Redwoodw

Was just there earlier this month as PLT, breakfast at the restaurant not permitted without additional charges.

supermintyfresh

Any idea if the charge is the same as for GLD members? And if so, how much?

Planning about staying here versus the Ren.

It seems the Ren is older, but offers breakfast to GLD/PLT proactively in restaurant, and a slightly better location. Whereas the Marquis is newer, better rooms.

Could anyone care to comment on where to stay for a first-timer in Bangkok for 3 nights? Maybe I should just stay at both.

Kacee

If you're Plat, perhaps consider one of the SPG properties. SGS has the very best location in Bangkok IMO and a choice of two restaurants for breakfast.

Another relevant question is whether the Marquis is still upgrading Plats to the Marquis Suite.

imverge

I don't recall the exact price but it was based on full price -20% off because I am Platinum. Gold would also get 20% off.

The breakfast spread in the lounge is pretty good and you can't beat the view from the outdoor terrace.

I would stay at Marquis, the rooms are better and over-all the lounge was really good especially in the evenings.

supermintyfresh

Unfortunately a Gold, but would love to stay at the SGS. Maybe another trip after August when all of us Golds are bumped up to PLT for one year

Thanks for the info! I have decided to do 1 night Ren and 2 nights Marquis, to take advantage of the different shopping areas near both.

Diplomatico

If that is also known as the M Suite.....yes. I was upgraded in both January and in late March from a standard room to the M Suite.

tai4de2

Over many stays at this hotel I have a 100% upgrade rate, to an M Suite from whatever the cheapest available room was when I booked.

First time was shortly after they opened, most recently was April 2018.

EGW1

I've stayed around 15 times, upgraded to M Suite most of the stays, but not always. Sometimes the hotel is very busy with airline crews or events, and there are a limited number of suites (mostly the suites are in the North Tower, the Lounge being in the South tower). They will usually try to find a suite for you, but you may only get it on your 2nd or 3rd night. Standard rooms are nice, but the suites are obviously more spacious and overall nicer. The Lounge is good, but they have subtly reduced hours of operation for drinks and food over the past 6 months - this was probably because at one point its was 4 hrs of unlimited drinks! Now I think it it is food 5.30-7.30 and drinks 5.30-8.30. "Food" is the best I've seen in a Hilton / Starwood / Marriott Lounge - it is varied each day and much more substantial than "snacks" which most Lounges tend to be. The Siam tea room in the Lobby is nice too, and the room service Thai food is amazing and reasonably cheap. The breakfast is nice in the Lounge, but I also like the "farmer's breakfast" from in-room dining!!

However...I have been to Bangkok every month for the past 3 years, staying mostly at the W, Mandarin Oriental, St Regis, and Marriott. If it was my first time in Bangkok, I think there are better and nicer locations...Mandarin if you want to splash out (you can often get 4 for 3 night deals and free breakfast registering as a Fan of MO) and you want luxury by the river, W if you want comfort in the business district, St Regis if you want a luxury feel overlooking the Sports Club and close to malls and other hotels. Note that if you want to sunbathe, the Marriot Marquis pool is shaded for large parts of the day. I wouldn't recommend the Anthanee (shocking service, smoke filled rooms), or the Sheraton Orchid (old). The Sheraton Grand is in a good position, but it's a busy hotel (slighlty dated I think) and upgrades are difficult (even with an Ambassador). The JW I have never tried, but some say it has been recebtly refreshed.

Overall, the Marriott Marquis is a solid hotel, with modern and fresh rooms, but out of them all and it being a first trip, I would probably recommend the St Regis (and for sheer luxury, Mandarin Oriental). That said, if you do stay at Marriott Marquis, I don't think you'll be disappointed, but the area outside the hotel can be a little "seedy".

SkiAdcock

Thanks for the comparisons. Much appreciated.

Cheers.

Kalboz

A recent article about the opening of the new Penthouse Suite: Hotelintel.co

I am sure some of you will be demanding an upgrade to this accommodation

" ... the new Sky Suite covers more than 1,002 square meters over two levels � 700m� on the 37th floor and 302m� on the 38th floor � transforming the top levels of Bangkok�s largest hotel into the guest�s own private residence.

...

Rates for the Sky Suite, start from THB 500,000 ++ per night."

tai4de2

The Sky Suite can be observed from the rooftop bar in the other tower. Looks quite opulent indeed from what I was able to see.

dingjie

JBord

Just to note, if you're a fast walker, you can probably be at the Emporium in about 5 minutes by going out the back door and through the park. Or a very nice leisurely 10 minute walk. Assuming you don't want to wait 15-20 mins for a shuttle. If you're wearing you wool parka and ski pants, however, you may want to take the shuttle!

kiwimagic

Was given choice of breakfast at the Goji or the lounge at check-in, upon enquiring about the Goji invite I was told it is only for Platinium Elite guests. I have noticed that this year there has been a greater recognition for the Elite status, at check-in, allocation of suites with the superior view, and interaction with lounge staff as opposed to the last 2 years when the Elite profile was meh.

Maybe a trial run for the new Lifetime Platinium Premier Elite status

Diplomatico

IMO, you don't even need to be a "fast walker". That back entrance shortcut through the park is the way to go. ^