Originally Posted by
ElevatorEnthusiast
I found the Renaissance to be a good hotel that suffers from perceptions created by market competition (thankfully). Some of the choices made and aspects here are markedly not competitive with surrounding Bonvoy properties. While individual service attitudes are strong, the hard product needs some TLC and the lack of restaurant breakfast feels odd in this market. Regardless, it is not a bad hotel. Here are my pros, cons, and photos:
Pros:
- Used SNAs to upgrade into a One Bedroom Larger Suite, which the property calls an Executive Suite - was placed in one on the highest hotel floor (22)
- While the suite is not a full suite, the design is strong - lovely wooden aesthetics with Asian influences - the wall behind the desk was also quite pretty
- Window-side couch was comfortable
- Bed was decent - pillows were the standout and very plush, but covers were thin (fine for this room due to poor AC) and mattress was somewhat firm - still, I slept well
- Shower pressure from the wand was good
- Left a very pretty welcome gift of chocolates and a blueberry wafer sandwich thing
- The director of operations came out at check-in to greet me and chat for a few minutes
- No issue with 4 PM checkout - I asked for 2 and they typed in 4 on the system
- Lounge offerings (only option for breakfast) were good
- Afternoon tea had a nice iced latte and lemon tart (I spilled the tart, which is why the picture is ugly)
- Evening service had a decent seafood dish (shrimp inside better than the calamari) and a really yummy brownie
- Lounge Breakfast was decent - less carb choices (only pastries), but good made to order omelets and hashbrowns
Neutral:
- Found a stain on one of the pillows cases, and after asking for it to be changed, I walked into two housekeepers completely re-cleaning my room and apologizing for the stain - good service recovery
Cons:
- The room AC could not keep up even with the blinds closed - set on 15 when I arrived, said it was "28", and never got below "25" - however, I don't think it was actually that hot - the bathroom, though, was especially warm as the vent was only in the bedroom
- No Internet streaming options on the TV
- Hotel entrance is confusing for walkers as the only apparent way is to walk along a long and unlit car path - you should actually cut through the nearby shopping center by going around the gate
- Sink drain did not work well
- Rainfall shower head seemed to be leaking from the top joint
Overall, I'm not sure I would return with better choices nearby.
Photos:
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Interesting to get your review. I have stayed here many times.
Eating breakfast in the restaurant wasn't an option? I can't recall ever eating breakfast in the lounge here, so maybe they have changed policies or something? Breakfast in the restaurant was always outstanding.
I don't recall ever having AC issues, so seems like you just got bad luck with the unit in your room. I hope you mentioned it to them so they can get fixed. As you noted, they really do care about experience and I am sure will get it fixed if known.
Agree with the unusual entrance setup when on foot. Even going through the shopping center is odd, as it involves elevator use, and a turn or two. Once known, it is handy during heat / rain etc, as you can get directly to the elevated pedestrian walk and access to malls and the sky train.
Having all these reviews of the Bangkok properties is going to be a big help. Thanks for all the time you are putting into it.