Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in the world as far as luxury hotels go. I can't think of any other city with as many reasonably priced five star hotels as Bangkok. So while I would have loved to sample another great luxury hotel in Bangkok, the purpose of this stay was a bit…
Continue reading: A Royal (dis)HHonor: Le Meridien Bangkok
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
No buffet pictures? Why do I feel cheated?
😉 The anticipation builds for the next-up "segment from hell". Have one of those welcome aboard vodkas Lucky, to quell the pain of re-living.
@ Peter -- Hah, looked exactly the same as during my last stay, or else I would've.
You should be REALLY grossed out since I'm sure the round beds are the favorite of the "for rent" crowd.
I've always wondered a bit about the round bed rooms and how they differed from the regular king rooms. And now I know. And I an just as baffled as you are about how they can charge such a premium for the exact same room just with a smaller bed.
How was the view of the circular room? I'd imagine the view from the 22nd floor is better than the 12th floor?
@ Joey -- Generally the area around Patpong isn't especially "pristine" as far as views go. While the view is better higher up, the views don't compare to what you'd get on the river or at the St. Regis, for example.
Can you be more specific about "for rent" offers in elevators. That's an unusual place to be solicited, no? Do they just ride the elevator up and down or to they seek you out and follow you -- I think it is worth it for you to be more clear so that people can have their antenna's up.
@ Michael -- To be clear they weren't "offering" anything in the elevator, but were already "hired." Just very clear what was going on.
Do you recommend this over StR for an overnight connection? Probably going to book 3 rooms, 3-4 ppl per room.
@ Eric -- I mean the hotels are kind of in different leagues. The St. Regis is a true luxury hotel and stunning, while this is a nice four star hotel. If price isn't a huge issue I think the St. Regis is a no brainer. Also consider a property that belongs to Virtuoso or American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts, as you'll get free breakfast, late check-out, a room upgrade, and an added amenity like free dinner or a $100 food & beverage credit, which is especially valuable on a one night stay.
Have you ever booked one room from SPG and a 2nd room thru FHR on the same stay? I know plat benefits extended to 2nd rooms are ymmv.. is that the case with multiple rooms under FHR?
As always, thanks for your insight.
@ jorge -- I don't know, didn't ask the people in the elevator to show me what's under the hood... :p
@ Eric -- Hmmm, you should have no issues with that, I think. But why not just book both through FHR? Then there definitely won't be any issues.
I too dislike round/oval beds and 'gimic' rooms. Otherwise, this single-night accommodation (with the excellent breakfast) seems like a bargain at (about) $US100. For a multiple night stay, I too would probably look elsewhere. I also agree with your choice to not blow points on such an inexpensive room, round bed or not. As for the available decorations in the elevators, come on Ben. You're a big boy now and you've been to Bangkok before. Decorated lobbies and elevators are part of that city's cultural structure and you knew that before you went. Nice post.
Does that mean each room under FHR gets all the benefits if booked under one person? I get a rate about $40 cheaper than FHR at StR, but I guess it's a bit trivial to overthink this. Anyways, great trip report thus far!
Lucky,
My wife and I are staying here in December for our first trip to BKK. The St. Regis was out of our price range, unfortunately. How is the LM's proximity to the train? We're likely to spend a good amount of time near the river or tourist sites - how bad's the transit to those locations? Thanks!
@ Chris -- Public transit is a bit of a haul away, though taxis in Bangkok are so cheap that I really don't think it's much of an issue.
Le Meridien Bangkok is my favorite Starwood Property. As a Platinum guest, I've always been upgraded to a top floor suite, and I've been very warmly welcomed with high quality in-room gifts from the General Manager. They run a class act. And the buffet at Latest Recipe cannot be beaten anywhere.
I have personally stayed at this property and indeed in the Circular Room.
I was able to reserve it for 5400 BHT ($180) but then used SPG BRG with a match from Expedia to get it down to about $150 in May 2011.
I enjoyed it - despite the usual scenarios that might occur in the room.
Reviving an old topic, but I recently stayed at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, and it's one of the best Starwood properties I've ever stayed at in any price range. They are in the process of room remodels, and I got a new one. I was shocked at the size of the standard room. It feels very big and palatial, and the level of craftsmanship and detail I'm the trimwork, lighting, etc was superb. The rooms had a very luxurious feel, and felt as though they were built and designed to last. On top of that, the breakfast buffet was very high quality, and service throughout the hotel was top notch. It's also one of the cleanest hotels I've ever stayed at both inside the room and in the common areas.