W Bangkok, Thailand [Master Thread]
Oct 16, 2013, 1:03 am
#256
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: HEL
Programs: SPG LTP, hotels, OWE, STE+, *G, Octopus
Posts: 5,783
travelswithmyself,
Thanks for the great pictures and writeup! Unfortunately post 252 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21614446-post252.html makes everything very hard to read because the last picture widens the page. Could you please edit that post so that your review would be easier to read?
Thanks for the great pictures and writeup! Unfortunately post 252 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/21614446-post252.html makes everything very hard to read because the last picture widens the page. Could you please edit that post so that your review would be easier to read?
Oct 16, 2013, 1:29 am
#257
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
Done - it was the pano photos. I was experimenting with picture width, when combining multiple photos. The first two rooms are in 1600 x XXX, while the Marv Suite is 1200 x XXX - still clear enough isn't it? Next time I'll resize them for 1200 :P
Oct 16, 2013, 7:11 am
#258
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Anywhere but home
Programs: UA 1K/MM, DL GM/MM, HH Dia, PC Plat, MR Gold, ALL Sil,
Posts: 4,552
Great review, travelswithmyself. I think I was the beneficiary of your kindness: when checking in, someone handed me 4 welcome drink coupons since he wasn't going to use them. If that was you, thanks so much!
I booked a Wonderful room and was upgraded to a Spectacular room -- my first true upgrade as a Gold, at least in recent memory. As a Gold, I did receive two welcome drinks, chosen instead of 250 SPG points.
The lobby bar is quite exceptional, a great atmosphere with a live DJ and house music. Very interesting cocktails and reasonably priced (THB 300) -- but of course I had the free drink coupons. Cheers!
I booked a Wonderful room and was upgraded to a Spectacular room -- my first true upgrade as a Gold, at least in recent memory. As a Gold, I did receive two welcome drinks, chosen instead of 250 SPG points.
The lobby bar is quite exceptional, a great atmosphere with a live DJ and house music. Very interesting cocktails and reasonably priced (THB 300) -- but of course I had the free drink coupons. Cheers!
Oct 16, 2013, 8:31 am
#259
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Singapore
Programs: Hyatt diamond, SPG Plat, Accor Gold
Posts: 128
Marvelous Suite
. we requested to have our Studio upgraded on the last night to the Marvelous Suite; FD was very pleasant about it and not only allowed it, they allowed us to keep the Marvelous Suite till our late Your24 (tm) checkout at 6pm, instead of pushing us back to the lower-tier Cool Corner
. I found it a bit dim to say the least - firstly the living room furniture is faux pony hair and is BLACK, then they have dim lights because apparently they're afraid bright lights will fade the pony hair too quickly
. but the sofa is very very long and comfortable... better than some hotel beds I've been in
. the 1/2 bathroom is huge in comparison to some, there's space for a shower if they had wanted to install it
. the room is divided into two rectangles - one side is the living space, and the other side are the two bathrooms - and this wall is 2" of translucent purple glass. The bathroom walls are themselves made of the mirror-ed glass I mentioned earlier, and then there's an air gap of about 2" and then the purple glass wall. The purple glass is textured and gives a fuzziness to the people behind the glass, but yes you can still make out people and sort of what they're doing...
. in the picture below you can see the mirror effect in the half-bathroom - with the lights off it becomes normal translucent glass
And here is the infamous curtain that closes off the bathroom area from the bedroom. I actually find it acceptable. It makes the room larger and more airy. It's also not a cheap shower curtain but of a thick velvet-like material.
I was more worried about the little TV which isn't one of those built-in Ad Notam things, but a standard TV mounted on what seemed to be a very loose and flimsy swing arm. For a while I was actually afraid of it dropping into the bathtub!
Thoughts
. I've stayed at the aLoft and the 4 Points, and I agree that for convenience and access those can't be beat. However, it isn't really that difficult to get to Sukhumvit from the W. And the hotel rooms are nice enough to just chillax in. I'd probably come back here again, if the price was right
. the bathroom is a non-issue to me, though I avoided staying in the lower tier rooms
. I would probably go for a Studio Suite because it's brighter, more airy and has a better view. And because it has a tub with a view
. we requested to have our Studio upgraded on the last night to the Marvelous Suite; FD was very pleasant about it and not only allowed it, they allowed us to keep the Marvelous Suite till our late Your24 (tm) checkout at 6pm, instead of pushing us back to the lower-tier Cool Corner
. I found it a bit dim to say the least - firstly the living room furniture is faux pony hair and is BLACK, then they have dim lights because apparently they're afraid bright lights will fade the pony hair too quickly
. but the sofa is very very long and comfortable... better than some hotel beds I've been in
. the 1/2 bathroom is huge in comparison to some, there's space for a shower if they had wanted to install it
. the room is divided into two rectangles - one side is the living space, and the other side are the two bathrooms - and this wall is 2" of translucent purple glass. The bathroom walls are themselves made of the mirror-ed glass I mentioned earlier, and then there's an air gap of about 2" and then the purple glass wall. The purple glass is textured and gives a fuzziness to the people behind the glass, but yes you can still make out people and sort of what they're doing...
. in the picture below you can see the mirror effect in the half-bathroom - with the lights off it becomes normal translucent glass
And here is the infamous curtain that closes off the bathroom area from the bedroom. I actually find it acceptable. It makes the room larger and more airy. It's also not a cheap shower curtain but of a thick velvet-like material.
I was more worried about the little TV which isn't one of those built-in Ad Notam things, but a standard TV mounted on what seemed to be a very loose and flimsy swing arm. For a while I was actually afraid of it dropping into the bathtub!
Thoughts
. I've stayed at the aLoft and the 4 Points, and I agree that for convenience and access those can't be beat. However, it isn't really that difficult to get to Sukhumvit from the W. And the hotel rooms are nice enough to just chillax in. I'd probably come back here again, if the price was right
. the bathroom is a non-issue to me, though I avoided staying in the lower tier rooms
. I would probably go for a Studio Suite because it's brighter, more airy and has a better view. And because it has a tub with a view
Oct 16, 2013, 9:42 am
#260
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,748
Wahaha, yes it was me! You *looked* like the sort who would be on FT but I thought it would be a bit too forward to ask :P
Glad you made good use of the coupons; I guess I'm at the age where as Billy Crystal said... the music starts to get too loud
Nov 10, 2013, 4:05 am
#261
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Juan, PR
Programs: MR AMB/LT, AA EP, TK EP, DL D, B6 M4, F9 100K, IHG AMB/D, HH D, CZR D, FndCd, Sixt D, NTL E, Hz PC
Posts: 428
I just checked in for 2 nights (starpicks thing for ~5000 THB in a wonderful room); got a Spectacular Room as an upgrade checkin but by using the SPG iPhone app saw there were Studio and Marvelous suites available, so I pushed and got a Studio Suite.
The Studio Suite solves the "do not want to pee/poo in front of girlfriend" problem, by putting the toilet in essentially a separate part of the room. The blinds/curtains in the bathroom kind of suck, in that you can't actually open them. It may just be that the ones in my room are broken. I miss power controls -- I'd expect a new build hotel in this class to have them, if not electronically dimmable glass. Suite-sized W toiletries are nice. Staff spoke *amazing* English, even better than at LM, essentially US-native quality, and were all great.
Minor issues in the room when I arrived (empty water bottle under the desk, desk itself seems either broken or incorrectly assembled on one of the supports, etc.).
Overall, it's pretty nice, although honestly the hotel feels inferior to SGS, LM, or LRM/PA. I'd probably take it over the WGS, except for location, and it's preferable to ROS or Aloft or 4 Points. (I'm trying the St R later in the week, but I assume StR is in the top tier too).
A couple drink coupons vs. a lounge or 2h period at the bar feels a bit lame, coming out of a stay at the LM where I had some of the best drinks I've had in a while, at Bamboo Chic.
"Paying" my 500 points for breakfast for 2 nights is also lame compared to *every other starwood property in the city*. I did it so I could review the breakfast for ft/tripadvisor/yelp/etc., but I'm not sure if it's worth it unless I actually go twice.
Having to ask for a real upgrade vs. at LM where they had no avail on avantec during my stay and actually apologized (and when I offered to go smoking, for which they also had no avail it turns out, they were willing to check...), also kind of lame; I think that's a hotel policy to try to retain suites for paid upgrades (?).
I'm generally not a "W Brand" person (except I like their toiletries), but I wanted to collect the full set here in Bangkok. Much more a Westin or Le Meridien person, or LC, so maybe I'm not a great person to review it.
Since it's a newish hotel, and I've got my D-SLR with me, I guess I should be taking actual photos.
The Studio Suite solves the "do not want to pee/poo in front of girlfriend" problem, by putting the toilet in essentially a separate part of the room. The blinds/curtains in the bathroom kind of suck, in that you can't actually open them. It may just be that the ones in my room are broken. I miss power controls -- I'd expect a new build hotel in this class to have them, if not electronically dimmable glass. Suite-sized W toiletries are nice. Staff spoke *amazing* English, even better than at LM, essentially US-native quality, and were all great.
Minor issues in the room when I arrived (empty water bottle under the desk, desk itself seems either broken or incorrectly assembled on one of the supports, etc.).
Overall, it's pretty nice, although honestly the hotel feels inferior to SGS, LM, or LRM/PA. I'd probably take it over the WGS, except for location, and it's preferable to ROS or Aloft or 4 Points. (I'm trying the St R later in the week, but I assume StR is in the top tier too).
A couple drink coupons vs. a lounge or 2h period at the bar feels a bit lame, coming out of a stay at the LM where I had some of the best drinks I've had in a while, at Bamboo Chic.
"Paying" my 500 points for breakfast for 2 nights is also lame compared to *every other starwood property in the city*. I did it so I could review the breakfast for ft/tripadvisor/yelp/etc., but I'm not sure if it's worth it unless I actually go twice.
Having to ask for a real upgrade vs. at LM where they had no avail on avantec during my stay and actually apologized (and when I offered to go smoking, for which they also had no avail it turns out, they were willing to check...), also kind of lame; I think that's a hotel policy to try to retain suites for paid upgrades (?).
I'm generally not a "W Brand" person (except I like their toiletries), but I wanted to collect the full set here in Bangkok. Much more a Westin or Le Meridien person, or LC, so maybe I'm not a great person to review it.
Since it's a newish hotel, and I've got my D-SLR with me, I guess I should be taking actual photos.
Nov 10, 2013, 4:47 am
#262
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
I just checked in for 2 nights (starpicks thing for ~5000 THB in a wonderful room); got a Spectacular Room as an upgrade checkin but by using the SPG iPhone app saw there were Studio and Marvelous suites available, so I pushed and got a Studio Suite.
The Studio Suite solves the "do not want to pee/poo in front of girlfriend" problem, by putting the toilet in essentially a separate part of the room. The blinds/curtains in the bathroom kind of suck, in that you can't actually open them. It may just be that the ones in my room are broken. I miss power controls -- I'd expect a new build hotel in this class to have them, if not electronically dimmable glass. Suite-sized W toiletries are nice. Staff spoke *amazing* English, even better than at LM, essentially US-native quality, and were all great.
Minor issues in the room when I arrived (empty water bottle under the desk, desk itself seems either broken or incorrectly assembled on one of the supports, etc.).
Overall, it's pretty nice, although honestly the hotel feels inferior to SGS, LM, or LRM/PA. I'd probably take it over the WGS, except for location, and it's preferable to ROS or Aloft or 4 Points. (I'm trying the St R later in the week, but I assume StR is in the top tier too).
A couple drink coupons vs. a lounge or 2h period at the bar feels a bit lame, coming out of a stay at the LM where I had some of the best drinks I've had in a while, at Bamboo Chic.
"Paying" my 500 points for breakfast for 2 nights is also lame compared to *every other starwood property in the city*. I did it so I could review the breakfast for ft/tripadvisor/yelp/etc., but I'm not sure if it's worth it unless I actually go twice.
Having to ask for a real upgrade vs. at LM where they had no avail on avantec during my stay and actually apologized (and when I offered to go smoking, for which they also had no avail it turns out, they were willing to check...), also kind of lame; I think that's a hotel policy to try to retain suites for paid upgrades (?).
I'm generally not a "W Brand" person (except I like their toiletries), but I wanted to collect the full set here in Bangkok. Much more a Westin or Le Meridien person, or LC, so maybe I'm not a great person to review it.
Since it's a newish hotel, and I've got my D-SLR with me, I guess I should be taking actual photos.
The Studio Suite solves the "do not want to pee/poo in front of girlfriend" problem, by putting the toilet in essentially a separate part of the room. The blinds/curtains in the bathroom kind of suck, in that you can't actually open them. It may just be that the ones in my room are broken. I miss power controls -- I'd expect a new build hotel in this class to have them, if not electronically dimmable glass. Suite-sized W toiletries are nice. Staff spoke *amazing* English, even better than at LM, essentially US-native quality, and were all great.
Minor issues in the room when I arrived (empty water bottle under the desk, desk itself seems either broken or incorrectly assembled on one of the supports, etc.).
Overall, it's pretty nice, although honestly the hotel feels inferior to SGS, LM, or LRM/PA. I'd probably take it over the WGS, except for location, and it's preferable to ROS or Aloft or 4 Points. (I'm trying the St R later in the week, but I assume StR is in the top tier too).
A couple drink coupons vs. a lounge or 2h period at the bar feels a bit lame, coming out of a stay at the LM where I had some of the best drinks I've had in a while, at Bamboo Chic.
"Paying" my 500 points for breakfast for 2 nights is also lame compared to *every other starwood property in the city*. I did it so I could review the breakfast for ft/tripadvisor/yelp/etc., but I'm not sure if it's worth it unless I actually go twice.
Having to ask for a real upgrade vs. at LM where they had no avail on avantec during my stay and actually apologized (and when I offered to go smoking, for which they also had no avail it turns out, they were willing to check...), also kind of lame; I think that's a hotel policy to try to retain suites for paid upgrades (?).
I'm generally not a "W Brand" person (except I like their toiletries), but I wanted to collect the full set here in Bangkok. Much more a Westin or Le Meridien person, or LC, so maybe I'm not a great person to review it.
Since it's a newish hotel, and I've got my D-SLR with me, I guess I should be taking actual photos.
Nov 10, 2013, 5:11 am
#263
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Juan, PR
Programs: MR AMB/LT, AA EP, TK EP, DL D, B6 M4, F9 100K, IHG AMB/D, HH D, CZR D, FndCd, Sixt D, NTL E, Hz PC
Posts: 428
If it weren't for the platinum issues (500 points *plus* breakfast, and knowing you'll get a studio suite if it's available even without SNA), the bathroom in the studio suite (which is probably the second best of any Starwood property I've tried; the Westin Sendai is slightly better) would potentially make me consider the W vs. the LM. The shower, tub, and view really are pretty nice. Giving up the happy hour(s) and closer-to-BTS-but-less-stuff-to-do I can probably tolerate.
Nov 10, 2013, 10:04 am
#264
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: San Juan, PR
Programs: MR AMB/LT, AA EP, TK EP, DL D, B6 M4, F9 100K, IHG AMB/D, HH D, CZR D, FndCd, Sixt D, NTL E, Hz PC
Posts: 428
Why is it that on the 28th floor of a building just constructed (W) I can hear the BTS quite loudly, but in a fairly old building (WGS or SGS, or LRM) which is even closer to BTS, I never hear it? It's not earth-shatteringly loud, but pretty annoyingly loud. Did they just spec crappy windows?
Nov 10, 2013, 2:58 pm
#265
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Earth ... for now
Programs: UA 2MM * Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium * IHG Diamond Ambassador * Hilton Diamond *
Posts: 1,785
I also recently checked out and think that the 2 drink coupons per stay (and no food - even appetizers) is pretty weak and I believe that it is not given to all Platinum guests.
The breakfast is good (better than LMBKK) and the staff is really paying attention to the need of the guests.
Great upgrade with a rate that is pretty low for the W.
The breakfast is good (better than LMBKK) and the staff is really paying attention to the need of the guests.
Great upgrade with a rate that is pretty low for the W.
Nov 20, 2013, 4:01 am
#266
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: BKK, TPE, MIA, MUC
Programs: SPG Plat Lifetime, CX Diamond, LH SEN, TK Elite / *A Gold
Posts: 262
Yes, no more happy hour in the BeerVault for plats since 1st of Nov. Also no upgrade beyond junior suite. Breakfast is not included anymore in regular bookings, only as Plat welcome gift instead of points.
Nov 20, 2013, 5:11 am
#267
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: Miami, FL
Programs: UA 1MM, AA Plat, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Glob, IHG ♢ Amb, Hilton ♢, Hertz Pres
Posts: 6,016
Wow, the Plat happy hour is no more? Well, one more property I won't be staying at in Bangkok. Lots being crossed off the list nowadays. But still a few gems left.
Dec 8, 2013, 8:25 pm
#268
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Earth ... for now
Programs: UA 2MM * Marriott Ambassador LT Titanium * IHG Diamond Ambassador * Hilton Diamond *
Posts: 1,785
Anyone know of laundry places around the hotel?
Dean & Luca: fairly nice place to have a meal, but I got sick twice after eating there. Just bad luck?
Dean & Luca: fairly nice place to have a meal, but I got sick twice after eating there. Just bad luck?
Last edited by UASPG; Dec 9, 2013 at 2:08 am
Dec 8, 2013, 8:54 pm
#269
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: South Korea
Posts: 1,168
I always thought this was bound to happen given how well the 4P was doing, and with the departure of Janet McNab who in my opinion is the more 'generous' GM... (she's now at Westin Phuket where you'll find her usual level of generosity for plats)
Dec 9, 2013, 7:19 am
#270
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: West Coast, USA
Programs: Skywards Platinum
Posts: 3,747