Originally Posted by
barracuda93
Aloft prices are okay, but from reviews of it I have an impression I rather stay at HIE across the road. 1400–1600 THB rates, modern and clean hotel. Or in HI Silom, which is likely just a better hotel. Anyway, in Aloft there are no status benefits, so I see little point to pay more (unless there is a BRG, of course, but I never succeeded with it for Aloft).
For ROS, I have seen such price couple of times, but usually it's about 3000 THB. Perhaps a good value still, but location is away from anything. I have a stay there in August (with BRG), so gonna check it then.
As for LM Changrai, I don't think it is fair to compare LM in a middle of nowhere to SPG hotels in KL
I've stayed, frequently, at both the Aloft and HIX Suk 11, plus the HI SIlom. You get what you pay for at the HIX: rooms are tiny, small beds,, and poor wifi and tv and poor breakfast. The HI Silom can be good, though they always want to upcharge for lounge, river view rooms unless you really make an issue of not looking at a tower next door and no free breakfasts. Aloft has been good for giving me the better view rooms, though sometimes when they're full, I've looked at the tower next door. Breakfast is decent and as PLT I'm only giving up 250 pts for 2. The ROS is actually quite nice and the location grows on you. The boat shuttle to the bridge for the Saphan Taksin BTS and Asiatique shuttle as well as a nearby Pier No 3 for the Hop on Hop Off, gets you around easily. At River City Mall, there is the cross river ferry to the Hilton.
Chiang Rai is about the same flight time from BKK as KL, and I find it more interesting than the big city, especially with a car. Plus, we have friends that live there.
It's not in the middle of nowhere; it's north of there.