Radisson Blu Bangkok
Jun 8, 2015, 5:52 pm
#46
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Murder Mitten
Posts: 298
This past weekend, I made good use of my Club Clarson visa 2nd night free privilege at the radisson blu bangkok.
Hotel is new & luxurious. As a CC gold, I was upgraded to a grand deluxe room. The hotel was also having a spectacular breakfast buffet promo. "Buy 1 Get 1 free". For 650THB++, 2 people could eat! Incredible value. The "super breakfast" was awesome.
Banana smoothies, Young coconut juice, sushi, iberian ham, dim sum, eggs, noodles, peeled lychees!
Hotel is new & luxurious. As a CC gold, I was upgraded to a grand deluxe room. The hotel was also having a spectacular breakfast buffet promo. "Buy 1 Get 1 free". For 650THB++, 2 people could eat! Incredible value. The "super breakfast" was awesome.
Banana smoothies, Young coconut juice, sushi, iberian ham, dim sum, eggs, noodles, peeled lychees!
Thanks
Jun 8, 2015, 11:38 pm
#47
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: body: A stone's throw from SFO, mind: SE Asia
Programs: Some of this 'n some of that
Posts: 17,263
I've had a couple of recent 2 night award stays, here's a review of one that ended yesterday.
Checked in at 1PM, upgraded to grand deluxe room xx10. After a series of hassles the Desk Manager further upgraded me to an exec floor corner suite. I did not inquire about lounge access or breakfast as I didn't actually plan on being there much and it wasn't offered. I also thought the second upgrade was quite generous and unnecessary. And finally I seem to recall that, unlike many other chains, Club Carlson doesn't guarantee club floor benefits for upgrades.
The room is laid out well and was much more comfortable than the suites I had at Doubletree and Hilton Soi 24 in the preceding nights.
But there were oddities. The wet bar LCDs and the living room 'chandelier' couldn't be turned off. Coincidentally there were two light switches that did nothing but make clicking sounds.
The capsule coffee maker was of shoddy quality and jams easily which then results in coffee water running through the inside of the machine and flooding the counter.
There is a hallway off the left after the half bathroom upon entry which contains a suitcase bench, the closet, a 'makeup' alcove and finally the generously sized bathroom. The ceiling light proximal to the closet is blocked by the door holding the safe. The only way to see in this side is by using the conveniently handy flashlight. The 'makeup' alcove has absolutely no light. There is a series of 3 dummy switches on the wall but no fixtures in the vicinity. Odd. And entirely useless.
There are two thermostat controls adjacent to the ghost light switches in the living area, one controlling the living room and the other the bedroom/bathroom. At one point it was quite cold and I raised the temp from 20 to 22. A few hours later the thermostat had decreased to 18. Guess it was better than my first room where the temp was set to 18 and in 5 hour never got below a sticky 24.
On Sunday night, the second of my two, there was an intense storm that lasted several hours. At one point we lost power and every light in the suite turned on when the power came back. At the junction of the building exterior and the wall that separates the suite's rooms there was a river of water that was clearly audible. It could have easily been an exterior drainage conduit but that was the exact same place where a ceiling leak developed splashing onto the desk a few feet from my charging computer. Thankfully both charger and computer are not damaged. I can't say the same for the Rad Blu info book and the yellow pages (yes, there was a yellow pages) on the desk.
Beware the xx13 suite.
Oh, and there's an awesome balcony at the end of the hallway but the doors were locked.
Checked in at 1PM, upgraded to grand deluxe room xx10. After a series of hassles the Desk Manager further upgraded me to an exec floor corner suite. I did not inquire about lounge access or breakfast as I didn't actually plan on being there much and it wasn't offered. I also thought the second upgrade was quite generous and unnecessary. And finally I seem to recall that, unlike many other chains, Club Carlson doesn't guarantee club floor benefits for upgrades.
The room is laid out well and was much more comfortable than the suites I had at Doubletree and Hilton Soi 24 in the preceding nights.
But there were oddities. The wet bar LCDs and the living room 'chandelier' couldn't be turned off. Coincidentally there were two light switches that did nothing but make clicking sounds.
The capsule coffee maker was of shoddy quality and jams easily which then results in coffee water running through the inside of the machine and flooding the counter.
There is a hallway off the left after the half bathroom upon entry which contains a suitcase bench, the closet, a 'makeup' alcove and finally the generously sized bathroom. The ceiling light proximal to the closet is blocked by the door holding the safe. The only way to see in this side is by using the conveniently handy flashlight. The 'makeup' alcove has absolutely no light. There is a series of 3 dummy switches on the wall but no fixtures in the vicinity. Odd. And entirely useless.
There are two thermostat controls adjacent to the ghost light switches in the living area, one controlling the living room and the other the bedroom/bathroom. At one point it was quite cold and I raised the temp from 20 to 22. A few hours later the thermostat had decreased to 18. Guess it was better than my first room where the temp was set to 18 and in 5 hour never got below a sticky 24.
On Sunday night, the second of my two, there was an intense storm that lasted several hours. At one point we lost power and every light in the suite turned on when the power came back. At the junction of the building exterior and the wall that separates the suite's rooms there was a river of water that was clearly audible. It could have easily been an exterior drainage conduit but that was the exact same place where a ceiling leak developed splashing onto the desk a few feet from my charging computer. Thankfully both charger and computer are not damaged. I can't say the same for the Rad Blu info book and the yellow pages (yes, there was a yellow pages) on the desk.
Beware the xx13 suite.
Oh, and there's an awesome balcony at the end of the hallway but the doors were locked.
Jun 9, 2015, 10:41 am
#48
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Aberdeenshire
Programs: BA Exec Silver, Aeroplan, Hilton Honors Gold
Posts: 1,127
I just stayed here for four nights in a business class room. No upgrade despite being Silver Elite, but no worries, since the room was great. Fantastic bathroom. The Business Class Lounge is fantastic (afternoon tea 1400-1600) and then evening snacks from 1800; good spread on both occasions. Buffet breakfast was excellent also.
One downside is that the wifi makes you log in each time you turn on your device or return to the hotel.
The hotel is in a great area on Sukhumvit: Asok skytrain station is close as is a Starbucks!
One downside is that the wifi makes you log in each time you turn on your device or return to the hotel.
The hotel is in a great area on Sukhumvit: Asok skytrain station is close as is a Starbucks!
Jun 24, 2015, 4:46 pm
#49
Join Date: May 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Gold, IHG Plat, CC Gold
Posts: 250
I just finished a stay here and wrote a trip report about it. Summary: Stayed 4 award nights, got an upgrade (CC Gold) to a higher floor. No breakfast despite asking. Great location. Excellent hotel.
If you want to see pictures, here's the my full review
http://focusedflyer.com/2015/06/23/r...plaza-bangkok/
If you want to see pictures, here's the my full review
http://focusedflyer.com/2015/06/23/r...plaza-bangkok/
Jul 20, 2015, 6:14 pm
#50
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Murder Mitten
Posts: 298
Stayed at a couple of Radisson properties on my last trip to Bangkok.
Radisson suites is a really nice property. The only issue with it is that it is actually a decent hike (400M) in an alley from the hotel to the main street. The alley does not have a real sidewalk and is full of fast driving cars and scooters, which makes it actually pretty dangerous. As a CC gold, we received an upgrade to a junior suite. However, we did not get free breakfast and had to pay. The breakfast was OK, but since food is cheap in Bangkok, why would you pay 10USD per person for a breakfast buffet when you can go to a mall food court, get authentic Thai food and eat there for less than half the price??? When I say mall food court, I don't mean like US mall food court... Thai food courts are generally pretty clean and sanitary.
We also stayed at Park Plaza Sukhumvit which is not as nice as Radisson Suites, but is in a much better location with Terminal 21 shopping mall and Soi Cowboy being adjacent to it.
We were going to stay at the RADISSON BLU, however, my reservation was unexpectedly canceled by CC for no reason. The worst part was that my reservation still showed up on my account as confirmed... so I had no idea until I arrived and I was informed that all the rooms are full....
Club Carlson really dropped the ball on this..... After complaining, I only received 38000 pts back.... I had to use 28000 pts to get one night at the Park Plaza and had to use Pts and Cash for the second night.
Radisson suites is a really nice property. The only issue with it is that it is actually a decent hike (400M) in an alley from the hotel to the main street. The alley does not have a real sidewalk and is full of fast driving cars and scooters, which makes it actually pretty dangerous. As a CC gold, we received an upgrade to a junior suite. However, we did not get free breakfast and had to pay. The breakfast was OK, but since food is cheap in Bangkok, why would you pay 10USD per person for a breakfast buffet when you can go to a mall food court, get authentic Thai food and eat there for less than half the price??? When I say mall food court, I don't mean like US mall food court... Thai food courts are generally pretty clean and sanitary.
We also stayed at Park Plaza Sukhumvit which is not as nice as Radisson Suites, but is in a much better location with Terminal 21 shopping mall and Soi Cowboy being adjacent to it.
We were going to stay at the RADISSON BLU, however, my reservation was unexpectedly canceled by CC for no reason. The worst part was that my reservation still showed up on my account as confirmed... so I had no idea until I arrived and I was informed that all the rooms are full....
Club Carlson really dropped the ball on this..... After complaining, I only received 38000 pts back.... I had to use 28000 pts to get one night at the Park Plaza and had to use Pts and Cash for the second night.
Jul 10, 2016, 10:44 pm
#52
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,431
I'm staying in BKK in early-mid Feb 2017, trying to decide between this property and the Hilton Sukhumvit. I'm a Hilton Diamond, CC Gold. The Hilton will give me lounge privileges and free breakfast, but I really don't know when else I'll use my CC points. How do the properties compare (specifically room size)? Does the Blu give breakfast?
Jul 11, 2016, 5:14 am
#53
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: WAS/ Silver Spring, MD,USA
Programs: UA/AA
Posts: 857
I can't answer regarding the room size at the Hilton but I do know that there is no breakfast given to CC Gold at the Blu in Bangkok.
They do offer you the option to purchase if you want it.
They do offer you the option to purchase if you want it.
Jul 11, 2016, 6:53 am
#54
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: IAH
Posts: 418
I'm staying in BKK in early-mid Feb 2017, trying to decide between this property and the Hilton Sukhumvit. I'm a Hilton Diamond, CC Gold. The Hilton will give me lounge privileges and free breakfast, but I really don't know when else I'll use my CC points. How do the properties compare (specifically room size)? Does the Blu give breakfast?
Jul 12, 2016, 3:40 pm
#55
Ambassador: Finnair
Join Date: May 2003
Location: HEL
Programs: AY Lumo, BA Silver, HHonors Gold
Posts: 4,270
Any recent experiences with the lounge, worth paying for the biz class room with lounge access (breakfast and few cocktails..) as I read no chance to get it as a Gold.
Another option for me is the Hilton where I know what I will get but would prefer the location of the RB.
Thanks,
Another option for me is the Hilton where I know what I will get but would prefer the location of the RB.
Thanks,
Jul 15, 2016, 12:49 pm
#56
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: SNA/LAX
Programs: Hertz PC, Hilton DMD, IHG Spire Amb, Bonvoy Titanium Elite & WoH Globalist
Posts: 8,076
We were going to stay at the RADISSON BLU, however, my reservation was unexpectedly canceled by CC for no reason. The worst part was that my reservation still showed up on my account as confirmed... so I had no idea until I arrived and I was informed that all the rooms are full....
Club Carlson really dropped the ball on this..... After complaining, I only received 38000 pts back.... I had to use 28000 pts to get one night at the Park Plaza and had to use Pts and Cash for the second night.
Club Carlson really dropped the ball on this..... After complaining, I only received 38000 pts back.... I had to use 28000 pts to get one night at the Park Plaza and had to use Pts and Cash for the second night.
I don't believe it for a second that Club Carlson dropped/canceled your reservation ... it's the property that did that. It shows their real commitment (or lack of) to their loyal Gold members especially when using CC points redemption!
Jul 15, 2016, 6:02 pm
#57
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 322
I'm staying in BKK in early-mid Feb 2017, trying to decide between this property and the Hilton Sukhumvit. I'm a Hilton Diamond, CC Gold. The Hilton will give me lounge privileges and free breakfast, but I really don't know when else I'll use my CC points. How do the properties compare (specifically room size)? Does the Blu give breakfast?
The location is great, no complaints, except that if you arrive during rush hour like I did... be prepared for traffic. Not LA traffic. This is just insane "we've been standing still for fifteen minutes" traffic. Anyway, the rooms were nice enough - I did notice the doors were rather heavy and had gaps on the lower edge, but it was quiet in the room regardless. The pool area was nice and overlooked the city. The building next door seemed to be permanently under construction and was a bit of an eyesore, but... Overall a decent stay. I'd go back.
Aug 9, 2016, 4:25 pm
#58
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,095
I was thinking about my trip to Asia last March and really felt compelled to post something here about the breakfast at the Radisson Blu. Funny that someone was asking about it. I was booked on points and upgraded at check-in, which gave me lounge privilege and free breakfast (I don't think it was included, but am I glad I took advantage). Whoever the F&B manager is needs a huge raise or something. I had one of the best breakfasts from a hotel stay at this location. Even the breakfast at the Conrad Koh Samui paled in comparison. They had so much on offer that I was sad I had to leave.
The location is great, no complaints, except that if you arrive during rush hour like I did... be prepared for traffic. Not LA traffic. This is just insane "we've been standing still for fifteen minutes" traffic. Anyway, the rooms were nice enough - I did notice the doors were rather heavy and had gaps on the lower edge, but it was quiet in the room regardless. The pool area was nice and overlooked the city. The building next door seemed to be permanently under construction and was a bit of an eyesore, but... Overall a decent stay. I'd go back.
The location is great, no complaints, except that if you arrive during rush hour like I did... be prepared for traffic. Not LA traffic. This is just insane "we've been standing still for fifteen minutes" traffic. Anyway, the rooms were nice enough - I did notice the doors were rather heavy and had gaps on the lower edge, but it was quiet in the room regardless. The pool area was nice and overlooked the city. The building next door seemed to be permanently under construction and was a bit of an eyesore, but... Overall a decent stay. I'd go back.
TIA!
Aug 12, 2016, 6:15 am
#59
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 322
Aug 12, 2016, 6:30 am
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: CPH
Programs: UAMP S, TK M&S E (*G), Marriott LTP, IHG P, SK EBG
Posts: 11,095
TIA