BKKLEE

instead of googling, perhaps you ought to just use SPG.com and you'll find that:

Flexible rate
No penalty for changes/cancellations until 06/21/2012
No deposit required
Full Description
THB 3,800.00
Per Room / Night
+ charges & taxes
= THB 4,472.60

verses

Flexible rate + breakfast
No penalty for changes/cancellations until 06/21/2012
No deposit required
Full Description
THB 4,200.00
Per Room / Night
+ charges & taxes
= THB 4,943.40

so addition of brekkie is THB400++ more................ doesn't sound free to me..............

stimpy

If you read this thread you can see that some of us rented a car from Avis and did our own DIY touring. That of course saves lots of money. It's easy to drive around the Golden Triangle and you can park your car at Mae Sae and walk across the border to Myanmar. You can also take a short boat trip across the water from the Big Buddha into Laos. Lots more info in the Thai forum.

gijoe985

Hey guys, I appreciate the help. I'm really new to traveling in general. This is the first time I am leaving the country since the 8th grade... Thanks a ton!

avja

I disagree. We used a guide and he took care of everything for us. It's a lot easier going with someone who knows the roads and the sites. I don't remember the cost; however, it was not substantial. You should be able to find a guide on google or possibly check the Thailand forum. Also, at the time we went, you could go to the Myanmar border, but you couldn't cross. It was either expensive or not permitted without a visa. (I don't remember which.)

stimpy

As for DIY or a guided tour, it depends on the type of person you are. Even if it was more expensive to DIY I would always choose that option over a guide. I like discovery. And driving around the Golden Triangle is as easy as driving in Wisconsin, except of course it's on the wrong side of the road. But I've never had a problem with that.

And you can absolutely cross on foot into Myanmar. You just fill out a form and hand over a tiny bit of money and you get your visa at the border. We did it last year as have countless tourists (and more than a few Flyertalkers!). Maybe your guide was trying to bump up the price for himself?

I think it is even easier for Laos, probably because they take you over to a casino where they hope you will gamble. But I didn't take them up on that one.

Thunderroad

Well, you're in for a treat! But not having been abroad as an adult does explain some of your questions here and re cooking in the room in the Conrad Koh Samui thread in the Hilton forum. So just to offer some more general advice, now that I understand your situation better...and please don't view this as condescending, I'm erring her on the side of your not being familiar with some aspects of international travel:

1. You might want to explore websites or buy a book offering some kind of introduction to travelers to Thailand (and I believe you're going to Hong Kong, also). I'm no expert, but there are cultural things like not pointing your feet at people while sitting or (I believe) not patting kids on the head. And practical stuff like how to keep your valuables secure and to beware of scams.
2. Plus be aware that in Thailand you'll run into folks who speak relatively little English or, even in the hotels, whose English is far from fluent. It helps to learn some basic Thai words. And in the many exchanges where you do speak English, try to do so slowly and clearly.
3. Not to assume that you're a yokel, but drop the idea of having a hot plate for cooking in the room. And when at any of the hotels you're visiting, don't play music on your balcony or deck the way you might at some places in the USA. In the room with the doors closed is fine, of course. Also, be aware that folks will appreciate your talking quietly when out on your deck or in public spaces.

I realize you probably know much of this, but just wanted to offer some advice. Hope you take it in the constructive spirit in which it's given.

ExpatSomchai

Just to clarify your second point. In Thai culture the feet are the dirtiest part of the body and the head the most important. It is the soles of the feet which should not be directed at any person. As for touching the head of anyone it is a no no.

Thai people will respect you if you respect them.

Thunderroad

Thanks for that clarification.

gijoe985

Here is a short(ish) review I just wrote about a tour I booked through the Le Meridien. Would be cheaper if I had done it directly, but man it was fun!

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/thail...hiang-rai.html

3rdworldresident

Great stay here as always.

Very good platinum recognition & treatment.

Staff are very friendly & helpful.

Service is almost perfect, breakfast is average for me but its free.

You can get 500 starpoints per night for taking green choice. Cool!!!

Cant wait to stay here again and again.

BenSenise

We're going to be there in a few weeks. could you share a bit more about your comment above?

3rdworldresident

Yep.

Plat willl get upgrade to a grande deluxe room, free full breakfast plus 500 starpoints, free wifi everywhere in the hotel, 1 free drinks per person per day, for example.

BenSenise

thanks for sharing. we're looking forward to our stay!

Condition One

A real nice resort property in Chiang Rai. The rooms are very spacious, and have great views of the river and pool. As a Plat, I was upgraded to a Grand Deluxe room, which is about 100 square feet larger than your standard room. It has a large balcony with a sofa, chairs, and a clothes drying rack. It doesn’t appear that suite upgrades are given to plats here; I think they’re all non-standard suites. Water pressure in the shower was quite low when using the rainfall showerhead. Fortunately, there’s a standard showerhead in there as well. If you turn both on, it’s more than adequate!

Upon arriving, I was greeted warmly with a cold drink and moist towel. A transfer from the airport is about $15 each way, if you book round trip. All the staff are very friendly and accommodating. I needed to have a flight changed on Thai Airways, and the staff took care of it for me while I wandered around Chiang Rai. A very nice touch!

Chiang Rai itself is about a 5 minute car ride from the hotel. The hotel runs a shuttle every 2 hours, and you need to book it. The shuttle drops you off at the night market. Across the street is a good massage parlor (Tevari Spa) which offers much better prices than the hotel. A 1 hour back massage ran me 500THB, compared to 2000THB per hour at the hotel. The hotel receptionist gave me a coupon for a 45 minute massage for 750THB upon asking for directions to the Spa.

I hired a driver for one day for 3500THB to drive around the Golden Triangle area. There are other organized tours that one can choose from, but I prefer to go on my own schedule. A friend rented a car, and I have no idea how he managed it. I was trying to keep track using my phone’s GPS, but it wasn’t much help in some areas. My driver took so many side streets and shortcuts that my head was spinning. If you stay on the main roads, you’ll find signage in English. But as soon as you get off, you’re on your own! In short, I would recommend hiring a driver.

The hotel has two restaurants. One Italian, and another that has a much more varied selection. The full menu is also available via room service for the same price. The menu is heavily Thai oriented, and the food quality is excellent. Breakfast is free for plats, and isn’t the epic buffet that you’ll find in other Asian hotels. But considering the size of the property (and I went during low season), there was a more than adequate selection of quality food that will appeal to everybody.

Overall, this is a solid resort. If you want to relax for a day or two, this is the place for you. With great staff, food, and ambiance, you can’t go wrong!

teecee

I'm really confused about suite night awards. I will soon be staying at the Le Meridien in Chiang Rai (Feb). I am Platinum. My question is-is it worth burning my suite night awards (10) when I would probably get upgraded anyway to a grande deluxe room?