Starwood Preferred Guest - Westin Grande Sukhumvit, Bangkok Thailand [Master Thread]

Anyone stay at the recently launched Westin Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok? How does it compare to the Sheraton across the street?

Cheers!


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Hmm, interesting. spg.com (or westin.com) don't "know" this hotel.

Here is a link to the details:
http://www.grandpacifichotel.com/viewall/viewnews.asp

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I would love to try this new property during my stay in Thailand on Jan 27-Feb 1st. Any idea when it opens?

I don't know how much they made the renovation as new westin, but Grand Pacific was the 4 star hotel and Sheraton cross the street was much superior. GP was not bad at all, but it was not 5 star hotel. Since there is super market on ground floor, it was very convenient.

When it was Grand Pacific, their rate was around $60-70 per room incl. Breakfast.

I heard from friends that Grand Pacific was a dump. My friend stayed there last week. However, they are doing some serious renovations which may seriously improve the place. Its defintely not a 5 star as it stands.

It wasn't a dump - but it was a very long way below the Sheraton Grande. Unfortunately, as times have got harder in my area of business over the last couple of years we moved from using the Sheraton (corporate rate ~US$100++) to the Grand Pacific (corporate rate <US$60). (Our office in Bangkok is within 400m of both.)

Frankly the Grand Pacific wasn't bad value at that rate for the rooms, which were perfectly OK, but nothing special. I can't really compare with the Sheraton because when I stayed there as a Plat I got upgraded to the most wonderful big rooms or suites. I never used the (poky little) bar or the restaurants in the Grand Pacific because there are so many other places around there to go.

I have no doubt though that the Sheraton is overall much better value if you can afford the additional cost.

The grand pacific is being renovated as a westin. It's still open during the renovation but has not yet offically opened as a westin. The full hotel is being renovated to meet westin standars.

It's officially opened as a Westin on Feb. 1, 2003.

I stayed there for US80 dollars, the best available rate on spg.com.

Be patient with them!

Renovation does not seem to have completed yet, except the three executive floors.

I called the hotel before I arrived, to ask them to prepare a room and a folio, just to minmise check-in hassles. They never prepared both. There's a bar near the check-in counter on the same 7th floor, and I was forced to listen to the loundly singing performers while I waited to be checked in.

I showed my Platinum card but the agent did not take note of it apparently. I was given a regular room on a low, 11th floor, which I noticed after I got into the room.

I called the duty manager to see if it was possible to give me a Platinum upgrade. I was then given a suite on the 14th floor, which is a set of connecting rooms, with one having a bed and the other sofas. The manager and the check-in agent apologized for not being familiar with SPG rules.

The next morning, I called the guest service if I would have access to the lounge on an executive floor, and was told yes. I had not been told of this when I checked in or when I was reassigned to the suite.

The room is OK. It was not yet refurbished. The phones still had the Grand Pacific Hotel logo, the name of the prevous brand. Amenities were of typical Westin. A Patinum amenity of 500 points and two other options (200THB food credit or gift) was not also advised at the time of check-in. I was notified of it before I left.

I took a look at a room on an executive floor and it was fully refurbished and looked very nice with modern furniture.

They were also doing renovation work even on Sunday and on the 14th floor, it was just annoying in the morning.

The lounge on a high floor was quiet and refurbished. I was the only guest when I went there. A nice selection of continental breakfast options (they did have omlet, though).

I could not check out at the lounge as they said their computer system in the lounge was not fully linked.

It is by no means comparable to the Sheraton Grande across the street. It is a lower-cost SPG option.

The Royal Orchid, for 75USD, is a lot better, if you don't mind the location.

And it is also by no means better than the new Conrad! The Conrad is a lot, lot, lot, lot, lot better!

Interesting update on in Chiangi! Thanks! I wonder how it develops over the next few months as the construction ends and the training picks up. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Cheers!


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i have a cheap reward redemption night coming up in mid march at this hotel - shall post on how it goes.

gk

I stayed at the Sheraton last November, and remember looking across the street at the Grand Pacific and thinking "wow, that place looks like a dump".

As a gold at the Sheraton, I was placed in a very spacious high-floor room on a low rate. It's a very nice hotel with excellent service.

They are going to have to put a lot of money into the Grand Pacific to make it better than the Sheraton, IMO.

I just stayed at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit again and was given a beautiful executive suite. I love this property. Great, attentive service. Unfortunately, I only was there for about six hours. I did not have time to investigate the Westin.

[This message has been edited by Nevsky (edited 02-03-2003).]

Greetings from the Westin Grand Sukhumvit.

I have stayed many times at the Sheraton Sukhumvit and always enjoy my stays there immensely. It is of course a Luxury Collections Hotel and even by Bangkok standards, it is not inexpensive. By going through one of the discount services, you can usually obtain a room for around $160.00

Imagine my surprise last month when I was trying to book a room there and up popped on the SPG website, the Westin Grande Sukhumvit with virtually the same address! At first I thought it was a name change. But, no. Having been familiar with the area, I knew that there were not any new hotels under construction in the area and I assumed correctly that it was a hotel called the Grand Pacific right across the street.

I was both lured and intrigued by the 76.00 rate on the website so I went ahead and booked a room. I arrived last night. The lobby is on the 7th floor and looks to have been recently redone. Gone are all references to the Grand Pacific and the name Westin in prominently displayed outside.

As platinum member, I was given a room on the executive floor (25th and 26th) floor. You are escorted to your room for check in formalities. The room was very nice, and the rooms and hallways appear all to have been redone. Heavenly bed, hi speed internet, marble bath, and luxurious furnishings I was invited to use the lounge and was told that complimentary breakfast was available as well as all day drinks and snacks and complimentary cocktails in the evening.

Upon arrival, they had by card filled out for me to choose my platinum amenity. When traveling alone, I could care less about a suite and did not even ask. I was under the impression that only a few floors are currently completed as the whole place is being renovated. (But you would not know it as the public areas and the floor you are all are completed)

Rivas, the nightclub at the Sheraton Grande, is a hot spot and always fun. Upon check in, I simply crossed over the sky bridge and found myself in Rivas. The Westin is directly across the street. They have a nightspot on the top floor, but I was too tired to check it out.

All in all, the Westin Grande is a super hotel, and while not quite as opulent as the Sheraton Grande, it is just about as nice and of course the low rates make it very, very, very attractive. As far as I am concerned, the two hotels are just about on a par, with the slight edge of course to the Sheraton, but you have to remember, the Sheraton is Luxury Collection Hotel.

I look forward to many more stays at this new Westin.

By the way, both Hotels are right at the Asok Skytrain station.

Is this one and the same hotel you are talking about...? I know the Sheraton Grande Shkhumvit, but you mention the Westin...?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaucho100K:
Is this one and the same hotel you are talking about...? I know the Sheraton Grande Shkhumvit, but you mention the Westin...?</font>

The Westin is new to the SPG brand, but it is right across the street from SGS.

I appreciate the trip report by mpclaw especially since this Westin is part of my 5-brand Asia tour.

Interesting & detailled report.

mpclaw, I'd also be interested in your opinion about the breakfast in the lounge (in case you took breakfast there) and the size of the room/bath room.
Thanks.

The Sheraton is a Category 2 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif, the Westin a Cat. 1 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif! I intend to use *points to stay at the Westin in Jan. 2004 after Australia & before HKG for the Chinese New Year!
Gung hay fat choy!

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Play the travel game 3 vacations into the future!

[This message has been edited by Brendan (edited 03-28-2003).]

Please keep in mind that this hotel is a conversion and not a complete one at that. Some rooms have been re-done and others have not. Make sure you know what kind of room you're getting in advance.

I just make a recent stay at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit ealier in the week. I choose Sheraton over Westin (which is literally accross the street) because I didn't want to take a chance with getting stuck in an old (non-renovated) room. The $79 is for non-renvoated room. I'm SPG Gold but didn't know if they often extend the upgrade. Generally, I'll choose Westin over Sheraton (at least in the US). Ahh.. the Heavenly Bed... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

SPG elites will be given renovated rooms regardless of the type of room at booking.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by LH738:
Interesting & detailled report.

mpclaw, I'd also be interested in your opinion about the breakfast in the lounge (in case you took breakfast there) and the size of the room/bath room.
Thanks.</font>


The bathroom size and room size was just fine. Not as large of course at the Sheraton Grande, but remember, the Westin is a conversion of an older hotel. Extensive use of granite, and something I have never seen before. All I can describe as is a teak shower grate. Very nice touch. And a very large seperate bath tub.

As for the lounge, it is the first one that I have ever seen set up for dining. There were at least 20 tables. The buffet for breakfast was entensive, but mostly cold items. They did have a chafing dish with some very tasty rolled omelettes.

This hotel seems dedicated to the business traveler. Not to mention that there are a lot of fun things to do in the area where this hotel is located.

As for non-renovated rooms, I don't think that is a problem. The floors where the renovations were going on were locked out on the elevator.




[This message has been edited by mpclaw (edited 03-28-2003).]

I plan to stay here later in the year. Late summer.....I hear its a great place.

I stayed in Westin in BKK about a week ago, in one of the non-renovated rooms. Not bad at all.

I probably would not have "accepted" the US$80 rate unless it was part of the Stay 5-50K Promotion.

I might stay there again, but then I would like to find some consolidator / travel agent who can sell me a deep-discount rate.

My "long eyes" scanned some of the information at the check-in desk, and it looks like they are selling rooms there around THB2,200 including taxes. (US$52)

Wow that is very very cheap. I am based in Bangkok now. I will do some research and get back to you.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jkc22:
SPG elites will be given renovated rooms regardless of the type of room at booking.</font>

jkc22, it heartens me that you say that so definitively and I'm wondering from what do you base such strong conviction. I am SPG Gold and have a stay there coming up in April (part of the 5 brands in Asia promo).

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bp888:
...I am SPG Gold and have a stay there coming up in April... </font>

From the SPG T&C, for all SPG elites:

"Automatic Room Upgrades: As an elite member, you don't need to redeem Starpoints for a room upgrade --- you'll automatically be given a Preferred Room at check-in when available."

"Upgrades to a Preferred Room at the time of check-in based upon room availability. Preferred Rooms are identified by each hotel property and are superior standard rooms that may include rooms on higher floors, corner rooms, newly renovated rooms, or rooms with preferred views."

Besides, hotels in BKK are literally "fighting" for business, it would be impractical for them to not accommodate elite members in their own chain.

Although I have not stayed at the Westin, my stay at the Sheraton Grande in December got me a great suite and full breakfast and evening cocktail privileges. I've also been upgraded to a corner suite at the Conrad BKK on the executive floor with full lounge benefits as a lowly HH Gold.

If you do not get a renovated room, insist that it is not acceptable and talk with the appropriate person(s) to ask for an upgrade per SPG elite rules.

I stayed at the Grand Pacific about 2/3 years ago and it was not a bad hotel - rates of about $60-70. I'll fascinated to see how it compares with the SGS - I had my first stay there last week and it has rocketed into #1 spot in the favourite Sheraton list.

I'm heading to BKK next week. Do both hotels have health clubs? Which is better?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by stimpy:
I'm heading to BKK next week. Do both hotels have health clubs? Which is better?</font>

I have only been to the health club at the Grande Sukhumvit and it is luxurious. The swimming pool is a work of art. Lush foliage all around it. A definite respite from the hubbub of Bangkok.

The health club at the Westin is not renovated yet but has a decent set of treadmills and equipment. No aerobics room, IIRC.

The Sheraton Grande has a full range of equipment, not as extensive as at the J.W. Marriott, with an aerobics studio and saunas, jacuzzi, etc. A lot more luxurious.

The only advantage of staying at the Westin, as far as I see it, is the Heavenly Bed and cheap rates. I would choose the Sheraton Grande for a lakeview from the room, quietness, the gym, the bathroom.

I am Platinum but was assigned to a non-renovated room on my first stay. I expressed my disappointment for it when I left. I was then swithced to a suite on a non-renovated room.

On my second stay, I was given a suite on the executive floor 'to make up for the poor experience I had the last time.'

I stayed at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit on April 5 and 6. I actually came to the hotel in person on April 4, presented my SPG gold card and requested bed and non/smkg preferences. Then I checked in early on the 5th, as had been previously arranged. After a lengthy wait, I inquired as to when my room would be available and was told another 20 minutes. So I left my luggage, headed to Chatuchak, and returned later. Finally given a room. No upgrade, room not renovated, mildew in the bathroom, cracked furniture. For a third time, I inquired about an upgrade. I was told "no upgrade" and then was given a time-share-style of sales pitch as to why I should use AT&T at the hotel. Towels smelled strongly of smoke, bathtub not functioning properly, door to shower did not close adequately so floor got flooded and had no drain. Room was next to elevator. On that Saturday heard plenty of banging/hammering. The next day, on Sunday, we were gone from the room from about 7 a.m. to after 2 p.m. Upon our return, we saw that the room had not been cleaned at all. It was difficult for me to maintain a gentle Thai even-temperedness at that point. Oh, and the smell of what appeared to be bug spray on the ground floor was almost overwhelming.
Based on my experience, this place is no 5*, and does not hold a candle to the Sheraton across the street. Even my stay at the Royal Hotel (considered a 3* by those in a charitable mood) was significantly better than this Westin.

I was able to get a great rate at this hotel for next week, but is there something wrong with it? At only $80US I get suspicious, esp for a Westin. Sounds like some floors may be closed for renos, but not sure. Who knows??? Would I be better at the Sheraton across the street on Sukhumvit Road?

It is the former Pacific Hotel. I toured it on opening day. Renovated rooms look fine. Lobby is a few floors up, which was a little wierd. But it's fine. There will be some noise during the day due to the remodeling.

The Sheraton is a luxury collection hotel. Different league. A class act. But more expensive.

I just grabbed this from Priceline.co.uk for £27 (USD 40) for next week. You're pretty much guaranteed to get this one for lowball Sukhumvit 5* bids.

The AAA rate for the LC Sheraton Grande across the street is only $120.

If you're registered for the 5/50 Asia promo, you might want to stay in both Westin and Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. You get a Westin and a Luxury Collection hotel towards the abovementioned promo.

(What is so magical about the name "Grande Sukhumvit" anyway that both hotels had to be so named? Confusing, no?)

They are located on Sukhimvit street.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by LH747FTL:
I just grabbed this from Priceline.co.uk for £27 (USD 40) for next week. You're pretty much guaranteed to get this one for lowball Sukhumvit 5* bids. </font>

Priceline stays at American *Wood hotels don't normally accumulate stay credits.

Just stayed at this property and it is a gem even though under reconstruction on the 8th floor (the convention level). You get the full and excellent Asian service including private check in ( I am a Plat *W). It was totally excellent although the location in on hotel row which is otherwise a bit boring and the hotel has a puritanical policy against any guests after 10pm!!! which is totally unnecessary in my books. SUKS!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 100,000miler:
The hotel has a puritanical policy against any guests after 10pm!!! which is totally unnecessary in my books. SUKS!</font>

In Bangkok? C'mon. You have to be kidding, right?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 100,000miler:
...the hotel has a puritanical policy against any guests after 10pm!!! which is totally unnecessary in my books. SUKS!</font>

It has been my experience that Starwood hotels in Asia are surprisingly strict about guest policy. I have noticed this issue at the Sheraton Towers SIN, Sheraton Towers HKG, Westin TPE (very nosy staff!)...

Perhaps this is a directive from the Starwood corporate office?

When the Banyon Tree was a Westin in Bangkok, it was never an issue. I just stayed at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and it's not an issue.

I'll be at the Westin Sukhumvit in a couple of days and will seek clarification on this.

I am not a child and don't expect to be told what I can and cannot do if I am not breaking a law (and I'm not).

I thought the motto of a five star hotel was to never say no to a guest?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by 100,000miler:
the hotel has a puritanical policy against any guests after 10pm!!! which is totally unnecessary in my books. SUKS!</font>

Did you read this in the guest room folder or try it in real life? I stayed at the Westin this week and the folder says "...must register after 10pm" which in my case meant walk straight to the elevators. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Forgot to add that I loved the hotel - they upgraded me to the exec floor on a PL stay as a Gold as I requested a renovated room.

[This message has been edited by LH747FTL (edited 04-26-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jkc22:
It has been my experience that Starwood hotels in Asia are surprisingly strict about guest policy. I have noticed this issue at the Sheraton Towers SIN, Sheraton Towers HKG, Westin TPE (very nosy staff!)...

Perhaps this is a directive from the Starwood corporate office?</font>

Not quite what I expected when I clicked on this discussion, but when did you notice this policy?

I arrived at the Sheraton Towers SIN at ~2am less than a month ago, and I'm pretty sure that the woman I saw walking out wasn't.... a registered guest. Exact same thing at the Singapore Hilton a few days later, except I was in the elevator with her and a hotel staffer.

In both cases I did what everyone else, including the staff, did. I averted my eyes and pretended not to see anything. I can't imagine any BKK hotel doing otherwise.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by LH747FTL:
Forgot to add that I loved the hotel - they upgraded me to the exec floor on a PL stay as a Gold as I requested a renovated room.

[This message has been edited by LH747FTL (edited 04-26-2003).]</font>

LH747FTL: Did you get to use the executive lounge and have breakfast there on a complementary (free) basis?

GUWonder, no I didn't but that was ok with me. Apparently the only renovated rooms at the moment are on the exec floors?

.

[This message has been edited by Chiangi (edited 06-01-2003).]

Must admit that I did not have a guest up after 10pm. I only read this in the hotel guest info directory in my room. The only place I have ever had trouble with bringing guests back was in RIO, and that was NOT at the Sheraton which is quite removed from the city.

I'm at the Westin Grande as I write this. The night before I was across the road at the Sheraton Grande.

The Sheraton is a very nice hotel.

At the Westin it depends on if the room has been renovated or not. I was initially given a non-renovated room. It was a smoking room too and had a very stale smell. The room itself was OK I guess but a big come down from the Sheraton. I requested a non-smoking room and was moved. But later, I went looking for an ethernet/modem connection and found none. Also there is an irritating THB 10 charge for local calls - I mean it's not the amount but it's a petty charge. I expressed my disappointment at not having an ethernet/modem connection and was offered a renovated room. What a difference! Even the towels in the bathroom as superior. It's still not as good as the Sheraton but the renovated rooms are very nice!

Just to add that taxi driver after taxi driver had no idea where the Westin Grande Sukumvit was.

You get a taxi instruction card with your key at check-in. I forgot to take it. Eventually I just said 'Sheraton Grande Sukumvit - but on the other side' and there was no problem.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Austman:
Just to add that taxi driver after taxi driver had no idea where the Westin Grande Sukumvit was.

You get a taxi instruction card with your key at check-in. I forgot to take it. Eventually I just said 'Sheraton Grande Sukumvit - but on the other side' and there was no problem.</font>

Or just tell the taxi driver to go to "Delta Grand". That's what it used to be. (Btw, you could say "Delta Grand Pacific" which was the complete name, but it could be confused with "Pan Pacific" so economy of words seems to work better in this situation.)

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Norway_Asia:
I stayed in Westin in BKK

My "long eyes" scanned some of the information at the check-in desk, and it looks like they are selling rooms there around THB2,200 including taxes. (US$52)

</font>

Norway_Asia,

Any update on your research?

Also, does anyone have an update about PLAT suite upgrades?

Thanks.
Dan

In Thai, since most taxi drivers speak little or no English, you can phoenetically tell them where you want to go.

The hotel is in Sukumvit Road between Soi 17 and 19. It is next to a Robinson's department store. To say the address is Thai, you would say

Sukumvit (Sue-come-vit) Soi (like "soy" sauce) sip-jet (like "sip"ping a drink on a "jet" plane). If they still look a little lost, then say "Robinson". They will probably get it then.

Rooms are available for an internet rate of 55USD at this hotel. I picked a few dates in June. The lowest rate among Asian properties?

Does the price include breakfast?

Yes - the rate dropped quite a bit. I am currently staying in this hotel. Initially booked for $80 USD but noticed the $55 rate yesterday so switched to that.

Rate does not include breakfast (unless you're a Plat, then you'll be upgraded to the Exec floor and access to the lounge). Standard breakfast items.

Stayed at the Sheraton Grande (Luxury collection) and the buffet breakfast was so good!!!

A Platinum gets breakfast for free at the executive lounge, where, btw, a Platinum member can also use the only Internet-enabled PC for free for up to one hour.

This lounge offers the 'simplest' breakfast among those U.S. chain hotels in the city that I know -- Conrad, Hilton, Royal Orchid Sheraton and the Hyatt.

What am I doing wrong - 55USD shows up on initial search, but then I end up with a rate of 63.50USD. Am I missing the boat on something?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Chiangi:
Rooms are available for an internet rate of 55USD at this hotel. I picked a few dates in June. The lowest rate among Asian properties?</font>

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by snorkmaster:
What am I doing wrong - 55USD shows up on initial search, but then I end up with a rate of 63.50USD. Am I missing the boat on something?</font>

Works for me! I had a room originally reserved at $80 per night and re-booked the $55 rate. Yippee!! Thanks for the heads-up on this guys.

Perhaps the dates you want are sold-out at that rate? Have you tried other dates?

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Latitudes.

For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilisation, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894)

Those $55.00 rates are Internet only and cannot be cancelled (well...they can if you push). That is a good rate. Remember the tax is 17.7% in Bangkok.

Crowne Plaza's Internet Rate is $52.50. And the Windsor Suites (my favourite hotel that caters to Japanese) has rates at $51.00 with breakfast for 3 nights minimum (need an Asian booking site for that).

On the issue of guests with the BKK hotels, especially Starwoods' properties .....remember to book a DOUBLE. In most cases, the rates stay the same. The 10pm rule is enforced if you bring in a guest AFTER 10pm. If you bring a guest in BEFORE 10pm, they really don't bother you.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Does the price include breakfast?</font>

Probably not....which is why 50,000 Starwoods points, with the ability to take a quick glimpse at these properties, is the ONLY way to lure me in....ONCE. After that, I'm back to my original hotels that offer me breakfast, rather than the "luxury" vs the stomach philosophy.

By the way, for Internet access, go to Times Square across the street....there are Internet Cafe's there that charge a BAHT per minute. No need to use the Net inside the hotel. Very kind people work there. Bring an umbrella, of course. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Emporium also has Net zones, a little more expensive and hip in style, but certainly much less than what a hotel charges.

SHADO

[This message has been edited by SHADO (edited 06-02-2003).]

A follow up.

The $55 Internet Only rate has disapperaed for the Westin BKK and it is back to $76. If those who grabbed it earler did, you were lucky!

SHADO

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

By the way, for Internet access, go to Times Square across the street....there are Internet Cafe's there that charge a BAHT per minute. No need to use the Net inside the hotel. Very kind people work there. Bring an umbrella, of course. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
[This message has been edited by SHADO (edited 06-02-2003).]</font>

What about the umbrella? I'm heading to BKK in a couple of weeks time for the SPG 50k run.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SHADO:
A follow up.

The $55 Internet Only rate has disapperaed for the Westin BKK and it is back to $76. If those who grabbed it earler did, you were lucky!

SHADO</font>

Thanks to Chiangi, I locked in three rooms at $55. Saved $150 for the two night stay!

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Latitudes.

For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move; to feel the needs and hitches of our life more nearly; to come down off this feather-bed of civilisation, and find the globe granite underfoot and strewn with cutting flints.
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894)

Quick trip report:

Got a rate of $80 at spg.com. Was upgraded to a suite on the Starwood floor, not sure if there is any difference from the executive floor? The suite is lovely with two bathrooms, orchids in both, turquiose mozaik decor. A divan in the bedroom, excellent closet space, 6 bottles of complimentary drinking water and to my surprise an enormous fruit plate with all kinds of tropical fruit. Nice plates of potpourri lying around. Everything is digitized ie lights/do not disturb/temperature switches. Turndown service. Excellent in-room dining menu.

Afternoon snacks in the lounge was excellent. Bitesize sandwiches in all flavors, fruits, petot fours, bitesize local pastry and cakes, chocolates. (Not quite up to par of the Conrad lounge though).

Good location, definitely a first class hotel and certainly nicer than many of the US Westins. Didn't have any latenight guests so am not sure how that works now but didn't seem like it would be a problem (no elevator guy and several restaurants open) so seems it would be easy to sneak a non-guest in...

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

How did you get that rate of only $80? I am going to be back at this property in about a week and the best rate I could find was approx $129US, ouch!

I agree it is a great hotel, one of the best. I too was upgraded to a lovely suite when I last stayed there in April.

Please advise on rates/codes!

I just retruned from a two nite stay, 9/23 and 24, at the Westin. I reserved on spg.com while the construction was still an issue and received $67/nt plus tax. No noticeable construction going on at the time I arrived nor during my stay.

No UPG to suite but a nice room nevertheless. I was supposed to be in an executive floor room, but that got lost in translation. Used the Executive Lounge the first morning for bk and e-mail and then the lounge staff said I could not use the lounge as I was on a Starwood Gold floor. Who knew?

Also, stayed at ROS and felt the Westin was much better, the bed is definitely more comfortable and Skytrain was close and easy to use.

I made a reservation a couple of weeks ago for a stay next week. It's 56US dollars++, including ABF at Le Med restaurant. Cancellable up to 6 p.m. on the day of arrival. The rate is for SPG members, available through the end of this month. SPGJULY is the code.

Any update on this hotel ??? I will be staying there for three nights over the Thanksgiving week-end (mileage run). How is the weather in Bangkok at that time of the year ???

Anyone ????

Renovation is still underway but I think they have finished renovating another floor in addition to a few, including executive floors, they had available when it opened. I was given a (junior) suite on a renovated floor (but not executive floors) but the room was the same as a suite on an executive floor. I was there last week. The spa/gym has not been renovated yet. The original completion date has just been put off from July to November and now I was told -- maybe January.

Weather should be nice in November (even better in Dec. and January).

Thanks Chiangi !!!

I was just at the Westin Sukumvit this week, but I also stayed at the Sheraton Royal Orchid for the first time. It gets little discussion here but I found it a far more desirable property overall. It is a bit more old fashioned (which is a thankful excape from the science fiction image of BKK), right on the river, with every room facing the river, 2 outdoor pools, a great gym, lots of excellent restaurants including with outdoor decks overlooking the river. Also if you have status and are upgraded to the Tower, you get free laundry (6 pieces) each day! I have NEVER had that kind of benefit as well as free breakfast (full not continental). The service was supberb, far better and nicer than the Westin which is modern but a cold property.

Take a second look at the Royal Orchid, I highly recommend it unless you like living in the cement jungle!

I am going to BKK for the first time in February for 2 nights. Was going to stay at the Orchid. Glad to hear your comments.

Any other comments or sugegstions?

100,000miler, thanks for the comments.

Just yesterday I booked an award stay for late November at the Royal Orchid Sheraton. (It will be followed by a paid stay at the Conrad Bangkok.)

I am only a Starwood Gold now. I wonder what kind of benefits/upgrade I will receive at the Royal Orchid?


Kathy

I was just at Royal Orchid Sheraton using award points the week before. I have SPG Gold status and stayed two nights there. Got a river view room on higher floor but not executive floor and a signed letter from the hotel manager. The room is a little old but clean and has a decent view of the river.

I also stayed at both the Westin and Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit and actually preferred Westin over the Sheraton. I got SPG preferred room (renovated) at Westin. It has good view of the Lower Sukhumvit area and fresh fruit delivered each day.

The buffet is definitely better at the SGS.

ORDLEO, did you get breakfast on your award stay at the Royal Orchid, or was that at extra cost?


Kathy

I got comp breakfast daily at the Orchid, but I am Plat and was upgraded to the Towers! I think being in the Towers is your objective, including the FREE laundry which is an incredible offer.

Comp breakfast is served daily till 10:30 in the SPG Lounge on the 26th floor, but I actually went to the restaurant on the ground floor, and even there they comp-ed my FULL breakfast daily, including for a fellow guest (a Gold member). No questions asked.

I cannot tell you how impressed I was with the total service. The Westin is certainly nice, modern, sleek, but I found it inefficient. For example, after arriving at the 7th floor check in , I was asked to go with one of the receptionists to the 24th floor Exec Checkin, which took almost 20 minutes. They could not get the room I had requested, smoking! I ended up with an Exec Room, no fruit, no nothing, whereas my colleague, a Gold member, got the fruit and a better room. Go figure!

I was not impressed with the Westin and they should have noticed I was a previous guest there. GO TO THE ORCHID, and get away from the cement jungle.

I do like the Westin but was quite unimpressed with the service. I asked the concierge to help me ship some items which they would not and directed me to the post office instead although the room guide clearly says they will ship for you.

I was impressed by the large suite and fantastic fruitplate that was waiting for me as I checked in. And they had a computer technician that helped me at 2am with technical problems, very nice, try getting that in the US! Did not find the breakfast too exciting.

I left the hotel in a great hurry to get to the airport and was stopped by several people asking if I had stopped to pay my bill and told my taxi to wait so they could check. I have my credit card on file and am Plat so I generally don't bother to check out unless I am disputing a charge. Am not happy with the way they came after me, very unsettling.

But certainly great rates, until the 31st though I think Sheratons have an edge with the triple Starpoints promo. Personally I stay mostly at Conrad where the service is excellent.



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

I recently stayed 2 nights at the Westin and 2 at ROS. What I did not like about the ROS:

1. The bed is terrible, especially after staying at the Westin with their pillow top mattresses. ROS mattress was hard and the springs are right there to poke and jab you all night.

2. I was in the top floor of the Towers and the room was nice, different from the business look you get at the Westin, but the windows were filthy, obstructing the view, which I might add is just of that muddy river.

3. No SkyTrain. The Westin is next to Asok station and convenient to get around. There seems to be nothing very redeeming about the neighborhood around the ROS, Chinatown, etc.

4. Had the full breakfast and it was just fair, though I had them make me some fresh eggs, rather than the egg "soup" they had in the scrambled egg hot dish.

Overall, I liked the Westin better.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by KathyWdrf:
ORDLEO, did you get breakfast on your award stay at the Royal Orchid, or was that at extra cost?


Kathy

</font>

No breakfast was included with point redemption and gold status at ROS. I had a nice pastry & coffee at a cafe just outside the hotel.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ORDLEO:
No breakfast was included with point redemption and gold status at ROS.</font>
I kind of figured that would be the case, though many hotels throughout the world (including Thailand) DO include breakfast in the room rate for everyone!

Do you remember how much the breakfast runs? (Pastry and coffee doesn't do it for me -- I need protein, and am trying to do low-carb.)

Thanks!


Kathy

I still vote for the Royal Orchid, which is a much more personable hotel than the Westin or Sherton Grande. Those hotels are in the faceless jungle of Sukhumvit and if that is your thing by all means stay there.

But if you would prefer more of a resort feeling hotel, by all means go to the Royal Orchid. I must admit I was more than pleasantly surprised and a friend of mine has changed her reservations for Nov to the ROS, rather than the SGS.

If you have status such as Plat, again the ROS is the place to stay. You are on the river, with 2 great outdoor swimming pools, great in house restauarants, terraces where you can dine late, and views of the river from every room.

Just do not stay there when APEC is meeting as the security was from hell as it was at any other major hotel in BKK.

First of all I am paying a higher rate than I feel I should. When I check online a rate of $72 shows. Trying all of the known ways can not get this rate to book. This has been noted before. Onward.

Upon arrival at BKK walk out to the taxi booth. Tell the attendent your hotel and they will give you a slip. Fare this morning was around $7 US or 300 baht exactly via the toll road. Around 20 minutes. From street level take the lift to the 7th floor reception area. I was a early arrival coming in on CX from HKG. My room or should I say suite was ready. Bravo. Given very nice full on corner suite. Apparently there are two of these on each floor. The Hotel is 97% so I am not the Executive Floor. No problem. The suite is definitely renovated. Half bathroom with full living room. Flat tv with JVC component system which will also play DVDs. Nice work desk. 24 for internet is $12 US. Highspeed. Nice bedroom, decent size bathroom and nice lounging sofa. Another flat tv. Welcome letter with a huge plate of fruit. Lots of bottled water. This is a upgrade. I am a P.

Lounge is on 24th. I've taken a look at the spreads and very simple. Very helpful staff. The Hotel has a decent workout gym but a very limited spa. The Luxury Collection (I guess Sheraton) is over the footbridge. I think they may have a larger spa. There is a Robinson's department store and McDonald's attached to the building. A nice Hotel with a good location. FYI

Also across the street from the Westin is Times Square with Internet cafes *much cheaper*! 1 baht per minute or less, depending on sale. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I noted that. I went online yesterday evening but had trouble with the service this morning. The cab ride back was also 300 baht which included a good tip. You will be billed $1 US for UNICEF which is ok. I tried to watch a DVD this morning but could not get the signal to the TV set. A good stay and a good value. A better value to $72 if you can get it. The Lounge breakfest this morning was just so so.

RTW - We'll be staying at the Westin in March. Do you know if it's been fully renovated yet? Last I heard it was still in the process. Is the pool area nice?

I'm only a *Wood Preferred Plus (via the AAA promotion), I hope we can at least get a renovated room on a higher floor...

Thanks in advance!

I think so. I visited the 7, 8, 10, 19 and 24th floors. Got lost trying to find the "spa" which IS on 10. As stated nothing impressive. Also. Last year when I stayed when you booked it was showing renovated and non-renovated room rates. Now I believe all rates are showing renovated. Check please to make sure.

You need to try for a high floor. Even my floor which was 19 was noisey. Especially in the morning. I had to also complain as by my room was a service area which seemed to echo noise. They have a number of Starwood Preferred floors. You will know right away if you are on one or not. Big huge signs after you come off the elevators. BTW. Smoke versus non-smoke. The penalty is $100 US if they have to freshen the non-smoke room if you offend with smoke. You will enjoy the Hotel. Safe travels.

Sorry about that. You asked about the pool. I did not go up into the pool area. For the glance I got it did not look renovated. It looked ok. The gym has renovated. It was a outdoor pool which may be good and bad in BKK. Pollution.

[This message has been edited by RTWSTARALLIANCE (edited Feb 10, 2004).]

I am at the Westin right now also. I like the pool at the Westin since it is a rectangular swimming pool, because the pool at the Sheraton Grande isn't much for swimming, more of a lounging area. The Westin pool lacks ambience, but I enjoy the privacy of a 7AM swim. When I went to the Sheraton Grande the other day around 2PM there were more than 50 people around the pool. The two pools at the Sheraton Royal Orchid were the best in my opinion of the Starwoods.

I actually changed my stay from the Royal Orchid because I think their breakfast spread at the Westin is good and I received a much nicer room. Then again I have simple tastes. The fact that they have salad makings for breakfast is a huge plus in my book. Daily fresh vegetables after a morning swim is nice.

My understanding is there isn't a lounge or breakfast provided to SPG Platinum members at the Sheraton Grande. That is what I was told this morning. Also, Westin guests have access to the facilities at the Sheraton Grande and you can even cross charge at the restaurants and bars.

I definitely have enjoyed the Westin this week.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RTWSTARALLIANCE:
I noted that. I went online yesterday evening but had trouble with the service this morning. The cab ride back was also 300 baht which included a good tip. You will be billed $1 US for UNICEF which is ok. I tried to watch a DVD this morning but could not get the signal to the TV set. A good stay and a good value. A better value to $72 if you can get it. The Lounge breakfest this morning was just so so.</font>

I'm here now, as well... Have you noticed the computer tucked behind the bathroom in the lounge? Free internet access and it's rarely used. I too can't get the DVD to work. I can't say I mind the breakfast -- nothing great, but pretty adequate.

When I was there last week, I took the B&B rate - it was only $10 more and I really liked the buffet in the restaurant. It still worked out to be $30 less than staying at the SGS.

If you stay at either hotel, you have a right to all the facilities at the other hotel according to the letter I received at check-in. When I stayed at the SGS, I signed for my dinner at the japanese restaurant in the Westin, which, by the way, I really liked, although I was the only non-japanese person in it the two times I visited.

I spent hours at the Internet Cafe at the Times Square - since I didn't find the internet in the lounge until just before checkout.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by satori:
[B]My understanding is there isn't a lounge or breakfast provided to SPG Platinum members at the Sheraton Grande. That is what I was told this morning.B]</font>

That's strange, becuase the last four times I've stayed at the Sheraton Grande, I was offered free breakfast for me and my wife (I am a SPG Plat). I've always been treated very well at this property!

I was there last May, and at that time the only 'lounge' open was on the 2nd (or 3rd??) floor, across from the casual restaurant. As a Platinum I was given access to that lounge (although I was told only one of my 2 glasses of wine was complimentary & I was charged for the one glass of water my guest had!!). My breakfast was free due to the main lounge being closed. If it is now open (as per the above comments), I suppose it is no longer being offered downstairs. Although it was quite a lavish spread, and to be honest, probably well worth whatever the charge would be.

While staying at the SGS last week as a Platinum, I was given the option of eating breakfast in the "Sala" - the outdoor bar next to the pool - or the main restaurant open for breakfast - both for free.

There are free drinks in the evening for Platinums at either the Sala or the Library and possibly one other place although I didn't take advantage of this - but none of the places are specifically for Platinums. The one time I had a drink at the Sala, I did not need to sign after telling them my room number.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by rani:
While staying at the SGS last week as a Platinum, I was given the option of eating breakfast in the "Sala" - the outdoor bar next to the pool - or the main restaurant open for breakfast - both for free.

There are free drinks in the evening for Platinums at either the Sala or the Library and possibly one other place although I didn't take advantage of this - but none of the places are specifically for Platinums. The one time I had a drink at the Sala, I did not need to sign after telling them my room number. </font>


RANI : of the 2 options where would you reccomend eating breakfast &gt;??

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

RANI : of the 2 options where would you reccomend eating breakfast &gt;??</font>

Go for the Library--the Sala spread is pretty thin comparatively speaking. Didn't know about the drinks during the eve--i'll make sure to use that benefit next time.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SLC2002:
Go for the Library--the Sala spread is pretty thin comparatively speaking. Didn't know about the drinks during the eve--i'll make sure to use that benefit next time.</font>

The Orchid Cafe next to the Library does have a full and very comprehensive buffet spread. If you are staying for just one night, I'd also suggest go there for breakfast. The Sala offers a decent spread and a choice of main dish and has a better outdoor, poolside, location.

As for happy hour, the pool bar is nice, in terms of both atmosphere and choice of drinks (anything on the drinks list is free). The Library is more formal and also nice. Both offer free bar snacks (peanuts, coconut chips, rice crackers).

[This message has been edited by sfvoyage (edited Feb 12, 2004).]

Very timely report... I'll be arriving there at the end of next week and will add my comments.

Since we are all visiting this Hotel let me bring up a point AGAIN. How the heck does Starwood make their currency translations? I had internet access, movies (bored), spa and so forth. Got a base of 129 points and my room rate alone was 135 US. How do I get justice on my points? Thanks

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by RTWSTARALLIANCE:
...How do I get justice on my points? Thanks</font>

Fax your hotel bill to Program Services at 512-836-4002.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I just checked out SGS yesterday.
I was offered not only evening drink but free drink during day time at library.

On the letter I received during check in, all benefits were listed.

Of course, includes breakfast.

Also, there were the choices of 500 points or free High Speed internet during my stay as Platinum Amenities. I took advantage of free High Speed Internet.

As for Westin, I always use the PC on the executive lounge. Because of the location(behind bathroom), many people might not know it.

I really liked the breakfast in the Orchid Cafe - it was an incredible buffet. I checked out the offerings at the Sala but it's a limited buffet and didn't have much on it that appealed to me. However, I'm sure that it's great sitting out there by that pool.

That's one of the things I love about the Peninsula - being able to eat breakfast outside overlooking the river.

I have stayed at many a westin in my time, I just checked into this hotel and am blown away. Points ammenity, suite upgrade, amazing room, fantastic service. Unbelievable!!

Yes, I just got back from my second stay there in a month. It is very good. I have to say, however, that after my flawless first trip, several wrinkles became apparent, mostly having to do with the consistancy of housekeeping and the monotony of lounge offerings for breakfast, happy-hour (it really hit home on this second stay).
The women that staff the Exec. Lounge are delightful and at the gov't rate of $70/night, I don't think you can beat it.

I'm in the lounge now on the "secret" computer, I can see how this food spread may get old after a while and I won't be able to count on it for free dinner every night http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif , hopefully breakfast won;t be too bad. Are they going to charge me for all these drinks.....?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by mtacchi:
Are they going to charge me for all these drinks.....?</font>

Nope -- drink up!

(glad you found the secret computer http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif)

I will write a full report later, but the food is changing ever day in lounge, breakfast is good, free booze, I love this hotel. Forget the Sheraton Grande, save your points this place rocks.

I have stayed there eight times as a Platinum member. Always given a remodeled room, but never once upgraded to a suite.

The Platinum materials handed out at the hotel reference an upgrade to the best available "room" at the time of check-in, but there is no reference to "select suites" like there is in the Starwood materials.

The last two stays, I went on-line and there were executive (standard), deluxe, and the Presidential Suite available for the duration of my stay.

I'll be back in a couple of weeks and I guess will just have to be more of a jerk about it (within acceptable norms for Thailand).

Will Starwood ever fix this problem with its hotels?

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

...I'll be back in a couple of weeks and I guess will just have to be more of a jerk about it (within acceptable norms for Thailand).
</font>

I just came back from this hotel last week; when I checked in I got a regular (nice) room (2201) but asked the reception person for a suite if it opened up the next day -- she obliged. I moved into 2124 the next day and I have to say it was not the great experience I had hoped for. I don't know what I was expecting, but essentially, it was just a two-room version of the original room. In fact, I kinda prefered the view from the original room more!
This is to say that I would not feel cheated in the future if I did not get a suite at the WGS -- the regular rooms are just fine and more of the same isn't necessarily better.

My room ends in 07 and is 3 seperate rooms + another washroom. Platinum status here is really well recognized. The GM is a Brit who is very framiliar with FT. I'm sure if you have a problem and did not want to offend the Thai desk clerks he would help you out. He seems quite keen on providing and a great expereince for his guests.

I, too, had a great experience at the Westin on 2 stays in the last month as Plat. Large suite each time, with a separate 2nd bathroom, etc. On my second stay, when I was in the lounge, I was presented with a personal invitation to a wine tasting that night in part of one of the restaruants. It turns out that an Italian company was presenting about 6 of its better wines. There were about 30 people present, including most to the Westin bigwigs that I got to meet on a social basis. All in all, a very pleaseant experience and I would go back to the Westin in a minute.
Note that I spent a night at the SGS during the same trip and had a great suite and experience there as well.
Choosing the Westin or the SGS is really a personal preference. I would choose the Westin, about 51 to 49. I'm pretty certain that my wife would choose the SGS, knowing her tendencies. Its just a matter of taste.

[This message has been edited by Vulcan (edited Mar 13, 2004).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Vulcan:
[B] choosing the Westin or the SGS is really a personal preference. I would choose the Westin, about 51 to 49. I'm pretty certain that my wife would choose the SGS, knowing her tendencies. Its just a matter of taste.

B]</font>


I would agree, if you are a female and enjoy pool and spa type stuff, SGS is you. No questions. More hip, on the move "faster" types who don't wish to laze about a palm tree covered pool being waited on by beautiful Thais will prefer the WGS where they can be waited on by beautiful Thais in a hip atmosphere!

From the Westin, you can use all facilities at the Sheraton (including the pool) and charge everything to your room at the Westin.

I stayed at both the SGS and Westin several times in January and have to say that I preferred the Westin, particularly given the price difference. I advise going for a B&B rate though as the buffet downstairs is incredible and the I didn't find the lounge offerings very extensive. It's still cheaper than the SGS.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jgoldman:
From the Westin, you can use all facilities at the Sheraton (including the pool) and charge everything to your room at the Westin.</font>

Hmmm, it didn't work the other way though. I was staying at SGS, and had dinner at WGS. I was told they discontinued the cross-charging and that was last Nov. Did they reinstate it?

I was at that Westin Jan. 20-25/2004 as a Gold. I was never given breakfast nor lounge access. IIRC, I was told that it was for Platinums only http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif.

BTW, please be sure to give a few baht to the beggars outside the hotel including the woman who sits on a blanket on the sidewalk with her 2 babies & dog who lies there & looks dead http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif. I felt like giving them Heavenly Pillows from my room & regret not having bought them pillows at Robinson's Dept. Store, where I bought a Pierre Cardin suitcase for B2700 (=US$70.)

------------------
Play the travel game 3 vacations into the future!

Can't vouch for the reverse, but I was at the Westin most of Jan-Mar and routinely charged to my room from both the Sheraton pool and Basil

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ws8n:
Hmmm, it didn't work the other way though. I was staying at SGS, and had dinner at WGS. I was told they discontinued the cross-charging and that was last Nov. Did they reinstate it?</font>

BKK SUK
How are people supposed to know what hotel this is? I think it is very reader hostile to post with abbreviations.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MarkRichmond:
BKK SUK
How are people supposed to know what hotel this is? I think it is very reader hostile to post with abbreviations.

</font>

BKK is the three letter identifier for Bangkok, Thailand. SUK is short for Sukhumvit which is the main street in Bangkok and is the street the Westin and the Sheraton Luxury collection are located.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MarkRichmond:
BKK SUK
How are people supposed to know what hotel this is? I think it is very reader hostile to post with abbreviations.

</font>

My apologies.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jgoldman:
Can't vouch for the reverse, but I was at the Westin most of Jan-Mar and routinely charged to my room from both the Sheraton pool and Basil </font>

Yet when I went to the SGS spa on Mar20, they couldn't do a room charge to the Westin.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by MarkRichmond:
BKK SUK
How are people supposed to know what hotel this is? I think it is very reader hostile to post with abbreviations.</font>

Besides that BKK is a well know abbreviation for Bangkok, there's only 1 Westin in Bangkok (compared to 2 Sheratons) so I think the reference is pretty clear. The only thing unclear would be the SUK, which someone who hadn't been to the city wouldn't know.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Brendan:
I felt like giving them Heavenly Pillows from my room & regret not having bought them pillows at Robinson's Dept. Store, where I bought a Pierre Cardin suitcase for B2700 (=US$70.)

</font>

While I sympathize with the countless of roadside beggars during my travels, sometimes you just have to walk by them without batting an eye. When I was in Cambodia , I have kids following me after I gave one of them a dollar. It was a bad move, since all the kids kept tugging at my shirt.

As for the suitcase, I'm not all too sure if it is a good deal, but it sure beats having to lug it from MBK http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif Make sure you claim back the VAT.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Always Flyin:
I have stayed there eight times as a Platinum member. Always given a remodeled room, but never once upgraded to a suite.

The Platinum materials handed out at the hotel reference an upgrade to the best available "room" at the time of check-in, but there is no reference to "select suites" like there is in the Starwood materials.

The last two stays, I went on-line and there were executive (standard), deluxe, and the Presidential Suite available for the duration of my stay.

I'll be back in a couple of weeks and I guess will just have to be more of a jerk about it (within acceptable norms for Thailand). </font>

Now I [happily] get to eat my words. Checked in and without asking was upgraded to a 07 room number suite. Very, very nice. The main bathroom is a bit cramped, but it is an inhierited hotel (formerly the Delta Grand Pacific) and there is only so much you can with a renovation. But I am really not complaining.

This is a very nice hotel with a great staff. Nice that most of the remodeling is done and there are no more hammers pounding during the day.

Sorry, did a thorough search and reading of posted comments here but didn't find this one ...

I'll be checking in next Sat for 2 nights and appreciate advice on asking for the best room in Westin BKK. Fingers crossed and a blind eye to my PL stay, I hope for an Executive Suite. If yes, which floor/room should I be asking. Same question if I don't get one.

I guess I'm looking for a great view of the city (and river perhaps?), quiet - away from the lifts, and a nice room set-up.

Many thanks, buds.

I have stayed at the Westin BKK several times and unless I was just jet-lagged I don't remember their being much of a view from any of the rooms, especially of the river. If you want a nice river view try the Royal Orchid.

I was pleased to have been upgraded to a two room suite on all of my stays. The rooms are very modern and Westin-esque. Great bathrooms and the usually bed.

I think the executive suites are all at the far end of the halls away from the lifts.

I can confirm there's really no view to speak of from any room. The Chao Phraya river is ways off. Your best bet for a river view would be at Royal Orchid Sheraton - magnificent view of the river scene from the lounge!

Skip the Westin. Stay at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (across the street from the Westin).
It's better than the Westin, IMHO.

Skip the Westin. Stay at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (across the street from the Westin).
It's better than the Westin, IMHO.

Why? I'm going to be making stays at both for the next couple of weeks -- your insights would be much appreciated!

I liked the room better at the SGS. I liked the restaurant downstairs (I forget the name).

Access to the property is also better. At the Westin you have to take an elevator to the Reception and then a separate bank of elevators to get to the rooms. If you are there for one night, it's ok, but for longer stay, that gets to be a pain.

Here's another advantage. The SGS is on the "Airport facing side" of the street. Earlier this year when I was the Westin, I nearly missed my flight (I'm not kidding) because the cabbie had to take such a huge detour in order to get going in the right direction (towards the airport). I suppose the cabbie was clueless.... I was furious!

The SGS is on the "Airport facing side" of the street. Earlier this year when I was the Westin, I nearly missed my flight (I'm not kidding) because the cabbie had to take such a huge detour in order to get going in the right direction (towards the airport). I suppose the cabbie was clueless.... I was furious!

Hmmm... so would you recommend one should cross the street after check-out to the "Airport facing side" to save the hassle? =P

yes there is a footbridge to cross the street, so you can pick up a cab heading towards the airport freeway.

the trade off is, of course, that the journey to westin from airport is easier, as it is on the arriving side of the street.

always allow stacks of time to get to airport in BKK. it can be chaotic on the streets.

best rooms are the suites - at each end of the building, room 21 is one of them if i remember correctly - comprising two large rooms, then as the building is tapered, there is a dressing room, narrowing into the bathroom, then narrowing into an almost triangular shower.. all very nice.

don't bother eating in either of the westin or SGS, there are better places nearby for far better value money

As for restaurants, you can cross charge between the WGS and SGS.

So do they still upgrade Platinums on PL stays?

I actually LOVE the Westin -- SGS is very nice, but the price differential ain't worth in IMHO.
I also love the Westin's "west-facing" views of the Bangkok skyline above, say, the 20th floor-- it's not the river, but then I don't find the Chao Phraya particularly scenic... I don't know the "official" Westin terminology for this side, but as you enter the hotel, it is the side that runs along the left of the building.
The Westin's "east-facing" views (the ones you see from the lounge) are very boring.

Skip the Westin. Stay at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (across the street from the Westin).
It's better than the Westin, IMHO.

I have stayed at both numerous times and disagree. The public areas at the SGS are grander, but the guest rooms at the Westin, IMHO, are much nicer. Very, very recently renovated and quite nice with the Heavenly Bed.

The rooms at the SGS are getting quite tired and need a facelift.

The Westin has a lounge with free wireless internet (which is also available for free in the lobby, bar area on the 7th floor, and swimming pool).

When you take into account the price differential, I think the Westin wins hands down.

I agree with the price differential comments. You can't really go wrong with either hotel as each are in the top class of Starwood properties.

For points it was a tough choice when the SGS was a category two and only 1k points seperated the two.

The wildcard for me was the breakfast buffet at the SGS which is one of the best I have ever had. Full carving station for beef and turkey at 6:00am is nice!

Having stayed in all 3 properties in BKK over the past ~9mos, if you need to be near the Westin location (like for the convention center), I'd stay there over the SGS for many reasons already stated above, esp because the rooms & linens (HB) are new and it just 'feels' better esp after long flights. That said, if location isn't important, the ROS is my preferred over the 3, the svc there (esp for PL...yes the definitely treat PL's good) is better than other two, and the river view is great from the rooms (although I recommend eating indoors at the Etc. restuarant because the outdoor seating is too close to the river..you get constant noise from the ferry boats, fume smells, etc.).

Hope this helps.

Regarding the airport, the cabbie just didn't know what he was doing. The first time I went from Westin to the airport, the cabbie was taking this convoluted path running through a bunch of tiny side-streets.

And then emerged on the expressway. It took about 7-8 minutes to get through, but certainly not a "huge detour".

I also prefer the Westin for actually staying at, but I like the SGS spa/restaurants more.

Skip the Westin. Stay at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit (across the street from the Westin).
It's better than the Westin, IMHO.

I second that opinion -- especially for SPG Plats. :)

I second that opinion -- especially for SPG Plats. :)

Just completed a weekend in BKK and spent one night at each (SGS & Westin). I was upgraded to an amazing executive suite at the SGS on the 22nd floor (I think?)-room rate $115.00US. 'Only' received a a deluxe room on the executive floor at the Westin--room rate $129.00US--they said they were almost at full capacity (check on spg.com web after check-in showed suite availablity)...

As everyone here has mentioned, the Westin is somewhat annoying having to switch elevators (bad design IMO)... The SGS is indeed grander throughout the communal areas. The Westin certainly has a 'cooler' feel to it though.

Free breakfast at both-SGS is WAYYY better. Both hotels offered complimentary drinks in their lounge from 5:30-7 or 8. While these hotels are nice, they are definitely NOT the best bang for the buck. Had I been spending my own money and looking for hotels in this price range I would choose the President Solatire (http://www.presidentsolitaire.com/hotels/presidentsolitaire/default.asp) (Suites, Plasma TV's, DVD players, free I-Net access & wi-fi, AND about 1000Bath cheaper/night).

I couldn't decide which of the numerous threads about this hotel to bump, so hopefully this one is OK.

I have no status with *wood. I think I have a couple of SPG accounts, but haven't seen the cards in years. Evidently as a LH SEN I can get Gold but it isn't clear how that works. So, there's the setup.

I will be staying at the Westin for five days in May. Can someone make a recommendation for the best way to maximize my stay? I know I won't be getting any upgrades or anything like that, but still would appreciate some tips. They have a Romance Package for $129/night, or a choice between standard room on the executive floor or a "deluxe suite room" for $200. Any of these better than the others? It seems like people weren't all that thrilled with the lounge on the club floor, so maybe better to go for the suite or the package with breakfast included?

OT: can anyone point me to a good "first-timers" thread on BKK? I can't seem to find one.

Thanks everyone!

On my trip to Bangkok last month I was not sure which to stay in - the WGS or the SGS. I decided to try both for a couple days each. I now know where I will stay and where I will not stay again.

The WGS was a decent building but the staff did not impress me and committed the ultimate sin - waking me up by calling me because they noticed I had a do not disturb sign on the door. They then try to sneak all kinds of strange charges on your bill and try to convert money "for your convenience" on the bill. I did not get any upgrade and the internet was unacceptably slow when it did work. And they do not have heavenly showers at the WGS.

The SGS has THE SINGLE BEST BREAKFAST I have EVER seen in a hotel. I was upgraded to a really nice suite with a good view. The staff was much better. The beds at the SGS were the worst part of the hotel, while the beds at the Westin were the best part.

The thing that really bothered me about the SGS - and I don't remember if they had it at the WGS - was that you had to put your room key in a box in the wall to turn on your power. You pay THREE TIMES the going rate for a hotel in Bangkok to stay at either of these two hotels - and they offend you by forcing you to use a key based power switch, which is a technology seen all over the $50 a night Ghetto Inns.

Suitecase Jockey,

I had forgotten about this thread.

I have always been given large multiple room suites there. I have no idea what a regular room looks like. Heavenly shower? The shower in one of the bathrooms was big enough for a japanese tour group, with mulitple shower heads... amazing..

I do think that you have to put the key in the slot for power though. I find that almost all the hotels I stay at in the Middle East and Asia have this now.
FYI any magnetic key will work. I use one from past stays to keep in the slot.

The SGS has THE SINGLE BEST BREAKFAST I have EVER seen in a hotel. I was upgraded to a really nice suite with a good view. The staff was much better. The beds at the SGS were the worst part of the hotel, while the beds at the Westin were the best part.

The thing that really bothered me about the SGS - and I don't remember if they had it at the WGS - was that you had to put your room key in a box in the wall to turn on your power. You pay THREE TIMES the going rate for a hotel in Bangkok to stay at either of these two hotels - and they offend you by forcing you to use a key based power switch, which is a technology seen all over the $50 a night Ghetto Inns.

Not really sure what your problem with the card-operated power is. It's a usual thing in this part of the world. The idea behind it of course is that it saves energy - surely a worthy cause these days? If you really need to keep the power on without your doorkey, any piece of card will work - it doesn't have to be magnetic. Business cards or a folded sheet of notepaper work fine.

Incidently, I recommend that anyone staying at the SGS does the indoor breakfast at least once, if only just to see what's on offer. Then you can do breakfasts by the pool, where the selection is less but the environment is so much more pleasant and you can get the staff to bring up whatever you want from downstairs!

The thing that really bothered me about the SGS - and I don't remember if they had it at the WGS - was that you had to put your room key in a box in the wall to turn on your power. You pay THREE TIMES the going rate for a hotel in Bangkok to stay at either of these two hotels - and they offend you by forcing you to use a key based power switch, which is a technology seen all over the $50 a night Ghetto Inns.


I'm not offended by it. If it saves energy which I am convinced it does, that's fine by me. But you will find that more often than not there are one or two power outlets that are not governed by this switch if, for some reason or another, you need to leave a PC running or have to charge some electronic gadget.

When I requested for an additional keycard at the SGS, the FO lady who recognised me from check-in asked me to fill-up a "missing keycard" form :confused: I told her that I only needed an "empty" one to keep the power going in the room, and was given one without much fuss.

Over at the WGS, the very sweet and pretty FO lady who "escorted" me to my room went down to the lobby and back up to my room again to deliver a second card, eventhough I told her that I would pick it up from her on my way out. The ladies in the business centre were also quite helpful. Its such a shame that a property with such helpful junior staff is marred by the attitude of a less than sincere FO Manager.

hi ,

just checked in and as a Plat. got a suite in the eleventh floor.

made pictures, if someone interested i can mail them

very nice hotel :)

dp

I'm just a lowly gold but I have stayed at both properties several times. There is no comparision between the two when your talking about standard rooms. The Westin bathrooms in particular are really showing their age with chipped fixtues, spotty bathroom mirrors and the weird glass shower panels on the wall. The last 2 times I spent the night at the Westin, it looked like someone/something had clawed its way through the backing material on the shower wall (glass shower panel) :confused:

What really freaked me out though was the teak wood panels on the shower floor. They looked like they were harbouring fungus and mold. That being said, I still like the hotel and the rooms are nice. I typcally stay at the Westin my first night since you arrive in BKK so late from the US and might as well save a few bucks for such as short stay. Then I switch over the the SGS.

I have stayed at the Westin Sukhumvit about 25 stays since it was rebranded. I have never experienced anything even remotely like what you are describing. Are you sure you weren't in one of the unrenovated rooms (N.B., the renovation of rooms is now complete)?

I have stayed at the Sheraton Sukhumvit about 10 stays in the same period. The prices for both hotels are now very close to each other.

I prefer the Westin. Executive lounge and free wireless internet in the lounge, lobby, pool, and restaurants.

The Westin rooms are all very recently renovated. The Sheraton rooms are getting a little tired.

In my opinion, the only thing the Sheraton gives you that is better than the Westin is a better breakfast. Since I don't eat breakfast anyway, that's a non-issue for me.

I am not saying the Sheraton isn't any good, just that the Westin in better.

I decided I will put a little input in... Personally I am a big fan of SGS, and you can ask Sumphon (spelling) But have stayed at Westin a few times like right now. In fact I got switched over here because SGS was sold out on 3May. Anyway I am in a suite that is new to me 1624 (I am leaving soon sodoesn't matter) Anyway impressive. Clean has a brand new feeling and almost W like. decent sized living room with colourful stereo, nice bedroom, and in the shower no mildew etc. Now I usually entertain people here, and I do like the extra shower in my 2512 room at the sheraton. Also the Sheraton has a nice B'fast buffet and the westin just small buffet here on 24th floor. Also for happy hour you can get a wide selection of beverages at the SGS, and the Westin not as wide in my opinion. And I like drinking in a propper lounge. Also like the butler and ice tea and cookie delivery whenever etc. If the prices are close chose the SGS for sure. I like the Westin and the folks here are great, but the SGS wins big time, I especially dislike taking two elevators to my room at the westin. But hey it beats any hotel in USA :)

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day.

Then why do you usually stay at the Westin and not at the Sheraton? Why have I never seen you at breakfast?

I am a huge fan of the Westin. I have stayed at a lot of hotels in BKK and most are fine but the treatment I have gotten at this hotel has by far surpassed any of the others. I am surprised about Tonecolds comment. I have always been upgraded to a suite when available and when not always gotten a nice exec room and I know that there is always some rooms at most hotels that arent as good as other but that is surprising at this hotel (not doubting mind you but wouldnt have expected it). I do agree the exec lounge breakfast is relatively small but it is sufficient and farely typical of a lounge breakfast and they will prepare special eggs etc if you ask. I really just like the fact that the Westin staff is much more friendly and personable than other hotels I have stayed at. I look at the SGS every time I am there and it just looks stuffy to my (maybe I am stupidly judging a book by its cover) but I am sure it is a fine hotel and most likely better than the Westin but the Westin has never failed me and I will be staying there until they give me a reason to go elsewhere. It seems to me after reading all of the reviews you really cant go wrong with any SPG hotel in BKK so it really is just a matter of what things are most important to you.

. It seems to me after reading all of the reviews you really cant go wrong with any SPG hotel in BKK so it really is just a matter of what things are most important to you.
Having stayed at both,it's a fine line. I find the Westin staff to be very easy going,like an old friend.The SGS rooms are really nice and the staff is good,just a bit more formal.The Breakfast at SGS wins hands down,but does one chose the hotel beacuse of breakfast buffet??The normal rooms at SGS VS. WESTIN,SGS wins in a landslide.The one thing is upgrade posibilities to a suite at the Westin is greater.So in my IMHO 55-45,SGS wins, but very close..

[QUOTE=Always Flyin]I have stayed there eight times as a Platinum member. Always given a remodeled room, but never once upgraded to a suite.

QUOTE]

During my trip to BKK in Feb. I actually got a suite upgrade as a Platinum member at the Westin. Service was superb and free wireless at the lobby and lounge is a plus!

Much to my surprise, SGS on the other side of the street gave me a presidential suite as an upgrade! :D

Too bad, I missed you and sf4dfish during my stay.

I stayed at Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok last year.
I was SPG Plat, got upgrade to a club-level room, not a suite, but I was quite satisfied with the room.
I am visiting BKK again this year, want to stay at this hotel again. Since I am only SPG Gold this year, I may or may not be upgraded to club-level.
Does anybody know if there is much difference between the rooms at club level and non-club level? I like the fact that they have a nice TV and a DVD player/Stereo in the club-level room I had last time.
I don't care about lounge access since the lounge was quite small and its breakfast was not impressive.

I have not stayed at the Westin but as for Sheraton grand
I just stayed there with 2 plat members(3 rooms)
neither of them got a club level room but 2 rooms got access and after a lot of negotiation the fifth person in the group also got plat benefits. :(
one person got a suite but it was only beacuse a Ftalker who goes there often had negotiated that for us
(I have stayed there before when I was plat and got just a normal room)
I actually like the breakfast outside in the pool area and we actually stayed around the pool. most of the days we were there.
I wouldnt count on a club level room or upgrade they seem pretty tight there with upgrades if they dont HAVE to. :(
Westin may be a little more generous :)

I have not stayed at the Westin but as for Sheraton grand
I just stayed there with 2 plat members(3 rooms)
neither of them got a club level room but 2 rooms got access and after a lot of negotiation the fifth person in the group also got plat benefits. :(
one person got a suite but it was only beacuse a Ftalker who goes there often had negotiated that for us
(I have stayed there before when I was plat and got just a normal room)
I actually like the breakfast outside in the pool area and we actually stayed around the pool. most of the days we were there.
I wouldnt count on a club level room or upgrade they seem pretty tight there with upgrades if they dont HAVE to. :(
Westin may be a little more generous :)


This must have changed. The SGS has always been known for outstanding Plat treatment & Upgrades.

last time I was there Suite upgrade ( althought normal rooms are quite large enought) , butler service ( tea & cofee delivered to room 224 hs aday, Comp breakfast at, I think it was any of the restaurants, and 2hrs free ( selected) cocktails in the evening.

The rooms are the same on the club and non-club floors.

I like the lounge because it has free wireless internet (as do the other public areas of the hotel).

I stayed at Westin Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok last year.
I was SPG Plat, got upgrade to a club-level room, not a suite, but I was quite satisfied with the room.
I am visiting BKK again this year, want to stay at this hotel again. Since I am only SPG Gold this year, I may or may not be upgraded to club-level.
Does anybody know if there is much difference between the rooms at club level and non-club level? I like the fact that they have a nice TV and a DVD player/Stereo in the club-level room I had last time.
I don't care about lounge access since the lounge was quite small and its breakfast was not impressive.

The rooms are the same on the club and non-club floors.

I like the lounge because it has free wireless internet (as do the other public areas of the hotel).
IIRC, the bathrooms in the non-club floor suites are actually larger and better designed that the one on the club floors. Probably have to do with the shape of the building.

When I was an SPG gold, I used to book the cheapest non-club room/suite and use 1,500 points to upgrade to the club room/suite respectively. I think it was a good deal as the club lounge serves breakfast, drinks, snacks, wifi.

This is one hotel that lounge access is a nice perk. The rooms I would say are not much different but the people that work the lounge are quite nice (and available) and the breakfast although simple is pretty good by lounge standards. I would agree that this would be a pretty good use of points to upgrade to the exec level. You may also want to email the hote and ask them if they do upgrade golds to the exec floor.......they are pretty good about returning emails.

This is one hotel that lounge access is a nice perk. The rooms I would say are not much different but the people that work the lounge are quite nice (and available) and the breakfast although simple is pretty good by lounge standards.

What do they serve for breakfast?

I just stayed at Westin Grande Sukhumvit and Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, and prefer Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit.

I didn't get a non-smoking room even I booked a non-smoking room (Westin).
I got dirty water and had to run water (shower) for 5 minutes. (Westin)
My room was small, typical Westin room, Club-level, I don't think I got an upgraded room. (Westin)
I got a suite room. (Sheraton: Platinum)
The lounge breakfast (Westin: Platinum)
Full buffet breakfast (Sheraton: Paltinum)
Free laundry (3 pieces) (Sheraton: Platinum)
I got a free breakfast basket for takeout since my flgiht was reallly early in the mornng and couldn't have breakfast at their cafe. (Sheraton)

If there is no much price difference, I recommend Sheraton Grande over Westin Grande, but I'm not sure if Gold member get the same benefits as Platinum.

What do they serve for breakfast?

It is usually some sort of omelet (ham and cheese, spanish are typical), with some meat such as sausage, bacon, or ham, a potato dish and rice. The containers they are in are small though so they can empty quickly. They have a decent spread of cereals, danish, fruit etc though. They dont have a toaster out but they will make the toast for you if you ask. Not much asian food options so my wife prefers breakfast in the restaurant but I prefer the lounge as I get free diet cokes there and the breakfast in the lounge although rather simple is complete and not just a continental breakfast. It does not however compare to a restaurant breakfast at the Sheraton or Westin.

Thanks!

Pardon me if this is posted twice!

Does the Westin Exec Lounge have evening happy hour with free booze and snacks? Weekends?

How does it compare with JW Marriott Bangkok?

Yes Free booze and snacks in the evening for Westin Club Floor and Plats.

Westin Bangkok (grande sukhumvit) was category 2 last year (4000 points for one award night). This year, it is category 3 (7000 points)...same category as the Sheraton across the streest. But, in my opinion, Sheraton is a much better hotel than Westin, if these two hotel require same amount of points for award redemption..I would certainly go for Sheration.

I don't necessarily agree. The Westin has an executive lounge and a more modern styling in the rooms. I like them both.

With my negotiated rate, they are priced about the same to me. I stay at the Westin far more than at the Sheraton.

i did stay at both hotels and i like the westin much more.
the rooms in the sheraton looked old to me, even i got a huge suite.

dp

Now that WGS and SGS are the same category, I have to say it's a toss-up. WGS has a more modern look (almost W-ish) while SGS is older but the service is more polished.

Sheraton is a much better hotel than Westin, if these two hotel require same amount of points for award redemption..I would certainly go for Sheration.
Agree 100%. The Sheraton is a much classier hotel than the Westin IMO.

-Breakfast is heaps better at the Sheraton.
-Butler service, including free pressing/laundry for 3pcs IIRC.
-Complimentary Tea/Coffee etc delivered anytime by the butler.
-Evening cocktails at the Library.
-A generally much better staff attitude in terms of service. I found the staff at the Westin to be a lot more blunt/inquistive as well.

I have been much more successful with suite upgrades at the Sheraton too.

Agree 100%. The Sheraton is a much classier hotel than the Westin IMO.

-Breakfast is heaps better at the Sheraton.
-Butler service, including free pressing/laundry for 3pcs IIRC.
-Complimentary Tea/Coffee etc delivered anytime by the butler.
-Evening cocktails at the Library.
-A generally much better staff attitude in terms of service. I found the staff at the Westin to be a lot more blunt/inquistive as well.

I have been much more successful with suite upgrades at the Sheraton too.

I could not agree more, my wife and I were given a 2 room suite on the 26th floor for 3 days and loved every minute of it. (We just returned this past Wednesday)
The service was exemplary, our room was beautiful and they even got us to the airport in one of their S class’s after check out for gratis! All I can say is “Very Polished Indeed!”

Preface: A brief stay before boarding the plane back to the US.

Rate: A decent rate.

Transportation: I was at the Hyatt Grand Bangkok so a short ride. The taxi driver did not put the meter on and when I realized he was going to run the tab I just raised my voice got my cell out along with the taxi ticket and started pushing buttons. He got a clue quick.

Parking: Not needed.

Check-in: I have P status. Immediately escorted to the 24th floor. My room was not ready and I was asked to wait while it was cleaned. I told them I would take any non-smoke and they got me a room. Club is on 24.

Perks: Asked about amenity and took points.

Room: My room is fresh and new. You enter onto carpet. To the right you have a mirror followed by a cabinet which is a frig/closet combo. Next is a connector door followed by a entertainment set-up. You have a tube tv along with a radio/cd/dvd player combo. Next is a glass top desk with chair. I have a comfy chaise lounge chair along with a glass side table. This is followed by two double beds. The bathroom has a separate shower and tub. A single basin. The drains are still bad at this Hotel and you can not run the shower at full blast.

The Club is a nice place. Also looks fresh. Do not know when the last renovation took place. The Club still has a computer with internet access. Wireless is also free in the Club.

Internet:Wired HSIA is 642 BHT for 24 hours.

Gym: ?

Spa: The rates here are much more reasonable than the Grand Hyatt. They also have a 20% discount for services taken between 10 AM and 2 PM.

Eating venues: ?

Local markets: Robinson's next door with a supermarket in the basement. McDonalds next door.

Local area: Central to everything.

Negatives: None. The place is just darn comfortable and the staff is the same.

Closing: Would stay again in an instant. Off to catch that flight. Regards from BKK

Thanks for the trip report--although it's all stuff I fortunately already know ;). I'm headed over there in a few weeks. Just out of curiosity, why'd you create a new thread when this could have been added to the numerous existing (and recent) threads about the *wood hotels in BKK?

I like to start them "fresh" so people can have a read. In a couple of weeks if a mod rolls it into another post that is fine. I've heard from fellow FTs they enjoy reading a fresh report.

I prefer when they get rolled into new ones since if I've commented on them that fresh report bumps it into MyFlyertalk threads due to subscription. Otherwise I miss them unless I'm bored looking around the boards.

Here here. I do not mind the roll in after a couple weeks. I look for fresh ones and also find I miss some due to lack of interest in the prop at the time if they are put into existing ones.

.
Excellent report. Thank you, RTWSTARALLIANCE.

While I've never stayed in this hotel, I live nearby.
Let me add a few more comments about that location.


This is one of the few hotels in Bangkok that is near both a subway and a skytrain station. Given Bangkok's horrendous traffic, that is a big advantage for this location.

For Western men, the Robinson's department store (in the same building as the hotel) has a wide selection of clothing in our sizes. Also a good selection of Western brands of things like razors, batteries and camera accessories, office supplies and luggage. Robinson's does not offer any spectacular bargains nor any spectacular fashions, but for common needs of the travelling man it is perfect.

For those seeking nightlife, one of the premier destinations, Soi Cowboy, just a few minutes walk. But if you intend to bring any of the entertainment providers back to your room, be sure to first check with the hotel. They may have an extra charge for an extra guest, called a "joiner fee".

Finally, a warning: This location is right at the edge of the main zone in Bangkok for pickpockets and lady-boys. Be cautious at all times.

If specific questions, you are welcome to send email or private message.

- Peter
.

I especially liked that the hotel bar serves German Paulaner Hefeweizen beer, although at quite a price...

Robinson's department store also gave me a 5% (or 10% ??) discount when I showed my hotel key whilst digging through my pockets trying to find a credit card.

Well I consider this my home in BKK and have spent about 30 nights here this year. I have never had a problem here,the staff all calls me by name and I find it to me well priced for the location.In regards to the above posts and pick pockets well I have never had a problem at any hour of the night walking around this property.

A closing item. I e-mailed the Hotel I was getting on a 1:20 AM flight and asked for a copy of the bill to be faxed to me. By the time I landed in ICN I had a reply and my bill was at the office a few minutes ago.

I took a cab from the airport to ICN on a Saturday night. The traffic was real bad. The cab driver offered to take me to ICN for 400 BHT flat including tolls and tip. I knew the traffic was bad from seeing the lights out my room windows.

Can someone comment on views from this place? I had a 20 room number and could swear looking to the right I noted the river. Are there any view rooms from this Hotel?

I've also never had a problem walking around. I do not stay out late and at least I now we have a FT friend on the ground in BKK. Thank you for your comments. Regards from- yes- home.

Preface: A brief stay before boarding the plane back to the US.

Rate: A decent rate.

Transportation: I was at the Hyatt Grand Bangkok so a short ride. The taxi driver did not put the meter on and when I realized he was going to run the tab I just raised my voice got my cell out along with the taxi ticket and started pushing buttons. He got a clue quick.

Parking: Not needed.

Check-in: I have P status. Immediately escorted to the 24th floor. My room was not ready and I was asked to wait while it was cleaned. I told them I would take any non-smoke and they got me a room. Club is on 24.

Closing: Would stay again in an instant. Off to catch that flight. Regards from BKK

Thanks for the report RTWSTARALLIANCE. I agree, good hotel, good location and good service ^ . Last weekend I booked 2 nights on Exec Level and 1 night on points and got treated to a very comfortable suite ("2224") on the Exec Floor :D . I had Sam (one of the WGS merc drivers) pick me up at the new BKK as it was a mid-day flight and didn't want to do the new taxi lineup in 31 degrees for 45 mins. I've stayed at this hotel about 3 times this year and never get upgraded to anything other than Exec floor normal room :( . I stay more often (must be 7-8 times now) across the street at the SGS and always get a suite (so that is my preferred hotel). But this time I thought I'd try the Westin and wasn't dissappointed. The Exec Lounge was very helpful and the food was decent (not lots of choice, but good enough for my needs). The location, as you state, is perfect with the new BTS walkway right there. I can't imaging staying far away from the Skytrain - driving is a nghtmare with the traffic. There are some great places on Soi 19 for a relaxing foot massage, my tailor is one BTS stop away(Nana), the Emporium is one stop the other direction, and the Siam Paragon is a few stops away - all I need for a quick weekend break between PEK/PVG and PEN meetings! I haven't tried the restaurant at the WGS, but I have tried Basil's at the SGS, that was very good, but expensive. Is the WGS restaurant recommended? I'm not sure where to stay now for my next trip through in Dec.....
Yvrdude

...
Room: My room is fresh and new. You enter onto carpet. To the right you have a mirror followed by a cabinet which is a frig/closet combo....I stayed the day after you and agree with your comments. I was told that no suites were available for platinum upgrade and got the same type upgraded room as you. I verified on the web, no suites that day, but there were 2 days later.
Gym: ? I checked out the showers, sauna and steam room instead of showering in my room. At first the steam room was not working and the attendant worked on it and after that it was fine. I think it was simply that it was first time it used that day and it took a while for the steam generator to warm up. There is a workout room with decent equipment. No hot jacuzzi, just a cool one at the outside pool.

Unfortunately the previous 4 days were in a deluxe suite at the Conrad so the Westin seemed almost like a Motel 6. I rate the Westin at 4.5 stars.

Is the WGS restaurant recommended? I had lunch there today.
"The Med" is the main dining room at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit, located on the 7th floor.

My sandwich was standard, international-hotel quality.
Cleanliness, freshness, service, and presentation were all acceptable.
It could have been lunch at any 4-star hotel in the world.
Nothing remarkable, but certainly pleasant, and, when travelling, isn't that what you want for most meals.

Would I recommend it?
If you were staying at the WGS hotel, yes.

---

Now, for something "off the beaten path".
If anyone staying at or near the Westin Grande Sukhumvit wants a gentle adventure of sampling "regular" Thai food, I suggest going to the Robinson's department store, in the same building as this hotel, just a different entrance.
In the basement of the department store there is a "food court", a Thai-style cafeteria.
There are many food courts along the same lines throughout Thailand, but this one is convenient to the WGS hotel.

Here, you can sample many different kinds of Thai foods, the sort of food that regular, Thai people eat, rather than food prepared especially for the tourist or business-traveller trade.
Most of the customers in this food court will be Thais who work in the neighborhood and eat here because the food is familiar, the place is clean, and the prices are very modest.

The other reason I recommend this food court is because, everyday, there are sure to be clueless foreigners wandering around here, and the staff are willing to be helpful.
The workers in the food court won't understand your English, and you won't understand them, but, no matter, with a few smiles and some pointing and a sense of adventure, you'll have an interesting meal.

First, you must go to the cashier's booth and buy coupons or a card.
You can not pay for most food with cash, only special coupons or a stored-value card.
200 baht per person (about US$ 5.00) is more than enough for a generous meal and beverage.

Then you walk along the row of food stalls, looking at all the different items, to decide which you want.
If you are a newcomer to Thailand, you won't recognize most of the stews and casseroles, but some things will look familiar: like shrimp fried rice, and fried chicken on rice, and fried fish with rice.
Yes, there's a lot of rice here.

Some of the other foods will be more challenging.
For example, the pork innards stewed in bone soup with chunks of coagulated pigs blood.
It's edible, I can assure you, but I won't go out of my way to eat it again.

You order your food at one or more counters, and your beverages at another, then select any table.
On the way to a table, you pick up fork and spoon -- or chopsticks -- at a utensil station.
Knives are not used for eating Thai style.

If you are one or two people at a table that could seat four, and it is a busy time, don't be surprised if one or two Thai people suddenly sit themselves down at the same table.
They won't ask permission, they may not even acknowledge your existence.
They just sit right down and begin eating, right at your elbow.

Thai people are small and so food portions are small, too.
If you wish, go back to order more dishes of food until you are satisfied.
When you are finished, take your remaining coupons or card back to the cashier and you will get a full refund of any unspent value.

A few of the brand name shops in the food court only accept cash (Thai currency), not the coupons.
Examples are Baskin-Robbins ice cream (which I do not recommend), and the donut shop.

If you are up for a small bit of adventure, I recommend a Thai food court like this one.
It's a very different experience than eating in the hotel restaurant on the 7th floor.

If any specific questions, you are welcome to send me email or private message.

- Peter
.

I'll be checking in here next Tuesday; I'm a big fan of the WGS (and maybe they'll give me a suite if they're reading this :D !)
I had a question and a comment:
Question--how much is it, how long does it take to get a taxi to the hotel, and how long is the trip from Suvarnabhumi -- this is my first trip to BKK since they moved from Don Muang.
Comment: Like Peter, I like to try the local food, but unlike him, I have never had good luck in the supermarket food court. A couple problems relating to my inability to speak Thai: I have fish allergies so can't just point to something--I have to ask what's in it. And I have never gotten the hang of getting the coupons first and then shopping for a meal; it's not always intuitive what things cost and I get easily flustered. By the way, the "chain" restaurant in this food court really stinks.
Second comment: for a foot massage, the place on the left as you enter the supermarket is good value for money. For the full-body treatment (no, not that full body treatment), a place a block down (going west) on the opposite side of Sukhumvit is called "King and I." Hokey name, but a great massage for about $9 and hour, $12 for two hours. I never thought I would want a massage for two hours, but I was wrong ^ .

Please see my post in the Hyatt forum about the GH BKK for transport info. My trip took about 25 minutes.

I'll be checking in here next Tuesday; I'm a big fan of the WGS (and maybe they'll give me a suite if they're reading this :D !)
I had a question and a comment:
Question--how much is it, how long does it take to get a taxi to the hotel, and how long is the trip from Suvarnabhumi -- this is my first trip to BKK since they moved from Don Muang.A metered taxi is about THB200 on the meter, plus THB65 tolls plus THB50 airport service when leaving airport. Don't pay any more and don't give large tips, round up to the next THB20 or so. The metered taxis are down one levels from arrivals. There was only a hand written sign next to a moving sidewalk going down. A flat rate car is THB900. For that you get a nicer car, with seat belts and a saner ride.Comment... And I have never gotten the hang of getting the coupons first and then shopping for a meal; it's not always intuitive what things cost and I get easily flustered...I don't like that method either but the easiest way is to get more coupons that you think you will need and then you return the excess (day of purchase only) for cash. It means you have to wait in line 2 times. Or save the coupons for another day or if it is a small amount forget it or hand to someone waiting in line.

I had lunch there today.
"The Med" is the main dining room at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit, located on the 7th floor.

Would I recommend it?
If you were staying at the WGS hotel, yes.

---

Now, for something "off the beaten path".
If anyone staying at or near the Westin Grande Sukhumvit wants a gentle adventure of sampling "regular" Thai food, I suggest going to the Robinson's department store, in the same building as this hotel, just a different entrance.
In the basement of the department store there is a "food court", a Thai-style cafeteria.
There are many food courts along the same lines throughout Thailand, but this one is convenient to the WGS hotel.

- Peter
.

Thanks Peter4. Great info! I didn't know that the "food court" existed! ^ I like to try local places and love hot hot hot spicy food. I've usually been dissappointed in BKK when I go to a restaurant that serves Farangs because even if I ask for HOT, they smile and bring out what I feel is MILD spice :mad: After spending almost 6 months in CMB last year.... bring on the spices!

I'll be back next month and will try the food court. :) Now... the SGS or the WGS... hmmmm.....

YVRDUDE

nice report but, this property has so many reports , cant we just post in the old threads?

its is a nice hotel, i have been there in the last 3 years several times, and its much better than the sheraton suk. in my eyes.

the lounge is very very nice.

but if you see the number of posts and the search getting worse and worse because of the number of threads, we should try to avoid new threads if there is an old one.

dp

I was at this hotel a couple of weeks ago for the first time. I really liked it too. I chose it because I needed to be close to the subway, but I would choose it again in a heartbeat.

My driver from the new airport got lost even though I was trying to point him in the right direction. I told him I wasn't going to pay him extra. On the ride back to the airport, it was mid-day traffic which was bad and it took 45-50 minutes. This driver tried to guilt me into giving him more money because he was going to turn around and go back to the city. I would have given him a big tip if he hadn't whined so much. :rolleyes:

I was at this hotel a couple of weeks ago for the first time. I really liked it too. I chose it because I needed to be close to the subway, but I would choose it again in a heartbeat. Thanks for those positive reports from people who've stayed there.
Now, I am going to start recommending Westin Grande Sukhumvit to my friends coming in to Bangkok.
Seems an excellent combination of good service, value for the money, and convenient location.

- Peter
.

Based on what I have read here, WGS doesn't do upgrades to suites for Plat members as often as SGS does. But I guess being a very very frequent guest can take care of that!

Now that I am SPG plat, I am "letting" go of my promotion-less HH Diamond. :D

I will report on my experiences with WGS and SGS soon!

Based on what I have read here, WGS doesn't do upgrades to suites for Plat members as often as SGS does. But I guess being a very very frequent guest can take care of that!

Now that I am SPG plat, I am "letting" go of my promotion-less HH Diamond. :D

I will report on my experiences with WGS and SGS soon!

the westin always upgraded me to a suite..!

dp

Based on what I have read here, WGS doesn't do upgrades to suites for Plat members as often as SGS does. But I guess being a very very frequent guest can take care of that!

Now that I am SPG plat, I am "letting" go of my promotion-less HH Diamond. :D

I will report on my experiences with WGS and SGS soon!


My upgrade record at the WGS is 100% for a suite!

70% at the SGS.

Every time I stay at the WGS, I also stay at the SGS the next day.

Based on what I have read here, WGS doesn't do upgrades to suites for Plat members as often as SGS does. But I guess being a very very frequent guest can take care of that!

Now that I am SPG plat, I am "letting" go of my promotion-less HH Diamond. :D

I will report on my experiences with WGS and SGS soon!

I went from Plat to Gold to Plat again and stayed many times at this property and always got upgraded to a suite at the WGS if it was available. I think only one time and I believe there really wasnt one available. I have never even had to ask for an upgrade there.

Thanks all for your replies. I am very much looking forward to my stays at SPG hotels! :D

Based on what I have read here, WGS doesn't do upgrades to suites for Plat members as often as SGS does. But I guess being a very very frequent guest can take care of that!

Now that I am SPG plat, I am "letting" go of my promotion-less HH Diamond. :D

I will report on my experiences with WGS and SGS soon!

I have 1 stay at the WGS 100% Suite

I have 8 (IIRC) stays at the SGS 100% Suite

As a plat I never got a suite at the WGS but everytime a grand suite at the SGS. At the 18th of january I'll have the next stay at the WGS.

15 stays or so @ WGS 100% suite

1 stay @ SGS 100% suite.

2 stays @ WGS, 50% suite, but I don't think there were any available the time I didn't get one.

Will be at WGS in 2 weeks and noticed this on my confirmation... Executive Club, Heavenly Bed, High-speed Internet, Non-smoking, Continental Brkfst, Large 42sqm Contemporary Room With Executive Lounge Benefits Incl Breakfast At Lounge Or The Med,evening Cocktails&canape

Does anyone know what the breakfast at the Med entails? Better than the lounge? Any input is appreciated.

Happy to beable to answer one for you. Having been there almost any food in any outlet would be better than the Lounge. I hope a option is available for people who have access to the Lounge.

Will be at WGS in 2 weeks and noticed this on my confirmation...

Does anyone know what the breakfast at the Med entails? Better than the lounge? Any input is appreciated.

And I will answer the other one for you. I have not been to this property but I manage to retrieve some details. It is an international breakfast buffet which means you get Thai food, Japanese food and many others. There is an egg station as well.

Is it good? I let other members answer that.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I have been visiting this hotel and many others in Bangkok for over a decade and what I have never done is eat at the hotel! The food out on the streets is sooooooooooooooo much better!

And I will answer the other one for you. I have not been to this property but I manage to retrieve some details. It is an international breakfast buffet which means you get Thai food, Japanese food and many others. There is an egg station as well.

Is it good? I let other members answer that.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Just was there a couple of months ago.

Its not bad. It is standard breakfast fare.
It has a small Japanese section with miso soup and japanese rice porridge.

A egg station, salad station, bread station (which has great donuts), cereal station, fruit station.

Standard western breakfast buffet with different kinds of bacon (the english bacon was a first for me and it was pretty good)

Their Chinese section was pretty awful but my wife and I loved the juicer section. Fresh fruit juice and fresh veg juice.

Overall, it was convienent and not bad. Nothing special to write home about.

As a previous poster mentioned, lots of other choices on the street if you are brave.

And with all those answers. The reason we love FT!

Thanks for the info all... one night in Bangkok then a few nights in Taipei, Wu-Lai and Danshui...

... and YES this is what FT is all about...


Just was there a couple of months ago.

Overall, it was convienent and not bad. Nothing special to write home about.

As a previous poster mentioned, lots of other choices on the street if you are brave.

If you are cash and points you may only take breakfast in the Lounge if you have Lounge access. Downstairs is not a option. I would assume the same for just straight points. And the breakfast in the Lounge continues to be so so.

Planning a res here and noticed there are two types of suites available.

An "Executive Suite" and a "Deluxe Suite". Anyone here know what the difference is? The Executive is @ 70sqm and the Deluxe is @ 72 sqm which makes it even more perplexing. The Executive is pricing out @ 1500THB more per night but includes breakfast downstairs plus lounge access (which doesn't really matter since I'm PLAT).

Just on the room alone, is one decidedly better than the other? Views, decor, layout, etc, etc.

I did not think the Westin had many suites, let alone two types of standard suites as posts here seem to indicate upgrades are harder to come by here than the SGS.

Planning a res here and noticed there are two types of suites available.

An "Executive Suite" and a "Deluxe Suite". Anyone here know what the difference is? The Executive is @ 70sqm and the Deluxe is @ 72 sqm which makes it even more perplexing. The Executive is pricing out @ 1500THB more per night but includes breakfast downstairs plus lounge access (which doesn't really matter since I'm PLAT).

Just on the room alone, is one decidedly better than the other? Views, decor, layout, etc, etc.

I did not think the Westin had many suites, let alone two types of standard suites as posts here seem to indicate upgrades are harder to come by here than the SGS.

I dont think there is really any difference between the two other than one being on the executive level and one not possibly. The shape of the building tapers off at the end so every suite I have been in there the ones on the end are slighty smaller but really they have all been the same. I have had good success at getting upgraded to suite at this property as a plat, about 70% of the time.

I'm going to guess that the Executive Suites have larger safes you can fit a laptop in.

Anyway, I stayed there a few times in the past month, and have two stays there next week. Last week I was in a lower floor suite X24 and they now have flat-screen TVs. They should have all the TVs replaced in the coming months.


http://lh6.ggpht.com/_pYqxMxriSDo/SSVpTegXL-I/AAAAAAAACPk/bH4WbcvHxPo/s400/IMG_3365.JPG

I just checkin at Westin BKK.
There was no suite available today, and it has been long time not to have suite at this hotel.

Anyway, I use Previlege coupons, one night free and two more nights at the rate of 3500 bahts including taxes which is still good deal here.

I just checkin at Westin BKK.
There was no suite available today, and it has been long time not to have suite at this hotel.

Anyway, I use Privilege coupons, one night free and two more nights at the rate of 3500 bahts including taxes which is still good deal here.

I checked in about 2 hours ago. No suite but I think they have blocked off some floors. I have been 0:3 for suites here since April I think. One trip I needed connecting rooms so nothing to be done.

They did give me a corner room today which is larger and a nicer configuration than the regular rooms.

I use Previlege coupons, one night free and two more nights at the rate of 3500 bahts including taxes which is still good deal here.

My Privilege coupon for WGS says 4500 Baht ai, same as online booking with PRV promotional code while *wood Privilege Member offers is 5300++ on their website (Special Rate Plan: SPRAPR) but with lots of benefits.

How did you get this 3500 baht rate? Did you have to call Khun Jenny for this rate? Your response will be greatly appreciated.

Quite frankly I don't know why anyone would stay at the Westin when far better SPG options are available in Bangkok.

Quite frankly I don't know why anyone would stay at the Westin when far better SPG options are available in Bangkok.
Price, location, facilities, flexibility and responsiveness to my needs make the WGS the best SPG property for me.

Price, location, facilities, flexibility and responsiveness to my needs make the WGS the best SPG property for me.

I agree. The Westin is generally cheaper than the Sheraton. I like the new LM a lot, but not so much the location. The RO is OK, better in some ways, worse in others, but again, the location isn't great. So when I am in BKK on business, I pretty much always stay at the Westin. When I go for fun, I usually stay at the Oriental. ^

My Privilege coupon for WGS says 4500 Baht ai, same as online booking with PRV promotional code while *wood Privilege Member offers is 5300++ on their website (Special Rate Plan: SPRAPR) but with lots of benefits.

How did you get this 3500 baht rate? Did you have to call Khun Jenny for this rate? Your response will be greatly appreciated.

Hi Kalboz:

I got those coupons as the benefits of Privilege members.
You could have the same coupons what I had.

I just asked executive lounge lady why you got 4500 bahts.
She called someone who knew and said my coupons were issued last October.
Maybe, your coupons were issued this year?
There might be a price difference, year 2008 and 2009.

Anyway, my coupons said 3500 bahts includes taxes and could stay up to 4 days.

If I would renew this year, it could be 4500 bahts(I do not know though).

Quite frankly I don't know why anyone would stay at the Westin when far better SPG options are available in Bangkok.

My reason to stay westin BKK was the benefits of Previlege membership.
I got coupons for free night/discount as well as 2500 bahts discount of Japanese restaurante at Westin.( I know we do not need Japanese food in BKK).

I used to stay SGS and stayed more than 20 times.
I felt SGS is still better than Westin, but not much difference if we have coupons to use.

I also used to be a Sheraton Grande Previlege member, but their benefits have been changed and limited to the hotel only.

Hi Kalboz:

I just asked executive lounge lady why you got 4500 bahts.
She called someone who knew and said my coupons were issued last October.
Maybe, your coupons were issued this year?
There might be a price difference, year 2008 and 2009.

Anyway, my coupons said 3500 bahts includes taxes and could stay up to 4 days.

If I would renew this year, it could be 4500 bahts(I do not know though).

Thank you Tak for checking on this. This is a possible & reasonable explanation that 2008 voucher rates are better than 2009's.


I got coupons for free night/discount as well as 2500 bahts discount of Japanese restaurante at Westin.( I know we do not need Japanese food in BKK).


The dining voucher is 2000 Baht this year vs. your 2500 Baht dining voucher. I guess the Privilege membership value has gone down or they have different voucher values for different markets (nationalities)

Thank you again.

This is an image of the taxi card from the WGS in Bangkok. It has the hotel details in English and Thai making it easy to hand to a taxi driver when trying to reach the hotel. While the hotel gives them out it may be beneficial to have one with you when you are getting a taxi from the airport at the start of your stay.


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tJkMZQWnj3E/SoxFGm4oUFI/AAAAAAAADWk/h1G3iXkzADQ/s400/WestinBKKTaxiCard.jpg (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iO41RGph_PS6Y1DfM4cdnA?authkey=Gv1sRgCJjtjtHMqJ7HO Q&feat=embedwebsite)

This is an image of the taxi card from the WGS in Bangkok. It has the hotel details in English and Thai making it easy to hand to a taxi driver when trying to reach the hotel. While the hotel gives them out it may be beneficial to have one with you when you are getting a taxi from the airport at the start of your stay.


http://lh3.ggpht.com/_tJkMZQWnj3E/SoxFGm4oUFI/AAAAAAAADWk/h1G3iXkzADQ/s400/WestinBKKTaxiCard.jpg (http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iO41RGph_PS6Y1DfM4cdnA?authkey=Gv1sRgCJjtjtHMqJ7HO Q&feat=embedwebsite)

Thanks for taking the time to do this!

A few months ago the WGS changed their bathroom amenities. I was disappointed because they stopped providing the oatmeal soap in the bathroom. Recently I exchanged email with the property and casually mentioned that I was disappointed that the oatmeal soap was no longer provided. My next stay was weekend before last and I found oatmeal soap in my suite. I was pretty happy about this.

Before arriving this past weekend I got an email that I'd been upgraded to a suite. The WGS is part of the upgrade email pilot program. I arrived before my suite was ready. I was offered breakfast in the restaurant but opted to just go spend time in the lounge and have a bite up there. The front desk agent said he'd be up with the key when the suite was ready and that he'd be sure to inform housekeeping to stock the room with oatmeal soap per my request. Apparently they have added a note about it to my profile. While I didn't mean for it to become a special request I am thrilled that they pay so much attention to the comments and email interactions. Way to go WGS!

By reading all the posts here the treatment of Platinum Member seems to be quite good. I'm just a "lowly" Gold member and I'm used not to expect much, but how probable is it to get upgraded to a Executive Club room with lounge access at the WGS?

By reading all the posts here the treatment of Platinum Member seems to be quite good. I'm just a "lowly" Gold member and I'm used not to expect much, but how probable is it to get upgraded to a Executive Club room with lounge access at the WGS?

I got to know the people that worked in the lounge pretty well when I was staying there often in the past and as a plat always had access. I asked if they ever upgraded golds and was told no.....not unless they use points to upgrade. This was a couple of years go but doubt it has changed.

I got to know the people that worked in the lounge pretty well when I was staying there often in the past and as a plat always had access. I asked if they ever upgraded golds and was told no.....not unless they use points to upgrade. This was a couple of years go but doubt it has changed.

Judging by the number of Platinum sheaths I see regularly being prepared in the lounge I doubt this has changed.

Judging by the number of Platinum sheaths I see regularly being prepared in the lounge I doubt this has changed.

:(

Thanks anyway for the information

There is a bit of renovation going on at the WGS this month. I think it should be finished this week IIRC.

They are replacing the hallway carpet on floors 18-24, working on some water pressure issues and it seems totally redoing the lounge. Meanwhile the lounge has moved down the hallway to a series of connected rooms which is pretty comfortable.

There is a bit of renovation going on at the WGS this month. I think it should be finished this week IIRC.

They are replacing the hallway carpet on floors 18-24, working on some water pressure issues and it seems totally redoing the lounge. Meanwhile the lounge has moved down the hallway to a series of connected rooms which is pretty comfortable.

I wish they could do something with the giant size computer monitors at the club lounge reception desk. It is kind of annoying not being able to see or speak face to face with the agent. When I stand they say please be seated...a small detail, maybe it is me.

I might give the place another try then if they get a more comfortable lounge

There is a bit of renovation going on at the WGS this month. I think it should be finished this week IIRC.

They are replacing the hallway carpet on floors 18-24, working on some water pressure issues and it seems totally redoing the lounge. Meanwhile the lounge has moved down the hallway to a series of connected rooms which is pretty comfortable.

I was at the WGS last month in a suite, and then stayed at the SGS a few weeks ago in a suite.

I'll never stay at the Westin again.

Using SGS's Living Room as a lounge and BarSu for happy hour was leaps and bounds above the Westin.

I might give the place another try then if they get a more comfortable lounge

I agree about the quality of the lounge. If your budget allows, I would stay at the the Sheraton Sukhumvit (assuming you need to be in the area) and stay in a grande deluxe room/suite. The drinks and the snacks in the "Living Room" and "BarSu", I think, are better than the Westin. For the best 'lounge' experience in BKK I like the ROS...but others have disagreed. I have also tried the PA "Royal Club" but was not impressed....again, just my experience. Whoops, I took too long to post...macabus is correct, I agree 100%

Stayed at the SGS and le Meridien in September. First time to Thailand, and either property.

The Suite I received at le Meridien was phenomenal, but Happy hour in BarSu was so much better than at le Meridien. SGS service was fast and friendly, and drinks were strong. Food spread was great! At le Meridien, it took a loooong time to get a drink, and they were pretty weak. three little pieces of sushi was all the food you got.

If you want a modern room, the SGS isn't the hotel, but for service and amenities... it can't be matched!

I thought we had another thread to compare the various options available in Bangkok against each other.

stayed here earlier this month....did not notice any renovations going on....maybe they started after my stay....got upgraded to a very nice executive suite....really liked the location....got an email the day before the stay confirming an upgrade to a club room....on arrival was further upgraded to the executive suite....

stayed here earlier this month....did not notice any renovations going on....maybe they started after my stay....got upgraded to a very nice executive suite....really liked the location....got an email the day before the stay confirming an upgrade to a club room....on arrival was further upgraded to the executive suite....
They started about a week or so into the month.

As per note in my room the exchange the carpet on the executive floors & re-do the Club. The works should be completed by end of October 2009.

Stayed there in an Executive Floor King Room. Posted a few pictures on my Flickr account. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42504712@N06/sets/72157622617268804/)

Also received pre-stay upgrade notice.

Was very underwhelmed by the Club staff (attitude/friendlyness). The huge screens are stupic. Internet seems to have some issues as well. Will prefer SGS going forward.

Ham

Stayed there in an Executive Floor King Room. Posted a few pictures on my Flickr account. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42504712@N06/sets/72157622617268804/)

Ham

Hey Ham, nice photos ... I have posted some on flickr also:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/sets/72157622156312861/

SGS and LM BKK have an itemized list of Platinum benefits. Is there one issued upon check in at Westin? Anything else offered other than Club access (which I assume takes care of internet access, as well)?

SGS and LM BKK have an itemized list of Platinum benefits. Is there one issued upon check in at Westin? Anything else offered other than Club access (which I assume takes care of internet access, as well)?

The newly renovated lounge (really just refreshing the paint and carpet, a bit of a reconfiguration in the middle room with the food which eliminated some tables, and a new desk for the staff) does provide free Internet. You need to now get a code from the staff and it is good for 3 hours. I assume after 3 hours you just ask for another one.

I'll look in the stuff I received when I checked in, but I don't recall a list of benefits. It could be that I don't receive it sometimes as I am a part of the furniture. I've stayed in the same exact suite for 6 of the last 7 stays or so. No complaints from me! When I checked in last night I asked that a nameplate be put up.

SGS and LM BKK have an itemized list of Platinum benefits. Is there one issued upon check in at Westin? Anything else offered other than Club access (which I assume takes care of internet access, as well)?

Unfortunately they don't provide a list (also upon request the duty manager was not able to provide one).

I think (but don't know) that besides the 'upgrade' plus lounge access you won't get much...

As mentioned earlier in this thread: due to the construction nearby I would not stay here in the near future but rather go to the SGS across the street (as I have identical corporate rate) or stay at the LM BKK. But that's my 2cts...

Ham

Thanks, Ham. I would rather return to LM then. Their benefits are clearly spelled out and the rooms are much newer and nicer. I just hope they will upgrade their internet access. But that's a different topic all together for LM...

Unfortunately they don't provide a list (also upon request the duty manager was not able to provide one).

I think (but don't know) that besides the 'upgrade' plus lounge access you won't get much...

As mentioned earlier in this thread: due to the construction nearby I would not stay here in the near future but rather go to the SGS across the street (as I have identical corporate rate) or stay at the LM BKK. But that's my 2cts...

Ham