Sep 21, 2014, 10:57 am
Last edit by: ElevatorEnthusiast
Hotel email address: [email protected]
OR: [email protected]
Lounge: [email protected]
Le Royal Club Benefits + Facilities (As of Feb 20, 2019)
OR: [email protected]
Lounge: [email protected]
Le Royal Club Benefits + Facilities (As of Feb 20, 2019)
The Athenee Hotel (formerly Plaza Athenee), Bangkok, Thailand [Master Thread]
Jan 10, 2008, 8:55 am
#46
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX, PSP
Programs: SPG & CO Plat.
Posts: 3,143
Just to second Globehopper's observation...
My only problem with LM Athenee is that taxis are always a problem. For some reason at WGS or SGS, the doorman can always immediately summon a taxi--at LM Athenee you are at the whim of taxi drivers willing to turn off Wireless into the property. On more than one occasion, I have gotten fed up waiting for more than 15 minutes and walked down to Wireless -- doormen didn't seem to care.
Apart from that, good hotel, good service, great breakfast downstairs.
My only problem with LM Athenee is that taxis are always a problem. For some reason at WGS or SGS, the doorman can always immediately summon a taxi--at LM Athenee you are at the whim of taxi drivers willing to turn off Wireless into the property. On more than one occasion, I have gotten fed up waiting for more than 15 minutes and walked down to Wireless -- doormen didn't seem to care.
Apart from that, good hotel, good service, great breakfast downstairs.
Jan 10, 2008, 9:22 am
#47
Join Date: Feb 2007
Programs: Starwood Platinum, Marriott, Hertz #1 Club
Posts: 128
I had a different experience with the taxis at plaza athenee and I don't want potential guests to be too concerned. When you tell the doorman that you want a taxi, they wave one down on Wireless Road and it pulls in to the Hotel (we are talking only 100 yards). They will get you a taxi as fast as if you could hail one yourself - any taxi willing to charge the meter rate is going to pull in, you will only miss the ones that would overchage you. I used a taxi 3 times - the skytrain is so convenient - and only waited longer than 30 seconds once because there were 2 people waiting ahead of me.
Regarding a taxi to the airport, that is a different story in Bangkok. The low pricing to the airport is often a complaint from the taxi drivers and they often do not wish to take the fare. It is not the hotel's fault if the taxi driver drives up and chooses not to take you. What is unfortunate is when the taxi driver agrees to take you and then tries to charge more (this happened to me at the WGS, but not at the plaza athenee). Catching taxis that take you to the airport with the meter are difficult all over Bangkok and you often have to go through 2 or 3 to find one. I generously tip when I do not have to fight the taxi driver because it is good to encourage the "correct" behavior.
Most importantly, the fear factor of being overcharged is greatly exaggerated by new visitors. If the taxi turns on the meter (and you should insist on this), then you are usually safe. If not, you can negotiate the flat rate and risk them overcharging you, but you could almost always get a 300-400 baht flat rate to the airport at worst. This is about $9-12 to the airport and can be overcharging you by as much as $5, but usually closer to $2. Not fun, but if you are staying at these nice hotels, it is a shame to let it ruin your time. I recommend waiting to get the honest taxi drivers which should not take too long, but I understand that sometimes there is a plane to catch.
Regarding a taxi to the airport, that is a different story in Bangkok. The low pricing to the airport is often a complaint from the taxi drivers and they often do not wish to take the fare. It is not the hotel's fault if the taxi driver drives up and chooses not to take you. What is unfortunate is when the taxi driver agrees to take you and then tries to charge more (this happened to me at the WGS, but not at the plaza athenee). Catching taxis that take you to the airport with the meter are difficult all over Bangkok and you often have to go through 2 or 3 to find one. I generously tip when I do not have to fight the taxi driver because it is good to encourage the "correct" behavior.
Most importantly, the fear factor of being overcharged is greatly exaggerated by new visitors. If the taxi turns on the meter (and you should insist on this), then you are usually safe. If not, you can negotiate the flat rate and risk them overcharging you, but you could almost always get a 300-400 baht flat rate to the airport at worst. This is about $9-12 to the airport and can be overcharging you by as much as $5, but usually closer to $2. Not fun, but if you are staying at these nice hotels, it is a shame to let it ruin your time. I recommend waiting to get the honest taxi drivers which should not take too long, but I understand that sometimes there is a plane to catch.
Jan 10, 2008, 7:39 pm
#48
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
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Even Thais have problems with airport taxis, I have heard that those living close to the airport have suffered lots of moaning and complaing from taxi drivers that they coud have earned 1000 THB from dropping a "farang" at a central hotel. To be honest I think life is too short and always use a hotel limo now to and from the airport. for the sake of an extra £20 the convenience and lack of argument is well worth it.
Jan 10, 2008, 10:31 pm
#49
Join Date: Oct 2004
Programs: Darth Vader of AMEX, A ladys best friend of Hilton, Pt78 of SPG, *G ,*S, ANA VIP
Posts: 3,933
hmm
I had a different experience with the taxis at plaza athenee and I don't want potential guests to be too concerned. When you tell the doorman that you want a taxi, they wave one down on Wireless Road and it pulls in to the Hotel (we are talking only 100 yards). They will get you a taxi as fast as if you could hail one yourself - any taxi willing to charge the meter rate is going to pull in, you will only miss the ones that would overchage you. I used a taxi 3 times - the skytrain is so convenient - and only waited longer than 30 seconds once because there were 2 people waiting ahead of me.
Regarding a taxi to the airport, that is a different story in Bangkok. The low pricing to the airport is often a complaint from the taxi drivers and they often do not wish to take the fare. It is not the hotel's fault if the taxi driver drives up and chooses not to take you. What is unfortunate is when the taxi driver agrees to take you and then tries to charge more (this happened to me at the WGS, but not at the plaza athenee). Catching taxis that take you to the airport with the meter are difficult all over Bangkok and you often have to go through 2 or 3 to find one. I generously tip when I do not have to fight the taxi driver because it is good to encourage the "correct" behavior.
Most importantly, the fear factor of being overcharged is greatly exaggerated by new visitors. If the taxi turns on the meter (and you should insist on this), then you are usually safe. If not, you can negotiate the flat rate and risk them overcharging you, but you could almost always get a 300-400 baht flat rate to the airport at worst. This is about $9-12 to the airport and can be overcharging you by as much as $5, but usually closer to $2. Not fun, but if you are staying at these nice hotels, it is a shame to let it ruin your time. I recommend waiting to get the honest taxi drivers which should not take too long, but I understand that sometimes there is a plane to catch.
Regarding a taxi to the airport, that is a different story in Bangkok. The low pricing to the airport is often a complaint from the taxi drivers and they often do not wish to take the fare. It is not the hotel's fault if the taxi driver drives up and chooses not to take you. What is unfortunate is when the taxi driver agrees to take you and then tries to charge more (this happened to me at the WGS, but not at the plaza athenee). Catching taxis that take you to the airport with the meter are difficult all over Bangkok and you often have to go through 2 or 3 to find one. I generously tip when I do not have to fight the taxi driver because it is good to encourage the "correct" behavior.
Most importantly, the fear factor of being overcharged is greatly exaggerated by new visitors. If the taxi turns on the meter (and you should insist on this), then you are usually safe. If not, you can negotiate the flat rate and risk them overcharging you, but you could almost always get a 300-400 baht flat rate to the airport at worst. This is about $9-12 to the airport and can be overcharging you by as much as $5, but usually closer to $2. Not fun, but if you are staying at these nice hotels, it is a shame to let it ruin your time. I recommend waiting to get the honest taxi drivers which should not take too long, but I understand that sometimes there is a plane to catch.
some try to rip you off:
driver: ok , conrad , ne , ok make you good price 1000 baht.
me: YOU DO METER , OK ?
driver: 1000baht, OK?
ME : YOU DO METER , i PAY highway
driver : OK , OK
if you tell them , dont mess with me and they feel they cant rip you off, they will stop with that crap.
dp
Jan 10, 2008, 10:50 pm
#50
formerly known as 2lovelife
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: ORF : UA_Premier_Gold4Life, Bonvoy_titanium, Accor_Plat
Posts: 6,952
I've had better luck with taxis at this hotel than at others.
At the Athenee, the doorman writes the taxi's license plate on a hotel ticket and gives it to you after he confirms with the driver where you're going. Keep this ticket and report the driver if you have problems.
I think the frustration with the airport routes posted earlier in this thread can be a misunderstanding on routes and the various one ways around this area.
At the Athenee, the doorman writes the taxi's license plate on a hotel ticket and gives it to you after he confirms with the driver where you're going. Keep this ticket and report the driver if you have problems.
I think the frustration with the airport routes posted earlier in this thread can be a misunderstanding on routes and the various one ways around this area.
Jan 12, 2008, 8:33 am
#51
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: The Netherlands
Posts: 46
I am planning on staying in about 2 weeks in the Plaza Athenee. Does anyone know if there is also a lounge where Platinum SPG have access to? And compared to the Westin, which hotel has better/cleaner facilities and rooms?
Jan 12, 2008, 10:07 am
#52
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Santa Monica CA
Programs: UA LT 1K HYglob Marr LT Titanium
Posts: 881
I've had better luck with taxis at this hotel than at others.
At the Athenee, the doorman writes the taxi's license plate on a hotel ticket and gives it to you after he confirms with the driver where you're going. Keep this ticket and report the driver if you have problems.
I think the frustration with the airport routes posted earlier in this thread can be a misunderstanding on routes and the various one ways around this area.
At the Athenee, the doorman writes the taxi's license plate on a hotel ticket and gives it to you after he confirms with the driver where you're going. Keep this ticket and report the driver if you have problems.
I think the frustration with the airport routes posted earlier in this thread can be a misunderstanding on routes and the various one ways around this area.
Jan 12, 2008, 10:19 am
#53
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,473
I've had better luck with taxis at this hotel than at others.
At the Athenee, the doorman writes the taxi's license plate on a hotel ticket and gives it to you after he confirms with the driver where you're going. Keep this ticket and report the driver if you have problems.
I think the frustration with the airport routes posted earlier in this thread can be a misunderstanding on routes and the various one ways around this area.
At the Athenee, the doorman writes the taxi's license plate on a hotel ticket and gives it to you after he confirms with the driver where you're going. Keep this ticket and report the driver if you have problems.
I think the frustration with the airport routes posted earlier in this thread can be a misunderstanding on routes and the various one ways around this area.
Yeah, especially when those "confused" taxi customers hate to take the long, scenic way to the new airport when there is a flight to catch by detouring via Rama IV, Sathorn or Thonburi. When a taxi driver tries to hit you up for a non existent airport fee that reduces his credibility for determining the most straightforward route--especially when it is in the opposite direction of the most direct route to the expressway.
In BKK, the more the detour, the more the opportunity to end up in a traffic jam.
Glad to hear the front door staff sometimes hands out taxi cards; certainly not a consistent practice, especially in the early morning when there were no others waiting for a taxi.
Last edited by Globehopper; Jan 12, 2008 at 10:29 am
Jan 12, 2008, 10:31 am
#54
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Manhattan Beach, California
Programs: BMI Diamond Club Gold forever
Posts: 6,367
There is a lounge at the PA. I stay in BKK frequently and would rate the Westin a notch above the PA. The PA is a bit dated, not really worn just not up to date. A good Thai and Japanese restaurant at the PA. Decent Japanese at the Westin too. I'm not wowed by either, by I give the Westin a slight edge. Lately I've stayed at the Conrad (right next to PA) and think it's bestter than either the Westin or PA. Can't wait for new SW in BKK...
Jan 14, 2008, 4:55 pm
#55
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 4
The Westin is ok, and I had a nice stay there, although as a Plat got a large suite at the PA but only exec at the Westin. I would only say the location of the Westin was marginally better, as was the general quality. Overall, the PA gets my vote!
Jan 14, 2008, 5:09 pm
#56
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
Programs: QF Gold LTG (ow Saph), HHon Silver, Marriot Gold
Posts: 2,927
Simple way to ensure you get the Meter.
Driver tries the 500/600 Baht flat fare tactic.
You say NO. 200 Baht or Meter, be firm.
Driver then goes - OK Meter, you pay toll
Much easier when you get the driver arguing FOR the meter.
Think the main reason they don't like it is they typically have to wait a long while to get a return fare in the holding dock
Driver tries the 500/600 Baht flat fare tactic.
You say NO. 200 Baht or Meter, be firm.
Driver then goes - OK Meter, you pay toll
Much easier when you get the driver arguing FOR the meter.
Think the main reason they don't like it is they typically have to wait a long while to get a return fare in the holding dock
Jan 25, 2008, 12:41 pm
#57
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
Plaza Anthenee Bangkok report 1/2008 ****
I'll start a * system with this post. **** would be the best based upon all factors. All factors. Not like just because it is a Ritz. Price, upgrade, location, staff and so forth.
Preface: A buddy and I also do a MR into SE Asia on UA. His schedule got messed up going to Angkor Wat (BTW. You must stay at least on night to purchase a plane ticket.) so I am using these days to tool around SE Asia and get my Le stays in for the promo.
Status: P
Rate: A reasonable rate. Les than what I would expect to pay at the Conrad but more than the Westin. Rates here do not seem to change as you get closer to arrival.
Transportation: Taxi from BKK. 400 baht all in. I gave the driver 500.
Parking: n/a
Check-in: I arrived very early. A very good and pleasant agent gave me a wonderful suite upgrade to suite 2x19. Very nice. She offered to escort me but I came up to the suite on my own. Very good agent.
Perks: Upgrade and picked points.
Lounge: The Lounge here is huge and occupies both sides of the Hotel. Staff is pleasant. A couple workstations with a noted a wired connection available. People were on wifi so maybe that is comp.. They seemed to have the whole spread thing worked out.
Room: You enter onto carpet. To the right is a half bathroom. You have a table with a coffee/tea making machine. Door to the bedroom. Bose cd player and flat panel tv. The tv in the bedroom does not work. And one of my only other complaints would be the fact that the movies channels on the tv seem only to play mostly sci-fi movies. You have a frig. Then two large sofas and a coffee table. Wrap around and you have a desk with chair. Two windows give you a view of buildings.
The bedroom has a large dressing/closet storage area. A standard set-up with tv and king bed.
Bathroom: As two sinks, toilet, shower and tub. Amenities are nothing special. Lots of stone.
Internet: Wired at the desk only. About $20 USD. They do have wifi and you can see the signal unit outside the room in the hallway light.
Gym: not been.
Spa: I did have a spa treatment. Expensive by BKK rates. Very good. I don't need to pay that much in the future.
Eating venues: Have not within Hotel. Went to Central World. The "mall" next to the Conrad is a five minutes walk.
Local markets: No place to get some snacks on the cheap. In that way Conrad is better.
Local area: A good location and about five minutes brisk walk to skytrain. I bought a day pass form the agent for 120 baht. Much easier than the ticket machine which was packed with people in the late afternoon.
Nagatives: TV out in bedroom is annoying. So if lack of channels. Mostly just news stuff.
Closing: I would return in a minute. Will in fact in two nights. A nice Hotel. Amazing this place is located only two hours flight from the Le dump in SIN. You will all enjoy this Hotel. Regards from BKK.
Preface: A buddy and I also do a MR into SE Asia on UA. His schedule got messed up going to Angkor Wat (BTW. You must stay at least on night to purchase a plane ticket.) so I am using these days to tool around SE Asia and get my Le stays in for the promo.
Status: P
Rate: A reasonable rate. Les than what I would expect to pay at the Conrad but more than the Westin. Rates here do not seem to change as you get closer to arrival.
Transportation: Taxi from BKK. 400 baht all in. I gave the driver 500.
Parking: n/a
Check-in: I arrived very early. A very good and pleasant agent gave me a wonderful suite upgrade to suite 2x19. Very nice. She offered to escort me but I came up to the suite on my own. Very good agent.
Perks: Upgrade and picked points.
Lounge: The Lounge here is huge and occupies both sides of the Hotel. Staff is pleasant. A couple workstations with a noted a wired connection available. People were on wifi so maybe that is comp.. They seemed to have the whole spread thing worked out.
Room: You enter onto carpet. To the right is a half bathroom. You have a table with a coffee/tea making machine. Door to the bedroom. Bose cd player and flat panel tv. The tv in the bedroom does not work. And one of my only other complaints would be the fact that the movies channels on the tv seem only to play mostly sci-fi movies. You have a frig. Then two large sofas and a coffee table. Wrap around and you have a desk with chair. Two windows give you a view of buildings.
The bedroom has a large dressing/closet storage area. A standard set-up with tv and king bed.
Bathroom: As two sinks, toilet, shower and tub. Amenities are nothing special. Lots of stone.
Internet: Wired at the desk only. About $20 USD. They do have wifi and you can see the signal unit outside the room in the hallway light.
Gym: not been.
Spa: I did have a spa treatment. Expensive by BKK rates. Very good. I don't need to pay that much in the future.
Eating venues: Have not within Hotel. Went to Central World. The "mall" next to the Conrad is a five minutes walk.
Local markets: No place to get some snacks on the cheap. In that way Conrad is better.
Local area: A good location and about five minutes brisk walk to skytrain. I bought a day pass form the agent for 120 baht. Much easier than the ticket machine which was packed with people in the late afternoon.
Nagatives: TV out in bedroom is annoying. So if lack of channels. Mostly just news stuff.
Closing: I would return in a minute. Will in fact in two nights. A nice Hotel. Amazing this place is located only two hours flight from the Le dump in SIN. You will all enjoy this Hotel. Regards from BKK.
Last edited by ldsant; Jan 26, 2008 at 11:19 am Reason: threads merged
Jan 25, 2008, 2:09 pm
#58
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Munich, Germany
Programs: LH HON, DL FO/MM, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Accor Lifetime Platinum, Sixt Diamond
Posts: 6,174
Only 5 or 6 workout machines, but nice location right at the pool.
Strange. They usually have like 30 channels, with the usual channels other hotels offer as well.
Jan 25, 2008, 2:40 pm
#59
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,773
Mrs LoM and I stayed at the Plaza on the 17th Jan when we had to unexepectedly check out early from the Sheraton Pattaya (the property was fully booked and no check-out extension was available) with a 3am departure from BKK. I had a bad experience the last time around at this property but it was the cheapest BKK Starwood on the day of my stay (booked the day before) and I was also looking for Meridien stays for the current 4 free night offer.
We also had a 2x19 suite and I was very impressed. Apart from the kitchen it was a much better layout than my Conrad Residence Suite over Xmas and a nicer design than the SGS (my favourite BKK Starwood) albeit without the extra full bathroom. The beds are however uncomfortably hard.
We spent a litttle time around the pool, which was pleasant although I was quite surprised at the relatively compact design of the pool area. I ordered a frozen grape juice which took forever to arrive (I subsequently found out this was caused by squeezing the juice fresh from grapes, they had to go to the kitchen to obtain). Our drinks were comped by the manager.
The lounge space and design is very nice (I said this on our last visit also). The food selection is not the best but the drinks menu is very comprehensive. Free wi-fi is also useful. IMHO this is one of the nicest hotel lounges I have ever spent time in.
All in we were very pleasantly surprised and would certainly consider staying here again. It is not as good as the SGS and lacks the warmth of the Westin, but is a very good option close to the centre of town. I suspect this property may suffer however as the new Starwood properties come on line in BKK.
We also had a 2x19 suite and I was very impressed. Apart from the kitchen it was a much better layout than my Conrad Residence Suite over Xmas and a nicer design than the SGS (my favourite BKK Starwood) albeit without the extra full bathroom. The beds are however uncomfortably hard.
We spent a litttle time around the pool, which was pleasant although I was quite surprised at the relatively compact design of the pool area. I ordered a frozen grape juice which took forever to arrive (I subsequently found out this was caused by squeezing the juice fresh from grapes, they had to go to the kitchen to obtain). Our drinks were comped by the manager.
The lounge space and design is very nice (I said this on our last visit also). The food selection is not the best but the drinks menu is very comprehensive. Free wi-fi is also useful. IMHO this is one of the nicest hotel lounges I have ever spent time in.
All in we were very pleasantly surprised and would certainly consider staying here again. It is not as good as the SGS and lacks the warmth of the Westin, but is a very good option close to the centre of town. I suspect this property may suffer however as the new Starwood properties come on line in BKK.
Jan 25, 2008, 5:14 pm
#60
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: West Coast USA
Programs: UA GS/4 MM, AA Exec Plat, Lifetime Hilton D, Hyatt G, Marriott Titanium earned Ambassador
Posts: 7,553
The bathroom has a single basin. The tv in the bedroom does not work. No newspaper at the door this morning. One of the lights in the bathroom is out. I called down early this morning to ask about the opening of the Club lounge and when breakfast was being served. Told 6 AM. Breakfast does not start until 6:30 AM.
I had a stamp on my taxi voucher given at BKK before you ride the cab that says a 50 baht service charge is being added. All and all. Small money.
I need to get over to the SGS.
I had a stamp on my taxi voucher given at BKK before you ride the cab that says a 50 baht service charge is being added. All and all. Small money.
I need to get over to the SGS.