FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Marriott Bonvoy hotels in Bangkok, Thailand
Old Feb 20, 2019 | 7:39 am
  #1456  
hamburgl4r
 
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 16
Originally Posted by Kalboz
But pretty much both, the 4P and Aloft, are located in a very seedy area of lower Sukhumvit. Go further! The Marriott Sukhumvit 57 has more or less the same distance from BTS (Thong Lo) as the 4P (Asok or Nana) in a "normal" neighborhood setting. In fact, at the next BTS stop from the Suk 57 hotel location (Ekamai), there is Gateway Mall which has many fun things and food options for children and adults. In the other direction from the 57, one BTS stop (Phrom Phong) away, the EmQuartier Megamall (EM District) is a great place to spend with your family.
Originally Posted by paolo64
The main disadvantage of Aloft is the distance down Soi 11, particularly when travelling with children. They provide a tuk tuk service to Nana BTS and Terminal 21, but it’s a long walk back down 11 ( 10 minutes, maybe 800 metres).
But the hotel is no longer “party central” and the area is not so sleazy these days. It is popular with a younger crowd, but most of them are tourists , not so much a night life focus. The majority are from East and South East Asia and India. The hotel has a good vibe these days.
Four Points: this area is rather bland rather than sleazy ( there is a Hooters next door but that’s a bit lamp/limp on the Bangkok night life scale). The hotel attracts a slightly older clientele and more families. It is closer to public transport. There is a back entrance to Soi 17, making an easier path to/from Terminal21 ( room key card required).
The pool at Four Points is a bit better for kids IMO ( the one at Aloft is tiny and a bit shaded); both offer reasonably priced kid-type food.
To add: much of the pavement along Sukhumvit is being renewed over the next few months. It’s still walkable but is not very nice.
Originally Posted by kalo93406
Was recently at Four Points and really enjoyed it. They do have a very shallow pool section that would be good with children. The pool area wasn't all that busy either. If the poster does choose four points (which he should over Aloft) he can use the back exit to ge over to Terminal 21 and Asoke BTS/Sukhumvit MRT. While I wouldn't call 4P area to bad as far as seediness goes, on Sukhumvit in that area as another poster pointed out, there are working women at all times of the day almost. That actually isn't all that bad as far as children go as they might not even notice it, but there will be some sex toy tables set up on Suk at different times, so If that is something one doesn't want to subject one's children too, use that back exit always and don't take them on Sukhumvit or scope out the locations of those tables to avoid it. I haven't stayed at Courtyard yet, but would like to give that a try and it might be a good option for you. Just saw your son is 4, so I don't think it will matter much about the area you choose as far as seediness goes, what ever you are comfortable with. Four points has a great breakfast! One hour of happy hour 4pm - Midnight at the pool bar for Plat and above. Food is reasonable there too and can get the 20% discount for Plats. Curly fries, shrimp, satay all yummy.

I did stay at Aloft two times and I liked it too. With a four year old while 4P is probably better, if Aloft is much cheaper and you are looking for that, it would be perfectly fine if you don't mind a longer walk to the BTS. Soi 11 is improving a bit lately and there are several new restaurants just opened directly across from Aloft. The sidewalks actually look to be getting better in the area too as it seems like they are trying to build them more consistently throughout the area as best they can. A four year old won't remember much of whatever he sees anyway and It might be something he just remembers as tall buildings in a exotic place.
Originally Posted by mrfreezetas
As a regular at Four Points I would recommend it over Aloft, I'll be checking in on the day you check out
As others have mentioned Aloft is further along Soi 11 and in a more "vibrant" area that is more suited to a couple who want to experience secret cocktail bars (Havana Social, The Photo Booth) and the nightlife in the area.
While there is a Tuk Tuk service provided, depending on time of day it would be quicker to walk to or from the Hotel.

The Four Points is situated roughly half way between Nana and Asoke BTS station... Asoke does seems a lot closer but it is an illusion, yes I have counted out the steps one time when the matter was brought up on another forum
Terminal 21 is attached to Asoke BTS and Sukhumvit MRT is close by.

The Marriott Sukhumvit 57 is also a nice hotel in a "normal" are was it was put, but venture a street or so away and it too is either seedy or vibrant depending on how you view it.

Just realised you will be there during Songkran (13-15th) so expect to get wet, have a dry bag for phone, wallet etc.
If staying at Aloft I would expect the street during the day to be nothing but water fights, at least with Four Points you can use the back entrance to avoid getting too wet though if you plan it correctly back entrance to / from hotel and cut through Robinsons to the BTS will see a high chance of staying dry.
Originally Posted by Diplomatico
Did you purposely choose the Songkran holiday to visit Thailand? If not, oh boy......

(Four Points > Aloft for family with small child.)
Thanks everyone for the insights! This thread got lively very quick! I cancelled my Aloft reservation and rebooked at 4 points. I think being near the BTS and malls will be very convenient. I HAD NO IDEA Songkran was exactly the dates we were going! LOL oh well at least it looks fun! Thanks for the backdoor tips, I'm sure it will come in handy. Are all the water fights happening throughout the day? Is everyone a target??

Also I got hit with the Extra person fee of like ~$198 for adding my son to the reservation, so I changed my reservation to just 2 people and will deal with it at check-in. Any other way around that fee?
hamburgl4r is offline