Originally Posted by
ElevatorEnthusiast
It will be interesting to try the WA later this trip to compare. Generally, despite some obvious issues and a less-than-effective arrival experience, I feel relatively positive about this property as I like the bed and the breakfast was good this morning. It's definitely better than my AC view at the St. Regis where they started off my check-in with a list of available up charges.
The problem with arrival is that I had used a SUA for a Park Deluxe Suite. Upon arrival at 3 PM, they told me the suite was occupied by a Globalist and that it wouldn't be ready until 5-6 PM. To their credit, they offered a standard "resting" room while I waited, which I declined as I wanted to head out for an early dinner. When I returned at 5:30, they offered a free drink at the Bar, which only had beer, wine, or tea cooler options. The suite ended up being on the lowest floor (12), was very warm with a very stuffy bathroom, and had a stain on the couch. The second room they offered (a Deluxe room) smelled like smoke. The third room they offered was a Park Executive Suite, which didn't have these issues. So, I didn't really get in and settled until around 7 or so.
Ah, that sucks a bit. This is an issue with many Hyatt and Marriott properties in Bangkok now, though, given the number of elites - lots of suites are occupied by guests entitled to a 4pm check out which is part of the double-edged sword of staying there. The point I broke up with The Athenee was the time I booked a Royal Club Suite and was kept in the lounge until after 7pm waiting for it to be ready with no proactive updates - pretty pathetic for a returning guest booking an above entry level suite, really. If I want a specific suite for a longer stay these days and will be arriving before around 4pm I often now book a standard room for the first night and then change on the second night. There is a point at which 4pm check out is being offered to too many guests in my opinion and it is no longer in the hotel’s interest.