Four Seasons Tented Camp - site inspection
Oct 20, 2014, 7:07 am
#46
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: ORF
Posts: 1,740
Oct 20, 2014, 9:20 am
#49
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Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,797
originally (this posted may 17 2006) >
tracking changes i can find >
nov 4 2008 - "only guests aged 13 and above are permitted"
http://web.archive.org/web/200811040...ites/tent.html
dec 12 2008 - "Extra bed (by request) One cot (13 or older)"
http://web.archive.org/web/200812110...ites/tent.html
feb 28 2009 - "or 2 adults and 1 child"
http://web.archive.org/web/200902282...ites/tent.html
mar 31 2009 - "only guests aged 12 and above are permitted"
http://web.archive.org/web/200903311...ites/tent.html
jan 2011 >
nov 4 2008 - "only guests aged 13 and above are permitted"
http://web.archive.org/web/200811040...ites/tent.html
dec 12 2008 - "Extra bed (by request) One cot (13 or older)"
http://web.archive.org/web/200812110...ites/tent.html
feb 28 2009 - "or 2 adults and 1 child"
http://web.archive.org/web/200902282...ites/tent.html
mar 31 2009 - "only guests aged 12 and above are permitted"
http://web.archive.org/web/200903311...ites/tent.html
jan 2011 >
The worst experience I've had with kids anywhere, though, was at Four Seasons Tented Camp, where the new GM has become horribly lax about the published age restriction. There were at least 4 different, unrelated families with children under 10 when I was there last month, and they were terrors--running around the dining area, shrieking, poking people with the Smores sticks, inserting themselves into other groups' conversations, etc. I really liked the Tented Camp, but it would have been a truly wonderful place if they'd simply stuck to their policy of creating an atmosphere free of young children. (I finally asked one of the parents how they'd been able to avoid the age restriction, and they said they'd simply called and demanded to speak to the GM, and he waived the policy without a second thought. Shame on him, as other guests, like ourselves, had selected that property explicitly because it had been sold as a child-free resort.)
if you care about enjoying the resort as the "no children zone" that they advertise it to be, you may want to confirm in advance with the General Manager that no children will be there. When we went, there were small children in 5 of the tents (none of which were from the same family, nor were they part of a group), and they were, quite frankly, a nightmare--running around the campfire at night nearly poking other guests' eyes out with sharp sticks, screaming, harassing other guests, etc. When I mentioned to one of the parents that I was surprised that they had been able to bring children, they simply said that they asked the General Manager and he told them it was just fine
Receive a 20% discount on a second tent when booked with the first tent. The second tent is for children ages 12 to 18...only guests aged 12 and over are permitted. If a child (aged 12 to 18) is sharing a tent with a parent, an additional daily charge of THB 19,800 will be added
http://www.4hoteliers.com/features/article/5360
then current GM announced jul / aug 2010
http://www.hospitalitynet.org/staffm.../79001133.html
and camp manager began in sep 2010
https://www.linkedin.com/pub/yonatan-kachko/8/123/9a2
so right before Groombridge stay IIRC around jan 1 2011
http://www.fourseasons.com/goldentri...superior_tent/
2 adults, or 2 adults and 1 child
EXTRA BED One rollaway (for guests aged 12 and above)
EXTRA BED One rollaway (for guests aged 12 and above)
http://www.fourseasons.com/goldentri...nture_package/
Maximum capacity in a tent is three guests, regardless of the age of the third guest. The supplemental charge for a third person sharing a tent is THB 19,800 per day, subject to 18.5% tax and service charge
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; May 13, 2015 at 2:01 pm
Oct 20, 2014, 11:19 am
#50
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Posts: 3,317
(prior GM Jim Kostecky left by jul 2010)
http://www.4hoteliers.com/features/article/5360
then current GM announced jul / aug 2010
http://www.hospitalitynet.org/staffm.../79001133.html
so right before Groombridge stay IIRC around jan 1 2011
odd - unclear if 3 adults possible - "2 adults" vs "above" >
http://www.fourseasons.com/goldentri...superior_tent/
and "regardless" >
http://www.fourseasons.com/goldentri...nture_package/
http://www.4hoteliers.com/features/article/5360
then current GM announced jul / aug 2010
http://www.hospitalitynet.org/staffm.../79001133.html
so right before Groombridge stay IIRC around jan 1 2011
odd - unclear if 3 adults possible - "2 adults" vs "above" >
http://www.fourseasons.com/goldentri...superior_tent/
and "regardless" >
http://www.fourseasons.com/goldentri...nture_package/
Feb 8, 2015, 11:15 am
#51
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Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Barcelona
Posts: 3,317
Ok, so I have a few logistics questions.
Trying to go from CEI to HKT...
Only two options for leaving CEI airport.
(1) 9:25 a.m. departure - getting into Phuket around lunchtime
(2) 3:00 pm ish departure - getting into Phuket at well after 9 p.m.
I know the "as a crow flies" distance from CEI to Tented Camp, but I'm wondering from someone whose actually been: how long does it take to get to the CEI airport from TC?
Meaning, if I have a 9:30ish a.m. departure from CEI....what time will I be leaving TC?
Rather not get into HKT late at night (whether that be 9 pm or 11 pm)...but I need logistics insight from a prior guest
Thanks!
Trying to go from CEI to HKT...
Only two options for leaving CEI airport.
(1) 9:25 a.m. departure - getting into Phuket around lunchtime
(2) 3:00 pm ish departure - getting into Phuket at well after 9 p.m.
I know the "as a crow flies" distance from CEI to Tented Camp, but I'm wondering from someone whose actually been: how long does it take to get to the CEI airport from TC?
Meaning, if I have a 9:30ish a.m. departure from CEI....what time will I be leaving TC?
Rather not get into HKT late at night (whether that be 9 pm or 11 pm)...but I need logistics insight from a prior guest
Thanks!
Feb 8, 2015, 3:04 pm
#52
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Feb 8, 2015, 5:15 pm
#53
Join Date: Dec 2004
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Posts: 4,432
It took me about 75 mins from Ananatara (next door) to CEI. But, that was driving right out the resort. IIRC isn't FS entry/exit by boat only? if so, add some time on. CEI is very small and there were no lines for security when I was there. Pleasant little airport.
Feb 9, 2015, 3:18 am
#54
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
FS GT is accessible by car as well, so the boat transfers are not necessary if you would prefer to leave more quickly. Drive time should be the same as from Anantara next door.
Feb 9, 2015, 6:39 am
#55
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Location: Barcelona
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I'm more inclined to take the advice referenced above, but interestingly, I posted the same question on the Chiang Rai forum of TripAdvisor. I got a reply from a "local" - a "Destination Expert" on the area, who said for a 9:30 a.m. flight, you need 3 hours and you're going to have to leave at 5 a.m......
I find this SO hard to believe for an airport as small as CEI!
More inclined to take the earlier flight so I can make use of my day at Trisara.
I find this SO hard to believe for an airport as small as CEI!
More inclined to take the earlier flight so I can make use of my day at Trisara.
Feb 9, 2015, 6:53 am
#56
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
Unless you're pressed for time on this trip, I would suggest taking the afternoon flight. You'll be at Trisara in time for a nice dinner, and then can get up and enjoy the next day. For me, waking up early in the morning at FS GT would be worse than spending the afternoon/evening in transit, so taking the later flight would be the lesser of two evils.
TG has direct flights from CNX (Chiang Mai) to HKT on certain days, so driving to CNX and taking that flight could be another option depending on the flight timing. It is possible that could be faster because it would eliminate the layover in BKK.
Half jokingly, I will mention that the resort can arrange helicopter transfers. M Jets could also provide a private flight directly to HKT at whatever time is convenient for you.
Edited to add:
I just checked and it looks like the TG flight from CNX to HKT is quite early in the morning (8:40) and only operates on certain days, so it is not really an option for a departure from FS GT, unless you got to CNX by helicopter
If I had a lot of time and my travel dates lined up with the direct flight from CNX to HKT, I would be tempted to spend one night in Chiang Mai, perhaps at Anantara. That would allow for a leisurely departure from FS GT and a nice drive to Chiang Mai, followed by the direct flight to HKT the next morning. Considering the room rates at FS GT and Trisara, spending a night in Chiang Mai would be preferable to "wasting" nights costing thousands of dollars for a day that you will spend in transit anyway.
TG has direct flights from CNX (Chiang Mai) to HKT on certain days, so driving to CNX and taking that flight could be another option depending on the flight timing. It is possible that could be faster because it would eliminate the layover in BKK.
Half jokingly, I will mention that the resort can arrange helicopter transfers. M Jets could also provide a private flight directly to HKT at whatever time is convenient for you.
Edited to add:
I just checked and it looks like the TG flight from CNX to HKT is quite early in the morning (8:40) and only operates on certain days, so it is not really an option for a departure from FS GT, unless you got to CNX by helicopter
If I had a lot of time and my travel dates lined up with the direct flight from CNX to HKT, I would be tempted to spend one night in Chiang Mai, perhaps at Anantara. That would allow for a leisurely departure from FS GT and a nice drive to Chiang Mai, followed by the direct flight to HKT the next morning. Considering the room rates at FS GT and Trisara, spending a night in Chiang Mai would be preferable to "wasting" nights costing thousands of dollars for a day that you will spend in transit anyway.
Last edited by MikeFromTokyo; Feb 9, 2015 at 7:08 am
Feb 9, 2015, 7:28 am
#57
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Unless you're pressed for time on this trip, I would suggest taking the afternoon flight. You'll be at Trisara in time for a nice dinner, and then can get up and enjoy the next day. For me, waking up early in the morning at FS GT would be worse than spending the afternoon/evening in transit, so taking the later flight would be the lesser of two evils.
TG has direct flights from CNX (Chiang Mai) to HKT on certain days, so driving to CNX and taking that flight could be another option depending on the flight timing. It is possible that could be faster because it would eliminate the layover in BKK.
Half jokingly, I will mention that the resort can arrange helicopter transfers. M Jets could also provide a private flight directly to HKT at whatever time is convenient for you.
Edited to add:
I just checked and it looks like the TG flight from CNX to HKT is quite early in the morning (8:40) and only operates on certain days, so it is not really an option for a departure from FS GT, unless you got to CNX by helicopter
If I had a lot of time and my travel dates lined up with the direct flight from CNX to HKT, I would be tempted to spend one night in Chiang Mai, perhaps at Anantara. That would allow for a leisurely departure from FS GT and a nice drive to Chiang Mai, followed by the direct flight to HKT the next morning. Considering the room rates at FS GT and Trisara, spending a night in Chiang Mai would be preferable to "wasting" nights costing thousands of dollars for a day that you will spend in transit anyway.
TG has direct flights from CNX (Chiang Mai) to HKT on certain days, so driving to CNX and taking that flight could be another option depending on the flight timing. It is possible that could be faster because it would eliminate the layover in BKK.
Half jokingly, I will mention that the resort can arrange helicopter transfers. M Jets could also provide a private flight directly to HKT at whatever time is convenient for you.
Edited to add:
I just checked and it looks like the TG flight from CNX to HKT is quite early in the morning (8:40) and only operates on certain days, so it is not really an option for a departure from FS GT, unless you got to CNX by helicopter
If I had a lot of time and my travel dates lined up with the direct flight from CNX to HKT, I would be tempted to spend one night in Chiang Mai, perhaps at Anantara. That would allow for a leisurely departure from FS GT and a nice drive to Chiang Mai, followed by the direct flight to HKT the next morning. Considering the room rates at FS GT and Trisara, spending a night in Chiang Mai would be preferable to "wasting" nights costing thousands of dollars for a day that you will spend in transit anyway.
I like you're thinking re: overnight at CNX, and would if the CEI to HKT flight was terrible....but it's really not that bad. 5.5 hours total travel time from CEI to HKT. I've had worse
Apr 29, 2015, 10:32 am
#58
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1
Hi all,
First post here - Doing a trip next Feb - and wanted input on three-day itinerary... It talks about getting settled the first day, elephant training, and short walk the second day, then an activity the third day...
My question is - are they flexible on this? If we decided we wanted to do another elephant walk the 3rd day, do you expect they'd accomodate us? I'm sure there are activities that people enjoy, it just seems to me, the experience here is the elephants - not a day trip to Burma/Laos....
Any input greatly appreciated... Andrew.
First post here - Doing a trip next Feb - and wanted input on three-day itinerary... It talks about getting settled the first day, elephant training, and short walk the second day, then an activity the third day...
My question is - are they flexible on this? If we decided we wanted to do another elephant walk the 3rd day, do you expect they'd accomodate us? I'm sure there are activities that people enjoy, it just seems to me, the experience here is the elephants - not a day trip to Burma/Laos....
Any input greatly appreciated... Andrew.
Apr 29, 2015, 11:21 am
#60
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Location: Barcelona
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Hi all,
First post here - Doing a trip next Feb - and wanted input on three-day itinerary... It talks about getting settled the first day, elephant training, and short walk the second day, then an activity the third day...
My question is - are they flexible on this? If we decided we wanted to do another elephant walk the 3rd day, do you expect they'd accomodate us? I'm sure there are activities that people enjoy, it just seems to me, the experience here is the elephants - not a day trip to Burma/Laos....
Any input greatly appreciated... Andrew.
First post here - Doing a trip next Feb - and wanted input on three-day itinerary... It talks about getting settled the first day, elephant training, and short walk the second day, then an activity the third day...
My question is - are they flexible on this? If we decided we wanted to do another elephant walk the 3rd day, do you expect they'd accomodate us? I'm sure there are activities that people enjoy, it just seems to me, the experience here is the elephants - not a day trip to Burma/Laos....
Any input greatly appreciated... Andrew.
They're flexible, with a caveat. Will PM you my itinerary which I thought was a good pace.
PS, the Burma excursion was one of the best excursions I've ever had, ANYWHERE. 10/10.