This is my favourite hotel on the planet as well! Not that i stay in that many hotels around the world. But i can certainly say it is my favourite accor hotel.

I have enjoyed 6 or 7 stays since opening. And after my first stay (as platinum) soon after opening, where i had some issues with room allocation, all my other stays have been as gold, but i continue to enjoy the best loyalty recognition of any accor hotel.

In the early days, Paul handled that first issue and subsequent visits, but now while Paul is still in hotel, he no longer has direct responsibility in front office/club. Regardless, i continue to enjoy recognition and intuitive service from management and staff. I have never received so many business cards from so many managers at any hotel.

Other than that first visit (where i did not get room i paid for), i have always received a room upgrade (if not 2 level). I have never been refused early/late checkout (including 7am). Extras are not uncommon. Staff recognition at the club is excellent.

While i do enjoy the modern design, some of the room elements are not my favourite. The cosy/comfy rooms are not my expectation now. But i love a metal studio room! Some suite designs not as good as others. Basically i book a club comfy room, and happy with my upgrades. While the view from the pool is also a highlight, the atmosphere on the pool deck is not the best, with not enough space and/or too busy. Solarium on other side of building - just nondescript. One shortcoming for us at this hotel.

We too experienced the early club hours last visit, and queried them. And were told it was customer feedback. I laughed and said are you serious? Manager was almost sheepish in response. Tis true... consumption at the club, does curb our eating drinking in other parts of the hotel. But to be honest, in Bangkok, i just dont eat in my hotel period. But drinks on the top floor is mandatory!

I recently enjoyed a short stay only last month, just before songkran. This was our 5th accor hotel in 2 weeks across thailand and vietnam. Previous 4 hotels, did not offer room upgrades, even after querying. All gave the basic drink card & some provided welcome amenity. None provided anything special to recognize loyalty beyond basics. This is not the experience i have when returning to My hotel, the So.

Sofitel saigon did not even follow room requests in my profile - away from elevator and service corridors. If you know the hotel, there is hotel room that opens into elevator lobby... somehow i got that room. We were then moved to a room opposite the housekeeping corridor/room. When i queried any room upgrade, it was one of those suedo better amenities/high floor rooms - the ones you cant book as a room category.

After speaking with 2 different people by phone, duty manager calls back to explain situation. After a discussion where is explained the hotel logic that did not make sense to me (ie i did not get next room category that was avail online at the time - club), he invited us to lounge and met us there, where we enjoyed evening drinks and canapes. Next morning when we returned for breakfast, we weren't on the list. i guess i was invited for drinks only! I have no idea....

I can see why some people might not like the modernity and relaxed nature of the Sofitel So, but for my money, they deliver.