Luxury Hotels - What would you choose in Bangkok: Hilton Suite or Peninsula/4S basic room?

Planning a four night trip to Bangkok in September. I was excited to find a special rate for an Executive Suite at the Hilton Millennium or an Executive level corner room at the Conrad for around $160-170. But I couldn't leave well enough alone and decided to see what the real luxury hotels were going for. So far I've found both The Peninsula and The Four Seasons are offering their basic rooms on the same dates for around $180-$190.

Of course both Hilton properties come with the Executive lounge access with food and beverage that I would definitely take advantage of. I would either go through Virtuoso or AMEX FHR for the Pen or 4S so would get the breakfast, possible upgrade, etc. (my flights are such that I would not be able to take advantage of the early check-in or late check-out).

For the record, I have no problem with the location of the Millenium and the Pen (having to cross the river).

So...which would you choose? Thanks in advance!

Absolutely no question whatsoever: The Pen or Four Seasons, without hesitation.

Absolutely no question whatsoever: The Pen or Four Seasons, without hesitation.

+1, even a superior room at Pen or FS would be a much better choice. One category upgrades are common.

I once made the mistake of staying in a suite at the Millennium Hilton after numerous stays at the Pen. To say I was disappointed would be an understatement! I have since returned to the Peninsula and never looked back...!

The Millennium Hilton is a weak 5* property for BKK. The lounge offerings are dismal and it's overcrowded, especially at Happy Hour. Worst lounge I've seen in Asia (the view is nice though).

short question:

can I compare the hilton millenium with the IC Bangkok?

Thanks for the responses. You all are sure making this an easy choice! ^

Based on what I've read in previous threads I'm leaning towards The Pen right now and have a question about a possible Virtuoso/FHR upgrade. I will be using the hotel car service for transport from the airport and I understand that you bypass check-in and go directly to your room. Are my chances of an upgrade less because of this? Should I mention it to my driver, the person who meets me upon arrival, or call the hotel before my flight to inquire about availability?

I never expect an upgrade and when I don't get one I just assume it's because there's no availability. I've heard this isn't always the case so would appreciate any strategies for securing one when it's possible. Thanks again!

Using the hotel car won't reduce your chance of an upgrade. If anything, it may even enhance your upgrade to a much nicer room than just a one category upgrade. Good luck!

Using the hotel car won't reduce your chance of an upgrade. If anything, it may even enhance your upgrade to a much nicer room than just a one category upgrade. Good luck!

I often wonder this exact same thing. Does opting for a relatively expensive high-margin service like this make you appear more 'attractive' to the hotel and would they treat you any better.

I often wonder this exact same thing. Does opting for a relatively expensive high-margin service like this make you appear more 'attractive' to the hotel and would they treat you any better.

Typically, it should. Using the hotel car is an indication of a willingness to use F&B and spa facilities, which are generally more high-margin than standard room rates. On that basis, it would follow that a hotel would want to 'entice' a guest who has already used one of said services to follow with others with a generous upgrade.

Having said that, it can vary widely.

I will be using the hotel car service for transport from the airport and I understand that you bypass check-in and go directly to your room.


As far as I know all check-ins are handled in the room, but you will still stop at a desk to meet the person who will take you up, and that would be the time to ask about upgrades.

Keep in mind the hotel car @BKK is not a Rolls like in HKG. But car transport is still worth it in BKK, so go for it.

As far as I know all check-ins are handled in the room, but you will still stop at a desk to meet the person who will take you up, and that would be the time to ask about upgrades.

Great. Thanks for the info.

Keep in mind the hotel car @BKK is not a Rolls like in HKG. But car transport is still worth it in BKK, so go for it.

Actually, according to their website (http://www.peninsula.com/Bangkok/en/default.aspx#/Bangkok/en/Destination/Airport_Transfers/) they do offer a Rolls, but it costs a bit more than the BMW (with WI-FI), Volkswagen, or Toyota. I plan on requesting the BMW.

Great. Thanks for the info.



Actually, according to their website (http://www.peninsula.com/Bangkok/en/default.aspx#/Bangkok/en/Destination/Airport_Transfers/) they do offer a Rolls, but it costs a bit more than the BMW (with WI-FI), Volkswagen, or Toyota. I plan on requesting the BMW.

I have taken the Rolls Royce transfer, but prefer the BMW 7 series. I was staying at the hotel when they switched from Mercedes S-Class to BMW 7 series, so my return to the airport was in a brand new 7 series. It was a beautiful car and a big improvement over the older S-Class fleet.

As far as I know all check-ins are handled in the room, but you will still stop at a desk to meet the person who will take you up, and that would be the time to ask about upgrades.

That has not been my experience. At both the Four Seasons and the Sukhothia, I was met at the front door by the person who would take me up to my already upgraded room. Never had to stop in the lobby. Vnever had to inquire about an upgrade. It just happened.

If it matters -- and I'm not sure it does -- all of my BKK bookings have been through Virtuoso agent DavidO.

Thanks for the input everyone. I'm about to try and book this but have one last question.

I will be spending two nights in BKK, then one night in Kanchanaburi, and back to BKK for three more nights. Originally I thought of taking an over night pack and asking the hotel to store my suitcase for the night but now I'm wondering if I shouldn't take this opportunity to try both the 4S and The Pen. (4S first two nights and Pen last three).

The only thing that gives me pause is I wonder if I'd have better service, and therefore an overall better experience, if I stuck to The Pen for the whole time (minus the one night in Kanchanaburi).

Again, I appreciate your thoughts.

The only thing that gives me pause is I wonder if I'd have better service, and therefore an overall better experience, if I stuck to The Pen for the whole time (minus the one night in Kanchanaburi).
Sorry, but you're way overthinking this IMHO. If you want to try them both, try them both.

Sorry, but you're way overthinking this IMHO. If you want to try them both, try them both.

Isn't analyzing every detail about flights/hotels in order to make an informed choice what we do here at flyertalk? I'm just trying to get the most out of my vacation. :)

It'll be my first time in Thailand, btw. Very excited!

Try both, if not for the service itself, for the location. 4S is located closer to Sukhumvit and is (in my opinion) much more convenient for commuting.

Try both, if not for the service itself, for the location. 4S is located closer to Sukhumvit and is (in my opinion) much more convenient for commuting.

I agree- choose to stay at both.

The two areas of Bangkok have a very different view and feel- and both are interesting.

The two hotels are also both luxury, and both very different.

Enjoy the best of Bangkok!