Starwood Preferred Guest - To LOUNGE or NOT to Lounge in BKK

last time we were in BKK we stayed at the ROS as Plats and were very satisfied with the suite upgrade and accesss to their lounge. Now as GOLD, we are returning for 4 nights and do plan to spend a fair amount of time in hotel as the BKK portion of our trip is mainly R&R.
The choice we have are ROS for 16K points, the Westin Club level at an SPG50 rate of $145++ or SGS Exec. level at an SPG50 rate of $165++.

Based on all the reviews I have read on this forum, all the hotels are very nice but SGS and the Westin are definitely a notch bettert han the ROS. I know that if any of the hotels were available for around $100.00 per night, I will not be using points. Is the extra cost for Westin and the SGS and their lounge acess worth the $45.00-$65.00 per night??
Also, we enjoy a full breakfast when on vacation. Does the Westin offer a full breakfast for those staying at the club level/executive level?
Mukesh

last time we were in BKK we stayed at the ROS as Plats and were very satisfied with the suite upgrade and accesss to their lounge. Now as GOLD, we are returning for 4 nights and do plan to spend a fair amount of time in hotel as the BKK portion of our trip is mainly R&R.
The choice we have are ROS for 16K points, the Westin Club level at an SPG50 rate of $145++ or SGS Exec. level at an SPG50 rate of $165++.

Based on all the reviews I have read on this forum, all the hotels are very nice but SGS and the Westin are definitely a notch bettert han the ROS. I know that if any of the hotels were available for around $100.00 per night, I will not be using points. Is the extra cost for Westin and the SGS and their lounge acess worth the $45.00-$65.00 per night??
Also, we enjoy a full breakfast when on vacation. Does the Westin offer a full breakfast for those staying at the club level/executive level?
Mukesh

SGS definitely offers a full breakfast for deluxe level guests (no lounge though, but don't let ths put you off, services and facilities are excellent).

SGS definitely offers a full breakfast for deluxe level guests (no lounge though, but don't let ths put you off, services and facilities are excellent).

The description was: Grand Deluxe Non-smoking Room,buffet Breakfast,evening Cocktails,butler Service,free Highspeed Internet Access When I saw the 'evening cocktails', I assumed, wrongly I guess, that this meant lounge.
So where are the cocktails served?

The description was: Grand Deluxe Non-smoking Room,buffet Breakfast,evening Cocktails,butler Service,free Highspeed Internet Access When I saw the 'evening cocktails', I assumed, wrongly I guess, that this meant lounge.
So where are the cocktails served?

At the "Library" which is sort of a lobby lounge. Light snacks and no hot food. Quite a joke actually. If you have to pay for the "upgrade" I would suggest saving the money and spend it elsewhere. I think its crazy to pay USD165++ for a room at the SGS, which IMO is the most overated hotel on FT !

I think its crazy to pay USD165++ for a room at the SGS, which IMO is the most overated hotel on FT !

I agree. The SGS is nice, and is in a good location, but I think it's become a bit expensive for what it is. I've switched my BKK stays to The Metropolitan and couldn't be happier.

Just stayed at the SGS on points last week. Even though I am PLT, I used extra points for the guaranteed upgrade... and we were rewarded nicely. Got a "Grand Suite" which was just a fantastic room(s). And the breakfast buffet is one of the best we've ever had. We had dinner at Basil (Thai restaurant) in the hotel, and it too was outstanding. Didn't take advantage of the evening cocktails.

We actually didn't like the location, though, as we thought the Sukhumvit area was grungy and not too interesting. Then again, a cab ride anywhere is super cheap ($2.50 to the Grand Palace, $10 to the airport). The ROS has a better location, IMHO, but we read that their pool was getting renovated this summer. Another consideration for ya.

I too think the SGS is a bit over-rated on FT, but it's definitely a nice place and decent (not great) value for money. The rate for the Westin you give is higher than anything I've paid (have you looked into the Stay 3 Nights get 4th Night Free offer--I think it's good at the Westin). The Westin is less flashy than SGS and the breakfast buffet in the lounge is not nearly as spectacular, but it is in a separate lounge, it's perfectly nice, and you have free softdrinks/coffee etc. throughout the day, and a very nice happy hour with nice (hot!) hors d'oeuvres (though they are heavy on seafood which I can't eat). In short, if you can get the Pay 3/Stay 4 offer at the Westin, I don't think you'd be unhappy.

In short, if you can get the Pay 3/Stay 4 offer at the Westin, I don't think you'd be unhappy.

The Pay3/Stay 4 is NOT available during my stay around Christmas.
Based on the responses so far, it would seem that the SGS may not be worth an extra $65++. I guess I can always book the ROS on points and then try to pay an extra 1K points per night and try to gt an upgrade to the club level at ROS?? Any previous experience with this?
Thanks for all the feedback.

I'd take the Westin Club level for $145! Had a great stay there earlier this year and their lounge was great, especially in the evening as already indicated by rhetor.

I stayed at the ROS in Bangkok and found it worthwhile to pay extra for the Towers floor. Great view of the city from the lounge and nice food and drinks.

I tried the lounge at the WGS. Although very nice, it's not worth $45 USD/night. You'd do better going out to the myriad of restaurants and getting a proper breakfast and evening h'ors d'oeurves.

If you're considering using a point upgrade at the ROS, have you considered the LM? I haven't been there but I've heard very good things about their lounge.

Anyone know if Plats get free breakfast if it is not included in the room rate?

Anyone know if Plats get free breakfast if it is not included in the room rate?

In ROS yes - restaurant or lounge (choice of food in lounge is very basic).
AX

Anyone know if Plats get free breakfast if it is not included in the room rate?

At WGS -- yes. It's part of lounge access.

Anyone know if Plats get free breakfast if it is not included in the room rate?

At SGS yes it is part of the upgrade to Deluxe floor benefit.

At the "Library" which is sort of a lobby lounge. Light snacks and no hot food. Quite a joke actually. If you have to pay for the "upgrade" I would suggest saving the money and spend it elsewhere. I think its crazy to pay USD165++ for a room at the SGS, which IMO is the most overated hotel on FT !

I think this is a bit harsh. The free drinks are not served in the library but rather in the main jazz lounge on the 3rd floor. A fantastc selection of wines are avalable with only the french champagne excluded from the free drink selection. The cocktail list is also pretty comprehensive and the ambience and people watching far more fun than being stuck in a lounge in a backwater of the hotel.

I am a fairly recent *wood convert, but my comparison would be that the SGS is like having a run of free drinks from the full menu in the Diplomat bar in The Conrad (my BKK reference) rather than the strictly limited drink selection in the lounge.

Hot nibbles can be purchased at very reasonable rates and I strongly prefer the arrangement at the SGS to more typical "lounging" options elsewhere. I am a firm advocate of the SGS after only 1 stay (and I am quite difficult to please).

We actually didn't like the location, though, as we thought the Sukhumvit area was grungy and not too interesting. Then again, a cab ride anywhere is super cheap ($2.50 to the Grand Palace, $10 to the airport). The ROS has a better location, IMHO, but we read that their pool was getting renovated this summer. Another consideration for ya.

BKK is quite a grungy city. The river however is not a great location to be anything other than a tourist (and a tourist who is happy with seriously restricted entertainment options at that). There is a case for the riverside location for those business types working in a lower Silom/Sathorn location. For anyone else the heart of the City IMHO tends to be the Ploenchit/Sukumvhit area. Many of the cites best restaurants, shops and bars are found in a more central location. Taking taxis from a riverside locaton can be a slow and frustrating experience for those unfamiliar with the dire state of BKK traffic.

My own preference is thus always to stay more centrally within the city.

I think this is a bit harsh. The free drinks are not served in the library but rather in the main jazz lounge on the 3rd floor. A fantastc selection of wines are avalable with only the french champagne excluded from the free drink selection. The cocktail list is also pretty comprehensive and the ambience and people watching far more fun than being stuck in a lounge in a backwater of the hotel.


This is interesting :) I read great reviews of Jazz music being played at SGS. Do you know by any chance what are the hours for the so called Happy Hour included as benefit? Also, is this a regular public lounge where certain hotel guests are given complimentry drinks or is this exclusively for the guests with evening cocktails as part of the package/benefit?
Mukesh

This is interesting :) I read great reviews of Jazz music being played at SGS. Do you know by any chance what are the hours for the so called Happy Hour included as benefit? Also, is this a regular public lounge where certain hotel guests are given complimentry drinks or is this exclusively for the guests with evening cocktails as part of the package/benefit?
Mukesh

6-8pm and yes it is a regular public lounge where other guests are paying for their drinks. The only difference is that you do not need to pay or even sign a bill at the end of the evening.

I did not experience the Jazz since this seems confined to weekdays and we stayed on a Sat and Sun night. I cannot stress how much nicer the public drink area was IMHO than the typical lounge offering. From a feeling of spaciousness and lots of seats, to a fantastic selection of drinks (2 pages of wines for instance).

At SGS yes it is part of the upgrade to Deluxe floor benefit.

Is this limited to two people? Can I bring a third guest? SGS has one of the best breakfast buffets I've ever seen!

Is this limited to two people? Can I bring a third guest? SGS has one of the best breakfast buffets I've ever seen!

Please note: This post contains material which may be deemed offensive. It should be noted that the poster is British and thus smutty innuendo is a national characteristic. No offense is meant to those who lack a sense of humour.

3 guests sounds a little greedy to me ;) although a reasonably common sight in BKK ;)

I think the reasonable assumption is that you would be allowed the number of breakfasts which correspond to the number of registered guests in your room or 2 breakfasts if staying alone and perhaps "meeting new friends" during your stay. I have never tested ths theory though, I may need to conduct an experiment when I next visit ;) assuming my GF does not stab me when I suggest it :p

Please note: This post contains material which may be deemed offensive. It should be noted that the poster is British and thus smutty innuendo is a national characteristic. No offense is meant to those who lack a sense of humour.

3 guests sounds a little greedy to me ;) although a reasonably common sight in BKK ;)

I think the reasonable assumption is that you would be allowed the number of breakfasts which correspond to the number of registered guests in your room or 2 breakfasts if staying alone and perhaps "meeting new friends" during your stay. I have never tested ths theory though, I may need to conduct an experiment when I next visit ;) assuming my GF does not stab me when I suggest it :p

Oh, come on... That's the best you can do for smutty innuendo??? We expect more of our British posters. ;)

On another note, your description of the happy hour at SGS is very alluring; I may be lured away from the WGS for at least a night next month!

I think this is a bit harsh. The free drinks are not served in the library but rather in the main jazz lounge on the 3rd floor. A fantastc selection of wines are avalable with only the french champagne excluded from the free drink selection. The cocktail list is also pretty comprehensive and the ambience and people watching far more fun than being stuck in a lounge in a backwater of the hotel.

You are quite right, the evening cocktails are served in the "Living Room" which is the hotel's equivalent of a "lobby lounge". However I believe you can choose to be seated at the adjacent "Library" if so desired.

I dont drink wine and requested for a glass of OJ. I was expecting a nice chilled glass of freshly squeezed OJ but what I was served was no different from the OJ during breakfast, cheap local orange juice. And this must be the only hotel in Asia (or anywhere I have been to) that serves evening cocktail and expect you to pay for light food :confused:

I dont deny the ambiance at the "Living Room" was quite nice, and the waitress very elegantly dressed; however, this is a common lounge and you dont even need to stay at the SGS to have drinks there.

The hotel classification of the "Grand Deluxe" room is quite deceptive. I was expecting a larger room or better furnished room. But no, a "Grand Deluxe" room is no different from a "Deluxe" room apart from being on a higher floor. The only thing "Grand" about these rooms is that the breakfast and evening cocktails are included in the rate, both of which you can still enjoy if you stay in a "Deluxe" room and pay for it seperately.

And of all city based LC properties I have stayed, the element of "luxury" is least noticeable at the SGS. Cheap marble in the bathroom and tiles that doesnt match the colour scheme. Apart from the silk covering on one wall, furnitures in the room is nowhere near the quality expected of a LC property. The level of luxury here is at least one notch below the Sheraton Imperial KL and two notches below the St Regis Beijing. And I wouldnt even dare compare it with the Sheraton Park Tower London, its like comparing a highway motel with the Ritz Carlton.

Yes, I am very harsh with my comments on the SGS. IMO its a cheap product glossed up with an expensive brand name, and charging exhorbitant rates for mediocre rooms. If the LC/Starwood name is removed from this property tomorrow, it probably wouldnt even achieve one third the room rate they are charging today.

If your goal is R & R, ROS seems more appropriate. You are on the river, can take a river taxi ride (river stop is about 50 feet from the front door of the ROS). There is a nice quite mall (River City Mall) next door that has shops and restaurants. The Thai restaurant at the ROS is nice. If you want to catch a taxi to a different restaurant, it is less expensive if you walk on to the street and settle a price than to catch the taxi at the front door of the hotel. You can also hire a water taxi to take you on a tour of the klongs (interesting, relaxing, and not part of the hassle of the city). Settle on a price prior to getting in the water taxi.

You are quite right, the evening cocktails are served in the "Living Room" which is the hotel's equivalent of a "lobby lounge". However I believe you can choose to be seated at the adjacent "Library" if so desired.

I dont drink wine and requested for a glass of OJ. I was expecting a nice chilled glass of freshly squeezed OJ but what I was served was no different from the OJ during breakfast, cheap local orange juice. And this must be the only hotel in Asia (or anywhere I have been to) that serves evening cocktail and expect you to pay for light food :confused:

I dont deny the ambiance at the "Living Room" was quite nice, and the waitress very elegantly dressed; however, this is a common lounge and you dont even need to stay at the SGS to have drinks there.

The hotel classification of the "Grand Deluxe" room is quite deceptive. I was expecting a larger room or better furnished room. But no, a "Grand Deluxe" room is no different from a "Deluxe" room apart from being on a higher floor. The only thing "Grand" about these rooms is that the breakfast and evening cocktails are included in the rate, both of which you can still enjoy if you stay in a "Deluxe" room and pay for it seperately.

And of all city based LC properties I have stayed, the element of "luxury" is least noticeable at the SGS. Cheap marble in the bathroom and tiles that doesnt match the colour scheme. Apart from the silk covering on one wall, furnitures in the room is nowhere near the quality expected of a LC property. The level of luxury here is at least one notch below the Sheraton Imperial KL and two notches below the St Regis Beijing. And I wouldnt even dare compare it with the Sheraton Park Tower London, its like comparing a highway motel with the Ritz Carlton.

Yes, I am very harsh with my comments on the SGS. IMO its a cheap product glossed up with an expensive brand name, and charging exhorbitant rates for mediocre rooms. If the LC/Starwood name is removed from this property tomorrow, it probably wouldnt even achieve one third the room rate they are charging today.

Sorry I totally disagree. I paid $150 a night to get a decent suite, with tasteful decor. I liked the design of both of the bathrooms. The contrasting tiling is a typical thai feature and can be found in many other properties be they Starwood or other brands (e.g. the new Sheraton Pattaya). I have seen similar bathrooms design at many other hotels around the world, so it is by no means unique. I much prefer the design at the SGS to the "gold taps and marble" school of design common in other upscale Asian properties.

In respect of the benefits of the Grande Deluxe floor, well you receive complimentary internet access (wired and wireless worth c. $20 a day). Free drinks of your choice at the Living Room during happy hour (rather than the selection a lounge typically chooses on your behalf, with wine prices in BKK this benefit could be worth in excess of $100 per night for 2 people), free soft drinks, tea and coffee all day, free laundry etc. etc.

The serious quibble I have about the SGS is that the check-in and check out situation is painful, due to the design of the check in area. In room check in would be vastly preferable. I seem to be becoming a one man promo for the SGS but it is one of the best hotels I have stayed in when in BKK. Sure the Peninsula or Oriental are better, but their location is not as good IMHO.

I would accept if you only drink juice then you are unlikely to enjoy the "lounge" experience so much, but this could be true anywhere.

Sorry I totally disagree. I paid $150 a night to get a decent suite, with tasteful decor. I liked the design of both of the bathrooms. The contrasting tiling is a typical thai feature and can be found in many other properties be they Starwood or other brands (e.g. the new Sheraton Pattaya). I have seen similar bathrooms design at many other hotels around the world, so it is by no means unique. I much prefer the design at the SGS to the "gold taps and marble" school of design common in other upscale Asian properties.

It seems our tastes in interior decor does not quite agree.

No it does not need to be all "gold taps and marble" to be tasteful. I thought the renovated bathroom at the HI Phuket was very tastefully done though it was all done with mosaics tiles, and they didnt even use a single piece of marble.

And lets not forget the SGS bathroom design was based on the "gold taps and marble" concept. The difference here is that the marble used is of very low grade. And the "green" tiles just cannot agree with my eyes !

I would accept if you only drink juice then you are unlikely to enjoy the "lounge" experience so much, but this could be true anywhere.

If your idea of the "lounge experience" is all about booze, I am sorry to say you have quite a narrow view of other travellers outside your domain. I do enjoy executive lounges with "decent" OJ, good light food, wide array of reading materials, nice view and ambiance. And I wont say no to a glass of bubbly if they offer me one ;)

BTW USD150 is not the rate for a suite at the SGS. I believe you were upgraded based on your plat status and is subject to availability. A non-plat will not get a suite nor breakfast nor "lounge" benefits. If one day when you decide not to requalify for plat, you might want to consider a stay using priceline when you can get a room there for not much more than USD50-60, which is what I feel this property is worth if all the SPG elite benefits are taken away.

A couple comments here.

1) I agree with Land-of-Miles. I think the property is great especially for SPG PLATs.

2) The orange juice is fantastic at the SGS. If what is being served at happy hour is the same as breafkast, it's a very very sweet (and I assume fresh squeezed) Thai orange juice.

3) The Happy Hour can also be enjoyed poolside at the Sala! While chillin to Jazz in the Living Room is nice, sometimes it's just as nice to have a couple drinks and enjoy the complimentary wifi (included in the Grand Deluxe Room) at the poolside bar. Sometimes it's nice to escape the air conditioning in BKK.

Regards,

Scho

Thanks all for the replies and the healthy discussions on pros and cons of SGS.
We have definitely decided to let go the the ROS on points in favour of either the Westin or the SGS. The SGS sounds realy tempting with one draw back which is access to a lounge. The Happy Hour and the free soft drinks/coffee/tea all day (is this via room service through the butler or in the library?) make up for the lack of a lounge and the only missing item is the appetizers, which in our case is often the evening meal supplemented by some fruits. Does SGS serve any appetizers at all during the happy hour? and are there some light thai fast foood (noodles, satay etc.) areas within walking distance from the hotel for a very light meal at night after the happy hour?
I am getting an SPG50 rate of $160.00 for a Grand Deluxe room and will be there over Chirstmas. Had read about some great seafood buffet options around the ROS. Are there similar options near/at the SGS??
Thanks again for all the information. ^

Thanks all for the replies and the healthy discussions on pros and cons of SGS.
We have definitely decided to let go the the ROS on points in favour of either the Westin or the SGS. The SGS sounds realy tempting with one draw back which is access to a lounge. The Happy Hour and the free soft drinks/coffee/tea all day (is this via room service through the butler or in the library?) make up for the lack of a lounge and the only missing item is the appetizers, which in our case is often the evening meal supplemented by some fruits. Does SGS serve any appetizers at all during the happy hour? and are there some light thai fast foood (noodles, satay etc.) areas within walking distance from the hotel for a very light meal at night after the happy hour?
I am getting an SPG50 rate of $160.00 for a Grand Deluxe room and will be there over Chirstmas. Had read about some great seafood buffet options around the ROS. Are there similar options near/at the SGS??
Thanks again for all the information. ^

Tea and coffee is available from your butler and in the Library/Living Room. They offer the full assortment of soft drinks in addition to practically any type of tea and coffee you require.

There is a "Seafood Palace" practically next door to the SGS/across the road from the WGS. I cannot comment on it's quality since it really isn'y my thing (and I am not a big buffet fan either).

I would strongly recommend La Dalat d'Indochine in Soi 23, which offers fantastic Vietnamese food, in fabulous surroundings at great prices. You could also try the nearby "Swan" English pub (practically next door to the SGS). Within a short walking distance you can also find Cabbages & Condoms on soi 12.

For me the quality of the drinks options outweighs the lack of complimentary food, quite hoestly I would not really bother with a lounge if it did not have a reasonable drink selection. I have stayed at far too many hotels with a mediocre ffod and drink selection and I would rather spend the time paying for something I enjoy. IMHO the SGS allows me to enjoy drinks I would actually pay for free of charge and as a result they have probably won a loyal customer.

It seems our tastes in interior decor does not quite agree.

No it does not need to be all "gold taps and marble" to be tasteful. I thought the renovated bathroom at the HI Phuket was very tastefully done though it was all done with mosaics tiles, and they didnt even use a single piece of marble.

And lets not forget the SGS bathroom design was based on the "gold taps and marble" concept. The difference here is that the marble used is of very low grade. And the "green" tiles just cannot agree with my eyes !



If your idea of the "lounge experience" is all about booze, I am sorry to say you have quite a narrow view of other travellers outside your domain. I do enjoy executive lounges with "decent" OJ, good light food, wide array of reading materials, nice view and ambiance. And I wont say no to a glass of bubbly if they offer me one ;)

BTW USD150 is not the rate for a suite at the SGS. I believe you were upgraded based on your plat status and is subject to availability. A non-plat will not get a suite nor breakfast nor "lounge" benefits. If one day when you decide not to requalify for plat, you might want to consider a stay using priceline when you can get a room there for not much more than USD50-60, which is what I feel this property is worth if all the SPG elite benefits are taken away.

I have spent far too long in lounges in BKK hotels filled with corpulent Americans (and to be fair some Europeans)and their companions de jour to actively seek out similar situations.

There is nothing exclusive about hotel "Exec" lounges and the more time I spend in them the more I realise that I am often surrounded by others I would cross the orad to avoid in any other environment.

I cannot strip out the Plat benefits, since in all honesty I would not be staying with *wood if I did not receive them. I have spent years as a Hilton Diamond staying at the Conrad BKK and on the same trip that found me in the SGS I paid for an Executive suite at the new Millenium Hilton BKK. Neither property approaches the quality of the SGS (although my girlfriend and I were rather taken with the door staff at the Millenium Hilton).

You clearly do not like this property which is fine, I really like it but suggestions like "it is worth $60 a night" with or without Plat/grande deluxe benefits are laughable given the location, room quality and ambience.

I have stayed at ALMOST EVERY 5 Star hotel in BKK and typically spend a minimum of 6 weeks a year in BKK hotels and I would still rate the SGS as amongst the best BKK has to offer.

I have spent far too long in lounges in BKK hotels filled with corpulent Americans (and to be fair some Europeans)and their companions de jour to actively seek out similar situations.
Are you saying you have not seen the same at the SGS ;) ?

You clearly do not like this property which is fine, I really like it but suggestions like "it is worth $60 a night" with or without Plat/grande deluxe benefits are laughable given the location, room quality and ambience.
I do not like this property for the price they are charging when booking directly with Starwood. If they give me a deluxe room at a "laughable" rate of USD60, I would not mind staying there.

USD60 may seem "laughable" for someone whose income comes in the form of GBP, but thats the rate many guests have been paying when using priceline. If you add 18% taxes on USD60 and a further USD25 for 2 breakfasts, USD95 does go a long way in BKK. Take a look at http://www.asiatravel.com/thailand.html where most rates include taxes and breakfasts, and judge for yourself the options available at a all-in rate of USD95 (or BHT3600). I have stayed at very acceptable 4 star places for overnight layovers at not more than USD50 (with breakfast and taxes included).

I have stayed at ALMOST EVERY 5 Star hotel in BKK and typically spend a minimum of 6 weeks a year in BKK hotels and I would still rate the SGS as amongst the best BKK has to offer.
I often wonder why so many posters on FT are so impressed with this mediocre property. The SGS seems to me as a property built/developed on a tight budget. The land is long and narrow and has hardly any frontage on the main road, the rooms (and bathrooms) furnishings are at a 4 star level at best, hardly "grande" to me despite its name. I have been puzzled at the rave reviews for so long, but I now realise that "free booze" does go a long way for many on FT to the point that many seemed oblivious to the sub-standard rooms they are staying :p

Okay, we've now taken our swipes at fat Americans and tacky/booze hound-FTers. Isn't this thread getting a bit less-than-edifying? :confused:

All the talk has been about the Sheraton/Westin properties. Has anyone stayed at the Plaza Athenee? It is rated as one of the better properties in the city and also offers club rooms/lounge. Also, is there a subway or skytrain stop nearby the Royal Orchid?

Also, is there a subway or skytrain stop nearby the Royal Orchid?

No subway stop nearby the ROS. They do have a shuttle service to a nearby skytrain stop but it isn't that frequent and fills up quickly.

All the talk has been about the Sheraton/Westin properties. Has anyone stayed at the Plaza Athenee? It is rated as one of the better properties in the city and also offers club rooms/lounge. Also, is there a subway or skytrain stop nearby the Royal Orchid?
Both hotels have dedicated lounges, with breakfast and cocktail hour with hot snacks,soft drinks and coffee,tea.
Location to some,is the river,and to others Sukumvitt,it's a matter of personal preference.
The location of Plaza Athene is about 5 mins. walking from the closest BTS (skytrain).Stayed there once when it first became part of *wood.Things were a little uneven and the biggest complaint,the beds were too hard.

No subway stop nearby the ROS. They do have a shuttle service to a nearby skytrain stop but it isn't that frequent and fills up quickly.
It's changed they now have boat service(Dedicated Hotel boat) that leaves from in front of property and goes to the end of BTS station.Boat leaves every half hour.Takes about 5 mins if that.Much better because you avoid any traffic.

It's changed they now have boat service that leaves from in front of hotel to the end of BTS station.

Is this a "hotel" boat service, or the public boat which uses the jetty next to the hotel (to the left of hotel when you look out to the river) ?

well, we decided on the SGS Grand Deluxe :) which includes bfst, evening cocktails and a butler service, and look forward to a nice R&R.

Prior to arriving BKK, we will be spending 4 nts in KL at the Ritz (we have previously stayed at the Sheraton as well as the Westin, but wanted to try the Ritz, since we got it at around $105USD per night including breakfast and lounge access); 5 nights in Langkawi and the Sheraton Perdana; and 4 nts at the Marriott Hua Hin (the Sheraton is still not open in Hua Hin).

Any additional info. on these places would be great, especially on local restaurants and transportation options e.g.:
1. best way to get from Langkawi to Hua Hin;
2. From Hua Hin Marriott to Sheraton SGS in BKK;
3. From KL to Langkawi;

Thanks again to all for the information and some healthy discussions on personal preferences for/against the SGS :)

well, we decided on the SGS Grand Deluxe :) which includes bfst, evening cocktails and a butler service, and look forward to a nice R&R.

Prior to arriving BKK, we will be spending 4 nts in KL at the Ritz (we have previously stayed at the Sheraton as well as the Westin, but wanted to try the Ritz, since we got it at around $105USD per night including breakfast and lounge access); 5 nights in Langkawi and the Sheraton Perdana; and 4 nts at the Marriott Hua Hin (the Sheraton is still not open in Hua Hin).

Any additional info. on these places would be great, especially on local restaurants and transportation options e.g.:
1. best way to get from Langkawi to Hua Hin;
2. From Hua Hin Marriott to Sheraton SGS in BKK;
3. From KL to Langkawi;

Thanks again to all for the information and some healthy discussions on personal preferences for/against the SGS :)


1. I would have thought via BKK but I am sure others know better than I
2. You can fly between Hua Hin Airport and BKK, drive or take a train. My own money would be on the flight, the drive or train journey is tedious
3. MH fly regularly between the 2 locations AFAIK, I have not done this trip personally (yet) however

well, we decided on the SGS Grand Deluxe :) which includes bfst, evening cocktails and a butler service, and look forward to a nice R&R.

Make sure you have indicated the correct number of guests in the room. Rates for Grand Deluxe rooms are different for single and double occupancy.

Prior to arriving BKK, we will be spending 4 nts in KL at the Ritz

Keep your expectations low on the RC Kuala Lumpur. Its not what you would normally expect from a RC, and personally I wouldnt stay there.

Any additional info. on these places would be great, especially on local restaurants and transportation options e.g.:
1. best way to get from Langkawi to Hua Hin;
2. From Hua Hin Marriott to Sheraton SGS in BKK;
3. From KL to Langkawi

1. LGK-KUL-BKK on MH, and then prearranged car service to Hua Hin.

2. Car service. Flights on Bangkok Airways are infrequent and I believe they have stopped flying this route, but there may still be some small aircrafts flying on this route. IMO car service is most practical since it brings you from door to door, and the 2-3 hr ride is quite comfortable if they use a larger saloon car like a Volvo.

3. You can fly MH. Would not recommend AK unless you are on a tight budget.

Make sure you have indicated the correct number of guests in the room. Rates for Grand Deluxe rooms are different for single and double occupancy.



Keep your expectations low on the RC Kuala Lumpur. Its not what you would normally expect from a RC, and personally I wouldnt stay there.



1. LGK-KUL-BKK on MH, and then prearranged car service to Hua Hin.

2. Car service. Flights on Bangkok Airways are infrequent and I believe they have stopped flying this route, but there may still be some small aircrafts flying on this route. IMO car service is most practical since it brings you from door to door, and the 2-3 hr ride is quite comfortable if they use a larger saloon car like a Volvo.

3. You can fly MH. Would not recommend AK unless you are on a tight budget.

Mario, thanks for th details. I have booked the SGS for 2 Guests so should not be a problem.

Re: LGK-BKK, I read an article that Air Asia was starting a non-stop from LGK to BKK!! Could not find this on Air Asia site, so may be it is still in the planning.
I know that Air Asia may not be the best airline to fly, but for the short distance, if I can avoid having to change planes, it would be very nice. Do you have any knowledge about this!!
A car service from/to Hua HIn/BKK makes sense and I read on this forum that it is around $100USD for a luxury Volvo/Mercedes type option so I will take a car service.

When finished from BKK, we are off to Chiang Mai (Thai Air) and then from there back to KL to meet some family flying in to join us for a few days. Staying again at the Ritz (if I do not enjoy my first stay at the Ritz, I will make alternate arrangements for the 2nd trip). In terms of Air options from Chinag Mai to KL, again I found Air Asia to be the ONLY airline to have a non-stop option. Are you aware of any other!

Thanks for your help. Mukesh

I like the Westin best as Plat.

ROS location is IMHO a poor location. I know others like it for the river access, but its not for me.

In terms of Air options from Chinag Mai to KL, again I found Air Asia to be the ONLY airline to have a non-stop option. Are you aware of any other!

MH stopped flying this route a few years back.

CNX-KUL is quite a long flight, almost 3hrs and I would avoid AK at any cost. Seats are extremely uncomfortable and no free drinks onboard ;)
With frequent delays on AK flights and you have to use the LCC terminal at KUL, its not going to be a pleasant experience.

I would go for the TG option with a short layover in BKK. It would only add 1.5hrs to your journey and if you are *gold they have a nice lounge in BKK.

I like the Westin best as Plat.

I would choose the Westin over the SGS, for the better furnished rooms and Heavenly Bed. And they do hand out drink vouchers to Golds .....

Whilst BKK Airways do not fly the BKK Hua Hin route anymore, another ailrine has taken over this service. The journey by car is long and the drive is particularly uninteresting, even though its a short distance, Thai roads being what they are I would fly YMMV.

I would choose the Westin over the SGS, for the better furnished rooms and Heavenly Bed. And they do hand out drink vouchers to Golds .....

The Westin lounge has free booze and a good selection of breakfast, canapes, and in-between snacks. ^

The Westin lounge has free booze and a good selection of breakfast, canapes, and in-between snacks. ^
I question the breakfast,it by no means is even close to what the SGS offers.

I question the breakfast,it by no means is even close to what the SGS offers.

Note: I didn't say it was the same as the SGS. However, having a dedicated lounge (which the SGS doesn't have) is a perk, IMO.

All the talk has been about the Sheraton/Westin properties. Has anyone stayed at the Plaza Athenee? It is rated as one of the better properties in the city and also offers club rooms/lounge. Also, is there a subway or skytrain stop nearby the Royal Orchid?

This is my second stay here in 4 months. First time, a non smoking suite. This time, a smoking king (they had me in a non smoking jr Suite so I guess that counts. My choice to change to the smoking room.)

This is near the SkyTrain and they have a great lounge. Breakfast this morning is made to order eggs/pancakes/waffles and the usual buffett, including decent dim sum. I am used to staying at the GH, but needed another Starwood stay to hit the 9th stay before the 14th. I prefer this property to the Westin, though the only time I stayed there, was at the end of their renovation a few years ago. Great pool and good (though not GH standard) fitness room.

Hello from the WGS Exec Club Lounge.
Upgraded to a 2 room suite. Very nice, gorgeous, large but just shy of the standard set by SGS suite during my last stay there IMHO.

Currently enjoying "Happy Hour" but I'd rather be sitting outside by the SGS pool w/o snacks than here with them. We'll see how breakfast pans out in the AM.

Cheers,

Scho

Starwood Lounges etc in BKK:

ROS: Has a towers lounge with a continental breakfast selection. Service is hit-or-miss and you must ask for items such as toast. There are a few tasty morsels such as an omelet pie but there is usually only one good breakfast dish. Selection of fruits, yoghurts.

Plaza Athenee Meridien: Has a large club lounge featuring breakfast and afternoon snacks. Breakfast is full but pretty standard. There are omelets on demand and most of the things one would expect ie selection of breads, fruits, cold cuts, and yoghurt. Afternoon snacks are considerably better than the breakfast, during my time there there were mini mushroom pizzas, fresh triangular teasandwiches in a variety of flavours, and a very nice selection of desserts including individual panna cottas and chocolate mousse. Decent wine slection.

SGS: No lounge but complimentary breakfast for Plats. Large buffet style breakfast featuring omelets, pancakes, and mini steaks on demand. Selections of fruit, breads, yoghurt, porridge, and Japanese breakfast items including miso soup, soba noodles, grilled fish. There are also additional dishes such as eggs benedict, grilled tomatoes, and hash browns. There are 4 kinds of fresh juices and a pitcher of freshly made smoothie. This is the best of the BKK Starwood breakfasts.

There is also an option of having breakfast by the pool outside which is nice although the selection is smaller.

Cocktails are served in the Library Lounge. For big drinkers this will surely be appreciated as all of the wines/cocktails on the offered list were complimentary (during the happy hour). The downside would be that you can't look around and "pick" at various snacks as you would in a "normal" lounge. It is also possible to enjoy this "happy hour" by the pool where there were smoothies included in the complimentary selection.

WGS: There is an exec lounge; breakfast is mediocre with a limited selection of breakfast foods. Afternoon snacks are not plentiful and consists of canapees, a decent cheese selection and a plate of gourmet chocolates which are usually quite tasty. The alcohol selection is hardly impressive.

Other comparisons:
Standard suite sizes are fairly similar within the BKK properties. Plaza Athenee I believe had the most square footage but is the least cozy of the four properties. If you can get a speciality suite at the Plaza then I would highly recommend it but the regular "Royal Club Suite" is generic and boring although spacious. Staff at the Plaza Athenee were more nonchalant than at the others and were polite yet cold. I personally prefer the Conrad down the street.

SGS upgrades Plats to Grande Suites which feature two full bathrooms which is a plus. They will generally not upgrade to speciality suites but if they do the Rachada Suite is a lot nicer than the Rama Suite and comes with free minibar. SGS also wins on butlerservice and concierge. The butler brings tea and cookies on arrival if desired. Concierges are helpful and will gladly take care of things such as purchasing traintickets and repairing shoes and bringing them back. SGS also offers free internet access and 4 items free laundry or pressing (similar available at other *woods).

Westin will upgrade to exec suite if they have them available they are ten sqm less than the Grande Suites at SGS (82 square meters vs 72 at Westin). The Westin concierge service is inferior they could not even give me the name of a shoe repair and when I asked about booking a trainticket they wanted to charge me 500baht for the service plus a fee to pick them up (as opposed to SGS where service is free and messenger charge was only 200 baht).

ROS consistently upgrades to suites, the lower floor exec suites are normally 70sqm. The suites in the towers are nicer "towers exec" and "towers deluxe" the nicest being the Royal Orchid Suite. Suite configuration differs so that two exec suites may have very different bathrooms. ROS generally has very kind and helpful hotel staff and automatically offered in-room check-in for Plats which the other properties did not. I did once find a cockroach in the bathroom which wasn't too pleasant but otherwise ok.

All properties have good restaurants. SGS and WGS are more conveniently located to the Skytrain (Asok) whereas ROS is the most inconvenient (they do have a shuttle boat to Saphin Taksin).

I had the same experience... got a great upgrade to a suite, and the hotel is very convenient to the Skytrain and (if you can figure out how to get across the street) to the Metro.

The complimentary breakfast buffett was decent and the free drinks and champagne in the library was nice.

I think, if memory serves, the westin was on the other side of the street.... I haven't stayed there, though.

I had the same experience... got a great upgrade to a suite, and the hotel is very convenient to the Skytrain and (if you can figure out how to get across the street) to the Metro.

The complimentary breakfast buffett was decent and the free drinks and champagne in the library was nice.

I think, if memory serves, the westin was on the other side of the street.... I haven't stayed there, though.

A connecting walkway has now been built between the SGS, Westin and Robinsons Dept Store (If memory serves). This also leads directly to the BTS. Thus the SGS and Westin BKK effectively have from the door access to Asoke BTS, and Sukhumvit MRT.

Sky-bridge is now open,connecting SGS, Robinsons Dept.Store and Time Square shopping mall with the BTS(skytrain).In order to enter Westin, one must go to street level.

Sky-bridge is now open,connecting SGS, Robinsons Dept.Store and Time Square shopping mall with the BTS(skytrain).In order to enter Westin, one must go to street level.

Correct. I did this today.

A couple other things about the WGS lounge that I appreciate:
1) They do very good cappuchinos all day (and soft drinks are free too).
2) Free wi-fi.
3) Deadly (in the good sense :D ) creme brulee during the evening hors d'oeurves period.
I agree with Elena that the alcohol selection isn't great at WGS, but the available wines are pretty good.

A couple other things about the WGS lounge that I appreciate:
1) They do very good cappuchinos all day (and soft drinks are free too).
2) Free wi-fi.
3) Deadly (in the good sense :D ) creme brulee during the evening hors d'oeurves period.
I agree with Elena that the alcohol selection isn't great at WGS, but the available wines are pretty good.

1) As is also the case in the library/living room at the SGS
2) Free wifi (and LAN connection) is available throughout the SGS
3) As a Creme Brulee addict this is interesting ;)

3) Deadly (in the good sense :D ) creme brulee during the evening hors d'oeurves period.
I agree with Elena that the alcohol selection isn't great at WGS, but the available wines are pretty good.

The former makes me wish I'd stayed at the WGS last I was in BKK. But one needs good wine or champagne to go with a good crème brûlée so I'd have to see about the latter. :(

I could live off crème brûlée. Sometimes I wonder why I don't carry around my mini-blowtorch (came in a crème brûlée set a couple birthdays ago with some ramekins and such from some friends who know my needs!) to repair under-caramelized crème brûlées!

Mmm...

At the WSG there is food in the lounge most of the time from morning to evening. You really don't have to eat anywhere else. I spent 3 days there last fall and only ate one meal outside.

the lounge at the westin rocks!! why would u pay for it tho? can't you get upgraded as aplatinum member?

the lounge at the westin rocks!! why would u pay for it tho? can't you get upgraded as aplatinum member?As a platinum you should get lounge access for free.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/benefits/benefits_platinum.htmlComplimentary Access: Enjoy complimentary access to the hotel gym and Executive and Club Level floors at Westin® and Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts.

the lounge at the westin rocks!! why would u pay for it tho? can't you get upgraded as aplatinum member?

Yes--there's no problem getting access as a platinum.

I have an awards stay at the ROS in a few days (no other BKK property was available for my dates) and I'm reading that the lounge is in the Tower and that you have to pay extra to get into the Tower.
Question: I didn't pay extra *points for a Tower room (didn't know it was an option, but probably wouldn't take it even if I did). Will I still get lounge access? Same lounge as the one in the Tower or another lounge? Thanks.

In all my stays at the ROS they have ALWAYS given lounge access.In addtion I have aways gotten a suite, but this is maybe luck.As a Platimun you will get lounge access,no need to use points.

In all my stays at the ROS they have ALWAYS given lounge access.In addtion I have aways gotten a suite, but this is maybe luck.As a Platimun you will get lounge access,no need to use points.


Thanks, lovtofly3.

Thanks, lovtofly3.
I have stayed at the RO many. many times and always get an upgrade to a suite and you will always get the club which has an excellent :happy hour and a half 1

ENJOY

OK, I've done some homework and read thru this thread, and now have some new questions:
1. I'm a *W Gold only--not Plat. Any Golds with especially good treatment at any of these hotels?
2. I plan to do some kind of lounge-y stay in BKK just after New Year. Where to stay? I'm looking at WGS, SGS, and LMPA. All have standard room prices at US$165++ (SGS starts at $205++), so I'll be using SPG50.
3. I feel like I read somewhere that there were some reciprocal agreements between the WGS and SGS--maybe signing restaurant checks to your room at the other hotel, etc. Does that ring a bell with anyone?
4. Which one has the best gym?
Thanks!

I have just been returning from a 10 day stay at the Westin BKK. In BKK, in the past three yrs I had been staying at The Oriental, The Dusit Thani, Intercontinental, The Westin Grand and few others.

I would rate these hotels in that order, with the Oriental being in a seperate league. While there are sometimes (I think ludicius) discussions about rakings, I will not go into 'size of pool' or 'size of room' discussions here: this is not what the Oriental is about - it is about levels of Service, which I found consistently superior at The Oriental.

Having said that, I do think that The Westin is a fine Hotel, courteous, professional staff, convienient Exec Lounge (nice mini crème brulées, Exec Suites are fine (again, do not start comparing them with Garden Wing duplexes) and very good location to get around with the udergroud and the skytrain.

Slightly Off topic.
Be aware both the SGS and Westin are now charging room rates in Bhat.this is new and not a good thing with weak US$. I find room rate are at least 20%higher since the change!

With the $/Bhat hovering around 35.25 it could make me rethink how I book my stays in BKK.

In ROS yes - restaurant or lounge (choice of food in lounge is very basic).
AX

ROS gave me a suite upgrade as a Plat and choice of breakfest in the lounge or the main floor rest. buffet (in addition to lounge access in the evening). The Intl. buffet was great and the setting sitting alongside the river excellent!

what i would do is to book the ROS , as the WGS and the SGS are both too expensive.
the lounge in the WGS is very nice, but i dont think it is worth 60USD.

is ROS still CAT2? i would always book on points in this property.

if you want breakfast than you can order a breakfast to your room in the ROS. but anyway, food and drinks are soo cheap in bkk, that i wont try to pay 60USD + for a lounge acess.

as i read in many threads the SGS gets good comments by people, but i am sorry to say that i was really not satisfied with the old grandsuite they gave me.

ok, i dont like the ritz style old suites, i like hyper modern suites.
the suites in the new tower of the ROS are much stylisher even they are a bit smaller. i like them more.

location wise SGS and WGS are better .

dp

We are planning on making two stays at WGS at the start of April. First stay is just a couple of night in a deluxe room, but then when we return we have reserved a deluxe corner suite. (We've got 4 night at the Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu sandwiched in the middle)

One quick question - does reserving a suite include exec lounge access, or is that purely for Exec Floor rooms only? I'm only *G so don't get access through that route.