Originally Posted by pi4er
SGS has a location problem for me.
I've stayed in Pen balcony room for something like 135 UD/ night, but this was years ago. Yes, nice view, but not worthy the 280US.
For what you paid I normally get a suite in the world-class Thai-classic Sukhotai, if not available I get even bigger 2B flat in their sister service apts on the other side of the street (modern style, not Thai classic, Beaufort).
Service in Bkk is unique. The Sukhotai bellboy called me by name at arrival after 1yr absence.
I agree. At the Pen, the balcony room is not worth the cost premium over their superior/deluxe/grand deluxe room. In fact, I found the balcony room a bit cramped compared to the superior/deluxe/grand deluxe room. I didn't really use the balcony much as it was quite hot (this was two weeks ago).
The reason I booked the balcony room was because that was the only room category they had left at time of booking (which kind of tells you that it probably is the least desireable).
I also stayed at the Sukhothai. It's a beautiful hotel. We were upgraded from a superior room to an executive suite. The suite was beautiful and huge. The bathroom was almost the size of a studio in Manhattan!
OT: The had a brief friendly conversation with the valet at the Sukhothai. We asked for a taxi and he asked us where we were going for dinner. I told him we wanted to go to Spice Market at the FS (where I indulged in delicious Khao Soy Gai that was made just like at the FS Chiang Mai). He told us that he used to work at the FS Bangkok.
I asked him which hotel he preferred to work at and he said he preferred to work at the Sukhothai because the FS had too many set procedures to follow in their interactions with their guests. That answer I'm sure is open to several interpretations.