Cymro

Two new HGIs coming, in addition to the one being built in Bangkok.

One in Bangtao, Phuket (not a reflag of the Oceanstone, as I thought).

Meanwhile they've just announced an HGI to be built in Pattaya, as part of a mixed-use development known as ONCE on 3rd Road, just to the north of the city centre.

gav0106

Hi Cmyro. The HGI at Bangtao is a new build. Pass it most days. Almost finished, well the outside anyway. They are recruiting staff now.

Cymro

Oh OK... didn't realise that. Address semeed to be the Oceanstone but I guess it won't be the first time that two nearly identical hotels have been located next to each other.

Kacee

Bangtao is nice. I hope it stays sleepy.

NoY

It won't! (& isn't now really)

Kacee

It is compared to much of the rest of Phuket

gav0106

Afraid the quiet days are going. New hotels, huge apartment developments and to cap it off a brand new Central shopping and duty free centre opening soon. Bring in the buses of Chinese! :s

NoY

Yes, I was in the new Central this week (during soft opening week) & it was quite busy already - its nice not to have to trek all the way to Central Festival/Floresta or rely on just Villa Market though

NoY

......the only truly always busy/manic place on the entire island is Patong, IME. And I do my absolute best to avoid that as far as I can!

Cat88L3

I agree! Phuket gets a bad rap. This is because most people think of Patong as all of Phuket. It's not. So many beautiful places in Phuket. I stayed in Cape Panwa in July. Had to stay in a non Hilton hotel for that, but it was worth it. I stayed at the Pullman Phuket Panwa Beach Resort. Very nice hotel.

Kacee

lol I never go to Patong but I've spent enough time stuck in traffic in various other parts of Phuket to know first hand of the overdevelopment (accompanied by a total lack of planning controls) that plagues much (note I did not say all) of the island.

NWplatinum

I also love Phuket. There is MUCH more to Phuket than Patong and ping pong shows.

JayFarber

Does anyone have feedback on the Conrad Residences? The rate I'm seeing is essentially the same as Millenium Hilton and the Hilton Sukhumvit.

Also while on topic of Phuket and Patong, is 2 nights enough in Patong over Songkran or should I opt for 3 before moving to the Hilton Arcadia?

restlessinRNO

Remember, at the Bangkok Conrad Residences, you do not have access to the executive lounge.

Rasmus3s

Hi, I was hoping to get some 2nd opinions on what hotel to choose fo a 6 might stay in Bangkok in few weeks time. I have trimmed down the options to 2 hotels.

I have a booking at the Conrad for 86 USD per night including taxes and a booking at the Okura for 132 USD per night including taxes. Both cancellable.

The pros and cons of each seem to be:

Conrad pros:
- Hilton Diamond so would get free breakfast and lounge access
- Rooms have been refreshed, so soundproofing is better now?
- Get a Conrad plushy toy
- Cheaper than Okura
- Would earn points

Conrad cons:
- Rude concierge last time I was here in 2017, generally staff seemed tired of tourists/guests..
- Underwhelming breakfast and breakfast restaurant was chaotic (2017)
- Lounge offerings seem to be poor but would perhaps go for afternoon tea a few times
- Sound proofing was poor last time I was here and there would be a constant noise from the roads outside
- Long waiting times to get a taxi outside the hotel last time I was there

Okura pros
- Higher service levels than Conrad
- Better restaurants (will be dining at the Elements restaurant one night)
- Soundproofed rooms
- Better quality breakfast buffet
- Good price booked compared to their usual rates

Okura cons
- No a la carte breakfast, except the Japanese set in the Japanese restaurant
- Would have to pay for breakfast
- More expensive than Conrad
- No points

I don’t care for upgrades except that I expect that I will receive a renovated room at the Conrad. Have booked entry levels rooms at both hotels.

The gym, sauna and steam room seem to be slightly nicer at the Okura, but still decent at Conrad and pool is not important for me.

I am also only planning to have breakfast at the hotel 3 out of 6 days. General room service quality and options a factor as I always end up a ordering room service a few times.

The last factor is that I will need late checkout at around 9 pm, and am hoping the Conrad would offer this without extra charge.

Any advice? And anyone who has stayed at both?