geminidreams

Upgrade potential probably ROS though I wouldnt recommend as the breakfast in lounge is mediocre. LM is very good with uprades and is a nice hotel. St Regis is also pretty good with upgrades. The metropolitan suites there are very nice but generally have a poor view.

yosithezet

At this rate, you really owe it to us to spend a night at all the other SPG properties in BKK and give us a completely review of the city.

seanthepilot

Best upgrade chance as a Plat, Royal Orchid Sheraton

Worst upgrade chance as a Plat (with no stay history), Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit.

schoflyer

You make the bookings with your points and I'll do it.

jpdx

I'm kinda surprised that people are saying that. I think at ROS, my upgrade success has been subpar. Seems like I most often find myself in the junior suite, which is kinda depressing. It's hard to argue with the place on a THB2000 BRG, but then it's also hard to pass up the SR on a THB4000 BRG or the W on a THB3300 BRG.

geminidreams

I have done all but the LMS.

For upgrades I would state the top three as I put above.

I would like to do th PA again since the refurb and its been a while since I was at SGS but my current preferred places to stay would be LM (value) W (value when on BRG which is always and I like the vibe) PA (best lounge and great pool and there are plenty of BRG opportunities to get a great rate) for one or two nights I like the Aloft (dont have to leave Soi 11 and can have plenty of fun). Westin has a good lounge for snacking but not so great for ambiance. If I took money out of the equation then StR would be my first port of call.

I think SGS is overrated as the rooms are similar in size to PA and Westin and I can always find great rates (usually 1000 THB a night or more) for the latter two vs SGS. As this comes out of my pocket it is always a consideration and I find I can just spend that money on better things as apart from breakfast I dont use many hotel facilities. Im actually pushing it to recollect when I actually paid for any services at the end of my stay (probably not their ideal customer) but then again why travel to lock yourself up in a hotel.

ROS I avoid as I dont like the area or the no breakfast at the restaurant. If the allowed surrender of the 500 points to do the breakfast in the restaurant I would do it. They do a good job with upgrades but the suites are at the bottom of the scale in comparison to the others. It is almost a certain that you can find a BRG for this hotel so sometimes good for an overnighter if just looking for a room.

I generally avoid the 4P. The breakfast is similar to Aloft. Can get anywhere with relative ease but its lacks a vibe which I think is that they really dont care if you stay there or not because they chase a different clientel than SPG elites.

yosithezet

You are making me want to try out the W.

SgFred

my suggestion is probably not to try W if one is comfortable with other hotels.

I had an okay experience, but the breakfast was really good.

Wasn't anything bad, except my PLT status was somehow not registered and had to 'ask' for an upgrade.

http://goodhotelreview.blogspot.com/.../wbangkok.html

schoflyer

I'm only missing W and LM (Surawong). I'd have done the complete tour de force this trip but I have a bit of a different agenda and I'm pinching my points. Aloft and 4Pts with an SGS sprinkling here and there.

Has anything changed about the PA pool? In the past the turnoff for me was that it seemed like big bare deck/roof pool area and then the bar/restaurant was in a concrete breezeway. I just looked at the picture on SPG.com and it seems far more "lush" than I remember. Of course the construction of the residences is completed now as well.

It's also hard to accept that this is the property where people (including me) went for the cheapest deal on a nice SPG when in BKK. Didn't it jump from Cat 2 to Cat 4? As an SGS loyalist, I don't think the PA will ever be able to get my business now that the Cat rankings are at par.

The Westin's vibe is certainly more Thai than Westin Global. As a comparison, I'd say that the Westin Tokyo for example has far less of a Japanese vibe than The Westin Bangkok's Thai feel. Especially in the suites. Lounge and strong breakfast buffet along with the points included.

Is there anything distinctly Thai about the the W, LM, or St.R or could these properties just be picked up and dropped off in another world City and for the most part fit right in? My take is Basic Global look and feel hence my passing on 2 of the 3 above options in the past.

The Aloft and Four Points in BKK are obviously for the more cost/point conservative SPG loyalist set. Some may say they are overpriced for their market and the HIX or Ibis are cheaper but the last time I checked those properties do not offer SPG nights and stays. IMHO the Aloft and 4pts are Top Performers amongst their brands in a global sense but certainly not oozing Thai flavor.

When in Thailand I like to feel like I'm here. That one reason I enjoy my time at the SGS so much. Sala's "Tropical Thai" feel in the heart of the city is the difference maker for me. Don't have time to go to an island...fine head to Asoke. Honestly, I don't want to sit in a lounge when I'm in Thailand unless that's my only choice for complimentary drinks Some may disagree which is their prerogative.

Dr. HFH

Never been to ROS, but LM also has a great PLT upgrade success rate.


I'll disagree here. This is the only Starwood in Bangkok, I believe, with reports that if they cannot upgrade PLT at checkin, they'll call you within a day or two and offer a suite upgrade as it becomes available.


As my grandmother used to say (I think maybe it originated in a Yiddush expression), -- Bite your tongue!!


Never stayed at StR, but I agree regarding W and LM.

geminidreams

I was last at PA in July and nothing had changed at the pool. I like open pools and a bit of depth at PA is best of those Ive tried in BKK. I like the landscaping around it as well. I dont think I have ever been on a sun lounge longer than 5 minutes so whilst I can understand the appeal of the SGS pool for relaxing, the pool itself is what I am after. I had a booking for 3200 baht for jan on BRG but cancelled as decided with the merger and my reduced travel this year that I would burn points instead. While PA went up a category I think they have trouble selling rooms at the advertised price. My last three stays have all been BRGs with the highest rate being 3600.

I dont know if I would say the W has anything distinctly Thai. I really like the breakfast. Again I have managed to find BRGs around 3300 to 3400 baht per night which I think is excellent value and I do like the suites there. The plat recognition isnt so great in terms of evening drinks (4 vouchers for 1 drink over 4 nights). They do offer half price to plats and whilst this is not so great they have a good variety of cocktails and the wife an I are not big drinkers so it is interesting to try a couple of cocktails now and again and not be restricted to a set menu or time.

The StR didnt have a particular Thai flavour but the rooms were well appointed and presented.

I often stay at the Aloft and enjoy it. Usually only spend one or two nights coming in or going out. I have mixed stays at the 4P. Will usually give the Aloft preference by about 4 to 1 at this point. The reality is I can usually get the Westin, PA or W for 300 - 400 baht more than 4P but get so much more in terms of plat benefits that I usually dont consider staying there.

Again the LM is more trendy European. Its a great hotel if in a suite, the standard rooms not so much.

schoflyer

I do understand that the cash prices in between the properties is not that far off especially for those along Sukhumvit. Things were a bit whacked this month with Chinese New Years/Hi Season pushing up occupancy and rates.

My sojourn has been primarily points based in an effort to minimize cash expense. My original plan was to have a far more liberal sprinkling of SGS throughout my trip, but a good friend reminded me that my mission was to spend points and as little cash as possible this trip. I've done this by setting my priorities in this order. Aloft @ 3k nights, Aloft @ 4k nights, Aloft 3rd night free @ Avg. 2100++, SGS 3rd night free @ Avg. 4400++, 4pts @ 5.5k (jr suite) nights. Without too much of a drill down my accommodation costs are running about $40 and 2600 points per night not including bonus/promotions over the course of 3 weeks.

I have blown off Cat 3 altogether and am at Cat 4 only when I have friends of family flying in to meet me.

MSPeconomist

I consider the PA pool area to be very attractive. There's not a lot of space around the pool to lounge and sun, but the pool has nice blue tile that looks pretty and feels good on your feet. There's a bit of grass, some palm trees, and shaded space (in addition to the bar/lounge in the building with an entire wall open to the pool deck). I liked it very much.

paolo64

Agree. Nice pool, lovely lounge, easy access to transport, well above average breakfast , great fitness facilities, upgrades are common and when not offered the accommodation is still good.
SPG members are spoilt for choice in Bangkok.

Keyser

where are you finding these brg rates????