Originally Posted by
enthrop
SGS definitely sounds like the best breakfast option. So I'll make a definite note on that. And it was already on my radar because old SPG threads seem to keep comparing SGS vs Athenee LC. Can I assume it's in a convenient location for first time tourist?
Honestly, most if not all 4-5 star Starriott breakfast options are going to be memorable. I wouldn't let that sway you at all.
SGS benefits: "... multiple free breakfast options, open bar at the island-like swimming pool, a jazz club and a fun cocktail bar and all kinds of other Platinum benefits.". To confirm these are PLATINUM benefits, versus simply guest benefits? Like can a normal guest get open bar at the island-like swimming pool?. Because they definitely sound look good benefits, and above any other Platinum benefits I've seen in any other Marriott/SPG property I've stayed at, and it almost seems "too good to be true."
Instead of a normal lounge "concierge hour", several ex-Starwood properties have a "happy hour" which is essentially free food and drink (with a focus on premium alcohol) in quite nice venues. At the SGS they really take it to the next level where you have the option between some especially beautiful venues. Every guest is welcome in all the venues, but Platinums have a pretty wide selection to choose from to the degree where you'd have to be pretty pick to choose to pay for anything for the early evening. I'd comfortably prefer this to the few $150 a night Ritz Carlton Clubs that I've been to. [q[quote]If you've never been to Asia, or even to Thailand, it is probably going to be quite different from what you've seen before.
SGS: This is pretty silly, but, if there's no lounge, is there somewhere I can grab soda/water/coffee from for free at any time of day? I'm always like the convenience of ducking into lounge and stocking up on my liquids. I know I can always make a convenience store run.. but just asking. (Does Bangkok have convenience stores everywhere like Japan?)
I guess technically no. You have a minibar, room service, freebies at the Library and the SGS is connected to a phenomenal mall where you can get a 3 course meal which will blow your mind for about $5, so you won't starve or go thirsty
Sukhumvit (while not the perfect location being suggested here in terms of environment) also had a lot of 7-11s
EuropeanPete's sarcastic comment -- Sorry, I don't get it. Are you saying.... go out and enjoy Bangkok instead of relying on a lounge's dinner spread?
I'm as guilty as anyone else in hiding in a hotel when I really "should" be out exploring a city like Bangkok. In my defense, it's usually because I got a bit carried away exploring the night before. My point was more that there's only so good a lounge is ever going to be - and in a city where you can eat like a king for $5 it's never going to be that good. When I'm in Bangkok I don't only have nights in the SGS because I am too hungover to leave the hotel, but also because the place offers really phenomenal service and experiences in its different venues. I just don't believe any conventional lounge no matter how well prepared the buffer or how well meaning the server could ever offer that.