Waldorf Astoria Bangkok {THA}
Aug 10, 2022, 7:20 pm
#346
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Global
Programs: United 1K, Qatar Gold, Etihad Gold, Hilton Diamond, InterCon RA, PC Plat, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,452
The reply from the GM regarding a complaint is poor, and very short and almost rude:
Dear LLSullivan,
Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately, in large cities, there are often ongoing developments and these are not within our control.
We apologize that the Wifi did not work well and thank you for sharing that, as we have not experienced challenges with this previously.
Dear LLSullivan,
Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately, in large cities, there are often ongoing developments and these are not within our control.
We apologize that the Wifi did not work well and thank you for sharing that, as we have not experienced challenges with this previously.
Aug 10, 2022, 7:58 pm
#347
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,808
Wow. This noise conversation is really getting riveting. 
I will be walking by on my way to pick up my laundry this afternoon, maybe I should get some decibel measurements! I do remember some construction when we were out at the pool last November. Never heard anything from the room but faced the other direction I think. I will say, that building is long overdue to come down. It looked pretty sad and was just taking up valuable space. Surprised it hasn't been taken down already. I know it used to be a pretty prestigious place but didn't see much to it myself. Looks like construction is not expected to be completed until 2026. I think that means the noise discussion will not end for a while. 
I will be walking by on my way to pick up my laundry this afternoon, maybe I should get some decibel measurements! I do remember some construction when we were out at the pool last November. Never heard anything from the room but faced the other direction I think. I will say, that building is long overdue to come down. It looked pretty sad and was just taking up valuable space. Surprised it hasn't been taken down already. I know it used to be a pretty prestigious place but didn't see much to it myself. Looks like construction is not expected to be completed until 2026. I think that means the noise discussion will not end for a while.
Aug 10, 2022, 9:19 pm
#348
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: YYZ
Programs: Ex-Bonvoyed, Hyatt, Hilton, BR, AC, AA
Posts: 1,289
Wow. This noise conversation is really getting riveting. I will be walking by on my way to pick up my laundry this afternoon, maybe I should get some decibel measurements! I do remember some construction when we were out at the pool last November. Never heard anything from the room but faced the other direction I think. I will say, that building is long overdue to come down. It looked pretty sad and was just taking up valuable space. Surprised it hasn't been taken down already. I know it used to be a pretty prestigious place but didn't see much to it myself. Looks like construction is not expected to be completed until 2026. I think that means the noise discussion will not end for a while.
I will be walking by on my way to pick up my laundry this afternoon, maybe I should get some decibel measurements! I do remember some construction when we were out at the pool last November. Never heard anything from the room but faced the other direction I think. I will say, that building is long overdue to come down. It looked pretty sad and was just taking up valuable space. Surprised it hasn't been taken down already. I know it used to be a pretty prestigious place but didn't see much to it myself. Looks like construction is not expected to be completed until 2026. I think that means the noise discussion will not end for a while.
Aug 10, 2022, 11:55 pm
#349
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
The reply from the GM regarding a complaint is poor, and very short and almost rude:
Dear LLSullivan,
Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately, in large cities, there are often ongoing developments and these are not within our control.
We apologize that the Wifi did not work well and thank you for sharing that, as we have not experienced challenges with this previously.
Dear LLSullivan,
Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately, in large cities, there are often ongoing developments and these are not within our control.
We apologize that the Wifi did not work well and thank you for sharing that, as we have not experienced challenges with this previously.
Aug 11, 2022, 3:02 am
#350
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,808
In April I think the building across the street was under construction (on the other side of the BTS rail), but now I think the building directly next to the hotel is being torn down as well, is that correct? Is the one next door the one that’ll take until 2026 to finish?
Aug 12, 2022, 6:14 am
#351
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: Virtuoso Luxury Travel Agent; Bonvoy Titanium Elite; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 663
Exactly. Plenty of other properties have a note on their website saying construction is taking place or the pool or gym is closed for whatever reason. A similar message could be posted by the WA so people can make up their own mind whether to stay or maybe choose a different room
Aug 12, 2022, 11:14 am
#352
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,420
It would explain why they're not disclosing the construction on the website or booking page. Short term revenue takes precedence over guest satisfaction.
Aug 12, 2022, 8:29 pm
#353
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
It would also explain their behavior in how they account for various F&B credits and pick small fights which irritate customers (including issues noted more than once on LL blog) rather than ensure guests leave happy and will be looking forward to come back. Sure they earn marginal extra income in the short-term when someone is denied F&B credits on room service when the restaurant is fully booked, or denied credits when customers did not spend exactly on the day of their Amex FHR reservation when combined with another adjoining reservation done on Hilton's website. But then don't be surprised if some of these customers look the other way more often in the future.
Aug 12, 2022, 8:55 pm
#354
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: AU
Programs: former Olympic Airways Gold (yeah - still proud of that!)
Posts: 14,401
It would also explain their behavior in how they account for various F&B credits and pick small fights which irritate customers (including issues noted more than once on LL blog) rather than ensure guests leave happy and will be looking forward to come back. Sure they earn marginal extra income in the short-term when someone is denied F&B credits on room service when the restaurant is fully booked, or denied credits when customers did not spend exactly on the day of their Amex FHR reservation when combined with another adjoining reservation done on Hilton's website. But then don't be surprised if some of these customers look the other way more often in the future.
Aug 12, 2022, 10:37 pm
#355
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
They are definitely free to implement rules as they see fit, and to insist on them being applied to the letter if they think it's in their best interest. However I would expect this behavior more from a select service hotel with tight margins, not from a luxury hotel. They put themselves into arguments with customers that I do not think benefit them in the long run in my humble opinion. Hence the bad press they had on LL for example, they only have themselves to blame for it and their inflexible policies which expose what their priorities are. Instead they could have wow'ed the guests with their other strong features and possibly gotten good reviews from bloggers. Oh well.
Aug 13, 2022, 9:52 am
#356
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,420
And now there's a new wave of 5* hotels in Bangkok, plus W/A has the construction issue for at least the next year. This is a time to build loyalty, not discourage it.
Sep 12, 2022, 10:25 pm
#357
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,420
Walked over for breakfast this morning (staying next door at GH Erawan). As non-hotel guests, we were treated very well, including being given a table with prime Sports Club view. Superb service and exquisite food. The iberico and gorgonzola may well haunt my dreams. This has to be one of the world's great breakfast bargains at 1000 THB per person.
Sep 13, 2022, 8:47 pm
#358
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
For all the (newly) negative points about WA BKK, breakfast is surely not one of them. They have not made notable cutbacks to the offering, service in the restaurant remains stellar, and the venue nearly unbeatable for non-riverside hotels.
Sep 14, 2022, 1:00 am
#359
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: In the air
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Bonvoy LT Plat, Hilton Gold, GHA Tit, BA Gold, Turkish Elite
Posts: 8,714
Walked over for breakfast this morning (staying next door at GH Erawan). As non-hotel guests, we were treated very well, including being given a table with prime Sports Club view. Superb service and exquisite food. The iberico and gorgonzola may well haunt my dreams. This has to be one of the world's great breakfast bargains at 1000 THB per person.
As far as the breakfast goes, I consider myself a bit of a yogurt connoisseur and the WA’s greek yogurt is the nicest I’ve ever had.
Sep 24, 2022, 9:37 am
#360
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Global
Programs: United 1K, Qatar Gold, Etihad Gold, Hilton Diamond, InterCon RA, PC Plat, SPG Plat, Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,452
The hotel is no longer putting guests in park view rooms due to the construction noise issue. Which in my view answers the question of whether there was a noise issue to begin with …