Conrad Bangkok {THA}
#271
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
In all my years since new airport in BKK opened and taking a taxi from slots 1-50, I havew never had any discuss with a driver on fixed rate when I state my hotels in Silom, Sukhumvit or other area.
With suitcases I'd never take ARL and BTS/MRT to my hotel, Taxi to Silom/Sukhumvit paying extra 75thb toll fees is 30-40minutes on average and 420thb total. Never had to queue more than 20minutes to get a taxi on arrival, usually less than 5mins to get to front of queue and get taxi number ticjket from the machines.
Fare is 50thb airport fee, 2x tolls = 75thb and meter fare. The fare can differ on traffic but as an example Airport to Intercontinental is typically 280-290 + 125 fee/toll so 415 and I give 500thb and refuse change. I had a Sunday low traffic trip last year and the usual 280thb fare was only 200thb but I still gave driver my usual 500thb
Regards in-city taxi and fixed fares. Yes that tends to be the norm, eg Intercontinental to patpong is 55thb but fixed fare asked is 100thb which is fair and i'd give anyway. The issues are when you leaver shopping complexes carrying bags, I was asked 400thb for a 75thb by distance trip back to Intercontinental.... If you think driver is greedy just go to next taxi.
If you are travelling to eg Hilton Millennium over the river early morning say 1am, some taxi drivers are reluctant to go, as can not get a fare back to say cental Bangkok, so expect a high flat rate.
TBH , comparing rates with London/Amsterdam taxi's, the total fare is not an issue at thailand cheap rates, but like every other tourist I don't want either be 'ripped off' or encourage the rogue taxi drivers that they can ask every tourist for tripple fares off-meter.
nb
Yes if not going Airport to Bangkok, but other longer trips eg Chonburi, Pattaya etc, then you need to ask for a flat rate fixed fare. I usually know the correct fair to both me/driver and my offer on being asked how much I will pay is always accepted without any discussion.
With suitcases I'd never take ARL and BTS/MRT to my hotel, Taxi to Silom/Sukhumvit paying extra 75thb toll fees is 30-40minutes on average and 420thb total. Never had to queue more than 20minutes to get a taxi on arrival, usually less than 5mins to get to front of queue and get taxi number ticjket from the machines.
Fare is 50thb airport fee, 2x tolls = 75thb and meter fare. The fare can differ on traffic but as an example Airport to Intercontinental is typically 280-290 + 125 fee/toll so 415 and I give 500thb and refuse change. I had a Sunday low traffic trip last year and the usual 280thb fare was only 200thb but I still gave driver my usual 500thb
Regards in-city taxi and fixed fares. Yes that tends to be the norm, eg Intercontinental to patpong is 55thb but fixed fare asked is 100thb which is fair and i'd give anyway. The issues are when you leaver shopping complexes carrying bags, I was asked 400thb for a 75thb by distance trip back to Intercontinental.... If you think driver is greedy just go to next taxi.
If you are travelling to eg Hilton Millennium over the river early morning say 1am, some taxi drivers are reluctant to go, as can not get a fare back to say cental Bangkok, so expect a high flat rate.
TBH , comparing rates with London/Amsterdam taxi's, the total fare is not an issue at thailand cheap rates, but like every other tourist I don't want either be 'ripped off' or encourage the rogue taxi drivers that they can ask every tourist for tripple fares off-meter.
nb
Yes if not going Airport to Bangkok, but other longer trips eg Chonburi, Pattaya etc, then you need to ask for a flat rate fixed fare. I usually know the correct fair to both me/driver and my offer on being asked how much I will pay is always accepted without any discussion.
#272
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,481
Not to save money, I agree with that. But sometimes it makes sense to take ARL/BTS to save time, if necessary and if the hotel is located in near of a BTS Station. I check the route on Google maps when waiting for my luggage, if I'm in hurry.
#273
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: NW London and NW Sydney
Programs: BA Diamond, Hilton Bronze, A3 Diamond, IHG *G
Posts: 6,343
Here is the shuttle bus schedule in case it helps anyone:
Red box is the frequency Mon-Fri and here is where the bus stops outside the BTS station - I think that escalator is up only and the steps where you come down are quite far away - so definitely not recommended if you have large luggage
Red box is the frequency Mon-Fri and here is where the bus stops outside the BTS station - I think that escalator is up only and the steps where you come down are quite far away - so definitely not recommended if you have large luggage
#274
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: LHR
Programs: QR P; TK E; FB S; BA S; UA S; MB LTT; HH D; IHG DAmb
Posts: 256
Here is the shuttle bus schedule in case it helps anyone:
Red box is the frequency Mon-Fri and here is where the bus stops outside the BTS station - I think that escalator is up only and the steps where you come down are quite far away - so definitely not recommended if you have large luggage
Red box is the frequency Mon-Fri and here is where the bus stops outside the BTS station - I think that escalator is up only and the steps where you come down are quite far away - so definitely not recommended if you have large luggage
#275
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,375
Bingo. No waiting in line in the taxi queue or in traffic. Zero chance of arguing with the cabbie over the meter. But not unless it's reasonably convenient. I've done the A1/A2 bus to Mo Chit from DMK and then BTS even, but this last trip it was an Uber because it wasn't in the mood and it wasn't going to be THAT convenient to take a bus then the BTS (hotel was Hilton Millennium).
#276
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, AA Gold, HH Dia, PC Plat, ALL Sil, MR Gold
Posts: 4,550
In my last two visits, since the first of the year, I've noticed the hot appetizers offered during the cocktail hour to be upgraded -- larger and of somewhat higher quality (not everything is fried). Examples: pork wellington, shepherd's pie, and vegetable strudel.
#277
Join Date: Nov 2009
Programs: LY-PL, A3-*G
Posts: 1,679
Another transportation question
Landing @BKK at 5 PM and looking for the fastest way to the hotel.
Would taking the rail link to Ratchaprarop, or Makkasan stations and then taking a taxi from there to the Conrad be faster than standing on the taxi que and then riding a taxi all the way from the airport?
Thanks
Would taking the rail link to Ratchaprarop, or Makkasan stations and then taking a taxi from there to the Conrad be faster than standing on the taxi que and then riding a taxi all the way from the airport?
Thanks
#279
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,481
If it's just about time only, you should take the ARL from BKK to Phaya Thai and then change to the BTS to Phloen Chit with the option to grab a taxi at the beginning of the Wiresless Road. It's only an option, if you have no problems to handle your luggage.
Ratchaprarop and Makkasan are not the best places to get a taxi and you also may get stuck in traffic jam. I've taken an Uber at Makkasa/Phetchaburi before and that have worked fine, but maybe it's not the best idea to rely on that at the first time.
With ARL/BTS you will be faster than by taxi most of the times, but it's less comfortable of course. Being in hurry on foot with luggage when it's wet and/or hot isn't fun.
Ratchaprarop and Makkasan are not the best places to get a taxi and you also may get stuck in traffic jam. I've taken an Uber at Makkasa/Phetchaburi before and that have worked fine, but maybe it's not the best idea to rely on that at the first time.
With ARL/BTS you will be faster than by taxi most of the times, but it's less comfortable of course. Being in hurry on foot with luggage when it's wet and/or hot isn't fun.
#280
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: United 1K, Frontier 100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond/ Ambassador/ Milestoner
Posts: 568
Hate to actually talk about the hotel rather than taxi's but...
We are on the second of three nights on a paid, sale priced, lowest room stay as a Diamond here at the Bangkok Conrad.
Checkin was slow but pleasant. The clerk gave me the printout of Diamond benefits and thanked me for my loyalty. She implied that I was being upgraded to a better, pool view room. I did not ask for a suite upgrade. The room on the 19th floor appears to be a regular sized room according to the floor map but is quite large and well laid out with nice desk/chair and a couch/ coffee table/ chair on the other side of the room. Very comfortable with a nice view of town and the pool. The bathroom is quite large and has the eight foot wall on the room side made out of glass. Not a good design for someone of my age and weight, so kept the curtains to it closed.
We went to the attached mall and shopped at the TOPS market and had a pretty good lunch there. Also, plenty of ATM machines in the banks there.
diamond breakfast can be taken in the lounge or Cafe@2. We went down this morning, Sunday, to the Cafe and it was pretty good. It is quite narrow and poorly designed. There was a line and it felt crowded.
The Executive Lounge has been disappointing. Last night, Saturday, it was crowded. We were seated and drink orders were taken. Only wine is self-pour. 15 minutes later, had to find someone and order again. Then, 30 minutes later I had to find someone to get a second round. Would a fridge with some cans of beer in it be that much trouble?
Just now got back to the room from tonight's Lounge experience. Here Sunday night is worse. We were put across the hall with the families with kids. Our drink orders were taken. 20 minutes later with no drinks, we left.
Nice hotel but the Executive Lounge is broken.
We are on the second of three nights on a paid, sale priced, lowest room stay as a Diamond here at the Bangkok Conrad.
Checkin was slow but pleasant. The clerk gave me the printout of Diamond benefits and thanked me for my loyalty. She implied that I was being upgraded to a better, pool view room. I did not ask for a suite upgrade. The room on the 19th floor appears to be a regular sized room according to the floor map but is quite large and well laid out with nice desk/chair and a couch/ coffee table/ chair on the other side of the room. Very comfortable with a nice view of town and the pool. The bathroom is quite large and has the eight foot wall on the room side made out of glass. Not a good design for someone of my age and weight, so kept the curtains to it closed.
We went to the attached mall and shopped at the TOPS market and had a pretty good lunch there. Also, plenty of ATM machines in the banks there.
diamond breakfast can be taken in the lounge or Cafe@2. We went down this morning, Sunday, to the Cafe and it was pretty good. It is quite narrow and poorly designed. There was a line and it felt crowded.
The Executive Lounge has been disappointing. Last night, Saturday, it was crowded. We were seated and drink orders were taken. Only wine is self-pour. 15 minutes later, had to find someone and order again. Then, 30 minutes later I had to find someone to get a second round. Would a fridge with some cans of beer in it be that much trouble?
Just now got back to the room from tonight's Lounge experience. Here Sunday night is worse. We were put across the hall with the families with kids. Our drink orders were taken. 20 minutes later with no drinks, we left.
Nice hotel but the Executive Lounge is broken.
#281
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Austin
Programs: AA EXP +2MM- LT PLT! HH Diamond
Posts: 6,086
The Executive Lounge has been disappointing. Last night, Saturday, it was crowded. We were seated and drink orders were taken. Only wine is self-pour. 15 minutes later, had to find someone and order again. Then, 30 minutes later I had to find someone to get a second round. Would a fridge with some cans of beer in it be that much trouble?
Just now got back to the room from tonight's Lounge experience. Here Sunday night is worse. We were put across the hall with the families with kids. Our drink orders were taken. 20 minutes later with no drinks, we left.
Nice hotel but the Executive Lounge is broken.
Just now got back to the room from tonight's Lounge experience. Here Sunday night is worse. We were put across the hall with the families with kids. Our drink orders were taken. 20 minutes later with no drinks, we left.
Nice hotel but the Executive Lounge is broken.
#282
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: CGK/KOA
Programs: AA ExPlat HH Diamond
Posts: 1,682
This isn't a typical weekend for hotel properties in BKK. Many are full. I flew in Friday night, out on Sunday. People are beginning to travel for CNY. I stayed at the Hilton, bc Conrad was overpriced due to higher occupancy. It isn't usually like that.
Hate to actually talk about the hotel rather than taxi's but...
We are on the second of three nights on a paid, sale priced, lowest room stay as a Diamond here at the Bangkok Conrad.
Checkin was slow but pleasant. The clerk gave me the printout of Diamond benefits and thanked me for my loyalty. She implied that I was being upgraded to a better, pool view room. I did not ask for a suite upgrade. The room on the 19th floor appears to be a regular sized room according to the floor map but is quite large and well laid out with nice desk/chair and a couch/ coffee table/ chair on the other side of the room. Very comfortable with a nice view of town and the pool. The bathroom is quite large and has the eight foot wall on the room side made out of glass. Not a good design for someone of my age and weight, so kept the curtains to it closed.
We went to the attached mall and shopped at the TOPS market and had a pretty good lunch there. Also, plenty of ATM machines in the banks there.
diamond breakfast can be taken in the lounge or Cafe@2. We went down this morning, Sunday, to the Cafe and it was pretty good. It is quite narrow and poorly designed. There was a line and it felt crowded.
The Executive Lounge has been disappointing. Last night, Saturday, it was crowded. We were seated and drink orders were taken. Only wine is self-pour. 15 minutes later, had to find someone and order again. Then, 30 minutes later I had to find someone to get a second round. Would a fridge with some cans of beer in it be that much trouble?
Just now got back to the room from tonight's Lounge experience. Here Sunday night is worse. We were put across the hall with the families with kids. Our drink orders were taken. 20 minutes later with no drinks, we left.
Nice hotel but the Executive Lounge is broken.
We are on the second of three nights on a paid, sale priced, lowest room stay as a Diamond here at the Bangkok Conrad.
Checkin was slow but pleasant. The clerk gave me the printout of Diamond benefits and thanked me for my loyalty. She implied that I was being upgraded to a better, pool view room. I did not ask for a suite upgrade. The room on the 19th floor appears to be a regular sized room according to the floor map but is quite large and well laid out with nice desk/chair and a couch/ coffee table/ chair on the other side of the room. Very comfortable with a nice view of town and the pool. The bathroom is quite large and has the eight foot wall on the room side made out of glass. Not a good design for someone of my age and weight, so kept the curtains to it closed.
We went to the attached mall and shopped at the TOPS market and had a pretty good lunch there. Also, plenty of ATM machines in the banks there.
diamond breakfast can be taken in the lounge or Cafe@2. We went down this morning, Sunday, to the Cafe and it was pretty good. It is quite narrow and poorly designed. There was a line and it felt crowded.
The Executive Lounge has been disappointing. Last night, Saturday, it was crowded. We were seated and drink orders were taken. Only wine is self-pour. 15 minutes later, had to find someone and order again. Then, 30 minutes later I had to find someone to get a second round. Would a fridge with some cans of beer in it be that much trouble?
Just now got back to the room from tonight's Lounge experience. Here Sunday night is worse. We were put across the hall with the families with kids. Our drink orders were taken. 20 minutes later with no drinks, we left.
Nice hotel but the Executive Lounge is broken.
#283
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: RDU <|> MMX
Programs: AA EXP 2MM, SK EBS
Posts: 12,432
We stayed at the Conrad BKK this past Sunday night as well for a quick one night stopover, arrived too late for happy hour but heard a fellow talking in the elevator the next day about how busy the executive lounge was the prior evening. Breakfast on Monday in the lounge was certainly busy, but it was still no problem to get a table for 2, and service was attentive as always in spite of the crowds.
I went to the pool around 10:30am Monday morning (Feb 12), it was as busy as I've ever seen it. Not a single chair to be had on the main pool side, lots of families and obvious CNY crowds from North Asia. The sundeck side around the corner from the pool bar was empty, sunny, and quiet as always though
At check-in they gave me a nice note with a 2,000 THB voucher for dinner in the Chinese restaurant in recognition of my 20th stay at the property ^
#284
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: CGK/KOA
Programs: AA ExPlat HH Diamond
Posts: 1,682
#285
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Chiang Mai
Programs: HH Diamond IHG Spire Amb MR PLAT
Posts: 228
Hi
Are they renovating the rooms at the Conrad now? i heard they might be starting with the lower floors and moving up. It was also mentioned that they were going to redo the lobby.I have several bookings coming up there just don't want to be there if they are doing a bunch of work.
Thanks
Are they renovating the rooms at the Conrad now? i heard they might be starting with the lower floors and moving up. It was also mentioned that they were going to redo the lobby.I have several bookings coming up there just don't want to be there if they are doing a bunch of work.
Thanks