IrishStephen

I would personally suggest the Westin at the moment. I have stayed at the Sheraton Grande for the last few years but their downstairs bar is closed right now. Also the GM of the Westin is very very good to Platinum members and I must add quite a nice and fun chap which is not the norm as we all know. Head to the Westin and send an email in advance. I would be very surprised if you did not get a very nice suite. I just checked in today and am very happy with mine.

Regards

Stephen

ajk2n123

Royal Orchid.

Don't be put off by people saying it's an older property.

This place seems to always pop up in the Conde Nast Gold List unlike other SPG properties.

rhetor

I concur with the earlier poster's recommendation of the Westin; it's truly the best service I've ever gotten at a *wood (not the most luxurious, but very nice all the same). Also, they clearly know how to treat Platinums. I've been to all the BKK *woods in the past, but have been loyal to the Westin for the last 2 years.

NYEsq

I am staying in BKK in mid-August and currently have a cash+points reservation at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit. We are 25 yrs old, staying in BKK for tourism purposes, and will probably be going out at night (Silom, etc), and doing siteseeing and shopping. I am not platinum though.

Is the ROS really that much of a better location? It seems that both will be very nice ultimately after 2 weeks of Koh Samui and Koh Phagnan!

I also don't see cash+points available for the Royal Orchard for August either? Am I missing something?

zinger1457

I just came back from Bangkok and stayed at the Westin. Both the Sheraton and Westin are at much better locations IMHO compared to ROS. The only reason I can see to chose ROS is because your starpoints will go further. I stayed at the ROS once, it's a decent hotel but inconvenient to get to the BTS and not much within walking distance. They are in the process of building walkways from the BTS directly to the Sheraton and Westin. The Plaza Athenee is now part of Starwood and is in a real good location. I haven't stayed there but may check it out on my next trip.

NYEsq

Unfortunately the Plaza Athenee does not do cash and points. Do you think it's worth the extra cash to stay there? Is the location that much better? We do only have 3 days, so I'd rather be in the best place if I possibly can!

dogmom11

Westin Sukhumvit is best if you're planning to use the Skytrain and/or the 'subway' for getting around town. It's a block from both and is the best way to get around the city. There's also a great selection of street food vendors across the street as well as a small supermarket below the complex...very handy for snacks, etc.

mtacchi

Westin. Only place I stay in BKK.

NYEsq

Well, the Sheraton is next door, so I guess that will work

Considering the traffic nightmare I've heard Bangkok is, I assume we'll be taking the subway instead of cabs to get around.

zinger1457

I wouldn't pay extra cash to sat at the Athenee but if I was using just points I would check it out. They are all in good locations, you won't go wrong with any of them. To me the key is being close to the BTS and the Westin and Sheraton are a short walk away.

Elena

I checked in today at ROS. Although I booked the same day I was upgraded to Executive Suite with lovely river views and two bathrooms. I was escorted to the room where the whole check-in was handled. Very friendly service but a little annoying that they insisted on writing down my passport number and checking valid entry stamps. There was a box of candy and a large fruit plate in the room, very nice overall and excellent recognition. I have stayed jere a couple years ago with similar treatment.

I tried to book the triple points promo valid until June 30th "APTRPL" as well as another promo including 5 pieces of laundry. None of them were bookable online for unknown reasons (so am staying on BAR).

I have not stayed at the Westin since their opening- I was the second guest to ever check-in and was given a lovely suite and excellent service. However since I have been staying at many Westins it doesn't have as much of an exotic feel as some of the other Thai hotels. Tomorrow I am moving over to Conrad which is one of my other favorites.

Letch

I was there in Mid-March, and it is one, if not the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in. It was perfect. Impeccably clean, right next to the skytrain, fabulous service, and the breakfast was outstanding!!!

^ ^ ^ ^

rhetor

Umm...no. Neither the Skytrain nor the Subway will take you to most of the interesting sights in BKK. The Skytrain is good for the megamalls along Sukhumvit or up to the weekend market at Mo Chit as well as a couple other "tourist" spots (e.g., Patpong), and the subway can get you to HuaLumphong in Chinatown, but really, this is a very bare bones transit system. I agree that the Westin and Sheraton are well-located (I vote for the Westin), but don't count on not dealing with taxis.

Letch

Ditto on every count. Skytrain is good for the malls such as MBK and Siam Square. You can also get close to some other spots I believe such as the weekend market and a boxing arena, though I am not sure.

Count on spending an hour in a tuk-tuk sucking back someone's tailpipe, or in a cab to get across town (e.g. Khao San road). Water taxis were cool though.

Always insist that the taxis take the tolllway to/from the airport, and never accept and ride from someone who offers to show you a 'special temple' - it's a scam, and they'll end up trying to take you to a shop where they get a kickback.

NYEsq

I actually found that the SPG awards at the Athenee is actually only 1000 points more than the Sheraton, (not to mention saving $135 of the "cash" and points).

So, assuming price is equal, would the Athenee be a better choice for 3 days of touring/eating/shopping in BKK?

How about in terms of hotel facilities/pool?