mexico City shot)! Looking forward to your BKK FR with particularly emphasis on how Diamonds are treated. I have a couple of business stays coming up and I'm in two minds between the JW and the Conrad.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tide:
Attorney28:

You take some amazing pics (in particular the Mexico City shot)! Looking forward to your BKK FR with particularly emphasis on how Diamonds are treated. I have a couple of business stays coming up and I'm in two minds between the JW and the Conrad.</font>

Thanks for the compliment. I am right now uploading some more pictures from Las Vegas, Chicago, San Francisco, Hawaii, Tokyo, Singapore, Colombo and the Maldives from the computer in the Conrad Bangkok lounge (hooked up my hard drive to it). I don't know anything about the JW, but I am in the Conrad right now (am here due to the recommendation of a fellow flyertalker, ws8n (thanks again! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif), and I think I can safely say that in terms of service quality, diamond treatment and staff friendliness, this hotel is probably one of, if not the best I have ever stayed in. Also, in terms of how the room is designed and how comfortable it is (I am not in a suite), it is excellent. At a rate of about $ 100 per night, it is also probably the best value, considering the excellent lounge (I have been using their computer for hours, they told me because it is not so busy, I would not have to pay (normally, only one hour is complimentary)) and the hotel overall. They let me check in very early yesterday (8:30 a.m.) and offered late checkout (4 p.m.) without me asking, all this even though I did not have a reservation for that day (I had accidentally made my reservation for one day later). At check-in, they give you a paper with all the benefits listed for diamond members (don't have it with me, but late checkout, etc. etc.).

The room on the 27th floor (great view) is not huge, but adequately sized. It has a floor-to-bottom window and some distinctive Thai look, while being very modern. It is done in a clever way down to the detail - there is a glass window from bathroom to bedroom, so you can turn the TV and watch TV from the bathroom (volume can be adjusted separately from the bathroom). 4 bottles of water per day are free. Highspeed Internet access in the room is available. Room service food and service was excellent, down to the warm bread that came with the food. Express laundry service (within two hours) is available for reasonable prices (no extra fees for Diamonds for express service). The laundry came back gift-wrapped in beautiful boxes.

The lounge is beautifully designed and has a great breakfast variety. The lounge attendants are outstandingly friendly (I have been spending hours here today, not going out because I am a little sick and it is raining outside). They keep bringing me tea without me asking. Yesterday, I asked if there was a laundry place outside because I had a lot of laundry (t-shirts, socks, underwear) which I did not really want to give to the regular room laundry service. They called up an external laundry place for me which was cheaper, had them come to the lounge, pick up my laundry and picked up the laundry when it came back and then delivered it to my room. I did not have to do anything. They also recommended a place to me (writing down the name of the place in Thai, so that I could show it to the taxi driver) where I could get my broken computer fixed (big computer center called Puntip Plaza, unfortunately, I had bad luck and got to one of the most incompetent computer people I ever met, who not only not fixed my computer in four hours, but severely damaged it, but this is surely not the Conrad people's fault). I have not seen the aforementioned Julie here in the lounge (she might have the weekend off), but especially Vanessaporn was super helpful (not only that, but I would also give her the distinction of unofficially having the coolest name of any hotel employee I have ever met http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif).

Overall, I would return to this hotel anytime. In fact, I think all Hilton managers should visit this hotel to learn about good service, I think it has been suggested in this thread (comparing the diamond lounge especially in the Hilton Waikoloa Village in Hawaii and in this hotel here, it is like night and day, seriously). I have not seen the JW, but this hotel would be hard to beat.

I actually have a question. I know tipping seems to be kind of discouraged in Asia, but how would you handle showing the lounge attendants some appreciation (thought about buying some pralines and leaving them here, plus I will leave a note to the hotel manager commending the lounge staff)?

Will try to take some pictures of lounge, room and hotel later today (hope I will also feel a little bit better so that I can venture out a bit into the city before I leave, got the flu or something from a passenger sneezing constantly in my direction on my night flight CMB-BKK!).

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Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog (http://sirjackiechiles.blogspot.com) and leave some comments - thanks :-).

Thanks

Not the Conrad. 642 Baht per day for highspeed in the room. One hour of Internet access is free in the exec. lounge for diamonds, though.

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Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog (http://sirjackiechiles.blogspot.com) and leave some comments - thanks :-).

[This message has been edited by attorney28 (edited 10-13-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by attorney28:
Not the Conrad. 642 Baht per day for highspeed in the room. One hour of Internet access is free in the exec. lounge for diamonds, though.

</font>


The Hilton International is not free either, I can't recall the exact charge but I think it's close to the Conrad BKK's charge, i.e. ~US$10-15/day.

Thanks. That is acceptable. Regards

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 767-322ETOPS:

The Hilton International is not free either, I can't recall the exact charge but I think it's close to the Conrad BKK's charge, i.e. ~US$10-15/day.</font>

I´m quite sure the Bangkok Hilton was about to leave Hilton for another smaller Asian chain?!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by attorney28:
Not the Conrad. 642 Baht per day for highspeed in the room. One hour of Internet access is free in the exec. lounge for diamonds, though.

</font>

I was able to use the computer in the lounge as a Gold.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by attorney28:
Not the Conrad. 642 Baht per day for highspeed in the room. One hour of Internet access is free in the exec. lounge for diamonds, though.

</font>

Yes the Conrad http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Free wifi in the exec lounge and the lobby!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by landspeed:
Yes the Conrad http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Free wifi in the exec lounge and the lobby!</font>

You are absolutely right. I forgot, mainly because I cannot use my own laptop right now http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.

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Please have a look at my round-the-world travel blog (http://sirjackiechiles.blogspot.com) and leave some comments - thanks :-).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gustaf:
I´m quite sure the Bangkok Hilton was about to leave Hilton for another smaller Asian chain?!</font>

True - but I don't think it is scheduled until January (?)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by attorney28:
You are absolutely right. I forgot, mainly because I cannot use my own laptop right now http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif.
</font>

The exec lounge welcome letter implies that you only have 1 hour of free wifi a day, but there's no log in required and there's no time limit. There's one login point in the lounge and at least two in the lobby ("lobby" and from the cafe on the 2nd floor atrium).

I was told that the one hour (free) limit on the shared lounge computer is usually only limited to an hour if someone else wants to use it.

Just to add that I also received a harrassing and obscene e-mail after my post in this thread which I believe to be from user Sky 1.

Hi, we are planning a mileage run/ 5 day trip to Bangkok. Are there any Hilton hotels in BKK were I can make points?

The Conrad is Absolutely sensational

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tinkybelle:
The Conrad is Absolutely sensational</font>


I agree and that's the only Hilton property left in Bamgkok.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Albert:
Hi, we are planning a mileage run/ 5 day trip to Bangkok. Are there any Hilton hotels in BKK were I can make points?</font>
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif

Have you ever tried searching for hotels on the HHonors website?

Hard to believe that an HHonors Diamond would ask as rudimentary a question as this!!!


Kathy

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tinkybelle:
The Conrad is Absolutely sensational</font>

So good in fact, I though I'd just echo the sentiment once more.

The Conrad is OK, not sure it stands up to repeat visits. I spent about 60 days there last year and became less impressed each time.

There is also the Hilton BKK just a little further up Wireless road than the Conrad. Although it appeared dated (never stayed there but went to an exhibition in September). The sculpture gardne at the Hilton is worth checking out though.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Land-of-Miles:


There is also the Hilton BKK just a little further up Wireless road than the Conrad. </font>

It's not a Hilton property anymore.

I did a search on hhonors.com and was surprised to see just the Conrad. I thought you experts might know something else, but just the one. Thanks.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Land-of-Miles:
The Conrad is OK, not sure it stands up to repeat visits. I spent about 60 days there last year and became less impressed each time.
</font>

Thay say that familiarity breeds contempt. I feel this property is a whole lot better than OK. For 5 days the BKK Conrad is fabulous.

60 nights at the Conrad BKK!!! Woah! I stayed there 5 nights and I can sure tell you that it beats the 100+ nights I stayed last year at the Omaha Doubletree.

The Hilton is now the Nai Lert managed by Swissotel/Raffles International.

Other Bangkok changes: the Regent is now rebranded Four Seasons (apparently had been managing the 2 Regents in Thailand for a few years). The 2 Meridiens nearby have also changed management/brands.

b][/QUOTE]
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif
Have you ever tried searching for hotels on the HHonors website?
Hard to believe that an HHonors Diamond would ask as rudimentary a question as this!!!
Kathy[/B][/QUOTE]

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/rolleyes.gif
To borrow from a previous poster that doesn't have the 2928 posts that you do, "They say that familiarity breeds contempt."

If you don't like the way that a question is asked or don't feel like someone has done enough research, just ignore it - please.



[This message has been edited by bigjim (edited Jan 18, 2004).]

Darn'd if I can find a Hilton hotel near the airport...Am I missing something?

If there is not one close can anyone reccomend another hotel for a one noght stay (pre dawn flight out)

Darn'd if I can find a Hilton hotel near the airport...Am I missing something?

If there is not one close can anyone reccomend another hotel for a one noght stay (pre dawn flight out)

No Hiltons anywhere near the airport. The Novotel's (http://www.novotel.com/gb/hotel-6183-novotel-bangkok-suvarnabhumi-airport/index.shtml) practically at the airport but there may be lower-priced alternatives nearby.