Starwood Preferred Guest - Westin Banyan Tree Bangkok

Has anyone stayed at the Westin Banyan Tree in Bangkok - any comments ? Tossing up between this, the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and the Peninsula for Christmas vacation. Would appreciate any comments especially treatment of SPG (I am Platinum).

Westin Banyan Tree is just a so-so property. It is a all-suite hotel and you can have free breakfast everyday at Rom Sai. The only good thing about this hotel is its spa facilities which spans four stories. Good outdoor swimming pool at 52th floor and quite neighborhood. However, the location is not really good for holiday traveler. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit is better on this sense. Also, it is a Luxury Collection hotel, and service is better..

Hello, it all depends upon what you would like to do.

For convenience and location, I prefer the Sheraton Grande. I've never stayed at the Peninsula yet just because of the location -- across the river. The Westin is fine, too.

I was at the Westin recently. This is an all suite property and there would not be much difference between SPG elite and non-elite, except free breakfast at Compass Rose at the second top floor, which is quite nice, though. They told me they started charging elite members with phone calls last month.

If you are an elite, you may now get one of the three speciality suites they have. (They didn't do this before but many frequent visitors seem to have complained that there was virtually no elite treatment since all the rooms are suites.)

They also have the presidential suite. But I doubt even a Platinum would get that far, unless you have a big trouble with them and be given it as sort of compensation. The presidential suite is big and has a lot of sunlight but it's on the Sathorn side and culd be noisy.

I prefer the river side rooms rather than the Sathorn (road side) because of the noises from the street, even though the hotel rooms are located between 33-50 something stories.

hs mentions the swimming pool but I would say it's more like a big jacuzzi. It's nice to have that view from that outdoor floor, though.

BTW, if you are a big fan of the Heavenly Bed, this is the only property in BKK equipped with them, I think. But request early, as they have a limited supply of them, I was told. It looks like quite expensive. They don't seem to be willing to install in all the rooms. Not even the presidential suite had one during my last stay.

[This message has been edited by Chiangi (edited 11-27-2000).]

You will be very happy at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. I always get a room on a high floor with a spectacular view, robes, slippers, fruit, cookies, and superb service. They also have an excellent breakfast buffet.

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At the Sheraton Grande, due perhaps to an increasing number of elite members et al, Gold and Plat. members are now requested to have a la carte breakfast at Rossini, an Italian restaurant, on weekdays, and at the Sala, near the pool, on weekends. If you like, you can still opt to go to the Orchid Cafe for buffet but it's quite crowded.

There have been slight changes like this at the Sheraton Grande since a new manager arrived in August.

Thanks for all the input. Looks like the Sheraton Grande over the Westin is the consensus. Anyone with opinions on the Peninsula - I have heard good things. Is there anywhere on this board where we discuss chains like the Pen, Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton ie without frequent stayer programmes ?

Freqflyer,

Just got back from BKK on monday and will say that the Westin is a nice place, but I thoroughly enjoyed the Marriott Riverside much more. Being on the river with a riverview and balcony was a nice touch, but it also has a very nice garden and pool area with LOTS of trees, something most hotels in BKK don't have. Restaurants and lounges were good, and it has a evening dinner boat trip if you like. Access to the Oriental Pier on their water shuttle is free and takes about 20 mins, but is a nice relaxing ride. You can get to most places in BKK easy from there via taxi. Another plus was the price... $120 vs $180 at the Westin for the same type of room (Exec Suites at both locations w bkfst) If you have any more questions feel free to e-mail.

thezipper,
Thanks for the update. Where did you get the $120 rate for the Exec Suite and was it a nice suite ?

Ive stayed at both properties more than once. If Im in BKK for business then I prefer the Westin, but for leisure the Sheraton Grande would be my choice.



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Gaucho100K