Hong Kong vs Bangkok/Pattaya
#16
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Hua Tin Hilton is interesting. Would you say it's a luxury hotel, like a legit 4.5-star type place? And they call their lounge "resort lounge" instead of EL. How is their lounge? I guess the biggest issue with Hua Tin Hilton is getting there. I don't see any good air itinerary to Hua Tin airport. I know I'm sounding really picky, but I find long taxi rides to be stifling and don't think I've ever ridden more than 30min in a taxi. Hua Tin seems to be >2hrs from Bangkok airport.
#18
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
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Bali?
@Kacee
@JJeffrey
Thanks. Hua Hin is out then, given the lukewarm reviews on the beach and the Hilton and the difficulty of getting there.
Conrad Samui is more expensive than Conrad HKG, and so is the airfare.
Phuket is out, since same price as HKG. Doesn't seem like Bangkok will work out either.
Another place I'm considering as alternative to HKG is Bali. For family pool/beach/relaxation, Hilton > Conrad at Bali, correct?
Only thing is, Bali will not be cheap. Air + hotel ($4350) will only be $500 cheaper total than going to HKG Conrad.
@craigthemif
I have thought about staying a couple nights at Conrad Macau in order to reduce the cost of our HKG trip. You think it's a perfectly acceptable place to take kids, even for conservative parents like us? For reference, I go to Vegas sometimes for conference and I realize there are some family attractions there, but I personally would never take my kids to Vegas. I have not been to Macau in a while, not since our kids were born.
@JJeffrey
Thanks. Hua Hin is out then, given the lukewarm reviews on the beach and the Hilton and the difficulty of getting there.
Conrad Samui is more expensive than Conrad HKG, and so is the airfare.
Phuket is out, since same price as HKG. Doesn't seem like Bangkok will work out either.
Another place I'm considering as alternative to HKG is Bali. For family pool/beach/relaxation, Hilton > Conrad at Bali, correct?
Only thing is, Bali will not be cheap. Air + hotel ($4350) will only be $500 cheaper total than going to HKG Conrad.
@craigthemif
I have thought about staying a couple nights at Conrad Macau in order to reduce the cost of our HKG trip. You think it's a perfectly acceptable place to take kids, even for conservative parents like us? For reference, I go to Vegas sometimes for conference and I realize there are some family attractions there, but I personally would never take my kids to Vegas. I have not been to Macau in a while, not since our kids were born.
#19
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I wouldn't fixate so much on not going somewhere just because it is not significantly cheaper than Hong Kong. It is always fun to see new places and who knows, you could find a place that is comparable to Hong Kong price wise that you like better or is different enough you rotate where you go for the same price.
#20
Join Date: Nov 2004
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Macau is a very good idea. Though you could day trip from HKG....
it is between Vegas and HKG so should be fine (for example while the casino floors are huge, they are less partying. More quiet gambling. Dont recall any gambling outside casino floors e.g. video poker at every shop). Most casino floors you need to go via a guard onlike vegas
highly recommend the bunjy jump from macao tower based on kids age.
I love HKG so much but recommend a change
it is between Vegas and HKG so should be fine (for example while the casino floors are huge, they are less partying. More quiet gambling. Dont recall any gambling outside casino floors e.g. video poker at every shop). Most casino floors you need to go via a guard onlike vegas
highly recommend the bunjy jump from macao tower based on kids age.
I love HKG so much but recommend a change
#21
Join Date: Dec 2013
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[QUOTE=Srisarin;29429582]
Although I agree that the Conrad Bangkok is the pits, don't be so fast to rate the soon to be opened WA higher as others thought the new Bangkok Park Hyatt would be superior and it falters on nearly every premise.
And personally, if I ever decided to return to Phuket I wouldn't return to the Hilton as I found the Renaissance superior, especially the Villas (and at least they recognize status - the nearby JW doesn’t)
Downside of Millenium Bangkok is it’s location, even if you take the boat across to Sheraton ROS or BTS/Taksin
/QUOTE]
Indeed I am jumping the gun on WA Bangkok...
For Phuket I did not specifically mention the Hilton but I agree that there are lots of other more attractive options than Hilton over there if one can venture into another hotel chain.
And personally, if I ever decided to return to Phuket I wouldn't return to the Hilton as I found the Renaissance superior, especially the Villas (and at least they recognize status - the nearby JW doesn’t)
Downside of Millenium Bangkok is it’s location, even if you take the boat across to Sheraton ROS or BTS/Taksin
/QUOTE]
Indeed I am jumping the gun on WA Bangkok...
For Phuket I did not specifically mention the Hilton but I agree that there are lots of other more attractive options than Hilton over there if one can venture into another hotel chain.
#22
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sydney, Australia
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- Primary objective is rest and relaxation... ie, hole up in a luxury hotel, enjoy the room, EL, pool and the view. But we'd still like to go outside the hotel a little bit each day to have one meal outside and do a short bit of shopping/strolling.
- Are hotel standards in Thailand on par with HKG, despite much lower prices?
- Are hotel standards in Thailand on par with HKG, despite much lower prices?
As its on the river, you can catch the public ferries up and down the river (for example, Asiatique might be a place where you could dine out / do a bit of shopping which is not too far away).
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
I wouldn't fixate so much on not going somewhere just because it is not significantly cheaper than Hong Kong. It is always fun to see new places and who knows, you could find a place that is comparable to Hong Kong price wise that you like better or is different enough you rotate where you go for the same price.
Macau is a very good idea. Though you could day trip from HKG....
it is between Vegas and HKG so should be fine (for example while the casino floors are huge, they are less partying. More quiet gambling. Dont recall any gambling outside casino floors e.g. video poker at every shop). Most casino floors you need to go via a guard onlike vegas
it is between Vegas and HKG so should be fine (for example while the casino floors are huge, they are less partying. More quiet gambling. Dont recall any gambling outside casino floors e.g. video poker at every shop). Most casino floors you need to go via a guard onlike vegas
#24
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Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Hilton, Hyatt House, Del Taco
Posts: 5,378
Throwing out another idea at you, is the Hilton Millenium Bangkok. You can hole up in your hotel room, enjoy the river views, it has a decent pool, again, overlooking the river.
As its on the river, you can catch the public ferries up and down the river (for example, Asiatique might be a place where you could dine out / do a bit of shopping which is not too far away).
As its on the river, you can catch the public ferries up and down the river (for example, Asiatique might be a place where you could dine out / do a bit of shopping which is not too far away).
Conrad HKG's pool is quite large and works out great, as long as it's not windy.
Last edited by evergrn; Feb 18, 2018 at 11:59 pm Reason: added comment about HKG Conrad as a reference.
#26
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
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Conrad Bali was mentioned somewhere, one of my favourite Conrad properties, I would strongly recommend you consider. It is a resort style with huge grounds and pool. Or more accurately 'pools' as there is more than one.
#27
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I will share a different perspective on Macau. I hated it. The ferry from Hong Kong is a hassle, particularly since you have to clear immigration both directions. It was total chaos at both ends when I went. Macau has a pretty restored historic center, but it's otherwise something of a pit compared to Hong Kong. Cabs are expensive and scarce.
#28
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,481
I agree with Kacee, that Hua Hin and Koh Samui are much better places to go with kids. To Hua Hin, you don't need to fly, you can go by limousine from BKK. Both, Hilton/Conrad and InterContinental have nice hotels at both places. For me, I would rank 1. Conrad Samui, 2. IC Samui, 3. IC Hua Hin, 4. Hilton Hua Hin.
On the other hand: If someone really loves the Conrad HKG so much and he has the coice, he should stay there as often as he can.
#29
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Join Date: Feb 2013
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Bali might be a better choice for you than Bangkok. I love visiting Thailand but I don't think Bangkok matches Hong Kong as an urban destination, especially if you're limited to Hilton properties.
I will share a different perspective on Macau. I hated it. The ferry from Hong Kong is a hassle, particularly since you have to clear immigration both directions. It was total chaos at both ends when I went. Macau has a pretty restored historic center, but it's otherwise something of a pit compared to Hong Kong. Cabs are expensive and scarce.
I will share a different perspective on Macau. I hated it. The ferry from Hong Kong is a hassle, particularly since you have to clear immigration both directions. It was total chaos at both ends when I went. Macau has a pretty restored historic center, but it's otherwise something of a pit compared to Hong Kong. Cabs are expensive and scarce.
Are cabs that scarce in Macau? It's been a while since I was in Macau, but I don't remember major issues with immigration. Then again, maybe I'm just not remembering. If we go to HKG, then I think we'll still have to do a couple nights at Macau Conrad unless Conrad HKG rates manage to come down below 25000HKG/night (unlikely). Anyways it'd be good to check out another Conrad for the first time, and we'll probably be holed up in the hotel >80% of the time anyways.
The InterContinental Pattaya is better only if you travel with kids. But I still wouldn't recommend to go there with kids. That hotel doesn't even have a beach.
I agree with Kacee, that Hua Hin and Koh Samui are much better places to go with kids. To Hua Hin, you don't need to fly, you can go by limousine from BKK. Both, Hilton/Conrad and InterContinental have nice hotels at both places. For me, I would rank 1. Conrad Samui, 2. IC Samui, 3. IC Hua Hin, 4. Hilton Hua Hin.
I agree with Kacee, that Hua Hin and Koh Samui are much better places to go with kids. To Hua Hin, you don't need to fly, you can go by limousine from BKK. Both, Hilton/Conrad and InterContinental have nice hotels at both places. For me, I would rank 1. Conrad Samui, 2. IC Samui, 3. IC Hua Hin, 4. Hilton Hua Hin.
I would totally go to Phuket and veg out at the beach/pool, if the total costs were less and people had nicer things to say about the Hilton there. If Bangkok, then it seems like I should go with Conrad over Milennium at this point based on everything else that I've read (Waldorf Astoria too expensive), but then I'm leaning away from Bangkok at this point. I need to make up my mind soon.
#30
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: HH Diamond,Virgin Gold, Hyatt Platinum
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If you are looking to visit Hong Kong but want value and want to relax I would recommend you split your break up between Conrad Hong Kong and Conrad Macau which will save money and give you a change of scenery.
You can enjoy the bustle of Hong Kong then move to Macau to unwind and chill in style.
You can enjoy the bustle of Hong Kong then move to Macau to unwind and chill in style.
Conrad Hong Kong is fantastic but expensive at around £250 / £300 per night.
Conrad Macau is much cheaper at around £115 per night.
If You have Diamond status at Macau you should get a lovely suite, fabulous breakfast, and Executive lounge access with full cocktail menu in the evenings together with great service ideal for 3 or 4 nights of relaxation
If you are considering Thailand then you will get a lot more for your money.
Conrad Bangkok is amazing value compared to Conrad Hong Kong at around £90 a night.
Millenium Hilton Bangkok has nice river views and we enjoyed the boat ride from MRT to hotel ( about 15 mins ) some people find this an inconvenience but we did not and breakfast in the restaurant was very good.
Splitting our stay between these two hotels gave us a change of scenery without much travelling.
Hilton Hua Hin is very dated and is about a 3 hour drive and approx £65 in taxi each way but I would not go back.
Hilton Pattaya is much better and modern but it can be very noisy at night due to late night clubs and Pattaya is not very suitable for kids.
Hope this helps a little
Conrad Macau is much cheaper at around £115 per night.
If You have Diamond status at Macau you should get a lovely suite, fabulous breakfast, and Executive lounge access with full cocktail menu in the evenings together with great service ideal for 3 or 4 nights of relaxation
If you are considering Thailand then you will get a lot more for your money.
Conrad Bangkok is amazing value compared to Conrad Hong Kong at around £90 a night.
Millenium Hilton Bangkok has nice river views and we enjoyed the boat ride from MRT to hotel ( about 15 mins ) some people find this an inconvenience but we did not and breakfast in the restaurant was very good.
Splitting our stay between these two hotels gave us a change of scenery without much travelling.
Hilton Hua Hin is very dated and is about a 3 hour drive and approx £65 in taxi each way but I would not go back.
Hilton Pattaya is much better and modern but it can be very noisy at night due to late night clubs and Pattaya is not very suitable for kids.
Hope this helps a little
Last edited by PaulH1; Feb 19, 2018 at 4:08 pm