Can somebody explain to me why this is the case? Why would one race treat the same race in an inferior way? I don't understand?

RE: Pen vs. FS
I've stayed at the Pen, walked through FS. Pen is clearly in a class above when it comes to public areas. Atrium style of the FS rooms also looked a little too Embassy Suites like. The final straw for me was when I couldnt quickly find a nice bar for cocktail hour. I suspect if I would have simply asked I would have been pointed to one, but Im not sure. All this being said, I didnt actually stay there, so this is an incomplete assesment.

Some interesting observations. From their website, seems like the only bar, other than cocktails served in the Lobby, is Aqua which is in the garden on the lobby level. Perhaps not the most obvious location for a hotel bar.

What's interesting to me is that the hotel was originally the Peninsula, before becoming the Regent, and finally the FS. Anyone know the story of why the Pen left, and did anyone stay there when it was the Pen? Seems like there were at least a few years between the hotel becoming the Regent and the Pen opening their new riverside hotel.

I'm also happy to know the Pen is doing so well in Bangkok. I remembered when it first opened, probably not even 10 years ago, and it struggled the first couple of years. We have good friends that work in management at the Peninsula Hong Kong, and they were offering us promo rates for regulars of under $80 a night, as I recall. Somewhat regret not taking advantage of it at the time!

I could be wrong, but I believe the PEN was originally next door to the Regent, which became the FS. I think there is a shopping mall of some sort there now? Some BKK expert can probably fill us in.
In terms of cocktails- the lobby bar is probably the most popular, and is quite logical as a bar- and is usually very very busy. Acqua is to the left as you enter, in a courtyard- it is fine although nothing special. If you want a drink, all the F and B outlets will be happy to serve you this. In addition, drinks by the pool are great. Also, many guests use the Exec lounge if they have access. Enough drinks for everybody! The PEN has certainly come a long way- there was a period where they offering USD 139 with 3rd night free to everybody. BKK in general has really had a surge in the economy, which is good news. Anyway, there is a hotel for everyone in BKK. Some like the FS, some not. The Grand Hyatt has loyal followers that would never stay anywhere else. The Sukhothai also is very popular, particularly with the British crowd it seems. And of course, the BIG 3 on the river- SH, MO, PEN are always very busy. Depends what you want I guess.

Small & crowded pool at MO Bangkok? Not anymore!
 

I am a huge fan of the Pen's klong-style pool, but have you not seen the new, second pool at MO? It's by the revamped Verandah restaurant terrace and is really good - a long, lean lap-pool.

I believe that the Peninsula next door to the FS/Regent is and has always been a shopping center. I don't think that there was a hotel on the site before the Regent. FWIW, the property used to be my great-uncle's residence and clinic and is owned by the Crown Property Trust (the trust for the Thai Monarchy).

Peninsula definately used to occupy the building that is now the Four Sesaons. I used to have a Leading Hotels of the World brochure with an entry for the Peninsula that included a photo of it.

Don't Peninsula own the property in Bangkok, perhaps they were only managing the property that is now the FS?

This is the most fantastic part about Flyertalk. There is always an expert!

http://www.hotelsmag.com/archives/20...la-Bangkok.asp

http://www.hotel-online.com/News/PR2...tThailand.html
http://www.minorfoodgroup.com/intern...ut_history.asp



now im really curious :D

http://web.archive.org/web/199804231...ew/apindex.htm (4/23/98)
http://web.archive.org/web/199901170...ew/apindex.htm (1/17/99)

The Oriental
 

I say the Oriental hands down. The Penn is great but it is too much like other high rise hotels. The oriental is a small quiet gem and I can't imagine better service. The massages I had were great and the breakfast on the terrace by the river is great. It is not as high tech as the Penn but I really like the old world, colonial feel of the entire property and the whole place smells so great. My room was understated elegance like being in a beautifully appointed home. I didn't want to leave. To me the Oriental seemed like some place really special and the Penn seemed liked a really, really nice hotel but could be anywhere. I also found the lobby to be pretty cold and sterile. The Oriental is more expensive but I think for your first time in crazy, hectic, wonderful Bangkok you should treat yourself to this quiet oasis of refinement.

have fun,
dan

Not to perpetuate the older vs younger (I'm 30) and/or the caucasian vs asian (the latter) argument, but I much prefer the Pen to the O. So much so I won't stay at the O again.

But I do love the MO chain to bits. And the Pen. Does it really matter at this luxury level?? ;)

I stayed in and love both these properties and as many have noted your parents, i'm sure, will be happy with either. Since you've already booked the Pen i'd just leave it unless you can book a rate with a late check out (if required)

Jeff

From my understanding, the reason why the lobby of the Four Seasons Bangkok looks similar to the Peninsula Hong Kong is because the hotel was built as a Pen. This original Bangkok Peninsula opened in 1982, but became the Regent only a few years afterwards.

First time I walked into Pen HKG I said to myself...."this looks a lot like the FS BKK". Now I know why. Thanks.

>>

http://www.royalorchidholidays.se/ro...o/BKK/BKK7.php

http://www.dusit.com/news/060125.shtml

very interesting :)

had no idea LHW went back so far either
http://www.lhw.com/download_s/Company%20History.pdf