Sadly, my biggest disappointment has to be the Oriental Bangkok. I was really looking forward to staying at such a world-renowned hotel but left feeling extremely let down. It was certainly not up to the level of hype generated by the media. The hotel itself is beautiful and steeped with history. The room itself was very pleasant. Spacious and elegant, though the furnishing is definitely starting to show its age.

My main complaint was with the service. Despite all accounts of the legendary service provided by their staff, my experience was horribly tainted by their arrogance and snobbery. The pretentiousness throughout the hotel was off-putting to say the least. There were a few exceptional staff members of course, but the majority of the ones we encountered were cold and generally unconcerned about meeting our every need.

I was also disappointed by their flagship restaurant, Le Normandie. Maybe my expectations were too high, but I found it only to be just above average for a French restaurant. Maybe one Michelin star quality at the best, if even that. Definitely not exceptional. But the decor of the restaurant was lovely and the views excellent. However, the attitudes of the staff members once again spoiled the mood. Perhaps we didn't fit into the image of an ideal guest, but they made us feel like we were not as important as their "celebrity" clientele. Which was strange, since we met the dress code that they so strictly and rudely enforce.

For example. At the main entrance, we observed that they were quite selective in who they pamper. The well dressed guests never had to lift a finger, while those who deviated from their uptight dress code were promptly denied access or stopped to check Guest ID. Unbelievable! Not the kind of personal service I expected to see.

This experience has left me wondering how the Oriental could possibly maintain such a prestigious reputation. Could I have possibly visited during a very bad week, or are they just very careful to whom they treat to create a false image of faultless service? I have stayed at the Peninsula Bangkok just across the river and found the experience much more enjoyable. The service was in a different league, and the atmosphere was more relaxed and welcoming. Quite a shame really, as the Oriental had most of the aspects of a world-class hotel. If not for the staff, it had the potential to be one of my favorite hotels of all time.