Has anyone stayed at the Sukhothai BKK? I'm going in December (4 days in BKK) and Sukhothai's rooms (particularly suites) looked the nicest on the 'net. Other options include Banyan Tree and if I really want to splurge, Peninsula. Recommendations?

Thanks!

Howdy,
I'd go for Peninsula a few nights and Sukhothai . They're both great Locations.
Peninsula has a great pool and it's right next to the Mandarin spa. It's easy to get the hotel's boat to skytrain station too.
THai people are very friendly so I hope you enjoy one of my favorite places. CHeck out a THai Muay boxing if you can!
R

I was just scoping out rates for Bangkok myself. Check out the Leading Hotels website. www.LHW.com

There are some rates at the Pen for $140 (US) per night. It may not be as out of reach as you think.

If you go this route, I may add that on Travelocity you can sign up for the "Leaders Club" for $79. Supposedly "exclusive" for frequent high dollar stayers at LHW properties - yet oddly enough available for a cost through Travelocity, it can net upgrades, etc. But do a more thorough FT search on this before you drop the $79.

Thanks for your replies. Suzy1k, my dates in BKK and close to New Year's, and the best rate for a room at the Pen was over $180. I found a deluxe suite at Sukhothai for $240. Seems like a much better deal unless the Pen is really that much nicer.

Speaking of Sukhothai, any feeling from folks as to how long it takes to get from there to the BKK airport? I've got a 7:00 a.m. international departure (a Saturday). I can fast-track it so that will cut out some of the delays.

My guess was that I'll need to leave by 4:45. Quite a pity...

Check the "luxury hotel" forum and do a search. I think the Sukhothai is mentioned there. I was considering it, but now remember someone said it was "older/dated". Depends what you want. Same with the Banyan Tree.

Also check "Plaza Athenee" which is new 5* but not usually mentioned in the hotel books. Found it via LHW.com www.hotel-Plaza-athenee.com
Getting really good rates there so perhaps will try that property.

Another tip: The Conrad is highly rated by FTers. I was cruising the Starwood forum and a few people mentioned they liked the Conrad, even though its technically under the "Hilton" forum. I booked the Conrad for $99/night.

At that early in the morning, it shouldn't take too long. I was staying near Sukhumvit and it took about half hour or so. So maybe just a bit longer for you.

As already said, it won't take more than 1/2 hr from the Conrad (not sure where that is in relation) to BKK at that time - 0530 departure is good enough. peteropny does the trip yearly and usually leaves his family's place at 0430, arriving BKK at 0500 for a 0600 flight.

Almost worth moving to a cheaper hotel given the early hour departure.

BTW, when will you be there?

Terenz -- you were the winner of my contest on the NW forum -- if you're in San Francisco anytime soon, let me know and I'll treat you to Firefly. If not, I'll be in YVR from the 12/20&12/21 and would be happy to treat you to a good dinner there. I'll be in BKK 12/27 to 12/31.

Cheers,
Brent

Japhydog, send me your email address.

FYI, a really good article in today's NYTimes about Bangkok by RW Apple. Mentions the Oriental, the Pen, and the Sukhothai.

The answer: it took 25 minutes - via the expressway. Very fast.

OTOH, the lines at BKK for initial security screening were abhorrent. Probably about 100 folks in line ahead of me at 5:15 a.m. To make matters worse, there was a single passport control line at the gate...

I just returned from BKK and stayed at the Conrad, which was fantastic! Nicely decorated rooms (Thai style), super friendly staff, some of the trendiest nightspots in town and a great location on Wireless Road. At US$99++ per night, this is the best value for money I have seen in BKK ever since I stayed at the Peninsula for US$80 during their soft opening...

The Peninsula has nice rooms, too, and has more of a resort feel to it (nice pool area), although I found the location to be a little less convenient (other side of the river). The Banyan Tree is nice too, but doesn't live up to the standards of other Banyan Tree resorts. Not much left of the spa culture there, and the pool is really small, although the rooftop bar on 56th floor is quite spectacular (if not too windy). The Sukhothai is a bit more quiet, located right next to Banyan Tree on South Sathorn Road, very close to Patpong and Silom Village.

Transfer from airport to Conrad took 25 mins., a little longer to Banyan Tree and Peninsula.

While I had not stayed at Sukhothai BKK, I noted that you mentioned 'suite' rm regarding your booking. My friends just came back from BKK, they stayed at Conrad and liked it v much. But, they also toured (didn't stay) a new hotel called Davis Bangkok (link is [URL=http://www.davisbangkok.net] They like it and said that it's having an opening special for both rm (3700 baht nett) and suite (4999 baht nett). Does nett means tax included? anyways, breakfast is included. The hotel is also mentioned at Asiatravel.com.

[This message has been edited by Helen123 (edited Dec 01, 2003).]

[This message has been edited by Helen123 (edited Dec 01, 2003).]

I seem to recall a writeup of the Davis (Bangkok Post?) Apparently it is a boutique aiming to cater to the 5 Ms (models, movie stars, moguls, or something like that).