Originally Posted by
D1andonlyDman
Personally, I must say that I would not stay in the MO in Bangkok if it cost 1/3 of what it does, and it were the last hotel in Bangkok with vacancies. Early last December, I walked into the MO to inquire about availability for a weekend splurge in Bangkok as an upgrade from the place I was staying (the decent, but much more pedestrian Royal Orchid Sheraton). I was dressed in a pair of nice shorts and a polo shirt in the usual 92 degree 90% humidity Bangkok weather. On my way into the hotel (actually, perhaps 30 meters before reaching the front door), I was immediately approached by security and informed that I was not attired suitably to walk into the building to inquire about rates and availability nor to check out the common grounds of the hotel. I explained that I was looking to upgrade to a deluxe property for the weekend and the MO's reputation preceeded it, so of course I wanted to check it out as a prime candidate for this splurge. Well, the security officer felt it necessary to accompany me to the front desk while I made my inquiry, and escort me out the door when I was done. I was not allowed to walk around the lobby to check out the place, and it's shopping and dining and lounges. Finally, I asked him if I could get on their boat to the BTS station, and he told me yes, but actually gave me directions to the public pier - who's ferry charges for the 1/2 km trip, rather than the MO's complimentary ferry.
I had a very similar experience on my first visit to Bangkok seven years ago, except that I had reservations for dinner at one of the restaurants that night (it was early morning) and I wasn't permitted to enter at all. I told the security guard and doorman off in English, which they pretended not to speak, and then Mr. Megatop lit into them in Thai about being rude to foreign guests in their country. I vowed never to darken the Oriental's door again. It's a promise I've kept. Twenty-odd stays at the Peninsula later, I've never looked back and never regretted it. The Oriental can get stuffed.
The difference in treatment between guests, who are obviously permitted to wear shorts (BECAUSE IT'S BANGKOK AND IT'S BLOODY HOT!!!), and non-guests who may have business at the hotel only underscores the discourtesy.
(Just looked at the third page of posts. Excellent memory,
Kagehitokiri.)
SHANGRI-LA UNDER EXTENSIVE RENNOVATION
I haven't seen it covered anywhere on FT recently, though I'm sure
Kagehitokiri can locate a thread if there is one: the Shangri-La Bangkok is undergoing extensive rennovations at the moment. The entire riverfront area in front of the new wing (the Shangri-La wing, I believe) is completely torn up. The pool there is closed, a chunk of the lobby is closed off, lots of construction workers are on the grounds, and somewhat noisy concrete-busting machines are about. This will supposedly result in significant upgrades to parts of the lobby, the restaurants, the main pool area, and that vicinity. For now, I think a smaller pool remains open in front of the older wing (the Krung Thep wing, I believe). The objective, of course, is to complete the rennovations before the peak Christmas-New Year's season.