MikeFromTokyo

baccarat_king

I think having an opinion is valid. But, you do not qualify the opinion.

"Lots of better places to stay in Bangkok now" does not really lend a lot of usefulness to the conversation, IMO.

Thanks.

+1

scented

Your first comment disqualified the rest of your statement. You have take the MO for what it is. It's a Grande Dame. It's not the newest kid on the block, but then again it's not pretending to be. It's a very well-run hotel with a ton of history and everything that comes with it.
It might have lived off its reputation for a while when Jan Goessing was at the helm. He was criticized quite a bit, even on this forum. Standards seemed to have suffered during that time. But now with Amanda Hyndman, the hotel is better than ever. MO is very, very lucky to have her. She is great with guests and staff alike and brought many great things to The Oriental. The renovations are just her latest accomplishment. Are there newer hotels now? Sure, just take The Siam, which is a wonderful oasis and works for many people here. It depends on your preference of style and itinerary in Bangkok.
That said, I'm looking forward to FS' 2018 opening.

Kalboz

Mandarin Oriental to add more suites: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/busi...-30260291.html

pricesquire

BKK is the last city in the word where I'd buy into the "Lots of better places to stay than the MO" argument. Give me a break. I don't even send people to the MO (Pen and Siam here) but I'll be the first to admit the MO is a stellar hotel with tons of history worthy of every iota of biz they can get....

BKK is a city of great hotels from brands as diverse as JW, Marriott, Hyatt, SPG, and independent lines like Sukosol. Tons of options!!

p.s., not sure if anyone knows this yet, but Siam is opening a second hotel, closer to things.....

FlyerEC

+1
The location of MO is generally regarded as the preferred side of the river by the Thais / locals . For tourists , the traffic conditions can come as a shock & being on the ' right ' side of the river does help save some time . Those staying at the Pen often make alternative arrangements if they know that their schedule maybe affected - one doesn't want to miss flights

Have stayed at the MO for years ( likely many years before numerous posters here were even born ) as well as some other BKK " top " hotels but often gravitate back .. Unless circumstances dictate otherwise ( MOBKK renovations / heat ) like the visit barely a week ago .

Sure hope the renovations will improve the already lovely garden & enhance the property / grounds .

The downside about being a grande dame , rather staying , are the number of day trippers . But one has to share the good things with others , just hope for decent considerate manners .

Yes , have heard & looking forward to the new SIAM , nearer to town , before more Thai friends give me that look .

stimpy

I'd say she is doing well as the MO was recently named the very first, and only, 5 star hotel in Thailand by Forbes. Ditto for the Oriental Spa.

RivieraTraveler

http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/20...ls_for_Bangkok

Six new hotels between now and (hopefully) end of the decade:
- Rosewood
- Park Hyatt
- Edition
- Four Seasons CP
- Capella
- Waldorf Astoria

I hadn't heard about Siam times two, where will that be?

Aventine

I don't always tend to agree with the Forbes stars but this one was one on the money.

baccarat_king

At The Peninsula now. It really is a lovely property. I very much would like to feel it is perfect, but alas it is not. Some minor mis-steps, which I am quite forgiving about even at a luxury property (which, I probably should not be, but I prefer to live in "the positive").

But, one issue today was more than just a minor misstep. My hope will be that management addresses what I would consider to be a semi-major issue with appropriate empathy and concern. I guess, I have been very lucky the last few years as I have seldom had anything "major enough" to complain about at both luxury and more pedestrian 4* properties.

Aventine

I hope you'll elaborate later on the issue later please.

baccarat_king

Absolutely. But, I am a rather "positive intent" person. This is a very rare (and unlike me) rant. Just want to see how things play out. We have another very busy day tomorrow, but hopefully the response from the property will be positive.

Aventine

Understood. All the best king of baccarat!

Kettering Northants QC

We had a very minor grumble about check-in on the feedback form after our excellent stay at The Pen a few years agi. We got a very generous offer from the management, we weren't expecting anything.

amaroo

Only ever stayed at the Pen or MO in BKK ... multiply stays at each property.

Will be enjoying a three night stay again this week, decided on the Pen - can't beat that pool!