escape4

I am assuming that you have Thailand Elite visa like I do, I would note that LM gives 10% discount to Thailand residents (unlike Aloft) so their quoted 120k THB becomes 108k for Avantec Suite, compared to 135k for Aloft savvy suite, a 25% difference (1800 THB per night) so not quite the same. I cannot argue that having the outdoor space and the jacuzzi is nice but we'll have to pay for it, which is not to say that it is not worth 1800 THB per night. I have often paid far more extra in Phuket or Koh Samui resorts for a private pool so clearly it can make sense.

Regarding food, arguably it's a portion of the high price we are required to pay so if we throw it out then it adds to costs. For instance Aloft asks 32k THB more for second person and I would guess a nurse costs for the 2nd person are minimal over the 1st person so at least half of the upcharge must be food (1k THB per day). Some people never eat hotel food so fair enough, but in general the higher level hotel, the better the food; for instance the food at Waldorf Astoria Bangkok beats more than 75% of restaurants I tried in the city. ASQ hotels are making efforts to avoid the food becoming repetitive and boring by having a rotation of menus, probably not as good as having full freedom of what to order if you get it from outside the hotel but it won't be the same menu every day. I have always thought the breakfast buffet at LM was punching above its weight (for example it's superior to breakfast at StR Bangkok) so I will give them the benefit of the doubt that it will turn out better than Aloft food, and save me the extra costs of ordering from outside the hotel on a regular basis if Aloft turns out to be inedible.

If I end up going with LM, I will only have to manage my extra mental health costs because I was stuck inside while you relaxed in your jacuzzi The mitigating factor is that LM offers gym time whereas Aloft does not if I am not mistaken? Also both have outdoor relaxation areas for fixed times, so I could have some air too although less than at Aloft.

skywalkerLAX

At the LM they only allowed you out after the first week. Not daily. Aloft food (in the past) has been slob and I wouldn't expect it to improve so delivery it is.

FWIW I heard that it's allowed for private persons to bring food to ASQ hotels to be given to a guest but that they won't accept delivery. Let me know if you need anything should you get locked up here and if at all possible I'll drop off whatever you need.

caliburn

Would doing my ASQ be better in Aloft's stylish suite or Westin's deluxe room? My main concern for taking Aloft over Westin was the food quality, though having all the extra space is a huge plus for Aloft. For context, my company's expense budget is 110k THB for me and my wife so we are just a bit short from staying at LM or Anantara.

skywalkerLAX

The Westin is really not a great option. It's a very old hotel and I wouldn't want to be holed up there for 15 days, that would be hell.

EuropeanPete

Agreed, though the Westin's Japanese food is very good. I'd take the Meridien over the Westin for quarantine. Whether the Aloft with rooftop jacuzzi or Le Meridien without fresh air is better... I haven't decided for myself yet.

skywalkerLAX

The Japanese food at Westin is prepared by Kisso. I had lunch there just this Friday. You can order good Japanese food via delivery to pretty much any hotel though.

EuropeanPete

Not while you're in quarantine you can't.

Kalboz

That's what a friend of mine complained about … there is no uniformity! Some properties allow you to order from outside, while others don't!

EuropeanPete

I've not seen a single report of anyone in any hotel who has been able to order in Uber Eats style, and I've read hundreds of reviews by now!

Kalboz

I have several reports of people ordering from 7-11, while others their deliveries brought up to the front desk.

When I come across these, I will share with you here.

skywalkerLAX

Some hotels allow it (via delivery service like GrabFood and Foodpanda) and some don't. What's definitely allowed is people dropping off food privately.

goodeats21

"Test and Go" stay
November 2021

Hurriedly booked a room for the newly launched "Test and Go" program in Bangkok, pivoting from a planned Sandbox stay in Phuket. I recalled that Aloft was doing the ASQ packages so assumed they would be well versed in the COVID arrivals, and they had already loaded the appropriate package as available. Booked a "Chic Room - King" though pretty sure they said I was placed in an "Urban King" when I arrived. Not sure there is a real difference in the rooms anyway - they both are listed at 32 sq m.

Overall, a typical experience for a required government package. Meals were a step down from what I experienced back in March at LeMeridien, under the 14 day ASQ program. Package includes "Airport transport", which in my case was a shared van service. Worked out OK for me, but a risk of additional quarantine if my van mate would have tested positive. If I had to do again, would insist on a package that included private transport. And would likely stay at a higher level property, as they are now pretty much all offering the Test and Go package, and at very similar rates.

Timeline:

• Arrived BKK at 0615.
• Shared van to hotel at 0715 (most of the time waiting for my checked luggage to be delivered).
• Swab at about 0800 at hotel, then escorted to room.
• 0900 next morning, informed of negative test result and free to check out / leave at my leisure.

Staff was friendly and organized. Short wait for swab as nurse was stocking up supplies or something.

Some pics of the room. As typical for the COVID arrival packages, fabric is covered with plastic.

Kacee

14 day quarantine may be gone but Thailand's covid theatre continues . . . .

Rondelltg

Thanks I was looking at this hotel for next month. I too would prefer a private ride from the airport. Is there a code to use on the Marriott website to search for Test and Go?

eccentricfusion

Most of the Marriott properties are showing it, under the basic room rate package options there should be one listed for Test & Go. You do need to follow up with the hotel on your own afterwards to provide them the documentation they need so that they can issue you a SHA+ certificate for Thailand Pass.