Conrad Bangkok {THA}
Oct 29, 2019, 8:26 am
#631
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: ANA,Qantas,asiamiles,Royal Skies,Enrich
Posts: 198
I've stayed at both the Millennium and Conrad over the last month, and had limited luck as a HH Gold for any upgrades/perks. Thanks to this forum I waited until the DAY OF for app checkin and indeed the options were much better than the previous day when it became available.
For the Conrad stay, I'd booked a King Premium and was able to book xx21 which at least from the floorplan looked to be a larger room, but more importantly at the end of the hallway with nice downtown views. Upon check-in, when I inquired about an "upgrade" I was informed that I could be upgraded to a "corner" room, but that the corner room had not been renovated yet - so although it would be bigger, it wouldn't be as nice. When I asked about Lounge access for my upgrade instead, got a big fat no, but was then offered a 50% discount off the usual price of 3,000baht. So for 1,500baht per day I could pay for the lounge access and also be given the courtesy of a room upgrade as well.... ho hum... Had seen/heard decent things about the lounge (which is still located on the 3rd floor while they continue renovating the proper lounge) so bit the bullet.
My new room xx19 was considered a Grand Premium, but was on a lower floor than the one I booked via the app. There was also some problem with the AC in the room, which never really cooled below 23 degrees, maybe because the room is bigger there's a harder time cooling it down? But the room was spacious and nice bathroom. For people who like a dark room, the bathroom has windows and the bathroom door is a frosted glass, so the morning sun still comes through. Also, I didn't really pay attention to the "perks" and misread "3 pressed items for free" as 3 "Laundered" items, so I ended up paying to wash 3 pieces of clothing that I definitely would not have paid to wash if I knew it wasn't free. That is my fault of course, but just pointing out to others who might make the same mistake.
As others have mentioned, the lounge offerings don't seem as nice as they have been in the past. I wasn't so bothered that there were no windows in the lounge, but rather by the fact that it was completely full both days I went for the evening cocktails and I either had to wait/share a table or go sit in the restaurant across the hall. Not sure if the real lounge is bigger, but that was a drag. Also, I don't know if it's because they need to quickly turnover the restaurant for lunch (breakfast is served in the Japanese restaurant, not the meeting room that is the temporary executive lounge) but at around 10:25am they start prepping the buffet to be broken down and by 10:30 and 30 seconds the buffet is totally gone. The first day they didn't even come by with a "last call" - which didn't really matter I guess. But they don't play with the buffet ending at 10:30....
So, was it worth it to pay for an upgrade that I think they should've given to me? Knowing what I know now, I would've just stayed in the room I got via the app checkin and used that money to chill at the bar in the evenings.... Also, I don't know if it makes a difference, but I used points for my stay, so maybe they were just trying to get some money out of my stay. I'd read that some people had success with upgrades (even lowly Gold members like me), but unfortunately that wasn't my experience....
For the Conrad stay, I'd booked a King Premium and was able to book xx21 which at least from the floorplan looked to be a larger room, but more importantly at the end of the hallway with nice downtown views. Upon check-in, when I inquired about an "upgrade" I was informed that I could be upgraded to a "corner" room, but that the corner room had not been renovated yet - so although it would be bigger, it wouldn't be as nice. When I asked about Lounge access for my upgrade instead, got a big fat no, but was then offered a 50% discount off the usual price of 3,000baht. So for 1,500baht per day I could pay for the lounge access and also be given the courtesy of a room upgrade as well.... ho hum... Had seen/heard decent things about the lounge (which is still located on the 3rd floor while they continue renovating the proper lounge) so bit the bullet.
My new room xx19 was considered a Grand Premium, but was on a lower floor than the one I booked via the app. There was also some problem with the AC in the room, which never really cooled below 23 degrees, maybe because the room is bigger there's a harder time cooling it down? But the room was spacious and nice bathroom. For people who like a dark room, the bathroom has windows and the bathroom door is a frosted glass, so the morning sun still comes through. Also, I didn't really pay attention to the "perks" and misread "3 pressed items for free" as 3 "Laundered" items, so I ended up paying to wash 3 pieces of clothing that I definitely would not have paid to wash if I knew it wasn't free. That is my fault of course, but just pointing out to others who might make the same mistake.
As others have mentioned, the lounge offerings don't seem as nice as they have been in the past. I wasn't so bothered that there were no windows in the lounge, but rather by the fact that it was completely full both days I went for the evening cocktails and I either had to wait/share a table or go sit in the restaurant across the hall. Not sure if the real lounge is bigger, but that was a drag. Also, I don't know if it's because they need to quickly turnover the restaurant for lunch (breakfast is served in the Japanese restaurant, not the meeting room that is the temporary executive lounge) but at around 10:25am they start prepping the buffet to be broken down and by 10:30 and 30 seconds the buffet is totally gone. The first day they didn't even come by with a "last call" - which didn't really matter I guess. But they don't play with the buffet ending at 10:30....
So, was it worth it to pay for an upgrade that I think they should've given to me? Knowing what I know now, I would've just stayed in the room I got via the app checkin and used that money to chill at the bar in the evenings.... Also, I don't know if it makes a difference, but I used points for my stay, so maybe they were just trying to get some money out of my stay. I'd read that some people had success with upgrades (even lowly Gold members like me), but unfortunately that wasn't my experience....
I stayed at Conrad also last month and for this stay,I booked a Premium Twin. Upon checkin the staff said that she can give me the Gold member 1 category upgrade to Executive but the room is not renovated or I can remain in the Premium Twin that I booked without any lounge access. I choose the upgrade and was pleasantly surprised to get a renovated room
Oct 29, 2019, 9:39 am
#632
Join Date: Apr 2010
Programs: HH Lifetime Diamond, 20 years
Posts: 465
Cheesy Pseudo Upgrade
Had another recent stay here. Booked a corner room, as I always do. Precheck-in assigned a Grand Premium King. Arrived at front desk 4 attendants available with honors attendant on phone, called over to the next attendant. Presented my Lifetime Diamond Metal Card to check-in attendant. Was informed that I was upgraded to a Grand Premium King room. I asked what exactly is a Grand Premium King? Told it was a corner room with Executive benefits and hot breakfast. I explained I booked a corner room and as a Honors Diamond I atomically get Executive benefits. The FA explained it was a newly renovated corner room. I responded to the explanation that it was a fake upgrade, once the renovations are complete all corner rooms will be the same and I already receive the other benefits. Having expressed my opinion, took my perceived upgrade room key and enjoyed all the elite benefits the Bangkok Conrad has to offer.
Had another recent stay here. Booked a corner room, as I always do. Precheck-in assigned a Grand Premium King. Arrived at front desk 4 attendants available with honors attendant on phone, called over to the next attendant. Presented my Lifetime Diamond Metal Card to check-in attendant. Was informed that I was upgraded to a Grand Premium King room. I asked what exactly is a Grand Premium King? Told it was a corner room with Executive benefits and hot breakfast. I explained I booked a corner room and as a Honors Diamond I atomically get Executive benefits. The FA explained it was a newly renovated corner room. I responded to the explanation that it was a fake upgrade, once the renovations are complete all corner rooms will be the same and I already receive the other benefits. Having expressed my opinion, took my perceived upgrade room key and enjoyed all the elite benefits the Bangkok Conrad has to offer.
Oct 29, 2019, 11:57 am
#633
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,498
Cheesy Pseudo Upgrade
Had another recent stay here. Booked a corner room, as I always do. Precheck-in assigned a Grand Premium King. Arrived at front desk 4 attendants available with honors attendant on phone, called over to the next attendant. Presented my Lifetime Diamond Metal Card to check-in attendant. Was informed that I was upgraded to a Grand Premium King room. I asked what exactly is a Grand Premium King? Told it was a corner room with Executive benefits and hot breakfast. I explained I booked a corner room and as a Honors Diamond I atomically get Executive benefits. The FA explained it was a newly renovated corner room. I responded to the explanation that it was a fake upgrade, once the renovations are complete all corner rooms will be the same and I already receive the other benefits. Having expressed my opinion, took my perceived upgrade room key and enjoyed all the elite benefits the Bangkok Conrad has to offer.
Had another recent stay here. Booked a corner room, as I always do. Precheck-in assigned a Grand Premium King. Arrived at front desk 4 attendants available with honors attendant on phone, called over to the next attendant. Presented my Lifetime Diamond Metal Card to check-in attendant. Was informed that I was upgraded to a Grand Premium King room. I asked what exactly is a Grand Premium King? Told it was a corner room with Executive benefits and hot breakfast. I explained I booked a corner room and as a Honors Diamond I atomically get Executive benefits. The FA explained it was a newly renovated corner room. I responded to the explanation that it was a fake upgrade, once the renovations are complete all corner rooms will be the same and I already receive the other benefits. Having expressed my opinion, took my perceived upgrade room key and enjoyed all the elite benefits the Bangkok Conrad has to offer.
Oct 29, 2019, 1:58 pm
#634
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
At this point the premium (renovated) rooms are very much treated as an upgrade. Just looking at a stay next month, a Grand Premium King is 1600 THB more than the older Corner King. I get that the size is the same, however I wouldn't consider that a fake upgrade at all.
Hi,
i booked a terrace suite for three persons in January. I assumed that the price includes any potential fees for a rollaway as it was more expensive than booking the room for two people.
Now i read that i would still have to pay for a rollaway even though i booked the room for three persons from the beginning? Does anybody know, whether this is correct?
i booked a terrace suite for three persons in January. I assumed that the price includes any potential fees for a rollaway as it was more expensive than booking the room for two people.
Now i read that i would still have to pay for a rollaway even though i booked the room for three persons from the beginning? Does anybody know, whether this is correct?
Note just because they list the charge doesn't mean they will charge it.
Last edited by Canarsie; Apr 17, 2021 at 8:33 am Reason: Consolidation.
Oct 29, 2019, 2:27 pm
#635
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 6,824
So, using your example above, higher floor is an upgrade and renovated isn't? I have been given many a room on a higher floor as an "upgrade" that I saw as a fake upgrade but consider a renovated room an upgrade.
Oct 29, 2019, 2:50 pm
#636
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
? I even specifically give example of higher floor and renovated both being enhanced room types, not upgrades. Not sure what you're reading.
Oct 29, 2019, 7:00 pm
#637
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Phuket Thailand
Programs: HH Diamond, BA Gold, IHG Gold, Oman Gold
Posts: 1,038
Morning
Grand Premium is indeed the new name for a corner room.
Like you I always book a corner room. You are very correct that a Grand Premium Room/Corner Room are the same, just one is renovated and one not.
They do clearly sell them as different categories, so it is an upgrade. We are both diamond, so get the exec lounge etc anyway.
The hotel argument will be that thay have invested/spend money on the rooms, therefore it commands a premium and is an upgarde.
A very open questions, but technically it is an upgrade. To be honest I travel alone, so suite is wasted on me, corner room fine for me, and I always get the new one.
Grand Premium is indeed the new name for a corner room.
Like you I always book a corner room. You are very correct that a Grand Premium Room/Corner Room are the same, just one is renovated and one not.
They do clearly sell them as different categories, so it is an upgrade. We are both diamond, so get the exec lounge etc anyway.
The hotel argument will be that thay have invested/spend money on the rooms, therefore it commands a premium and is an upgarde.
A very open questions, but technically it is an upgrade. To be honest I travel alone, so suite is wasted on me, corner room fine for me, and I always get the new one.
Oct 29, 2019, 8:03 pm
#638
Join Date: Oct 2017
Programs: ANA,Qantas,asiamiles,Royal Skies,Enrich
Posts: 198
Oct 29, 2019, 9:20 pm
#640
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Phuket Thailand
Programs: HH Diamond, BA Gold, IHG Gold, Oman Gold
Posts: 1,038
If I am honest not worth the extra if only one night. If you are Diamond and one night, good chance you may get suite upgrade
Oct 29, 2019, 10:49 pm
#641
Join Date: May 2001
Location: RNO, NV, USA.
Programs: UA 2MM
Posts: 5,063
Oct 29, 2019, 10:49 pm
#642
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: San Antonio
Programs: DL DM, Former AA EXP now AY Plat, AC 75K, NW Plat, Former CO Gold, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 27,052
Quoting the hotel reply with regards to extra person charge: Please note that if you made reservation with the triple rate (except reservation using redemption) all 3 guest can entitle Hilton Honors Gold/Diamond Member benefit with daily breakfast and complimentary one extra bed.
Yes the room rate includes breakfast for all registered guests. However the rollaway is an addon, it's not part of the room rate. Just don't want you to be surprised when another property isnt as kind. Ie If you booked a 1 bed, booking it for 3 guests doesn't entitle you to 3 beds. It entitles you to have 3 people use the room booked.
Oct 30, 2019, 12:19 am
#643
Join Date: May 2014
Programs: HH Diamond,Virgin Gold, Hyatt Platinum
Posts: 248
I am at Conrad Bangkok now for our tenth stay for 6 nights for our wedding anniversary and so far it has been a complete joke compared to our previous stays
It seems that the hotel has lost its way in regard to treatment of their most valued guests.
Not only am I a real Diamond ( not by credit card ) I have actively promoted this hotel for years both online and offline to friends, colleagues, family, blogs, forums, reviews, Facebook etc because i felt it has deserved it and have well over 400 nights at Conrad and Waldorf hotels.
However this stay I have been lied to multiple times, fobbed off and have endured very frustrating email conversations.
arrived with no real welcome, not escorted to room, arrived to 2 apples as my amenity ( one is mouldy )
10 dead flies in toilet, no pool boys on duty, no water, only been here 2 hours and wonder why I have promoted a hotel that does not seem to value what I have done for them over the years.
just come from Conrad Hong Kong which was absolutely fantastic and faultless and it is quite laughable the difference between the recognition and service levels.
We just come from a night at the new Doubletree Ploenchit which was very good.
It seems that the hotel has lost its way in regard to treatment of their most valued guests.
Not only am I a real Diamond ( not by credit card ) I have actively promoted this hotel for years both online and offline to friends, colleagues, family, blogs, forums, reviews, Facebook etc because i felt it has deserved it and have well over 400 nights at Conrad and Waldorf hotels.
However this stay I have been lied to multiple times, fobbed off and have endured very frustrating email conversations.
arrived with no real welcome, not escorted to room, arrived to 2 apples as my amenity ( one is mouldy )
10 dead flies in toilet, no pool boys on duty, no water, only been here 2 hours and wonder why I have promoted a hotel that does not seem to value what I have done for them over the years.
just come from Conrad Hong Kong which was absolutely fantastic and faultless and it is quite laughable the difference between the recognition and service levels.
We just come from a night at the new Doubletree Ploenchit which was very good.
Last edited by PaulH1; Oct 30, 2019 at 7:08 am
Oct 30, 2019, 1:32 am
#644
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Phuket Thailand
Programs: HH Diamond, BA Gold, IHG Gold, Oman Gold
Posts: 1,038
Hi Paul
Not good. Let us know how it goes. All my recent stays have been excellent as you mentioned from your previous stays. I am always met by the manager etc. Pool always has people in duty so that is odd. I would ask to speak to duty or lounge manager, they are very good at sorting issues, it does seem off.
Not good. Let us know how it goes. All my recent stays have been excellent as you mentioned from your previous stays. I am always met by the manager etc. Pool always has people in duty so that is odd. I would ask to speak to duty or lounge manager, they are very good at sorting issues, it does seem off.
Oct 30, 2019, 3:05 am
#645
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 9
Quoting the hotel reply with regards to extra person charge: Please note that if you made reservation with the triple rate (except reservation using redemption) all 3 guest can entitle Hilton Honors Gold/Diamond Member benefit with daily breakfast and complimentary one extra bed.