Kalboz

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/...7625539423944/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/...7625539423944/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/...7625539423944/

All of them (MO, Peninsula, Marriott, Hilton, ROS, etc.) have a private ferry to the pier at Saphan Taksin BTS Station. Even the 2-star Ibis Riverside has free shuttle but to Krung Thonburi BTS station. http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/5223274181/

TRAVELSIG

It still stops there so no problem at all- but it doesn't terminate there anymore- goes across the river now (probably makes Marriott guests happy as it is not too far from the Marriott anymore).

Kalboz

The Wongwian Yai BTS extension beyond Saphan Taksin and through the bridge to Thumburi was opened on the 15 May 2009 and was widely posted about here on FT

The MO ferry goes to Saphan Taksin BTS Station (Silom Line) which you can take either across the river to Thumburi or toward Siam Square.

Kalboz

1- Amenities, comfort, upgrades, and yes room size as we are 3 and the fourth one is on her way!
2- Location location location.
3- Price including promos/rewards
4- Recommendations

CrazyInteg

Wow I didn't know those hotels had free ferries. That's very nice.

For fun one day I rode the skytrain all the way to Wongwian Yai. I was the only white guy at the station and there were maybe 20 Thai people left by then. There's nothing over there. There is a small strip mall in development and on my walk to the King Thaksin Monument I spotted one hotel. It was nice, but pricey for what it was. There was a nice sized local market up the street as well. I defiantly got some looks, which was strange because it's still pretty central Bangkok.


I do find it interesting that people stay at their loyalty clubs hotels in Bangkok. So I must ask, are you usually in BKK for work or pleasure? How often are you there?

I'm always in Thailand for pleasure, and stop in no more than once per year. My room is used for showering, sleeping and holding my baggage. I imagine the luxury folk on here are in their rooms for a bit more than me.

I guess I can understand if you are trying to accrue points (the whole point of this website) it would be much cheaper to gain points in Thailand versus USA or Europe.

yosithezet

Funny you should ask...

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/15659347-post217.html

yosithezet

They are "representative" of themselves, agreed. And the mid-so's are representative of themselves as well.

When I started coming to Thailand I stayed at the Amari Watergate in Pratunam. It was probably 2-3 years before I started staying at the WGS and discovered the SkyTrain. I've never stated at the Amari Watergate since. Access to the BTS is one reason I stay at the WGS over the Le Meridien on Surawong. I stayed at the ROS once. While I'll be back for special occasions (Loy Krathong, NYE, family trips) the relative difficulty getting in and out of the place will keep me away. My boss was recently at the ROS as part of a vacation. He has been to BKK many times, always at the ROS. When I met him this week he said, "I have to go to BKK with you sometime to understand what you find so great. It is such a difficult city!" Once I understood that he stayed at the ROS again I understood why he perceives the city as so difficult.

1. Location - I first consider what part of the city I prefer.
2. Price - If the WGS and SGS and PA and GHE were the same price, I'd possibly choose the PA but might stay at the GHE to earn stays. That said, I have a solid corporate rate at the WGS.
3. Amenities - Mostly my chances at a suite upgrade.
4. Promos - I'll hop around a bit for promos.

The MO is on the same side of the river as the Saphan Taksin BTS stop anyway. The train having been extended has no bearing. Like the ROS, the MO is a pain to get in and out of which is why they also have the option of the ferry to the BTS.

I am in BKK around 40-50% of my weekends. About 40% of those weekends are part of business trips as I transit between countries.

No, we also spend time in the lounge, especially for breakfast and cocktail hours. Some of the SGS loyals spend a significant time at the pool as the poor place has no lounge. But generally, I spend a lot of time out and about when I'm in BKK.

Actually the price of points is the same, regardless. The price of stays can be cheaper in BKK. And the value for money is definitely good in BKK. Once you have achieved status, say with SPG or Hyatt, the free Internet, free breakfast, free cocktails... become an addiction. If you keep an eye on the Thailand or Starwood meeting threads in my sig and see that you and I are in BKK at the same time, let me know. I'll be happy to meet up with you in the WGS lounge for cocktail hours.

MrHalliday

yosithezet

You would have expected more falang at this station?

stimpy

My first 50 or so trips were for business, so I stayed at business hotels, starting with the Hyatt Erawan back in the 90's. When I take trips more for pleasure I like the Oriental if in Bangkok, but I prefer to get out of town if I can. I'm up in Chiang Mai now and it is beautiful and peaceful.

As for the train crossing the river, my last time in BKK was in January, 2009 I think. Out of sight, out of mind!

Kalboz

Yes, the complimentary hotel ferries are real nice: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/...7625539423944/

One day, we watched the King and his entourage sailing by our hotel twice on his way to open a project after one year seclusion at a hospital: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kalboz/with/5223201257/

Not me ... I am out and about in boats, BTS, motorcycle taxis, etc. experiencing the city and all its charms. But when I am tired, hot, thirsty, and hungry I get back to the hotel and its charming room (bragging aside usually a suite) and the lounge and its libations and food.

Usually twice a year of one month each for holidays and family visits.

I used to go to Europe 2-3 times a year until I "discovered" Thailand ... guess what? haven't been back to Europe since 2004.

CrazyInteg

Yeah my Europe to Asia ratio is way off now. Last time I was in Europe was a flight from Bangkok, and the time before that was to visit a Thai friend in Europe!

stimpy

Sort of the opposite for me. I live in Europe and I prefer visiting SE Asia way more than the US.

Kalboz

Wyndham Hotels announced it has entered into an agreement gaining exclusive rights to franchise and manage its Dream and Night boutique hotel brands globally.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Wyndha....html?x=0&.v=1

This is including the 195-room Dream Hotel Bangkok at Sukhumvit Soi 15 which is down the street from the new Four Points Sukhumvit 15.

http://www.dreambkk.com/

forumpersona999

There's a Holiday Inn opening between Suhumvit 20 and 22. Construction is in full swing.