Nov 15, 2014, 12:16 am
Last edit by: opus2002
Airport Transportation
The following thread and its wiki provide all the information one needs to know about taking a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport: Catching a Taxi at BKK and general Thailand taxi discussion [SEE WIKI FIRST] The wiki discusses the breakdown of taxi fares from the airport to central Bangkok where Grand Hyatt Erawan is located, and addresses the possibility of being slightly overcharged by a taxi driver.
Alternatively, Grand Hyatt Erawan offers airport transfers in its own fleet of silver Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-class sedans. The prices of these service are S-Class THB 3,300 (net) per one way transfer (per post 1976) and E-Class THB 2,500 (per post 1975) to or from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Guests using this service will be greeted by a representative at the airport, assisted with their luggage, and escorted to the waiting car.
For an additional charge, the hotel can also arrange "Fast Track" (VIP lane) immigration clearance, as well as the option of being met at one's arrival gate by a buggy and escorted through Fast Track immigration. This service is available for THB 1,600+ 7% vat per person, or THB 2,400+ 7% vat per person to include Golf Cart and porter services.
AOT (and perhaps other companies) also provide transfers from and to the airport. Various vehicle types are available at different price points: Camry (THB 1,200 one way), Mercedes E-Class (THB 2,400 one way).
I always use http://www.limousine.in.th for my car needs in BKK incl airport transfers. 1050 THB from BKK to the city, 900 THB city to BKK (incl tolls).
UBER no longer operates in Thailand. Instead, use GRAB. Similar to UBER, prices will vary. On my trip, I was able to get a GRAB for 364 THB from BKK.
Taxi should run between 400-500 THB. If going from the hotel to BKK, the hotel will quote 500 THB. I had to wait for a few taxi's as the first two didn't want to do unless I paid 750 THB.
Grand Club lounge hours
The following thread and its wiki provide all the information one needs to know about taking a taxi from Suvarnabhumi Airport: Catching a Taxi at BKK and general Thailand taxi discussion [SEE WIKI FIRST] The wiki discusses the breakdown of taxi fares from the airport to central Bangkok where Grand Hyatt Erawan is located, and addresses the possibility of being slightly overcharged by a taxi driver.
Alternatively, Grand Hyatt Erawan offers airport transfers in its own fleet of silver Mercedes-Benz S-Class and E-class sedans. The prices of these service are S-Class THB 3,300 (net) per one way transfer (per post 1976) and E-Class THB 2,500 (per post 1975) to or from Suvarnabhumi Airport. Guests using this service will be greeted by a representative at the airport, assisted with their luggage, and escorted to the waiting car.
For an additional charge, the hotel can also arrange "Fast Track" (VIP lane) immigration clearance, as well as the option of being met at one's arrival gate by a buggy and escorted through Fast Track immigration. This service is available for THB 1,600+ 7% vat per person, or THB 2,400+ 7% vat per person to include Golf Cart and porter services.
AOT (and perhaps other companies) also provide transfers from and to the airport. Various vehicle types are available at different price points: Camry (THB 1,200 one way), Mercedes E-Class (THB 2,400 one way).
I always use http://www.limousine.in.th for my car needs in BKK incl airport transfers. 1050 THB from BKK to the city, 900 THB city to BKK (incl tolls).
UBER no longer operates in Thailand. Instead, use GRAB. Similar to UBER, prices will vary. On my trip, I was able to get a GRAB for 364 THB from BKK.
Taxi should run between 400-500 THB. If going from the hotel to BKK, the hotel will quote 500 THB. I had to wait for a few taxi's as the first two didn't want to do unless I paid 750 THB.
Grand Club lounge hours
- Open: Daily 6:30am-11:00pm
- Breakfast: Monday-Friday 6:30am-10:30am; Saturday-Sunday 6:30am-11:00am
- Happy hour: Daily 5:30pm-7:30pm
- Information as of 11-Apr-2019
- "The Dining Room" (lobby restaurant) breakfast buffet
- Hours: Daily 6:00am-10:30am
- Available for guests on relevant rates and for Globalists
- Information as of 11-Apr-2019
Grand Hyatt Bangkok (Erawan) REVIEW - MASTER THREAD
Jun 28, 2018, 7:15 pm
#1486
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Hyatt Prive
Posts: 197
First time in Bangkok
How does the GH compare with the Park Hyatt?
I have been dowgraded to Explorist and have club upgrade vouchers, considering booking this using points and using club upgrade
I am also interested in the Conrad and St Regis, which area is best to stay in?
I am on a leisure trip, looking for places to go out and eat / drink in evening and a good pool and spa.
How does the GH compare with the Park Hyatt?
I have been dowgraded to Explorist and have club upgrade vouchers, considering booking this using points and using club upgrade
I am also interested in the Conrad and St Regis, which area is best to stay in?
I am on a leisure trip, looking for places to go out and eat / drink in evening and a good pool and spa.
Both the GH and the PH are great choices, My personal preference is the PH as I prefer the area and its more luxurious, but can be more expensive. The GH tends to offer great value (so not great value with points) and if you stay 2+ nights I can book you on the Hyatt Privé rate that includes a full breakfast for 2 daily (don’t need the more limited club breakfast), one category upgrade at the time of booking, $100 hotel credit, vip status, welcome amenity and more. Send me a PM with your stay dates and I’ll send you more info. Thanks!
Jun 28, 2018, 7:18 pm
#1487
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
If you are Marriott Plat, I suggest you check out the Marriott and SPG fora. IMO there are multiple Marriott/SPG properties that are preferable to either Hyatt. I personally like SGS (Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit), but the range of Bangkok options in those two programs is truly outstanding.
Jun 28, 2018, 7:32 pm
#1488
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 1,785
It looks like using points in Bangkok is not s good idea, such good value rates out there.
i can get the St Regis for same price as The Grand Hyatt, I also have SPG platinum so this may make better sense if paying.
i can get the St Regis for same price as The Grand Hyatt, I also have SPG platinum so this may make better sense if paying.
Jun 28, 2018, 8:27 pm
#1489
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold, Hyatt Globalist, Hyatt Prive
Posts: 197
I have tried to respond to your PM but flyertalk won’t let me as it says your PM mailbox is full. Please let me know when you’ve cleared space so I can send this to you. Thanks!
Jun 29, 2018, 2:09 am
#1490
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
@navatwal is Marriott/Starwood Plat so without hesitation I would recommend to book there - lots of hotels will provide better value for the money than GH or PH.
Jun 29, 2018, 2:12 am
#1491
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
What is the rate difference between Hyatt Privé and the best available rate on hyatt.com? Does it make sense to book Privé when one is already Globalist and will get some benefits regardless? What is "vip status" from Privé and how does it differ from Globalist? Lounge access?
Jun 29, 2018, 4:37 am
#1492
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 320
What is the rate difference between Hyatt Privé and the best available rate on hyatt.com? Does it make sense to book Privé when one is already Globalist and will get some benefits regardless? What is "vip status" from Privé and how does it differ from Globalist? Lounge access?
Jun 29, 2018, 5:29 am
#1493
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
I've found that hotels will maybe give you an extra bottle of wine or another amenity in your room, whereas they won't anymore as a globalist. You can take breakfast in the hotel restaurant (usually with Prive rates) whereas with globalist it's usually the lounge if they have one. The rate maybe a few $ more than the member rate but you're getting the $100 at a minimum and that can be used towards hotel services/food/beverage etc. I've been combining both Prive and Globalist where possible and it's great - except having to go through a travel agent as opposed to booking online.
If I could get several extra perks for only a modest add-on without losing the perks I already get, then perhaps I can find GH Bangkok to be worthwhile again. Because right now the way I am treated at Starwood properties in Bangkok as a Platinum blows GH Erawan out of the water. I have voted with my feet and I have not been to GH in over 2 years, and in the mean time I had 25+ stays at other hotels in the city.
But like I said, it's not because GH Erawan is a bad hotel. The reason is that I find it's poor value for the money at the moment. If the price is right (or if the benefits are improved), I will return.
Jun 29, 2018, 6:06 am
#1494
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Interesting, thanks for sharing your experience. If you book Privé, do you also get night credit, points, promo bonuses, etc.?
If I could get several extra perks for only a modest add-on without losing the perks I already get, then perhaps I can find GH Bangkok to be worthwhile again. Because right now the way I am treated at Starwood properties in Bangkok as a Platinum blows GH Erawan out of the water. I have voted with my feet and I have not been to GH in over 2 years, and in the mean time I had 25+ stays at other hotels in the city.
But like I said, it's not because GH Erawan is a bad hotel. The reason is that I find it's poor value for the money at the moment. If the price is right (or if the benefits are improved), I will return.
If I could get several extra perks for only a modest add-on without losing the perks I already get, then perhaps I can find GH Bangkok to be worthwhile again. Because right now the way I am treated at Starwood properties in Bangkok as a Platinum blows GH Erawan out of the water. I have voted with my feet and I have not been to GH in over 2 years, and in the mean time I had 25+ stays at other hotels in the city.
But like I said, it's not because GH Erawan is a bad hotel. The reason is that I find it's poor value for the money at the moment. If the price is right (or if the benefits are improved), I will return.
While you can try Privé or Amex FHR, my primary suggestion would be to contact management and explain what the competing Starwood property is offering you. As a former regular guest, I know they would want you to return. I suspect they would make every effort to meet or beat the competition, or otherwise arrive at a solution acceptable to you.
You can ask management directly if they suggest Privé or FHR, as that works well at many hotels. But as a regular, why should you have to go through an extra step to book, and why should the hotel prefer to pay out an additional commission - probably equal to or even greater than the rate increase you would pay - to a superfluous third party? You’re an engaged regular guest, so they should strongly consider offering you the right benefits on a direct booking.
By the way the hotel is lovely as it has always been, but in recent years especially has had some very good people join their management team. They’re constantly trying to improve. So, I would give it a try again after being away for a couple of years.
Jun 29, 2018, 8:27 am
#1495
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: San Francisco & London
Programs: UA1k, Oneworld Sapphire, Hyatt Globalist, IHG DiamondAmb, Hilton Diamond, Marriott LTP,
Posts: 1,785
I have been Hyatt Globalist for 5 years before I got downgraded this year, I would have preferred to stay at PH and apply a DSU but unfortunaely i cant.
I used to be a Royal Ambassador with IHG, that would have gotten me a free club upgrade and a suite, free minibar etc - havea ton of points havent really used apart from Bora Bora.
I am Hilton Diamond, work trips dictate Hilton properties, just got back from Conrad Manila, Conrad Tokyo and Staying at Conrad HK next week, looking for a change in Bangkok.
So I am down to three hotels for this two night stay:
- Intercontinental BGK - Points plus $50 upsell to Club Level - Ambassador Status
- St Regis - getting a very good rate at $160 per night paid stay - Have Plat Status
- GH - Points not good value here at 15k per night to save $150 but could apply club upgrade to it making it a little better - Explorist.
I would consider the PH on paid stay but rates are quite higher than all of these and i would not get free brekky.
I used to be a Royal Ambassador with IHG, that would have gotten me a free club upgrade and a suite, free minibar etc - havea ton of points havent really used apart from Bora Bora.
I am Hilton Diamond, work trips dictate Hilton properties, just got back from Conrad Manila, Conrad Tokyo and Staying at Conrad HK next week, looking for a change in Bangkok.
So I am down to three hotels for this two night stay:
- Intercontinental BGK - Points plus $50 upsell to Club Level - Ambassador Status
- St Regis - getting a very good rate at $160 per night paid stay - Have Plat Status
- GH - Points not good value here at 15k per night to save $150 but could apply club upgrade to it making it a little better - Explorist.
I would consider the PH on paid stay but rates are quite higher than all of these and i would not get free brekky.
Jun 29, 2018, 3:23 pm
#1496
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
For me the GH Erawan is simply a class act of a property. The management team is exceptional. They are highly aware of the competitive market conditions given all of the new nearby hotels that have popped up in recent years.
While you can try Privé or Amex FHR, my primary suggestion would be to contact management and explain what the competing Starwood property is offering you. As a former regular guest, I know they would want you to return. I suspect they would make every effort to meet or beat the competition, or otherwise arrive at a solution acceptable to you.
You can ask management directly if they suggest Privé or FHR, as that works well at many hotels. But as a regular, why should you have to go through an extra step to book, and why should the hotel prefer to pay out an additional commission - probably equal to or even greater than the rate increase you would pay - to a superfluous third party? You’re an engaged regular guest, so they should strongly consider offering you the right benefits on a direct booking.
By the way the hotel is lovely as it has always been, but in recent years especially has had some very good people join their management team. They’re constantly trying to improve. So, I would give it a try again after being away for a couple of years.
Jun 29, 2018, 6:31 pm
#1497
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Probably on a flight.
Programs: WoH Glob, HH Diamond, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 197
I have been Hyatt Globalist for 5 years before I got downgraded this year, I would have preferred to stay at PH and apply a DSU but unfortunaely i cant.
I used to be a Royal Ambassador with IHG, that would have gotten me a free club upgrade and a suite, free minibar etc - havea ton of points havent really used apart from Bora Bora.
I am Hilton Diamond, work trips dictate Hilton properties, just got back from Conrad Manila, Conrad Tokyo and Staying at Conrad HK next week, looking for a change in Bangkok.
So I am down to three hotels for this two night stay:
- Intercontinental BGK - Points plus $50 upsell to Club Level - Ambassador Status
- St Regis - getting a very good rate at $160 per night paid stay - Have Plat Status
- GH - Points not good value here at 15k per night to save $150 but could apply club upgrade to it making it a little better - Explorist.
I would consider the PH on paid stay but rates are quite higher than all of these and i would not get free brekky.
I used to be a Royal Ambassador with IHG, that would have gotten me a free club upgrade and a suite, free minibar etc - havea ton of points havent really used apart from Bora Bora.
I am Hilton Diamond, work trips dictate Hilton properties, just got back from Conrad Manila, Conrad Tokyo and Staying at Conrad HK next week, looking for a change in Bangkok.
So I am down to three hotels for this two night stay:
- Intercontinental BGK - Points plus $50 upsell to Club Level - Ambassador Status
- St Regis - getting a very good rate at $160 per night paid stay - Have Plat Status
- GH - Points not good value here at 15k per night to save $150 but could apply club upgrade to it making it a little better - Explorist.
I would consider the PH on paid stay but rates are quite higher than all of these and i would not get free brekky.
While on the subject of SPG the W also doesnt get a lot of love here on FT, but in my couple of stays there I have been very well taken care of as an SPG plat, although its definitely a hotel whose taste is not for everyone.
Jun 29, 2018, 6:34 pm
#1498
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: JAX
Programs: UA Plat MM, AA Gold MM, Marriott LTT, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 3,770
I am planning a 3 night family vacation in Bangkok. As HoH Globalist and SPG Plat, I am considering GHE vs SGS. Corporate rate is ~$158 ai at GHE (so I would be paying rather than using points) and ~$190 ai at SGS (or 10K SPG points before Aug. 1 rate increase), We've stayed at SGS twice before, both times upgraded to a Grande Deluxe Suite. We really liked SGS and would not hesitate to go back.
I am curious about GHE, especially since Erawan Shrine has been famous for many decades. If GHE is not a step down from SGS, then I will go with GHE and apply a TSU. Anyone stayed at both as Hyatt Diamond/Globalist and SPG Plat can provide comments?
I am curious about GHE, especially since Erawan Shrine has been famous for many decades. If GHE is not a step down from SGS, then I will go with GHE and apply a TSU. Anyone stayed at both as Hyatt Diamond/Globalist and SPG Plat can provide comments?
Jun 29, 2018, 6:52 pm
#1499
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: Homeless
Programs: Hyatt Glob; Hilton Dia; Marriott AMB; Accor Dia; IHG Dia Amb; GHA Tit
Posts: 4,835
I am planning a 3 night family vacation in Bangkok. As HoH Globalist and SPG Plat, I am considering GHE vs SGS. Corporate rate is ~$158 ai at GHE (so I would be paying rather than using points) and ~$190 ai at SGS (or 10K SPG points before Aug. 1 rate increase), We've stayed at SGS twice before, both times upgraded to a Grande Deluxe Suite. We really liked SGS and would not hesitate to go back.
I am curious about GHE, especially since Erawan Shrine has been famous for many decades. If GHE is not a step down from SGS, then I will go with GHE and apply a TSU. Anyone stayed at both as Hyatt Diamond/Globalist and SPG Plat can provide comments?
I am curious about GHE, especially since Erawan Shrine has been famous for many decades. If GHE is not a step down from SGS, then I will go with GHE and apply a TSU. Anyone stayed at both as Hyatt Diamond/Globalist and SPG Plat can provide comments?
Jun 29, 2018, 6:53 pm
#1500
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Upcountry Maui, HI
Posts: 13,305