InterContinental Bangkok Master Thread [merged]
Apr 1, 2011, 5:18 am
#556
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,741
Well I for one would not necessarily recommend the public taxi all the time for airport transfer. I have taken them numerous times and about 70% it is hassle free and the other parts they try to extract more money which I can handle with my basic Thai.
However, what irks me more is my safety and several of those cabs are in a somewhat shoddy and shaky state and the drivers (particularily late in the evening) sometimes seem to want to qualify for the next F1 race. I had a guy in a run down Toyota go 150+kph on the tollway in a massive downpour and I could feel the front tires loosing traction from aqua planing. Combine that with no seatbelts on the back seats, the faint smell of Sangthip or Mekhong (cheap Thai Whiskey) and it is scarry stuff if you are not in control.
These days I just go straight for the AOT limos and ask for the cheapest car category they offer (950THB one way I think). Until a while ago (not sure now) they were offering 25% off the return trip if you book a RT, but your pick up location must be the same than the drop off. Overall more epxensive but I get a proper car, decent driver, am insured and not bothered. Worth it to me in particular when I'm going with my GF, but tastes differ.
In town on the other hand I take BTS or taxi which is no issue (and no choice) for shorter routes.
However, what irks me more is my safety and several of those cabs are in a somewhat shoddy and shaky state and the drivers (particularily late in the evening) sometimes seem to want to qualify for the next F1 race. I had a guy in a run down Toyota go 150+kph on the tollway in a massive downpour and I could feel the front tires loosing traction from aqua planing. Combine that with no seatbelts on the back seats, the faint smell of Sangthip or Mekhong (cheap Thai Whiskey) and it is scarry stuff if you are not in control.
These days I just go straight for the AOT limos and ask for the cheapest car category they offer (950THB one way I think). Until a while ago (not sure now) they were offering 25% off the return trip if you book a RT, but your pick up location must be the same than the drop off. Overall more epxensive but I get a proper car, decent driver, am insured and not bothered. Worth it to me in particular when I'm going with my GF, but tastes differ.
In town on the other hand I take BTS or taxi which is no issue (and no choice) for shorter routes.
Last edited by demue; Apr 1, 2011 at 5:25 am
Apr 25, 2011, 9:46 pm
#557
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SYD, Australia......Hotels: HHon LT Diamond, Hyatt LT Glob, Marriott AMB (LT Gold), IHG AMB (20 years of SCC and RoyAMB dropped 2024)...Airlines: BA GGL (OW Emerald), LH FTL (*S), QF Plat (LT Gold), VA, UA Silver (*S), SQ Silver (*S)
Posts: 2,101
Was in BKK last week and took a public taxi to the IC. The driver wanted 450 at the start. I told him it should not cost more then 350 but then say that the meter was on. I then didn't pay attention during the ride and he must have turned off the meter at some point in time and then demanded the 350 I had quoted earlier...was OK to me.
On the way back from the hotel the meter came to 201 baht. Plus the 70 toll, so even with the 50 airport fee on the first drive into town I probably overpaid him slightly...but not worth the hassle.
Will be in town again today, so will see how much it comes to from the airport with the meter on.
I agree though on the driving style of the taxi drivers. Both mine were speeding like hell on both ways. Might have to tell them to slow down a bit this time.
On the way back from the hotel the meter came to 201 baht. Plus the 70 toll, so even with the 50 airport fee on the first drive into town I probably overpaid him slightly...but not worth the hassle.
Will be in town again today, so will see how much it comes to from the airport with the meter on.
I agree though on the driving style of the taxi drivers. Both mine were speeding like hell on both ways. Might have to tell them to slow down a bit this time.
Apr 25, 2011, 11:43 pm
#558
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: TPE, SZX, HKG, SAN
Programs: CI: Emer; CX: Sliver; DL: PM; PC: RA;
Posts: 272
Was in BKK last week and took a public taxi to the IC. The driver wanted 450 at the start. I told him it should not cost more then 350 but then say that the meter was on. I then didn't pay attention during the ride and he must have turned off the meter at some point in time and then demanded the 350 I had quoted earlier...was OK to me.
On the way back from the hotel the meter came to 201 baht. Plus the 70 toll, so even with the 50 airport fee on the first drive into town I probably overpaid him slightly...but not worth the hassle.
Will be in town again today, so will see how much it comes to from the airport with the meter on.
I agree though on the driving style of the taxi drivers. Both mine were speeding like hell on both ways. Might have to tell them to slow down a bit this time.
On the way back from the hotel the meter came to 201 baht. Plus the 70 toll, so even with the 50 airport fee on the first drive into town I probably overpaid him slightly...but not worth the hassle.
Will be in town again today, so will see how much it comes to from the airport with the meter on.
I agree though on the driving style of the taxi drivers. Both mine were speeding like hell on both ways. Might have to tell them to slow down a bit this time.
Apr 26, 2011, 5:26 am
#559
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA, FB, LH; PC/IC, HH, MR
Posts: 964
Just to give some feedback from our trip....
We took the taxi both ways after some helpful advice on here. The way to the hotel was fine. The driver had a CNG/LPG tank in the boot, along with the world's largest subwoofer, so the cases went on the front seat. It was easy to demand the meter in that direction, as it was from the airport
It was slightly confusing at first paying the driver the toll charges, but they were 45 Baht, followed by 25 Baht. Total fare was about 270Baht from memory + the 50Baht airport charge
On the way back to the airport the driver demanded 500Baht including tolls. We laughed and asked for the meter. He argued - we told him to use the meter. Once again, it came to about 270 including tolls.
The drive from the airport was fine (120kph ish) - but to the airport was scary (140kph) as another taxi driver didn't seem to like ours, so kept accellerating and cutting us up and braking. Not pleasant.
We were quoted 950Baht for AOT in the cheapest form of transport.
We took the taxi both ways after some helpful advice on here. The way to the hotel was fine. The driver had a CNG/LPG tank in the boot, along with the world's largest subwoofer, so the cases went on the front seat. It was easy to demand the meter in that direction, as it was from the airport
It was slightly confusing at first paying the driver the toll charges, but they were 45 Baht, followed by 25 Baht. Total fare was about 270Baht from memory + the 50Baht airport charge
On the way back to the airport the driver demanded 500Baht including tolls. We laughed and asked for the meter. He argued - we told him to use the meter. Once again, it came to about 270 including tolls.
The drive from the airport was fine (120kph ish) - but to the airport was scary (140kph) as another taxi driver didn't seem to like ours, so kept accellerating and cutting us up and braking. Not pleasant.
We were quoted 950Baht for AOT in the cheapest form of transport.
Apr 26, 2011, 12:35 pm
#561
Join Date: May 2010
Location: India
Programs: IC: Diamond Amb
Posts: 702
Maybe you can negotiate with the hotel prior to booking...asking for an Executive or Ambassador Suite.
I have maximum booked a Club Room, and been upgraded to Corner Suite.
Apr 27, 2011, 5:32 am
#562
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: SYD, Australia......Hotels: HHon LT Diamond, Hyatt LT Glob, Marriott AMB (LT Gold), IHG AMB (20 years of SCC and RoyAMB dropped 2024)...Airlines: BA GGL (OW Emerald), LH FTL (*S), QF Plat (LT Gold), VA, UA Silver (*S), SQ Silver (*S)
Posts: 2,101
Was in BKK last week and took a public taxi to the IC. The driver wanted 450 at the start. I told him it should not cost more then 350 but then say that the meter was on. I then didn't pay attention during the ride and he must have turned off the meter at some point in time and then demanded the 350 I had quoted earlier...was OK to me.
On the way back from the hotel the meter came to 201 baht. Plus the 70 toll, so even with the 50 airport fee on the first drive into town I probably overpaid him slightly...but not worth the hassle.
Will be in town again today, so will see how much it comes to from the airport with the meter on.
I agree though on the driving style of the taxi drivers. Both mine were speeding like hell on both ways. Might have to tell them to slow down a bit this time.
On the way back from the hotel the meter came to 201 baht. Plus the 70 toll, so even with the 50 airport fee on the first drive into town I probably overpaid him slightly...but not worth the hassle.
Will be in town again today, so will see how much it comes to from the airport with the meter on.
I agree though on the driving style of the taxi drivers. Both mine were speeding like hell on both ways. Might have to tell them to slow down a bit this time.
I made the trip on Sunday the week before in about 20 minutes from and to the airport. Today it took 45min on the way back from the hotel to the airport and around 40 min yesterday to the hotel.
We had a lot of luggage on the way back today and the IC booked us a little van for 700 Baht. It was still a normal green/yellow taxi but it fitted more luggage than the pathetic taxis they have with room for only 1 bag in the boot. The van even had seatbelts ^ and due to the traffic the driver couldn't speed anyway
I would take a taxi again when we come back.
Apr 27, 2011, 3:19 pm
#563
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: LCY-ORY
Programs: BMI/SQ/AFKL/PC RAmbo®/Oyster/B&Q
Posts: 1,250
Returned to BKK again yesterday. This time the meter from the airport came to 216 Baht as there was a little more traffic (plus tolls plus airport fee).
I made the trip on Sunday the week before in about 20 minutes from and to the airport. Today it took 45min on the way back from the hotel to the airport and around 40 min yesterday to the hotel.
We had a lot of luggage on the way back today and the IC booked us a little van for 700 Baht. It was still a normal green/yellow taxi but it fitted more luggage than the pathetic taxis they have with room for only 1 bag in the boot. The van even had seatbelts ^ and due to the traffic the driver couldn't speed anyway I would take a taxi again when we come back.
I made the trip on Sunday the week before in about 20 minutes from and to the airport. Today it took 45min on the way back from the hotel to the airport and around 40 min yesterday to the hotel.
We had a lot of luggage on the way back today and the IC booked us a little van for 700 Baht. It was still a normal green/yellow taxi but it fitted more luggage than the pathetic taxis they have with room for only 1 bag in the boot. The van even had seatbelts ^ and due to the traffic the driver couldn't speed anyway
I would take a taxi again when we come back.
May 16, 2011, 5:59 am
#564
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 7
IC Bangkok May 2011
Here's my IC Bangkok review.
I arrived this morning in Bangkok from Singapore and took Skytrain to the IC. I can only recommend this to anyone staying there. The Trip to the Hotel cost you like 110THB and the Skytrain is more than comfortable if i think of the Traffic in BKK.
I booked my Club Room room online over the F&F Rate and got immediately upgraded when i checked in into a Corner Suite Room inclusive Club Access.
After speaking to the Lady at the reception at the Lobby her colleague took me to the Club Lounge for private Check Inn. Really professional and all that was really fast.
My Room is huge, the suite is terrific.
Here are soom pics from the Hotel / Room :
View from outside : (located next to Skytrain Station)
The Pool on Level 37... kinda small but not many people up there... really nice and friendly stuff, bringing you towels and even put them on your seat..haha
The Living Room (on the Left side the working area which you see when you enter the room)
The Bedroom with an terrific view over Bangkok... especially by night !
The Complimentary things you can enjoy when you book the Club Category :
I would highly recommend this hotel , its locations is great, service is great, food and drinks are great, lounge is great and the view at nighttime from the poolbar or lounge is something you cant describe in words !!
Cheers
I arrived this morning in Bangkok from Singapore and took Skytrain to the IC. I can only recommend this to anyone staying there. The Trip to the Hotel cost you like 110THB and the Skytrain is more than comfortable if i think of the Traffic in BKK.
I booked my Club Room room online over the F&F Rate and got immediately upgraded when i checked in into a Corner Suite Room inclusive Club Access.
After speaking to the Lady at the reception at the Lobby her colleague took me to the Club Lounge for private Check Inn. Really professional and all that was really fast.
My Room is huge, the suite is terrific.
Here are soom pics from the Hotel / Room :
View from outside : (located next to Skytrain Station)
The Pool on Level 37... kinda small but not many people up there... really nice and friendly stuff, bringing you towels and even put them on your seat..haha
The Living Room (on the Left side the working area which you see when you enter the room)
The Bedroom with an terrific view over Bangkok... especially by night !
The Complimentary things you can enjoy when you book the Club Category :
I would highly recommend this hotel , its locations is great, service is great, food and drinks are great, lounge is great and the view at nighttime from the poolbar or lounge is something you cant describe in words !!
Cheers
May 16, 2011, 8:38 am
#565
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: AMEX PLT, AA PPro, Spire AMB
Posts: 1,617
I booked two rooms here in January 2012 - both rooms 2 Queen Grand Deluxe. As I heard there were no suites here that had sofabeds (correct me if I'm wrong), I did read somewhere that someone got a suite with two beds pushed together. Am I to believe that there is a twin bedded suite somewhere at this hotel?
My guess if I still want my bed preference, I will have to give up the upgrade...
My guess if I still want my bed preference, I will have to give up the upgrade...
May 16, 2011, 2:36 pm
#566
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Living in SIN™
Programs: TK/QR Gold, Marriott/Accor Plat, IC Dia Amb, Avis/Hertz PC
Posts: 6,706
I just saw a porn film that was clearly shot at the IC Bangkok in one of the corner suites (2827) before the renovation. I recognise the view to the golf course, lifts and even the corridor. Cheeky buggers 
May 16, 2011, 10:50 pm
#567
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: London
Programs: *A
Posts: 70
Egad........cheeky indeed. Wonder if the top management knows about this!
May 18, 2011, 2:16 am
#569
Join Date: May 2004
Location: SIN (LEJ once a year)
Programs: SQ, LH, BA, IHG Diamond AMB, HH Gold, SLH Indulged, Accor Gold, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,741
I thought your charm still worked quite well with the ladies 
Nice spot, one would not expect a viewer to focus on the room features and the view from the window.