BKK Peninsula Rolls Royce vs. Mercedes Transfer
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
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MegatopLover, theres a better word im sure, but i was trying to refer to the history.
Pen HKG is much older than Pen BKK (1928 vs 1998 IIRC) and while part of MO BKK's building is even older, it was only taken over by MO in 1974 IIRC.
Pen HKG is much older than Pen BKK (1928 vs 1998 IIRC) and while part of MO BKK's building is even older, it was only taken over by MO in 1974 IIRC.
#17
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: AA LT PLT, DL PLT, HH DIA, IHG PLT, Hertz PLT, Bonvoy GLD, Avis Pres Club
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Now, if they were 50's vintage that would be one thing...however mid-90's vintage does not make for an impressive showing.
With respect to the Pen vs. MO debate, I am not trying to imply that one is better than the other simply on the basis of magazine reviews. However, a number of independent trip reports suggest that the Pen is better suited for younger travelers who prefer modern surroundings. Quite frankly the Oriental room pictures look like they're 20 years old and in dire need of refurbishment. Even my virtuoso agent said the Oriental is a bit old-fashioned.
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
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Posts: 31,871
personally, i would not refer to a 10 year old RR as "old equipment."
and unless you are saying properties (styled) like MO BKK are not "true 5* hotel[s]" how can you say that such hotels never use "old equipment" ...ah, so youre saying its either vintage or brand new?
i think the clearest answer(s) to your question on why pen HKG has phantoms and BKK does not were covered >
one can also compare the room rate range at both properties.
pen BKK $250 > $3620
pen HKG $405 > $8710
and unless you are saying properties (styled) like MO BKK are not "true 5* hotel[s]" how can you say that such hotels never use "old equipment" ...ah, so youre saying its either vintage or brand new?
i think the clearest answer(s) to your question on why pen HKG has phantoms and BKK does not were covered >
BKK not being a worldwide commercial/financial hub like HKG is makes a difference. So does history. The Peninsula Hong Kong has been buying ever-larger fleets of specially kitted-out Rolls Royces for decades, primarily for airport transfers and tours. It's a product offering that a sufficient number of guests take advantage of in Hong Kong to justify the massive expense. In Bangkok, apparently, not as many guests go for the RR option.
pen BKK $250 > $3620
pen HKG $405 > $8710
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jun 6, 2008 at 5:58 pm
#19




Join Date: Jul 2004
Programs: AC.SE
Posts: 2,584
They're S-class. I haven't seen any E-class cars at the Pen BKK, though it's not as though they've lined them all up for me to inspect.
#20


Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: DL SkyMiles PM/2MM, AA Plat, IC Diam. Amb., Peninsula regular, amanjunkie
Posts: 5,849
Well, I saw an S-class yesterday and it seemed like the MBZ fleet at the Pen were in roughly the same category, so I trust you're correct.
If the RR is indeed about 10 years old, that would make good sense if they bought it in connection with the opening of the hotel, now nearly 10 years ago. In any event, personally I wouldn't get all bunged up about how old the car is. You're not buying it, you're renting it. From the airport to the hotel is 45 with traffic. I can see how the new specially-designed ones in HKG are better, but this isn't something I'd get persnickety about. YMMV, obviously.
If the RR is indeed about 10 years old, that would make good sense if they bought it in connection with the opening of the hotel, now nearly 10 years ago. In any event, personally I wouldn't get all bunged up about how old the car is. You're not buying it, you're renting it. From the airport to the hotel is 45 with traffic. I can see how the new specially-designed ones in HKG are better, but this isn't something I'd get persnickety about. YMMV, obviously.

