Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Discontinued Programs/Partners > Starwood | Starwood Preferred Guest
Reload this Page >

GONE : Le Meridien Khao Lak, Thailand (leaving Starwood 31 Oct 2014) [Master Thread]

GONE : Le Meridien Khao Lak, Thailand (leaving Starwood 31 Oct 2014) [Master Thread]

 
Old Jun 16, 2008, 7:47 am
  #61  
 
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: LUX
Programs: LH SEN, BA Silver, HH SILVER, Bonvoy PLAT, A/club PLAT, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 838
Originally Posted by jasonharris1234
Does anybody have an e-mail address of the hotel so I can ask them questions?
[email protected]
geilux is offline  
Old Jun 16, 2008, 5:16 pm
  #62  
In memoriam
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Chicago, IL (ORD), Phoenix AZ (PHX)
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Starwood Platinum, a nothing in several others
Posts: 5,176
Originally Posted by jasonharris1234
How much does renting a car cost per day? And how long does it take to get from the hotel to Patong or wherever the boat leaves?
I paid about $50/day all in for a 4WD SUV (Avis using Costco code). I was going to some out of the way places so I got the SUV but that is not usually necessary as the roads in Phuket are good. Standard cars would be cheaper. Gas in Thailand costs about the same as USA. When driving in Thailand remember that the double yellow stripe down the center of the road marks the passing lane

Scubacat's office is in Patong and they offer free transport (not luxurious) to the Chalong Bay pier where the Racha Yai trips depart. I would allow at least 1.5 hours from the LM KL to Patong. Chalong is another 30-40 minutes.

Last edited by gfowler-ord-1k; Jun 16, 2008 at 5:24 pm
gfowler-ord-1k is offline  
Old Jun 19, 2008, 4:14 pm
  #63  
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Poulton-le-Fylde, UK
Programs: SPG, Sofitel Privilege
Posts: 75
Originally Posted by gfowler-ord-1k
When driving in Thailand remember that the double yellow stripe down the center of the road marks the passing lane


"Road markings
I see various roads on the island marked in different ways. I have asked many people precisely what all the marks mean but no one seems to know.

Could someone please clarify what the following mean:

1. Dotted line down the center of the road.

2. Solid yellow line down center of the road.

3. Double yellow line down the center (close together).

4. Double yellow lines down the center (about 1 meter apart).

5. Single solid white line about 1.5 meters from the side of the road.

John D, Phuket Town. Friday, October 25, 2002
The dotted yellow line down the center of the road indicates that you may overtake with safety.


On roads in town, a solid yellow line down the center of the road means strictly no overtaking. On main roads or highways the solid double yellow lines mean the same.
Double yellow lines down the center of the road about a meter apart, where one is solid and the other is dotted, mean that drivers or riders on the dotted-line side may overtake, though with caution.


The single solid white line about 1.5 meters from the side of the road indicates the boundary of a lane for use by two-wheel vehicles.


These markings are very similar to those in some other countries, but some drivers here are not very diciplined; they do not follow the rules, and sometimes cause traffic problems.

Friday, October 25, 2002 Pol Lt Col Teerapol Thipjaroen, Inspector of Traffic Police. "

Although an old link I don't think these regulations have changed and as staed double lines down the centre of the highway indicate that overtaking is prohibited although in practice both locals and farangs ignore this. If this is not the case could you please source your interpretation so that I can tell the locals who told me otherwise when I return to Khao Lak next January.
Arandora is offline  
Old Jun 19, 2008, 4:25 pm
  #64  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: BHD/DUB
Programs: BA Gold, TK*G, EI Elite
Posts: 7,622
Originally Posted by Arandora
To translate for you,

"Yellow lines down the middle are purely for decorative purposes"
FlyingOnceMore is offline  
Old Jun 19, 2008, 9:00 pm
  #65  
In memoriam
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Chicago, IL (ORD), Phoenix AZ (PHX)
Programs: UA 1K 1.9MM, Starwood Platinum, a nothing in several others
Posts: 5,176
Originally Posted by Arandora


"Road markings
I see various roads on the island marked in different ways. I have asked many people precisely what all the marks mean but no one seems to know.

Could someone please clarify what the following mean:

1. Dotted line down the center of the road.

2. Solid yellow line down center of the road.

3. Double yellow line down the center (close together).

4. Double yellow lines down the center (about 1 meter apart).
In reality all have the same meaning, pass in the center of the road. The larger your vehicle is the more right of way you have.

5. Single solid white line about 1.5 meters from the side of the road.
....
The single solid white line about 1.5 meters from the side of the road indicates the boundary of a lane for use by two-wheel vehicles.
This is where you take cover when there is a vehicle from the opposite direction in your lane.
These markings are very similar to those in some other countries, but some drivers here are not very disciplined; they do not follow the rules, and sometimes cause traffic problems.
It is not as bad as it sounds, just observe how the locals drive and follow their lead.
gfowler-ord-1k is offline  
Old Jun 19, 2008, 9:37 pm
  #66  
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: NW Plat (now they call it DL Diamond) 1MM, soon to be DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold, Dusit Gold
Posts: 2,706
Car rental

I use Budget in Phuket for 2 reasons, on longer rentals, I think 5 days, they offer no drop off fee anywhere in the country. I have dropped at off from Phuket in Hua Hin and Samui. From Krabi (via Khao Lak) at Phuket airport. They run frequent specials for a small Toyota or Honda at about $35 per day. The other reason is that I find the staff at the Phuket Airport Avis location to be obnoxious and very un-Thai so have written them off, also their drop-off fees are outrageous. Both are across the street from the terminal. IMHO a 4 wheel drive is unnecessary for most normal travel. Thai infrastructure is quite good.

In respect to driving my advice is to be aggressive and defensive. Never have noticed that center lines have any meaning. The white line on the side does differentiate cycle traffic from bigger stuff but do not be surprised by traffic moving toward you when you think it shouldn't. It is not unusual on 2 lane roads for driver's to pass in both directions at the same time. Move over, and remember the bigger you are the higher your precedence. Also believe that if it is your time to go, it may be. Just relax and go with the flow and never challenge a Truck unless you are in a bigger one.
opushomes is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2008, 12:05 am
  #67  
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Poulton-le-Fylde, UK
Programs: SPG, Sofitel Privilege
Posts: 75
Sorry,
Didn't realise you were being facetious as opposed to giving genuine advice to someone who had never driven in Thailand before.
Arandora is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2008, 10:37 am
  #68  
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Portland, OR
Programs: NW Plat (now they call it DL Diamond) 1MM, soon to be DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, SPG Gold, Dusit Gold
Posts: 2,706
Not at all facetious

Originally Posted by Arandora
Sorry,
Didn't realise you were being facetious as opposed to giving genuine advice to someone who had never driven in Thailand before.
I stand by my comments as I expect will the other posters. My advice is absolutely genuine in respect to driving conditions in Thailand. For some reason, Northern Thailand around Chaing Mai and Chaing Rai seems to have more of the behavior described than the area around Phuket, but it happens all over the country.

The absolute rule of the road is the biggest guy has the right-of-way.

It appears that you are skeptical of our comments, but having driven in Central London, Rome, Athens, Panama City last week, Boston, New York and the Garden State of New Jersey and Paris as well as all over Italy (least we ignore South Florida), Thailand is more sane than these locations. My suggestion is that perhaps you skip the driving and hire a taxi if you are timid in terms of driving.

Now back to the discussion of Le Meridien Khao Lak.

Last edited by opushomes; Jun 20, 2008 at 10:51 am Reason: to add comments on Europe and Americas
opushomes is offline  
Old Jun 20, 2008, 3:29 pm
  #69  
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Poulton-le-Fylde, UK
Programs: SPG, Sofitel Privilege
Posts: 75
Not skeptical at all. The original post gave the impression that the double lines were officially the opposite of what they are in other parts of the world. Having driven all around Thailand and specifically in and around Khao Lak for the past 4 years I will be returning in January for 12 weeks with the benefit of a hire car. I'm not a timid driver but one well experienced with all the habits of locals and foreigners alike.
Thanks for putting me in my place!
Arandora is offline  
Old Jul 1, 2008, 10:55 am
  #70  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles & Orange County, CA
Programs: Wouldn't you like to know?!
Posts: 23,822
I'll do a mini report with tons of pictures

I booked an oceanfront villa for a few nights and on the last night, since I was leaving very early the next morning, booked only a junior suite. The hotel was nice enough to upgrade me on the last night to an oceanfront villa so I did not have to move. ^

The resort area was simply amazing. It was one of the most beautiful resorts I've ever been to. I went in the low season, so it was rather empty, but just the way I liked it! There was virtually no one at the property. I was often the only person walking around ^

Platinum recognition was good. When I checked in, I was escorted to the seating area with cold towels and a cup of cold tropical tea and flowers. Since I was staying in the villas, my butler came out and took me on a golf cart to my villa where check in took place.

Everything was already waiting for me on the table: fruit platter, chocolate presentation, a fresh cold coconut, my platinum folder, welcome letter signed by butler, and welcome letter signed by manager. When I sat down, the butler got me 2 lemongrass scented cold towels along with a glass of champange. He also handed me a couple of drink vouchers good for any drinks at any bars/restaurants ^ He also explained to me my villa benefits. I could either have breakfast at the restaurant or have breakfast delivered to me daily with a morning call (free). I think the choice was obvious I decided to have breakfast delivered to my room daily along with my morning call. It was pretty amazing. The breakfast was fit for a king: eggs with meat and potatoes, large fruit platter, pot of coffee/tea, fresh juice, bakery basket, etc. All complimentary.

The villa itself was pretty amazing as well...I had my private beach area, pool, day bed, and a garden. The villa had just about everything I needed.

In room internet was complimentary since I was staying at the villa ^ Or was it a Plat benefit? I wasn't sure, but it was free.

There was a nightly presentation of food (left on my table in villa) as well as turn down service. About 8 bottles of water (not kidding) was replenished nightly (complimentary).

I ordered room service after coming back from a day of exploration of Thailand and found the food to be delicious and reasonably priced (Western standards). I went to the dinner buffet once and was rather disappointed especially with the price (could've ordered a feast from room service).

The resort was rather far from everything, but I was able to arrange cars to pick me up to go to various places like Khao Sok national park and even down to Phuket.

I highly recommend taking the hotel limo. For only 1800 baht, you do not have to deal with the taxi mafia, and someone will be waiting for you at the airport, escorting to your car, take your luggages, and hand you a bottle of cold water ^

The staff was pretty amazing too. A few of them knew me when I was walking around the resort (I wasn't sure how they knew me). When I walked around, I'd hear random people shouting "MR BLISSWORLD!! HOW ARE YOU??!! GOOD MORNING!!!" I was pretty amazed ^ The first morning, when I was eating my breakfast in my own private yard on the beach, one of my butlers (whom I hadn't met) came over, introduced herself with her crew, and just tried to chat with me for a bit and offered assistance with anything. I was very impressed. ^

Oh, and the spa was absolutely spectacular. Sure, it's a bit pricier than the local places (questionable, dirty places), but it's simply amazing and way cheap compared to massages in the US. I got the most amazing hot stone massage with a bath for only 90US tips included!!

All in all, I had an amazing time ^

Here are some pictures:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dunkind...7605922461173/

Last edited by BlissWorld; Jul 1, 2008 at 11:00 am
BlissWorld is offline  
Old Jul 1, 2008, 11:24 am
  #71  
Suspended
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: SEA(sia)
Posts: 5,181
Originally Posted by BlissWorld
There was a nightly presentation of food (left on my table in villa) as well as turn down service. About 8 bottles of water (not kidding) was replenished nightly (complimentary).
Welcome to Asia !

Glad you had a good time.

I used to laugh at how you guys were so impressed with the 1 bottle of water offered to Plats in the US. And I hope you would by now realise why I was so upset to be treated so badly at the Moana Surfrider.
mario33 is offline  
Old Jul 1, 2008, 11:44 am
  #72  
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: SMF
Programs: Bonvoy Titanium, SPG LTP
Posts: 1,523
Excellent review, Bliss. I have a stay there next year and am getting excited. I currently only have a standard room booked with C&P at cat 2 rates, but I'll be on the lookout for a deal on a villa now. Wow.
Sam P. Goodman is online now  
Old Jul 1, 2008, 4:10 pm
  #73  
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: wurtulla,queensland,australia
Programs: hh diamond,Qantas club life,AA EX-explat.SPG plat.
Posts: 1,431
Bliss we stayed in Khao Lak about 10 years ago and have been thinking of going back.your report and photos have now put it on to the active planning list.looks fantastic.many thanks.
drron is offline  
Old Jul 1, 2008, 4:18 pm
  #74  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles & Orange County, CA
Programs: Wouldn't you like to know?!
Posts: 23,822
Originally Posted by mario33
Welcome to Asia !

Glad you had a good time.

I used to laugh at how you guys were so impressed with the 1 bottle of water offered to Plats in the US. And I hope you would by now realise why I was so upset to be treated so badly at the Moana Surfrider.
I know...I know...service is Asia is just amazing, and you pay only a fraction of the price!!! When I stayed in Osaka, using cash and point for a cat 2 hotel!!!!! I was treated like a King and given amazing platinum benefits!!!

The service in US is only good when you are staying at an expensive SPG resort, which is quite unfortunate.

Personally, I still find the service at Westin Moana to be good, for US standards Now princess kiulani (sp?), on the other hand...
BlissWorld is offline  
Old Jul 1, 2008, 4:20 pm
  #75  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Los Angeles & Orange County, CA
Programs: Wouldn't you like to know?!
Posts: 23,822
Originally Posted by drron
Bliss we stayed in Khao Lak about 10 years ago and have been thinking of going back.your report and photos have now put it on to the active planning list.looks fantastic.many thanks.
Enjor yourself. I highly recommend taking a charter speed boat to one (or a few) of the neighboring islands (if you can afford it, or get a couple of friends to go with you). It's well worth it.

I met a nice couple from down under, and apparently it only takes you guys 8-9 hours to get there! It took me 22 hours!!! So, enjoy!
BlissWorld is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.