The perennial wine problem
#16




Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: W29
Programs: It's Complicated...
Posts: 7,181
You may want to try Bar@494 on the lower level of the Hyatt. I was also pretty frustrated at paying 300THB for inferior wines when going out to have a glass of wine but noticed this place when I was staying across the street on a recent trip. The bar is nice but nothing fancy, actually this and the Thai food place around the corner are put into what was probably just open lower lobby space at one point. They have a by the glass wine selections that go something like 99THB, 199THB and 249THB. I ordered off the 249THB list and it was pretty good. I cant say that I am that familiar with all of the wines on the list but I considered it one of the better values I have seen in Thailand. They called it happy hour pricing but it seemed to be always available. The food on the menu comes from various Hyatt outlets I think so it is not bad also.
I would be interested to know if others have tried this place out and what they think. I will be returning but I am not a wine snob....just know what I like.
I would be interested to know if others have tried this place out and what they think. I will be returning but I am not a wine snob....just know what I like.
#17


Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: ATL
Programs: DL SkyMiles PM/2MM, AA Plat, IC Diam. Amb., Peninsula regular, amanjunkie
Posts: 5,849
The only solution to the problem I've found is bringing my own from the U.S. Most places are pretty good about corkage, in terms of permitting it and not making a fuss. Mr. Megatop usually negotiates so we only pay one fee, even if we bring two bottles.
Our only hope for improving the situation is that Thailand follows Hong Kong in eliminating the massive import duty on wine. I'm not holding my breath.
Our only hope for improving the situation is that Thailand follows Hong Kong in eliminating the massive import duty on wine. I'm not holding my breath.
#18
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Bangkok
Programs: TG / UA / SPG
Posts: 67
You may want to try Bar@494 on the lower level of the Hyatt. I was also pretty frustrated at paying 300THB for inferior wines when going out to have a glass of wine but noticed this place when I was staying across the street on a recent trip. The bar is nice but nothing fancy, actually this and the Thai food place around the corner are put into what was probably just open lower lobby space at one point. They have a by the glass wine selections that go something like 99THB, 199THB and 249THB. I ordered off the 249THB list and it was pretty good. I cant say that I am that familiar with all of the wines on the list but I considered it one of the better values I have seen in Thailand. They called it happy hour pricing but it seemed to be always available. The food on the menu comes from various Hyatt outlets I think so it is not bad also.
I would be interested to know if others have tried this place out and what they think. I will be returning but I am not a wine snob....just know what I like.
I would be interested to know if others have tried this place out and what they think. I will be returning but I am not a wine snob....just know what I like.
#19




Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Terra Australis Cognita
Posts: 5,353
You've been pretty lucky then, I've found this to be endemic throughout SE Asia. Singapore is usually (but by no means always) decent, since there's enough demand to ensure rotation of supply and air-con storage throughout, but most anywhere else it's better to stick to beer!

