Originally Posted by Thunderroad

The useful reviews and discussion of this hotel are much appreciated. My wife and I might spend a night there in mid-December to cap off a vacation in Laos before flying home to California out of Bangkok. We've been to Bangkok several times before and don't need to do much touristy stuff, so the location might not dissuade us. A few questions:

1. If we wanted to grab a drink or meal outside by the river, am I correct in assuming that the best relatively close places to go to would be the Mandarin Oriental or the Royal Orchid Sheraton? Other nearby restaurants/bars/options?
2. We'd arrive in Bangkok at about 11 a.m. and fly out at about 11:15 pm the next evening (both weekdays). Any guesses of about how long a taxi to and from the airport should take?
3. If I'm correct that as a Platinum Elite I'd get a 4 pm check-out (does that rule apply?...I've lost track amidst the many merger matters), any thoughts on whether the hotel would let us hang out in the lounge, by the pool, etc. before we took off for the airport?
4. Above and beyond the generally favorable comments here, any impressions of Platinum treatment in terms of upgrades, other perks?

Thanks for any help!

Originally Posted by bluestrudels

1. If you are using the Mandarin and Royal Orchid Sheraton as pivot points for locations by the river, yes. I would say about 10 mins cab right with no traffic.
2. Depending on which airport you arrive in, Don Meaung is alittle closer to the city center than Suvarnabhumi Airport. But if there's traffic which is notorious in BKK, your 40 mins ride can go up to an hour or longer.
3. Correct, I'm sure if you ask nicely they will extend the lounge and hotel facilities after you check out. They are quite generous with elites based on my stay experience. (We checked in as Plat Premier, before it was renamed Titanium)
4. What perks specifically are you looking for? Our service was superb, building is new, staff are new and very motivated, upgraded to suite, amazing lounge with generous spreads throughout the day, and we kept getting snacks and treats left in our room. I don't know what else in terms of perks you are looking for..

We also spoke to the GM there in the lounge, he's was moved from another great property in the APAC region, can't recall, but he was highly favored by the other repeat guests we spoke with. So I'm sure you will be well taken care off..

Like many had mentioned, the surrounding area is a dead town at night, unless you take a cab to Silom which is the club/red light district. Pretty much getting any where requires a cab or tuktuk ride.

Originally Posted by kxc262

Recently stayed here and got upgraded to a 2-bedroom suite - YMMV though as my other recent stay, I only got a regular room. Property was great and service was great. Lounge service was very good and waiters were very attentive.

I landed around noon from the airport (BKK). Took a taxi and it was about 1 hour. Taxi fare was 360 + 75 in tolls.

Agreed with above. Not much to do in the area.

Originally Posted by EGW1

Just FYI, the Mandarin Oriental is undergoing pretty extensive renovations until October and last I checked mostly closed.